Title- The Return of Jess

Chapter Title- Chapter 6, because there is no better name for this chapter

Disclaimer- I do not own The Outsiders

Note- I am co-writing a fic with darkravenx0 about what's-her-name? Oh, yeah, Sara. It's called Sara, The Nobody (It'll be out the 5th on her name) and there are details in the story that explain why everybody can't remember her much. She's mentioned in this one "...and that other one, oh yeah, Sara." That's just incase you were wondering why nobody remembers her.

I looked at Soda. He looked like he wanted to know.

"She said you were two-timin' me. And then she said she was gonna tell you I was two-timin' you but I wasn't." I had started to cry again. I thought I would have run out of tears, but I only cry on rare occasions. I don't know why this was one of them. I guess my tears were saved up from Mark's funeral.

"I would never," he said softly and hugged me. I returned the hug, but of course Steve came out.

"I'd hate to break this up, but Sodapop, you got work," he said and walked back in. We said good-bye and kissed and I walked off.

I walked down the streets until it got dark. I was looking for Anna, Michelle, and that other one, oh, yeah, Sara. I couldn't find them, so I figured I'd go to the Curtis house. Steve was going out with Evie, and I sure as hell wasn't going to stay home with my dad.

I opened the door and saw Two-Bit on the couch and Ponyboy was too. Darry was in the bathroom and Soda was on the floor.

"Jessi," he said. I still wasn't comfortable with that nickname, but I was getting used to it. He got to his feet and hugged me tightly.

"I missed you too, but your choking me," I told him and he loosened his grip. I smiled at him and we started kissing.

"Ya, um, ya know there are other people here," Two-Bit said after a minute. I blushed and swatted at him playfully

I sat down where Soda had been sitting before.

"It's my turn to make dinner," Soda said and Ponyboy let out a groan. I remember Soda's cooking. Orange broccoli and green meat, yeah, that was an interesting dinner. It was right before I stole that convertible.

"What's for dinner?" I asked him.

"You'll see," was all he said in reply.

We sat down at the table to find green pancakes. It wasn't too bad, compared to green meat. Green meat looked spoiled. Unlike the first time I ate over here, I didn't have to sit next to Ponyboy at the far end of the table. Soda told me to sit near him. I guess that's what I deserve, I am his girlfriend.

I ended up staying the night because I didn't like what I saw when I got home. Dad was drunk with friends. I peeked into the front window and there were at least five guys and my dad there. I was smart enough to go to the Curtis house. I was going anyway, but Steve told me too. I think Steve tries a little to hard to protect me. I'll be fine on my own but I don't think he gets that. Last time I said something though, he yelled at me to go back to New York. I don't want too start any problems.

"Are you going to be okay sleeping here? It's not too cold?" Soda asked as I said good-night

"I'm fine, Soda. I'm 17 years old; I don't need to be treated like I'm 5."

"I know, I just don't want you to get sick," he said.

"Well, I think you need to go to bed so you don't get sick. Plus, Ponyboy needs you too. You can't forget about him because I'm here," I replied. He walked into his room.

I woke up during the night. I had heard the door open and somebody sat on me.

"Oh crap, get offa me," I whispered harshly so I didn't wake anybody up.

"Huh? Oh, sorry Jess. Didn't see ya there." The person got up. I squinted, trying to get my eyes adjusted to the dark. I couldn't tell from the voice. This person was drunk. I realized it was Two-Bit after he laid on the floor.

"Ya gotta move, or I'll step on you. Why are you here and not at your house?" Two-Bit rolled over so he was a decent distance from the couch. I wouldn't be able to step on him.

"My mom doesn't like it when I come home drunk." At least he knew when he was drunk. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't. Two-Bit had already fallen asleep on the floor. I sat up on the couch and stayed there until Darry woke up. It was Monday and I was exhausted. At least I could go to The Dingo without Lisa.