Chapter 2: Argument

Danny and co. began walking towards the school, about to meet up with Jack. Danny then turned around to everyone else.

"You guys are going to the party right?"

"Yeah, we'll be there," said Alex.

Alex cut his eyes over to Rachel. Rachel noticed him and smiled. They had something secret going on.

"And someone is going to have to change their shirt," said Rachel pointing to Keith.

"Yeah, yeah."

They found Jack and he walked up to his group.

"Congrats, cuz," said Danny giving Jack their group handshake.

"Finally made it. What happened to you?" asked Jack looking at Keith.

"Trick didn't work," mumbled Keith.

"Where do you plan to go?" asked Maria.

"I'm not sure. Dad said I might get a football scholarship."

"You played football?" asked Danny.

"For the first three years. I got kicked off because of my smoking."

"You plan on quitting your smoking?" asked Houston to Alex.

"I don't do it much," said Alex.

Alex had been smoking for a long time. But he only did it when he was worried. It nearly killed him when he and Danny ran away. He forgot his pack at the Shepard's building.

"Who's all hitting the party tonight?" yelled out Jack.

Everyone yelled out 'Yeah' and they walked out to the parking lot, where the adults were. When Soda noticed his son, he pulled him into a bear hug.

"All that trouble you gave me. And you still made it."

Jack had put Soda through a lot of stuff. Getting arrested a couple of times, having sex, smoking. All through the while, they both acted the same. Always happy about something. And wanted the group to stay in a good mood.

A tear slid down Soda's face. He was real proud of his son.

Two cars drove up to a house. One carried Jack, Rachel, Houston, Keith & Alex. The other car was Maria's car. She was riding and let Danny drive. The cars parked and Jack and co. got out and walked into the party. Danny and Rachel continued to sit in the car.

"This is a nice car. It's an Oldsmobile right?"

Rachel nodded.

"My dad said it was the year '78."

"This is real cool."

"When are you supposed to be getting your car?"

"Not sure. I'm saving up for a Cadillac or something."

"Your parents aren't going to buy it."

"Well, I had convinced my dad, but my mom told him that I promised to buy my own car years ago. When money was real scarce."

"Oh. Well. Let's go inside."

The couple got out of the car and walked inside. It was a pretty decent looking party. Mostly everyone was about Jack's age or older. But there were some people around their age besides Rachel and Keith.

Danny and Maria danced once. They were waiting for the slow jam to come on so they could do that. They just sat on the couch talking for a little bit. Maria had to go use the restroom in a second, so Danny waited for her. Then this one chick came by. She looked familiar.

"Hey there."

Danny and looked at here with no interest. She had on too much make up. He replied,

"Hi," and turned his head looking for his girl.

"I like your shirt. Real nice."

"I got it for cheap."

Danny obviously wasn't interested in her. She took note of this. And she tapped his shoulder. When he turned around, the girl lunged and kissed him right on the lips. Danny was taken back for a quick second and then jumped off the couch.

"What are you doing?"

The girl jumped off laughing and ran off to her friends. One of them had a digital camera. Danny overheard what they were saying.

"I told you I would be able to kiss him."

Danny shook his head and went to get something to drink. It would be real quick. When he walked up to the drinks, he saw Maria running out the door. He quickly chased after her. She was walking towards her car. He called her name. She stopped for a second and then turned around. She had a very saddened look on her face.

"What's wrong?" asked Danny. Maria was still sad.

"I saw that picture."

"What picture."

"The picture of the girl kissing you."

"Now hold up. Let me explain."

"No..no."

"What?"

"Look Danny. Maybe we should just….take a break."

Danny was blank, he repeated quietly,

"Take a break?"

"We should."

Maria didn't stick around and she got into her car and drove off. Leaving Danny there. Danny took a deep sigh and walked over to Jack's car. He leaned against it.

"Hey buddy. What's up?"

Danny looked to see Alex walking towards him. Alex noticed Danny's look.

"What happened?"
Danny sighed and answered,

"Maria and I just broke up."