Embracing the Future

Chapter 12: What They Know

A/N: OK, I'm trying to get these out faster. I have a bad case of PMS so when a few people reviewed I was like "AH THEY STILL READ IT!" and then I got all emotional and now I'm making myself put up the next chapter. But trust me, that's not even the most emotional I've gotten….I cried at Full Metal Alchemist last night. I feel pathetic. OH WELL! MOOD SWINGS GALORE! Neway, on with the story….

Throwing my ice pack at the principal, Mr. Davis was getting more and more appealing. I sat in one of those deceiving chairs, (you know the type. The ones that look comfortable when they're really not.) holding the ice pack to my cheek, as I let out a small irritated sigh. I'd explained it to him at least 3 times now and he just asked me to tell him one more time so he was sure he got it. I told him again, careful not to use big words, and talk a little slower than normal.

When I finished again, he nodded his head slowly and said to me, "I think I've got it."

I let out an inner sigh of relief, wondering why they let imbeciles such as him be in charge of a SCHOOL. Suddenly, I had a brain blast. I didn't need to rule the country… I would just become a principal! And I'd get rid of the bells and instead we'd be transported to class when it was time to go. That way, not only would there be a smaller chance of getting harassed in hallways…we wouldn't need hallways!

"Arri?" said Mr. Davis with a slight look of confusion on his face, "Are you alright?"

I nodded and tried to hide my evil cackle. "Can I leave now, Mr. Davis?"

He nodded and waved his hand toward the door. "You and Mr. Curtis have the rest of the day off. It was self-defense, so you're safe…again. Watch yourself."

I ignored his warning and walked out of his office and into the main office where Ponyboy was waiting in a chair. I smiled at him and said "Free at last. We can go home."

He stood up and walked over to me as I dropped the ice pack on the office desk and then we walked out the door and he slipped his arm around my waist. I leaned into him nervous to ask him what I was about to.

As though reading my mind, Ponyboy said, "Arri, if you're gonna ask me then just ask me." He was staring straight forward and had caught me off guard.

I blinked at him before staring straight forward again. "Who are they?" I asked him quietly as I pointedly avoided looking at him. He seemed to be doing the same to me.

"Who were they." He corrected me. "They're both dead now." His voice was empty and a quick glance at his eyes showed me the dead look they'd had when we'd first met. And he told me. Told me about Johnny Cade who was abused and shy. Dallas Winston who was wild and dangerous. Johnny and Dallas, who were his friends. He told me how he'd almost drowned, how Johnny stabbed the Soc., how they fled, how the church burned and Johnny had thrown him out of it at the last second, how Johnny had died after the rumble, how Dallas had been shot. How they had died gallant, but all everyone else saw was outsiders.

By the end of his story I was sitting on the curb, staring out into space a hand covering my mouth, and a hand pulling at my hair. Ponyboy was standing behind me his hands in his pockets. His words seemed to still linger in the air even though he'd stopped talking.

Finally, I removed the hand from my mouth and said, "I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so, sorry…Your life, its…its not fair." I stood up and turned to look at him. He wouldn't look at me and I gently put my hand on his cheek and turned his face so I he was looking me in the eye. I stared at him for a second, his starless eyes nearly broke my heart. I kissed him and pulled him into a hug. He rested his forehead on my shoulder. "Everything happens for a reason." I told him quietly. "You may not know why yet, but, I mean, you know, things work out. In the end everything works out."

"I know," he said into my shoulder. "You don't need to tell me, I already know. But, I know you might not know this."

I pulled away from him and looked at him confused. What was he talking about?

He looked me in the eye and said, "Arri life isn't about harping about the past, and trying to forget what happened to you. 'Cause you know no matter how hard you try to forget it, it did happen. It's not about forgetting the past, it's knowing it happened but, ya know, kind of just…" He thought for a second as I stared at him with wide eyes. He found the right words and said, "It's about embracing your future." He looked satisfied with himself and looked at me.

I thought I was gonna cry. "If you promise to try not to run from your past, then I promise to do the same."

He nodded, "I promise."

"Then I promise too. And remember, you can never break a promise." I smiled at him.

He nodded again and said "Ya, I know Arri."

I said, "Good." And he pulled me back into him. I felt myself relaxing.

"Hey, Ri?"

"Uh-huh?"

"You know I love you. And remember, no matter what, I'll never stop."

I smiled. "Ya, I know Pony."

Sorry this one is so short. But it's better than nothing, right? Hmmmm…This reminds me of a song. Tee-hee. I'll be evil and put it in the last chapter….MUAHAHAHAHA! OK I haven't eaten yet today so I must be off. TA TA! AREN'T MOOD SWINGS THE GREATEST? remembers Winry flashing the light AAAH! NOOOOOOOOOO tear tear