This chapter is dedicated to my friend Jamila Aldrich who loves The Outsiders (Ponyboy especially), Harry Potter and Forrest Gump (That's Hot)

I woke up around 7:00pm. It was dead silent in the house, but they had to be home. It was too late for them to go anywhere unless they went to a movie, but I doubt it.

"Jamie?"

I turned around to see Darry with a tired expression on his face.

"You okay Darry?" I asked.

"Yeah but I wanna talk-"

"Where's Ponyboy and Sodapop?" I interrupted.

"They're outside, look Jamie, I wanna talk to you."

I furrowed my eyebrow, "Is everything alright?" I sat up when Darry sat down next to me on the couch.

"I know you just want to help us but please, don't spend your money on us."

"Look Darry, it's fine-"

"No, it's not. I don't want you to spend money like that on us."

"Darry, if you think you have to pay me back any money, you don't have to. It's fine. I'll get a job an-"

"No, no. I just don't want you to waste your money. Save it for something more important. Like for school."

I rolled my eyes, "Darry, I ain't goin' back to school and you know it."

"Yes you are!" He shouted and stood up. You are getting an education like Ponyboy and you-"

"I'm not going back to school Darry! I don't belong there! You don't know what it's like for me there!"

"I don't care!" He shouted louder. "You are going to go back to school and that's final young-"

"YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER!" I screamed as loud as I could.

Everything got silent. Tears started forming in my eyes. How could I say that? He has practically taken me in and treated me like I was his daughter and I go and yell at him that he's not my father? It was just all the screaming, and he was forcing me to do something I didn't want to do, I dunno.

Darry blinked and walked to his room at a quick pace silently. I wondered why he didn't yell at me. Why wasn't he yelling and shouting at me for saying something so horrible about him?

Ponyboy had stormed into the house looking heated and Soda was following him, calling his name as if trying to explain something to him. Whatever it was, Soda seemed desperate. They went into their room and shut the door to their room, leaving me where I was before. On the couch, the silence ringing in my ears, and alone.

I knew why Darry did what he did when I finally came to my sense. I always knew that Darry wanted Ponyboy and Soda to get an education and Pony went along with it but I guess Soda was like me. He thought he was dumb. He was smart if he put his mind to it. But, things just didn't work out.

I just didn't belong in school. I couldn't stand being the only kid not understanding anything they were reading or listening to. When the teacher asked me a question it was like they asked me in a different language. The only things I could do well were fix cars and run. That was it. I've often thought about working at the DX with Steve and Soda for some extra money.

I guess I'll have to sleep on it. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day….

Ponyboy's P.O.V

Darry sent me and Soda outside for a while so he could talk to Jamie alone. I looked over at Soda, who was staring into space, and thought of an idea. Soda was good with girls right? He has them all over him 24/7; he should know some things at least.

"Soda, I gotta ask you a question." I said hesitantly.

"Yeah, shoot kid, what's it about?" He asked curiously. I've talked to Soda about everything else but girls. It just never came up because I've never really wanted to talk about them.

"It's about Jamie."

"Yeah, what about her?" He asked again.

"Well I-I think I might like her, but I'm just… I dunno. I'm all mixed up.

Soda smirked and laughed a little.

"What's so funny?" I asked a little angry. Was he making fun of me? I don't see anything amusing.

"My kid brother is finally asking me for girl advice… I've always dreamed about this day. But, what do you need to know? Is something keeping you from liking her?"

"No-"

"Good, because you shouldn't have one."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What do you mean I shouldn't have one?"

"Well, she's really gorgeous, smart, funny… She's a pretty good girl if you ask me."

Was I hearing him right? This isn't possible. Soda couldn't like Jamie, could he? She's a whole three years behind him! He's never talked like that about any other girl except Sandy.

"Really? You think she's a nice girl?" I asked, trying to get some answers.

"Well yeah, Just look at her."

I took a long drag on my cigarette.

"You should go after her then."

"What-"

"I don't want to get in the way." I started to stand up but Soda stopped me.

"What's wrong with you Pony?" He asked, really looking confused.

"You like Jamie that's what. I can't believe you Soda! She's a whole three years younger than you, I have a crush on her, and you still like her!"

"Pony I was just trying to help you decide your feelings for her. Saying nice things about her is apart of that."

"Well I don't like it. I still think you have feelings for her so I'll stay out of your way and you can have her!" And with that I stormed inside the house with Soda trailing behind me.

Sodapop's P.O.V

While I followed Ponyboy in the house I thought, was I really getting feelings for her? Maybe I am, but Pony's right, I'm too old for her and he likes her. But she is really cute and she acts older for her age.

I see what Ponyboy sees in her, but it's starting to scare me. I don't want to like her, I don't want to have these feelings. This was Pony's crush and I should have just never said anything about it. I could just be in denial still from Sandy, but I'm still not sure. I'll forget about this in the morning and hopefully all is forgotten.

OMG you guys I am soo sorry about not updating that much! I am just really busy this summer and I have rarely any time to write! I am just hope you guys forgive me! Please, promise the next chapter will be extra long. Well, at least I'll try!

Monica