Chapter 11- Truth -
Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at me and Two-bit like we had three heads.
"Hey ya'll." I said putting down my bad. Still noone said anything. I looked at Two-bit then back to everyone finally Darry got up and came over to us.
"Where have you been?"
"The city... It's a log sto-"
"The cops were here looking for Two-bit, they told us what happened... that you beat up a guy pretty bad but no why." Soda said standing up off the floor. I shifted so Two-bit's had was on my back. I really didn't WANT to tell them but it's one of those things you knew you would have to do.
"It was my fault, the guy -"
"No Two-bit. I'll tell them the truth. They need to know... but before I do, you all need to promise me you want do anything stupid like stud over here did." I said pointing at Two-bit.
"Mel,..." Dally started to say but I put my hand up.
"Dallas, You already know the rest have to promise, you already did." Soda turned to Dally and looked at him.
"You knew! You knew what was wrong and never told us!" He said going toward Dally.
"STOP!" I yelled stomping my foot like a little kid. Everyone stopped and looked at me.
"Listen to me Soda. Please, just for a min!" I said wrapping my arms around myself. Two-bit came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me and placed his chin on my head, yeah, I was that short.
'Two-bit! What happened to your arms?" Steve asked seeing all of his burns.
"Welding." He answered.
"Welding?" Darry asked confused.
"Yeah, we needed a way to stay where we stayed so I got a job as a welder. It's fun"
"We need one at the DX." Soda said smiling.
"Um... guys..." I said looking from one of there faces to the next.
"Sorry." Soda said. Two-bit laughed then put his arm back around me. I sighed then told everyone everything. From the time I left, til I got back. Dally looked down as I told them and Two-bit held me close. When I finished Darry came over and hugged me.
"Im so sorry Rosey. I had no clue." He whispered as he rocked me back and forth. Then Steve came and gave me a hug, then Johnny and Pony. Finally Soda came over.
"Come on, lets go outside for a second." He said as me and him went outside.
"Melanie, why didn't you tell me?" he asked hurt.
"Soda, I just didn't want you to think I was... a whore or dirty or anything like that." I said knowing it sounded really stupid but that's really never think that.
"Melanie! I could never think that." He said hugging me. I lost it, I cried for everything that happened to me. I cried because I was happy to be back, I cried because I didn't tell him, I cried for everything. At that moment I know I was home. I knew that's where I belonged. I was home and I would never let that go again.
