"The other day when I was fightin' those Socs who jumped me. They was hurt and they reminded me of Johnny. I don't want to see anyone no one, not even a Soc that hurt. No one deserves to almost die. Even if they were in two different situations. I mean they was jumpin' me and Johnny was savin' those little kids." I said this all in one breath.
"Look we ain't expecting you to be a fighter. I mean we love you enough that being tough don't matter. I know you care about Johnny, but haven't you thought what Johnny has been through with you not talkin' to him and all?" He asked. I shook my head.
"No, I didn't think he cared as much as I care. S'pose he does." I shrugged.
"I'll talk to him tomorrow. Or if I get a chance tonight." Soda nodded, smiled, then quickly got serious.
"What's this I hear about Dal?" I bit my lip not really wanting to say anything.
"Well, I was just sittin' there and he started in on me sweet talkin' me and all. Then he said I was the only one for him. I got spooked and bolted." Soda nodded.
"I think I'm gonna go find Johnnycake." He scooted me off the bed and walked out of the room. I put on a short plaid skirt, a black shirt and my black Chuck Taylors. I put my switchblade safely in my chucks then ran out of the room. I ran down the steps yelled to Darry that I was going to find Johnny, he said okay and I was out the door. I walked to the lot expecting Johnny to be there so when he wasn't I was kind of surprised. I walked up to his house and tentatively knocked on the door. Johnny's mom answered it.
"What do you want?" She sneered and I smelled the strong smell of alcohol on her.
"Um is Johnnycake home?" I asked.
"Who's that? Are you one of them hoods who hang out with my Johnny?"
"Johnnycake is Johnny's nickname. We ain't hood M'am. Can I talk to Johnny?"
"Sure." She yelled up the steps to him something about a girl. He came hopping down the steps, then out on his porch, and shut the door behind him.
"Hey I'm real sorry. I was a jerk. I shouldn't have just stopped talking to you for a reason that I wasn't telling you." I sighed.
"It's alright." Johnny smiled. "Wanna take a walk around the lot?" I nodded and we got off his porch. The air smelled like it was going to rain soon. We went up to the vacant lot and sat down. Johnny asked for a weed and I gave him one, and kept one for myself. I lit mine then handed my lighter to Johnnycake. He lit his and gave my light back to me. We sat there and I looked over at Johnny.
"So we okay now Johnnycake?" I asked hopin' the answer was yes. He brought his hand over my hair and ruffled it.
"Yeah we're okay." Then he smiled, he smiled that one smile for only me. I smiled back.
"Boy howdy it must be late. Wanna sleep on our couch? It smells like rain. Your fold won't care will they?"
"Sure. I'll come 'course they won't want me home. They could care less." I sighed hating Johnny's parents with every fiber of my being.
I opened the door and saw Darry sittin' in the chair as always. He smiled when he saw me, and Johnny.
"Stayin' here tonight Johnnycake?"
"Yep, if it's okay." Johnny said to Darry.
"Course it is Johnny. We always have room for you." He smiled and threw a blanket and pillow on the couch for Johnny. Johnny shed his jacket and shoes then slid under the blanket.
"I'm going to bed Callie you comin'" Darry looked at me.
"Soon, I'll be up in a couple minutes." Darry nodded and went upstairs. I sat in Darry's chair.
"I've sure missed talking to you Johnnycake." Johnny grinned at the sound of my words.
"Shoot, I've missed talking to you too." He lay back and looked at the ceiling.