Caroline's POV

I heard the last bell of the school day ring. It's been a week since Dallas dumped me. I've been crying all week. I'm trying to get over him but it's so hard. Soda is actually coming over tonight to have dinner with me, Rose and my parents. I haven't seen Soda since the hospital, I've been trying to avoid him cause I know he's going to ask me about Dallas.

I walked to the front of the school to meet Rose.

"Caroline can I talk to you for a minute?"

I turned around and saw James.

I sighed. "Yeah that's okay."

"Caroline I want to apologize for that happened. I didn't know your father would get hurt. How is he doing?" Asked James with concern.

"He's doing good. He's going back to work on Monday." I answered.

"I'm really happy to hear that. I'm really sorry Caroline for everything. It just hurt so much to see that you were happier with Dally than you ever were with me. I promise I will never come in between yours and Dally's relationship ever again." Said James.

"I forgive you James and you don't have to worry about interfering in our relationship because there's no relationship to interfere, Dallas dumped me. You were right about him, I should've listen." I said.

James looked at me in shock.

"Dally dumped you? Caroline that doesn't make sense, it looked like he really cares about you-"

"He said it was all an act. He used to me get back at the Socs and well he succeeded." I said gesturing to James' black eye and busted nose. "I could've avoided this if I stayed away from Dallas like you told me to. I should've listened to you."

James shook his head. "It's not like I treated you any better than Dally did. I'm really sorry Caroline you deserve better guys than me and Dallas."

I shrugged. "It's fine."

"You know I was thinking about us and I think we should be friends." Said James.

I smiled. "I would love that."

I saw Rose coming towards us.

"Do you girls want a ride home?" Asked James.

"We're good, thanks though." Said Rose a little harsh.

James nodded. "I'll see you girls around."

"See you James." I said.

Rose and I walked away.

"What was that about?" Asked Rose.

"James apologized and want us to be friends." I said.

Rose shook her head. "I don't trust him."

"He promised that he would never interfere in my relationship with Dallas well if that still existed. He's fine now don't worry about James." I said.

Rose shook her head. "I still don't trust him."

"Are you excited to see Soda?" I asked changing the subject.

"Yeah but I'm mostly nervous that mom and dad won't like him. This is the first time they're actually going to get to know him." Said Rose.

"I'll be there don't worry, I'll help you and Soda out. I've been talking him up for the past week." I said.

Rose smiled. "Thanks Caroline."

"Anything for you Rose." I said.

Time passed by quickly. Rose and I cleaned up around the kitchen as Jeanie cooked dinner.

"Rose go get ready, I'll finish setting the table." I said.

Rose smiled. "Thanks."

Rose went upstairs.

"You okay Caroline?" Asked Jeanie.

"Trying." I said.

Jeanie has been here for us ever since I was little. She has witnessed me at my best and at my worst.

"I've never seen you so upset. Talk to me dear, tell me what's going on." Said Jeanie.

I sat on the chair and sighed deeply. "I really liked him. Jeanie I know this sounds stupid and I know I'm only 17 but I do lo-"

I was cut off from the doorbell.

"We'll talk about this later." Said Jeanie.

I nodded, getting up. I heard the door open and saw Soda had already walk in. Soda had a bouquet of flowers for my mom.

"Thank you Soda, these are gorgeous." Exclaimed my mom.

Soda shook my dad's hand and glanced at me. My dad didn't speak to him. He did this when he met James and Archie. When boys walk in he doesn't say a word but when it comes to dinner he drills them with questions.

"Why don't you kids go downstairs and we'll call you when the food is ready." Suggested my mom.

"Yeah that sounds like a good plan." Said Rose as she grabbed Soda's hand.

I followed them down.

"Your dad doesn't seem to like me." Said Soda a little disappointed.

"He's like that with all the guys. Don't worry." Said Rose.

Soda nodded. "How've you been Caroline?"

I shrugged. "Okay I guess. If you don't mind me asking but how's Dallas?"

Soda looked a little uneasy. "He's doing good."

I nodded.

"I probably shouldn't tell you this but Dal has moved on. I saw him take a girl to his room a couple nights ago." Said Soda.

"He's such a jerk." Said Rose.

I nodded and turned my attention the the TV. I tried to hold my tears down. The last thing I want is to cry in front of Soda then Soda tell Dallas I'm still hung up on him.

"I'm really sorry Caroline, you deserve better." Said Soda.

I gave Soda a small smile. I tried to keep my eyes on the TV so I could avoid seeing Rose and Soda cuddle because I am jealous. I'm jealous that Soda turned out to be really a nice guy and I got stuck with the jerk.

"Kids dinners ready!" Yelled my mom.

Soda took a deep breath and we all went upstairs. My parents were already sitting at the ends. Soda pulled out the chair for Rose, like a gentleman and sat next to her. I sat across from Rose and Jeanie sat down next to me.

"So Soda." Started off my dad. "How long have you been seeing my daughter?"

"Five months, Sir." Answered Soda. I can tell he's nervous.

"So five months of sneaking around." Stated my dad.

"I'm really sorry about that Sir, I should've came and talk to you." Said Soda politely.

"Soda, Rose told me that you have two brothers." Said my mom trying to change the topic.

"Yeah I do. I have an older brother named Darry and a younger brother named Ponyboy." Said Soda.

"Are they in school?" Asked my dad.

"Darry dropped out so he can work to support me and Pony, when my parents died, he took responsibility for myself and Pony. Pony goes to the same school with Rose and Caroline." Answered Soda.

"What about you Soda, why aren't you in school?" Asked my dad.

I glanced over to him.

"Dad." Said Rose in warning voice.

"It's just a simple question Rose." Said my dad innocently.

Soda cleared his throat. "I just didn't take school seriously. Rose I was planning on telling you this privately but I'm actually starting school this September."

I've never seen Rose smile so big. I looked over to my mom and dad, they have the same look on their faces when they agreed Archie is good guy for Rose. They approve of Soda. I am happy for them really, I can see Soda is trying to make an effort but I couldn't help but get jealous. I wanted that with Dallas but he went and broke my heart.

Dally's POV

"What about that girl?" Asked Two. "She's pretty hot."

I shrugged. "Yeah if you like gorillas."

I'm at Buck's with the guys. Two-bit is trying to point girls out it me that I should go for but none of them are right.

Two laughed. "If you don't want her then she's all mine."

"She's all yours." I said.

Two got up and went to the girl. I do have to admit she is pretty but I can't get my mind off of Caroline. It almost felt like cheating if I went and talked to that girl.

"Hey Dally." Said Soda as he sat down next to me.

"How's was the dinner?" I asked as Soda loosened up his tie.

"Pretty good, I think they like me." He smiled.

"That's good." I said.

"Caroline asked about you." He said. "I told her that I saw you bring a girl to your room."

I nodded. "Okay."

"You know Dal she looked real upset." Said Soda. "I felt bad for lying to her."

"She'll get over me. Every time she asks about me just make me sound like a dick." I said.

"Have you even gotten over her?" Asked Soda.

"Yeah I have." I lied.

"Okay why don't you go talk to a girl?"

"Cause there's no girls." I said.

"Okay Dally." Said Soda.

I do miss Caroline a lot even though we've only been broken up for a week. If we were still together she would be here with me and that's the only girl I need. I am doing the right thing for her, I'm just not good enough for her.