I looked through my closet with a sour look. There was nothing to wear. I still had a few dresses but mostly, I'd discarded them and went for a more normal look- jeans and t-shirts. In this town that's typical greaser guy look. But back home, it was pretty weird not to see people walking around like that, no matter how rich or poor they were.

I slumped down on to my bed, trying to think of a way to talk to Soda again.

"Hmm," I thought out loud. "I wonder if I should just…go apologize?" I looked towards the nightstand. The phone was sitting on top. I still remembered his phone number.

I picked up the phone and dialed the number. It rang a few times and Darrel's voice came through from the other end.

"Hello?"

I hesitated for a split second.

"Hello?" he asked again.

"Oh, sorry. I was wondering if I could speak to Soda?"

"Uh, yeah, sure. May I asked who's calling?"

"Oh, uh…I'd rather not say."

He moved the phone away from his mouth, but I could hear him shout for his younger brother. I started to feel nervous. What if he said no?

"Yes, hello?"

"Soda…"

"Ashley? I thought I told you to stay away."

"Ashley Ford?" I could hear Darry asking in the background.

"No, I know. I'm really sorry to bother you at home. But, could you please meet me at park? I'd really like to…have a chat."

"I'm not so-"

"Please, I'll make it worth your while."

The line went silent.

"I promise."

"Fine. But be quick about it. I don't have all day."

I set the phone down and breathed a sigh of relief. First step: complete.

I threw some clothes on. I didn't really try to make myself look pretty. After pulling my short hair up into a ponytail, I rushed out the door and into my car. The sun had been beating down mercilessly on it all day, so it was extremely hot inside.

Soda hadn't made it to the park when I arrived, so I stopped and grabbed two cold bottles of Coke. I sat down on a bench and leaned back, sipping on the soda.

It was a good fifteen minutes before he arrived. I lifted my feet up and sat indian-style. He didn't look happy. It was really weird to see him so mad. Usually, he had that care-free, handsome smile on his face. I held the unopened bottle out to him and took a deep breath, wondering if he would take it. When he finally did, I relaxed a little.

"Well?" he asked, sitting down on the opposite side of the bench.

"Okay, I um…"

He stared right through me. It made me tense up again.

"I really just wanted to apologize, Soda."