The surprised look on his face told me that this wasn't what he expected.

"I-"

"You, what?" He asked, not believing what I said.

"I want to apologize for my actions."

He sat back against the bench, and looked away.

"Please believe me."

"Ashley, you could have ruined my entire life."

"I know, but-"

"If that had gone to the police, I would have been put away. Who was going to believe a greaser over a Soc?"

The knot in my stomach got tighter. All I could do was look down at my lap in shame. Of course my apology was genuine. I knew that. But I had lied in the past, so why should he believe me now?

"Do you know how bad you made everything for everyone?"

"Yes."

"Do you really, Ashley? Bob beat the shit out of me, out of Johnny, out of all of us."

I stiffened at the sound of my cousin's name.

"Johnny started carrying a switchblade because he was so scared."

I knew where this was going. Oh please, no.

"That switchblade was used to kill Bob, you know?"

I kept staring down. I felt a pain in my hands and realized I was holding the bottle too tightly. My eyes burned, and I tried so hard to hold back the tears.

"I…"

She could feel Soda relax a bit, next to her.

"I'm so sorry, Soda."

He sighed and looked down at the ground.

"I don't really expect you to forgive me. But, I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. This was not how I was brought up and no excuse I could make could ever redeem me. I came back to town because I wanted to try to fix what I had done. I know that I can't really 'fix' it, and that it will take some time but I can at least let you know that I was truly sorry. I just want to try to start over."

He sighed again and stood up.

"Look, I really need to get going to work. Steve's probably wondering where I am."

I nodded.

"But, I promise to think about what you've said."

I brightened up a little. "Really?"

He nodded as well.

"This doesn't make us friends, Ashley. I still don't want you hanging around me or my friends."

"O-of course."

"But, I will think about it."

Once he was gone, I felt a slight weight lift from my chest. I started heading back to my Mustang.

"That didn't go quite as planned, but it might have worked…"

Something still lingered, though. Was he right? Was I inadvertently the cause of Bobby's death? If I hadn't done any of this, would he still be alive right now?

I knew I couldn't allow myself to think like that. Everything happened for a reason. It wasn't my fault he ended up in the park that night, drowning a kid for walking is girl home. Right?

I shook the thought out of my head as I started the car.

Don't think like that. It wasn't your fault.

I pulled out of the parking lot and headed back towards my apartment.

I really hope Soda can forgive me.