I kept quiet about what I happened between Bob and I. There were

many reasons why I did, the main one being I didn't have anyone to talk to about it. And if I did tell Cherry, she'd for sure kill me. I did know, however, that if I didn't tell someone, it would eventually boil up inside me and I'd explode. {} I couldn't stay home from school, Doug wouldn't allow it, so I just sucked it up and put on my best smile. I sat with Cherry at lunch, who couldn't stop talking about how big of a success the party was, and Marcia, who was begging her to throw another one soon. "What do you think, Arie?" Cherry asked me. "Did you have fun? Should I throw another one?" "Oh yeah, I had a great time." I lied. "You should definitely throw one again." "I'm so glad to hear!" Cherry exclaimed, a smile growing on her face. "I was afraid you'd feel awkward, y'know, with you being new and whatnot." "Don't worry, I had a blast!" I told her. "Everyone was so nice." "How was Bob when he picked you up? I know he can be really cold when you first meet him, but once you get to know him, he's a real sweetheart." I tried swallowing the lump in my throat. "He was really nice." Was all I said. "He's a very polite guy." "Aw, Arie! In so glad you're getting on with everyone!" "Yeah!" Marcia agreed. "It's nice to have some new faces in the group." "Oh, I know!" Cherry almost groaned. "I'm honestly getting sick of seeing the same old people. It's no fun." I nodded, letting my eyes wander to the window. I looked out into the parking lot. The parking lot was typically where the Greasers spent their lunch hour. I was able to spot Ponyboy and some other guys from the gang all leaning on Two-Bit's car. They were out there rough housing and laughing and boy, did I wish I was out there with them instead. "Arie?" Cherry's voice interrupted my daze. "What are you looking at?" "Oh, it's uh, nothing." Cherry followed my gaze. She saw the boys and grinned. "You checking out the Grease?" "What? N-no, I'm just looking out the window." "I don't blame you, they are really handsome, and everyone likes a bad boy." "I know I do." Marcia said, eyeing the Greasers with lust. "You know who's the hottest?" Cherry asked with a smirk. "Sodapop Curtis." Marcia said in a matter-of-fact way. "Mmhmm." Cherry nodded. "The boy draws girls like flys to honey." "He's so handsome." Marcia said, smiling adoringly. "Too bad he's Grease," Cherry said. "Or else I'd be all over him." "Cherry, you already are all over him." "Oh, hush!" Cherry instructed, giving Marcia a light slap on the arm. Marcia laughed. "Hey, Arie, do you know Sodapop?" Marcia asked. Of course I know Sodapop. "Yeah, I think I've seen him at the DX one or two times." "Isn't he dreamy?" Marcia asked me. "He's much better looking than that other boy who works there." "Steve." I said a little faster than I would have liked to. "I see him more at the DX so I guess I just kinda remembered his name." I said in an attempt to recover from my mistake. "He's not that bad looking." Marcia said. "I think he's kinda hot, with that stern look he always has." "Yeah, but he's a complete asshole." I added. "That's true." Marcia mumbled. Cherry stood up. "I'm going upstairs, are you guys coming?" "I'll come." Marcia said, standing up beside Cherry. "Arie?" "Nah, I think I'll stay down here for a little longer." {} As soon as Cherry and Marcia left, I headed out to the parking lot. Johnny, Ponyboy, Steve, Two-Bit and another boy I didn't recognize. "Hi." I said as I joined the group. "Who the hell are you?" The unfamiliar boy asked. "She's cool, Dally." Two-Bit said, walking up and placing a hand on Dally's shoulder. "Yeah. She's my friend." Ponyboy added. "Shit, really?" Dally buzzed. "Never would'a guessed it." "What's that supposed to mean?" I challenged, crossing my arms. "It means-" "Oh, shut the fuck up you two! I'm workin' a headache." Steve shouted. "Jeez." I muttered, turned away from Steve and Dally. "You shit head!" Dally yelled, pouncing on Steve. Two-Bit laughed, joining the scuffle. "So," Ponyboy said, walking towards me. "How are ya?" "Never been better." I said. "I heard you went to Cherry Valance's party." "I did." I told him. "How was that?" I shrugged. "It was alright. Not the best." Ponyboy nodded. "Fair enough. Johnny and I are hittin' up the movies Friday, you down?" "I'm in!" Dally yelled from the scuffle. "Arie?" I thought about it for a minute. "Would it just be me, you, Johnny and Dally?" I asked. "If you want. I can invite more people." "What about Soda?" I asked hopefully. "Yeah, sure, I'll ask." Jackpot.