I was trying to update my other story, but I couldn't really think of anything, so I decided to write for this one! Hope you like it!

Jennifer's POV

My week was pretty uneventful. I think I was focusing on meeting Darry at the store on Saturday. But no matter how distracted I was, my "friends" never noticed a thing was off. I suppose they just saw what they wanted too.

I practically skipped out the door, calling out a vague answer of "going to the store" to Becca when she wanted to know where I was going. When I got there, there was no sign of Darry, so I wandered around the store. I know I looked left out, but the owner didn't say anything. He probably didn't think I was the type to steal things. He's right, but still. If it was Darry walking around, he would have been thrown out. It makes me so angry!

I was concentrating so hard on the injustice of life; I jumped when a hand caught my elbow as I walked past. It was Darry.

"Hi." I said breathlessly.

"Hey. What were you thinking about just now? You looked pretty mad." Darry commented.

I blushed and said," Nothing." He raised his eyebrow at that but didn't say anything.

I took it that he didn't need any groceries when he nodded towards the door, as if asking if we could leave. I nodded and he held the door open for me.

We walked in silence for a few minutes.

"So, Darry." I started. He looked at me expectantly. "How have you been?" I asked, at a loss for what to say.

He smiled slightly and said," Pretty good. How 'bout you?"

"I'm good." I answered lightly.

We talked about some random things, like siblings. I told him about Becca and I learned that besides Sodapop, he had another little brother named Ponyboy. Everyone knew Sodapop, but I hadn't known about Pony, let alone that he went to my school.

"What about your parents?" I asked, since we were already on the topic of family.

He looked down at his feet before answering. "My parents died in a car crash a couple years back." My mouth hung open; I didn't know what to say. Suddenly the article in the paper came rushing back to me. It was so sad; they had died while driving back home, and now he had to take care of Sodapop and Ponyboy.

"Darry, I'm so sorry." I didn't know what else to add so I just stayed quiet.

"It's okay, it's just… I miss them." He said in a strained voice.

"I know." We stopped walking and just stood there, somewhat awkwardly.

He flinched and said," I'm sorry. I usually don't tell people about things like that right away."

I smiled, trying to keep it light. "Hey, it's ok. I'm all ears." He laughed and we continued walking.

We talked some more, but we talked about anything but family. I think he was embarrassed that he had to take care of his brothers. Which I didn't understand at all, I thought it was amazing he didn't stick them in some boys home until he finished college.

We turned a corner and I froze. It was Anthony with a few of his obnoxious friends. I turned around to go back without him seeing us, but no luck.

"Jennifer!" He called out. I kept on walking, and dragged Darry by his hand.

I kept up my fast pace until we were about two and half blocks away and I felt safe enough to slow down.

"You ok?" I could hear the smirk in his voice.

"I just don't… want to deal with him right now." I looked behind me and breathed a sigh of relief when there was no sign of Anthony.

"Understandable. He didn't seem very nice." He agreed.

I looked down and realized I was still gripping his wrist. I let go and blushed. I really hated my fair skin. He smiled at me, which he seemed to be doing a lot.

We walked back to the store, talking about anything and everything. I couldn't believe how easy it was to talk with him. I only ever talked this well with Becca. We got to the store and reached a slightly uncomfortable pause.

"I guess I'll see you around?" I asked, hoping he would agree.

"Yeah. Maybe we could hang out next time, like go for the Nightly Double or something." He said, looking a bit nervous.

"That'd be nice." I smiled up at him. I got the feeling he didn't want me to see his house, and I didn't want him anywhere near my parents. They would freak out. I didn't want to deal with that yet.

"Do you want to meet here… I don't know, Thursday and we could go see it?" He asked.

"That would work." I thought out loud, making sure I wasn't busy.

"Cool, I'll see you here around seven then." He grinned and walked away. I watched him until he turned the corner and then I set off on my way home.

As soon as I walked in the door I felt ambushed.

"Jen!" Becca called, running to the front door.

"Hi." I said slowly, confused.

"How was your date?" She asked teasingly. I looked around quickly, making sure my parents hadn't heard. If they did, they would want to know who it was and all that stuff.

I grabbed Becca by the arm and dragged her to my bedroom.

"Don't talk so loud. I don't want them to hear!" I hissed as I closed my door and locked it.

"Calm down, they're in the dining room with some of their friends." She reassured me.

"Ok." I smiled as her expression became annoyed.

"So, how was it?" She asked impatiently.

"It was fun; he's so easy to talk to Becca!" I exclaimed.

"I'm glad Jenny. But when are you going to tell Mom and Dad?" She asked hesitantly.

"Well, at the moment, there isn't anything to tell. I'm just going out with a friend. But he asked me to the Nightly Double on Thursday." I told her.

She smiled at me and I knew she was okay with it.

"I'm glad you like him." She said in reply.

"Me too." I whispered, almost to myself.

Darry's POV

I got home and was instantly mobbed by multiple people.

"Darry! How was your date?" Soda asked.

"Hey, Darry? Can you come help me with this math problem?" This was Ponyboy.

"Superman, can I crash here tonight?" Steve asked.

"Good, yes, and yes." I said distractedly. Just like that I was thrown back into my parenting role. I didn't mind, exactly. It's just I felt my age around Jennifer, and then I came back to this.

I helped Pony with his homework and made dinner for everybody. I already couldn't wait for Thursday.

Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it, and I will try to have the next chapter up soon, with the date! Review please!

Allie