Note: This story takes place at the end of summer; before the book. If I do a sequel...it will be on book events.

Well...I have gotten very sad. I had no reviews for the last chapter. Your reviews help encourage me to continue. Anything is welcomed: good, things I need to improve...etc. So, I don't know if I am doing a pretty good job if no one tells me. :( Very sad.

Anyway, here is the new chapter, I told you there would be romance in it. I promised that. Now I really need your reviews, (too make sure the romance is happining the right way.) So please, please review; that would make me extremely happy. Got any suggestions e-mail me.

Also, I have a new story I am putting up. No Curtis sister whatsoever. So...check it out and review that too.

Thanks to Alive At Last and Cathy. For your help.

Thanks for you guys reading it and putting on it's alert. Makes me happy. (Would be more happy if you reviewed.)

Disclamer: I do not own the Outsiders. Nor do I own the song Backwards by Rascal Flatts. I do own Natalie, Crystal and Wes.

Enjoy!!!

Chapter 8: Diner Experience

Well I never heard it said quite like that

It hit me in the face 'cause that's where I'm at

I almost fell flat out on the floor

He said "Wait a minute, that's not all There's even more"

Ya get your mind back

Your nerves back

Your first heart attack back

You get your pride back,

You get your life back

Rascal Flatts

I was so clouded up in my thoughts that I wasn't paying any attention to the football game going on. As usual Darry's team was winning and the other team was losing. As soon I saw his team hi-five each, and hoot and holler, it was evident they won. I saw Two-Bit come toward me, while everyone was heading back to our house. As I saw him walking toward me, I smiled.

Two-Bit was my best friend, I felt different when he was around. That I didn't have to be someone else, and that I could just be me. I haven't felt this way with anyone since Danny left.

Danny still had his stuff down here. He shared a place with Wes in the north side. Now Wes and a couple of guys use it.

But, I loved Danny and still do. But, I don't know what this feeling with Two-Bit is. I just don't know anything anymore.

"Darry's team won," Two-Bit said as he sat on the ground next to me.

"I saw."

"We are all going back to your house, and we might go to The Dingo." I nodded to let him know I heard him.

"Is it bad?" He asked me.

"What?"

"I know you are hiding something, and today just proved it. I just want to make sure it's not bad." He paused. "I just want to keep you safe," he said quietly.

I turned to face him and saw that he really did care for me. I wanted to lean over and give him a soft kiss on the lips, and tell him all that has happened. Instead, I leaned toward him till my lips were barely touching his cheek. Softly I put my lips on his cheek and gave him a kiss.

I knew he had a new blond girl each week. I knew that he would never give me the chance. But, I still had to try.

"I want to tell you. It kills me that I can't tell you. I know you would understand me, I 'm sorry but I will soon." I desperately told him in his ear.

I leaned back to see his face in full. "I'm a big girl, I can handle myself. Come on let's get out of here."

He smiled getting up and helped me up. We walked quickly back to the house. We were both very quiet almost to quiet. I was cursing myself internally for doing that. I had been taught not to show your emotion. I probably lost my chance to ever do that again. Or tell him how I feel.

Once we got to the porch, we heard laughter and debates on whether or not to go to the Dingo. As we entered the house Soda turned to look at me as eyes dancing in humor.

"Now that the slow pokes are here, we can go to dinner," Soda said smirking at me.

"Keep smirking at me and you won't be able to talk for a while," I said with a reckless smile on my face.

"I hear you," Soda laughed, I continued to see the laughter in his eyes.

I went toward him and playfully slapped his head, when he grabbed my arms and brought me down to wrestle. I struggled with him on top of me. The boys were all cheering on Soda. I soon found the right pressure point and put him in my place. I was on top of him with my forearm against his neck.

"Say Uncle," I teased him.

"Never!" Soda exclaimed.

"Say it," I teased him again.

"Fine, uncle," He said laughing.

I let him up, and he took his place back on the couch.

"Well, let's get going before it gets too late," Darry said, still laughing at me and Soda's reckless behavior.

"Me and Johnny will ride with you," Pony told Darry.

"I'll join you guys," Dally shrugged.

"I guess the rest of us will go with you Steve," Soda said. Soon everybody was walking out of the house.

"Hey, Steve, don't leave just yet. I will be right out there in a minute," I told him.

"Don't take too long," he retorted smartly.

I crossed over to the phone and dialed Crystal's number. After a few dial tones, she picked up.

"Hello?"

"Crystal, it's me Natalie."

"Hey there, Natalie! Wes came by and told me the plan."

"About that….can we do something different?" I asked.

"What do you need?" She asked me curiously.

"My family is going to The Dingo. You think you can pick me up there? Same time?"

"No problem. I'll see you there at eight," she said.

"Thanks."

At that time, I heard a car horn at me to hurry up. I had noticed that she hung up. So I put it back down and ran out to get into the car.

The boys were in a heated conversation about car engines and such. I didn't pay attention; I just stared out the window. However, when I looked toward the guys, I noticed that Two-Bit was looking at me intently. When I met his gaze he looked away and got back into the animated conversation. He was probably thinking of ways to get away from me. Once we got there and in a parking spot we all started to go toward the door. We found the others sitting at a booth and joined them. I didn't order anything, while the others order burgers.

"Aren't you eating Natalie?" Two-Bit asked, putting his arm around my shoulder.

"I am going to eat later on tonight with Crystal and the girls." I answered back.

Two-Bit feigned hurt. "You don't want to spend time with us?"

"Yes, that's right I don't want to spend time with you greasy hoods!" I punched him playfully in the arm.

In that moment the Shepard gang walked in and came over to our booth.

"Shepard," Dally nodded.

"Winston," Tim returned.

I saw Curly staring at me while talking to one of his buddies. Probably joking that he was going to 'get me.' I pushed out of my seat as the boys started talking about who was after, who was going with who etc. etc. As I got out of my seat I passed Angela Shepard glaring at me.

I located a bench near the entrance, which was empty. I wanted 8:00 to come quickly.

"Curtis," I heard a girl's screech that reassembled Ava's. But, I knew it was Angela. I looked up to see her standing before me. She had a tight black low-cut shirt with a short red skirt.

"Shepard," I responded.

"You know my brother has been pinning after you for a while now," Angela told me.

"I know."

"He'll get you," she told me with a sigh.

"No, he won't." I was starting to get tense. I didn't want a fight here, anywhere but here.

"Well, maybe you will have a guy fight between Curly and I don't know….Two-Bit?" She smirked at me.

"Not, Two-Bit," I said with a tone that told her I was done.

"You guys are blind. By the looks of it, Two-Bit can't stand Curly. Soon it will explode. Then you will have to chose," she said egging me on.

I got up and walked away from Angela before my temper would get the best of me.

"You know I'm right," Angela called out to me.

"No, your not," I turned quickly to face her. "You're wrong; I'm not like you who struts around here waiting for a guy to grab her. Or for a couple of idiots to fight over her. You don't even know if I have a fling going on. But I am nothing like you or would I ever want to be." I gave her my nastiest look. I wasn't going to take her crap.

"How dare you talk to me this way," she hissed, some of friends joining her.

It was quiet where we were. I was challenging a Shepard.

"I am not afraid of you. You want a fight; I'll give it to you. You are not my superior, so don't act like it. And when I give you a fight, don't have your boys fight it for you. Unless, you're scared," I told her with a hint of coldness in my voice.

Angela looked flushed, not expecting me to fire back. The evidence was shown directly to her. I didn't scare easily.

"Come on girls. Let's eat somewhere else." She stared at me. Then her group of girls left to go to another table.

Soon, it got loud again as I slowly relaxed and calmed down. However, I noticed Curly start working his way over to me as I lean back against the booth.

"Well, that's something I haven't seen about you. You're full of surprises. Is there more of that? Maybe we should get together, so that I could get to know you more," Curly smirked at me.

I sighed. "Curly…I'm complicated, and I have my fair share of problems."

"That doesn't matter," Curly declared as he took a step toward me.

At that time the door to the Dingo opened and a girl entered and headed toward us. I knew it was Crystal by her look. Her long black hair curled slightly and shaped her face. She wore dark jeans, and a white tank with a black leather jacket.

"Hey there, Natalie," she said.

"Hey Crystal, thanks for picking me up." I looked up at her.

"No problem. You look irritated by the way," she noted. "What happened? Though I can probably guess a guy…by your face."

"I hate when you do that," I said annoyed.

She turned right around to face Curly. "And you would be the cause of the problem," she guessed.

"Again, I hate when you do that," I sighed.

"It's not my fault you've had relationship fumbles in your life," she smirked.

I scowled at her.

"At least the boys don't know about this. Unless, someone would lend it to their ears," she said.

"Which won't happen, correct?" I stared at her.

"Not one word. Anyway, we gotta go if we are going to make it."

"Right."

Crystal noticed the look on Darry's face which had the need to say something to stop me. However, Crystal intervened before he had a chance to speak.

"Don't worry Curtis. Your sister will be safe and I will have her home tonight, don't worry." I jumped up and playfully punch her.

"Come on. Let's get out of here," she said laughing. She started walking toward the door and waited there for me.

I looked at Darry and saw he was very weary to let me leave. "I'll be back later tonight; not pass midnight for sure. I'll be safe. Trust me." I walked away before he could say anything to stop me.

"So, that was very weird," she said; walking out of the door.

"You have no idea," I laughed.

We left the brightly lit diner and into the chilling dark; ready for the next adventure.

So....how was that. I completely enjoyed writing this one. Hope you like the chapter, and the romance, flirting.

Again....Please review. I want to hit 20 reviews, and the last time I checked it was at 16. Got any Q. just e-mail or pm. me.

Check out the new story comming out.

Thanks!!