Disclaimer: I still don't own anything of S.E. Hinton's.

Two-Bit and I were in his car headed for, well I wasn't sure. I hadn't been paying attention. The last thing I had heard was that on the way we were picking up Johnny. In an effort to avoid conversation, I cranked up the radio louder than even Two-Bit usually plays it, since I suddenly found myself unable to form coherent sentences. The car jerked to a stop and I was vaguely aware that we had arrived at Johnny's.

No more than a minute later, Johnny came sprinting out to join us and after nodding to Two-Bit's greeting said, "Hey, Amie."

I heard a voice answer and seconds later realized that it had been my own. That grounded me, at least enough to comprehend my surroundings. "Two-Bit, where're we goin'?" I questioned.

"Glory, kid! I've told ya twice now." He eyed me laughing. "We're goin' over to the Curtis'. Where do we always go? I swear you're more scatter- brained than me."

"Oh." Was all I could think to say. I could sense Johnny's eyes on the back of my head and was suppressing the urge to climb back there and kiss him.

Once at the Curtis', I climbed out of the car and unable to stand too much distance between us despite everything, fell into step with Johnny. Knowing it wasn't necessary, I fought for something to say in spite of myself. Before I succeeded however, we entered the house met by laughter, excited yelling, and the same ear-splitting music we had just left in the car.

"Honey, I'm home!" Two-Bit echoed over it all, then moved to the kitchen and straight to the fridge.

"So boys, what's up?" I asked making my way over to Soda and Steve who like usual were engaged in a heated conversation.

"Amie," Steve turned to me, "will you please tell Soda here that you can't swipe somethin' then return it for money."

"What?" I laughed caught off guard.

"It's a good idea." Soda insisted.

"I guess you could try. I think they ask ya for a receipt, though." I shook my head and joined Two-Bit in the kitchen where he had found and was drinking a beer.

"So what's been buggin' you, kid?" he questioned after a long swig.

"Nothing" I countered a little too quickly, a note of panic in my voice.

"Don't try that. You've been actin' funny for weeks."

"You're soused."

"I'm not either. This is my first beer, and I want answers. Is it a guy?" he ventured and then continued taking my silence for a yes. "Listen Amie, you gotta be smart about guys, ok? I mean it. You're real pretty, so you gotta be careful. Guys'll take advantage of a looker like you-"

"Two-Bit, you don't have to worry about that with this. He's a real good guy an' he don't like me anyway." I interrupted roughly, embarrassed.

"You dig Soda?" he asked after a moment.

"No! Well, not any more than any other girl that's ever met him. It's not Soda, Two-Bit."

"But is it one of the guys? Who is it?"

"Two-Bit don't' make me lie to you. I never do that, but I will if you keep askin' questions." I warned.

"Come on, tell me." He begged his worry having faded to curiosity.

"Don't-"I warned again.

"Please."

"I can't."

"Why not? I said please. I never say please."

"Can't you just drop it?" I snapped leaving him to his beer and wondering. I stretched out on the couch in the living room ignoring all the boys. Man was I fuming. I was scared to death of Two-Bit knowing and I didn't feel much like talking to anyone after that conversation. I must have dropped off somewhere along there because before I knew it, Soda was shaking me awake.

"Amie, hey Am" he called softly.

"Five minutes" I groaned turning over.

"Amie, Two-Bit went over to Kathy's. He tried to tell ya but you were sleepin'. I told him I'd get ya home ok."

"Alright, I'll leave in a minute or so-"

"Are you even listening? I said I told your brother I'd get you home safe, not kick you out."

"You're kicking me out?" I sat up groggily, rubbing my eyes so that they'd focus properly. This sent Pony and Johnny who seemed to be the only other ones there into a fit of laughter.

"No, kid, but it'd time to get home, alright?" Soda asked patiently his voice soft as if I were a baby. Now that I was waking up, his tone sounded ridiculous but I still couldn't figure why.

"I'll walk her home." Johnny offered when Soda had reached for his jacket.

That woke me up same as if someone had just poured ice water on me. I silently begged Soda would agree but found myself wishing he wouldn't at the same time. Johnny terrified me but I couldn't bear to be away from him.

"Yeah, ok" Soda nodded and for a second before I caught myself, I beamed. I mean if any one of them had noticed that smile, I'd be dead, but they didn't near as I can figure.

Johnny and I headed out into the night air, me with a bounce in my step I was glad the dark hid. I was however very giddy. I felt like the bubbles in a glass of Pepsi about to spill. I could hardly contain my giggles. "So Johnny, how are you?" I asked realizing that I hadn't had a conversation with him all day.

His answer of, "pretty good", was like music. "How are you?"

"Me? I'm great, just great." I answered, and for that moment, I truly was. "I guess Two-Bit won't be home tonight. I always hate that. It makes me nervous even when I know where he is."

Johnny didn't say anything to that. I guess there wasn't a lot to say. By then we were passing his house, and I winced at the sound of screaming from within its thin walls. I glanced at Johnny from the corner of my eye and saw that he wore a pained expression. I put my hand on his shoulder in an effort t to comfort him, not knowing what else to do, and was relieved when he smiled. We didn't speak again until we had reached my house.

"Stay here tonight." I blurted then blushing added, "I mean, there's not sense goin' back there when you don't have to. 'Sides I don't like bein' here alone and mom's at work." I was really blushing now. There was no way I would have admitted to anyone else that I was afraid to be home alone.

This seemed to sway Johnny and he nodded, "ok."

"Thanks Johnny" I said softly. "So I guess you should stay in my room in case Two-Bit drags his butt home." I slapped my pockets nervously. Johnny had spent the night at our house before when he hadn't wanted to go home, but now it seemed different. "Well I'm beat, let's just go to bed."

"Yeah, I am too." Johnny agreed following me to my room. I was suddenly conscious of the mess even though I knew he wouldn't care. Kicking off my shoes, I was suddenly too exhausted to change out of my clothes and fell back onto my bed. I smiled into my pillow as Johnny pulled my blanket over me and then turning out the light walked over to the twin bed opposite from mine in the room.