…two years later; August 30, 1969…..

I followed Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy to their truck outside. There was a white, square box sitting on the back seat of the car. Darry opened the door, took the box out and handed it to me. I hesitated taking it from him, "Are you sure I should use the dress?"

He nodded, "She wanted you to, remember? If you wanted to, at least."

I looked at Ponyboy and Sodapop and they nodded. I smiled a bit and nodded, remembering the conversation I had with their mom when I was fifteen, "Alright. Yes, I'll wear it."

The three smiled and I took the box as we all walked back inside the small town church.

My heart was racing. That was expected, right? I mean, I was getting married. Girls always got nervous when they got married, but did most girls get married when they were nineteen? I mean, I wanted to marry Two-Bit, obviously cause I said yes, but growing up I never expected it would be when I was so young. I wasn't complaining, I was just kinda overwhelmed and nervous.

Marilyn, Evie, Candy and Cherry all waited for me in the back room. They were all changed into their brides maid's dresses, Candy's a little different since she was the maid of honor. The other four had light blue dresses, Candy's was dark blue. All their dresses were the exact same color.

I took the dress out of the box slowly and put it on. I then put on a robe so while the others did my hair, nothing would get on it and ruin it. My hair was long so they planned on doing some sort of side bun or something. Cherry knew how to do hair and makeup since she was a student in some cosmetology school. Plus she had done her cousin Baby's hair and makeup for her wedding back in '67.

…five minutes before the wedding…..

"Rain, you look so beautiful," Marilyn hugged me. I gave a weak smile and hugged her back. My stomach was full of butterflies. The five of us walked out to the back of the church right before the sanctuary. The order of who would go when would be Marilyn and Darry would meet her there at the end, then Steve and Evie, Ponyboy and Cherry, then Sodapop and Candy. Just like Mrs. Curtis had said when I was fourteen, if her and Mr. Curtis were not there, Darry would walk me down the aisle and hand me over since he was legal guardian.

We all met out in the hallway. Everyone there smiled and I gave a weak smile back. Steve went in and signaled to the organ player to start. He did as he was told and the doors to the sanctuary opened wide and we all got in line. I glanced in and saw Two-Bit standing at the front in his military uniform, since he was still somewhat active and on call. "You look beautiful, Rain," Darry smiled and we locked arms to walk. The line started and continued till it was my turn. "Ready?" he asked. I took a deep breath, gave another weak smile and nodded. He nodded back and we walked to the front.

…..one hour later…

"Do you, Keith Mathews take Raina Johnson as your beloved wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

He nodded and I bit back a smile, while he didn't hold his back, "I do."

"Do you, Raina Johnson take Keith Mathews as your husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

I nodded and this time I smiled, "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you two, husband and wife," the priest looked at Two-Bit, "You may now kiss the bride."

He cupped my chin and leaned to me, I met him halfway, wrapping my arms around his neck and our lips pressed against each other. I heard the crowd of everyone we invited start to clap and I saw from the corner of my eyes camera's flashing, but I ignored it. I was on cloud nine.

…two hours later…

"Rain, come on! Throw it behind you, don't be afraid you're gonna hurt someone!" Evie called.

I laughed and turned my back, then threw it behind me. I turned and saw Marilyn catch it. I laughed again as I saw Darry walk up to her, like he told me and Two-Bit he was planning on doing, and pulled out a little box from his pocket. She watched him with nervous eyes as he opened the box in front of her and got down on one knee. He said something to her but I couldn't hear, but I saw her nod and she jumped into his arms and kissed him.

Two-Bit walked next to me, wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed me. I pulled away and smiled at him. He smiled back, "I love you, Raina Mathews."

I laughed a bit and kissed him, then pulled away, "I love you too, Keith Mathews."