A/N: So Rowan finally realizes she loves Dally! I have to admit, that was one of my favorite parts of the story to write so far! I would absolutely LOVE reviews on that part, so keep them coming. Enjoy3

Disclaimer: I don't own The Outsiders, because if I did I would've added a girl to the gang. One reason why Rowan's here.

Rowan's POV

Dally would never love me. At least, not in that way. He's Dallas Winston, the biggest badass in the Southwest. Besides, the way he talks, the only person he loves is Johnny. Soda sat there, smiling next to me. He nudged my side.

"You love Dally, you love Dally!" He jumped to his feet and made a circle with his hands around his mouth. "HEY EVERYONE! ROWAN LOVES DA-"

I pushed him down before he could finish. "Shut up, Soda! We don't need the whole of the East side to know!" I sat down, and leaned forward, putting my hands on my forehead. I sighed.

"What's wrong, Row? I'm sorry if I upset you," he pleaded. I sat up, and smiled at him. He was such an innocent teen.

"No, Sode, it ain't you. I just feel like, Dally wouldn't like me back like that. Most guys that I've had feelings for have turned me down, and I don't want Dal to be added onto that list, y'know. I hate when this happens…" Soda rubbed my back.

"You know, I think he really does like you. He's Dal! He doesn't like admitting anything like that! When I told him you were defending him, he was hiding something! I know it! And not to be cocky or nothing, but I'm usually right about everything! Just look, I knew Dallas knew where they were. Don't worry, I'm sure he likes you. No- I'm sure he loves you." He charmed me with his boyish cute smile and I smiled back.

"Thanks, Soda. I hope you're right." Soda was looking a little glum, and when he saw me observing it, he changed his facial expression. Something was bugging him. I had a way of sensing these things, deep within me. I waited until we met eye to eye, then made him tell me.

"Sodapop, what's wrong?" I asked, poking him. He shook his head. "Nothing." I poked him again. "Soda, what's wrong?" He got a little irritated. "Nothing!" I did that same motion and question about seven more times.

"Fine! It's Sandy!" he finally blurted out. Armed and locked, Sodapop cracked. But oh no, Sandy. The love of Soda's life. I remember at that moment, hoping so hard he can get passed whatever was bothering him. "I haven't told Darry or Ponyboy or anybody yet, but Steve, so you better swear on….Dallas….that you won't tell a soul, Bishop!"

I nodded, and held up my right hand. "I wear on….Dallas….that I won't tell a soul." Soda narrowed his eyes at me, since I mimicked his tone, then continued. "Sandy moved away to Florida, and she's…she's pregnant! It ain't even my child! She's gonna live with her Grandma. She told me her parents don't want some no-future kid marrying her. And she never disagreed with them. She never truly loved me, I guess that's why she cheated on me." He started to cry. I patted his back. "Don't cry, Soda. She's trash. She ain't good enough for you."

He leaned in, and I sat there hugging him. Poor Sodapop. I didn't know that Sandy girl, but if she ever came around here, I would pound her. Nobody messes with my gang. My gang. Steve came through the door, and went to the 'fridge, without saying 'hi' or 'hey' to anybody. Soda went to bed, and Steve came over to the couch with some beer.

"So, uh...Sandy's gone?" I whispered to him, being careful not to be too flamboyant. Steve nodded. "Soda told me at work the other day. The poor man's crushed. Never seen him act so bizarre in my life, and I've known him since grade school." I sighed. Poor Soda. It isn't fair that this would happen to good people.

Steve was obviously uncomfortable, so he changed the subject. "Soda also told me that he thinks you like Dally." Damn, these boys spread word fast. I giggled. Steve looked at me closer, smiling.

"Soda was right, we had this discussion before you came home. Maybe, I like Dally a little bit." He didn't know I was lying. I do like Dally, and I like him a lot.

Steve went crazy. "Rowan and Dally sitting in a tree! C'mon, get together! You guys would be such a power couple! Two badasses!" I sniggered. "We would, wouldn't we? Dally way more, of course. I'm working on him, you'll see." I acted all tough now, but in reality, I was petrified to talk about this to Dally. A kicked puppy doesn't approach a person openly. Now that's two people who know, Steve less than Soda. Steve knew I liked him. Soda knew that I was in love. In love with Dallas Winston.

Dally's POV

Man, this hospital bites. Sucky food. Sucky service. Sucky clothes. I ripped off that stupid gown the nurse gave me, and threw it in the trash. Dallas Winston ain't wearing no gown, I thought.

It was late at night, and I couldn't find any sleep, so I let my mind wander. Maybe I was gonna rob a grocery store, or tease some kids when I got out. You know me, man. Anything illegal. I hoped Johnny was alright. He's a tough little chap, he'd be okay. Or so I hoped…My mind roamed off and I thought of Rowan. Man, I missed her. Her dark, curly hair with lighter ends, caramel skin and dark brown eyes. That smile. The fun we had together, like her teaching me how to drive the funny way. Her kicking that Soc in the balls. I laughed at that thought. Her taking those pictures of me, and then not showing anybody. Her staying in Buck's bed with me when felt all alone. Her talking to me when she didn't even know me, because I had no visitors. Rowan, it was Rowan. My best friend, and the girl, who I, love.

I can't believe I am saying this, I love a girl. More than Sylvia. More than that Cherry girl. I don't love people like that it isn't me, but I can't help it. Nobody can help what they are feeling, man. Emotions can't be controlled. I'll see her tomorrow, when she visits me. If Two-Bit got it through his thick skull that I needed to see her. I was gonna ask her to fight besides me at the rumble. I need her. I layed my head down, and closed my eyes, thinking of how I was going to tell Rowan that I love her, even if I don't wanna love. Even if I don't need anybody, I want her.