Disclaimer: I don't own The Outsiders

Chapter 3: Handle the Randle

I came home for supper, but I took it and went to my room, not talking to anyone for the rest of the night.

In the morning when I went into the kitchen, Darry was making a sandwich for me like he always was.

"Good mornin'."

I nodded. "Mornin'."

Darry finished up, putting the bread together and holding out the sandwich for me. "Here."

I reached out for it, but Darry pulled it back. "What?"

Darry sighed. "We're still not done talking about what happened yesterday."

"I think we are." I grabbed the sandwich from his hand.

"Why won't you talk to me, Jill?"

"You're not dad, Darry. You're my brother! I don't have to tell you anything." I regretted saying it as soon as I said it. I was just so tired of everyone talking about it.

I could tell Darry was hurt, but he covered it up well. "I'm your brother and your legal guardian. What I say, goes."

I loved Darry and I was proud to call him my brother. We had our issues since our parents died, since Johnny died, since everything, and Pony started to like Darry less and less, but I admired him. Darry was so young and he had to become a grown up too soon. Darry should've been going out with friends, going to parties, and having the young-adult experience. Instead he was working until he could barely keep his eyes open, only to come home and make sure we had something to eat, and Pony and I had our homework done. Because of that, I loved Darry even more.

So I leaned against the wall. "I'll tell you whatever you want, if you don't yell at me."

Darry looked surprised, but just went on to asking. "Was that the first time?"

"Yesterday?"

"Yes."

"No."

Darry nodded stiffly. "And why didn't you tell me?

"Because I didn't think it was a big deal."

"Jill -"

"You can't yell at me," I stated as I knew he was getting angry.

Darry put his pointed finger down. "I know. I just don't understand what was going through your brain."

"Next question, Darry."

"Are you still with him?"

"No."

Darry looked happier for the first time this morning. "Good."

I pushed myself off the wall. "You seem pretty calm about this."

Darry shook his head. "I'm not."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. "Thank you for pretending to be."

Darry rubbed my back. "You're welcome."

I felt like we were having a moment. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Darry pushed my away lightly and patted my shoulder. "Now, get out. You've got school."

I was just about to walk out before Soda walked in the kitchen in a hurry, buttoning his DX shirt. "Mornin'."

I reached for his arm. "Soda, I -"

Soda stopped buttoning his shirt and held my face, kissing my forehead. "I'm over it and I'm sorry, too."

I raised my eyebrows. "Really?" My eyes narrowed quickly. "What'd you do?"

"Nothing," Soda said innocently and he turned to Darry. "Yet."

"Soda!"

Soda smiled at me. "Don't you have school to get to?"

I shook my head, not being able to fight the smile as I walked out of the kitchen and ran down to Pony's room. "Pony!"

"Yeah, I'm coming." Pony opened the door.

"How you feelin'?"

Pony shrugged. "Okay, I guess."

"Good, because we're running laps in gym today." I started to walk down the hallway as Pony groaned behind me.

"Yeah, Curtis, that's what I'm talkin' about!"

I smiled brightly as Stacy ran over to me, flushed and breathing heavily. "How did you do that?"

I pointed to the net and laughed. "I kicked the ball into the net."

"That sounds so hard," Stacy whined.

I laughed again, knowing that Stacy would've much rather enjoyed painting her nails. "Cool it, Stace. Just pass to me."

Stacy gave me a look. "I'm not touching that thing."

"The soccer ball?"

"Yes, that thing!"

I patted her shoulder. "Then just look pretty."

Stacy smiled. "Will do."

"Curtis, Kalen! Let's go!"

"Uh, Mrs. Janner?" Stacy yelled to our teacher. "Can I take a bathroom break?"

"Fine!"

I shook my head at Stacy's ability to charm herself out of any situation.

As I got into the car, I didn't notice Soda's right away, but I had noticed eventually. "Good god." I reached out and touched the cut on his lips, avoiding the bruises. I pulled away and gave him an incredulous look. "Soda!"

"What?" Soda tried the innocent act.

"When did you even find the time to beat up Peter?"

Soda smiled and looked over his shoulder to Pony, who was smiling, too. "I took a long lunch break."

I shook my head and crossed my arms, leaning against the seat. "You're horrible."

Pony laughed. "Oh, c'mon, Jill. Loosen up, huh?"

"Yeah, c'mon, Jilly!" Soda agreed. "Loosen up! Maybe we can do it as a family next time."

I barely held in a laugh, but couldn't fight back a smile. "You're both dumb." I looked at Pony. "Yes, you, too."

Pony smiled at me. "You love us."

I sighed and turned back around, smiling. "Unfortunately."

I was so glad I hadn't had any homework because all I felt like I wanted to do was watch TV.

When we got home, Pony went to his room and Soda went to the kitchen. It was his turn to make supper. I turned on the TV and went over to the couch, falling down onto it.

It was only matter of time before Two-bit and Steve came over. Steve was first, marching in through the front door and to the kitchen, not a word spoken. He came out of the kitchen with a beer as he pulled my legs up and sat down, putting them back down on his lap once he was situated.

I raised my eyebrows. "What's your deal?"

"None of your business," Steve said, taking a large gulp of his beer.

I shook my head. "Seriously, Steve. What's goin' on?"

Steve glanced at me. "Seriously, it's none of your business."

I went back to watching the TV. Steve would vent to Soda later and then he wouldn't be so grumpy.

Before I could even focus on the TV, Two-bit came bouncing in, doing the same as Steve, except his hand that didn't have a beer in it, had a slice of chocolate cake.

"Hey, Jilly," he greeted me before he sat down in front of the TV.

"Hey, Two."

"Hello, Steve." Two-bit smiled at Steve. Steve just growled, making Two-bit raise his eyebrows. "Sorry, grumpy."

I laughed as Steve rolled his eyes.

That was how I spent my day until dinner.

"How was school today?" Darry asked over the clinking of forks on our plates.

I shrugged. "Alright."

Pony did the same. "It was okay."

Darry nodded. "Are you workin' on getting that biology mark up, Jill?"

I bit my lip as Steve snickered beside me. "Sort of."

"What does that mean?" Darry gave his adult-look.

"I'm trying, Dar."

"Try harder."

I sighed, twirling spaghetti on my fork. "Got it."

"You, too, Pony. Your homework had been piling up."

Pony avoided Darry's eyes. "I know."

"Work on it."

Pony nodded. "Alright, Darry."

Soda, mouth full of food, decided to speak up. "Steve and I had a good day at work."

I smiled at my plate. "I'm sure you did."

Steve laughed. "Yeah, it was good."

"What was so good about it?" Darry asked.

All the boys smiled mischievously as Steve answered for Soda. "We kicked Peter's ass."

"Sodapop Curtis." Darry turned to Soda. He had a scolding tone, but the corners of his lips were turned up.

"Sorry, Dare." Soda shrugged and I knew they were fist-bumping underneath the table.

I shook my head. "You're all crazy."

I didn't have any homework the next night either, so Stacy suggested we go to the drive-in, and I agreed.

Standing in line for popcorn grew increasingly boring until Stacy spotted a group of guys, clearing taking an interest in her.

"Look." Stacy elbowed me and point non-discreetly.

I chuckled. "Put your hand down, Stace. Unless you want them to come over here, you should put your hand down."

Stacy shrugged. "Maybe I'll just go over there."

"Stacy!" I whisper-yelled as she smiled mischievously. "If you ditch me for Calvin Mars, I'll never forgive you."

Stacy hit my shoulder. "I'll be back before you know it." She skipped off and I could hear her greet Calvin Mars and his buddies in a cheery, girly tone.

"What're you doin' here?"

I gasped lightly, as the voice was so close to my ear. I elbowed Steve back to give me some distance. "What're you doin' here?"

"I wanna see a movie."

I smirked. "Alone?"

Steve smirked, too. "No. With that fox over -" He turned and pointed to a spot where no one was.

My smirk widened. "Oh, yeah?"

Steve's smirk dropped and he tried to hide his embarrassment. "Well, you're alone, too."

"No, I'm with Stacy."

Steve looked around dramatically. "And where would she be?"

I turned to where Stacy should've been and wasn't. "Damn it." I turned to Steve. "Looks like you're takin' me instead."

Steve groaned. "Do I have to pay?"

I smiled. "Of course."

He walked past me, pulling out a couple bucks from his pocket. "You owe me."

After we sat down and started watching the movie, I realized the movie wasn't nearly as interesting as I would've liked it to be.

"This movie sucks," Steve spoke my thoughts out loud.

I shrugged, trying to shine some light. "It's not that bad."

Steve turned his head and gave me a look, though his face contorted to a scowl as he looked over my shoulder. "Scuzz at ten o'clock."

I looked over my shoulder and almost caught the eye of Peter. Thankfully, I turned away at the last second. I groaned as I looked at Steve. "What is he doing?"

Steve didn't try to be sneaky about spying on Peter. "He's pointin' and laughin'."

"Is he coming over here?"

"No."

I sighed. "Good."

"Oh -" Steve started, eyebrows raising.

"What?" I said, alarmed.

"He looks like he wants a word with you."

I tapped my foot nervously. "Do something."

"Me?" Steve scoffed. "I thought you weren't a kid, and could deal with it yourself."

I rolled my eyes. "I change my mind."

"He's walki -"

"Steve, do something," I said quickly.

I could hear the annoyed tone in his voice when he said, "What do you want me to do?"

"I don't know, something," I said. "Something to make him go away."

Steve took me by complete surprise when he grabbed the back of my head and pulled my face to his, placing his lips on mine.

My first instinct was to push him away, but I didn't. Instead, I moved my lips against his. I couldn't help but think about how soft his lips were or how much more I liked kissing Steve than any other boy I had kissed.

It was strange to me, but I kind of liked it.

I just about ran my fingers through his dark, greasy hair before he pulled away.

My brain was restored as I realized what had happened. "Steve!" I moved my hand up to wipe my mouth, but Steve caught it and held it.

"Wait," he said, not paying attention to me, but looking over my shoulder. His lips turned up into a smirk and he rubbed my hand in his. "He didn't like that."

I almost smiled, if not for the strange position. "Is he gone?"

Steve let go and repositioned himself in his seat, facing the screen again. "He's not gone, but I don't think he'll be coming over here."

"Good," I said, sitting back into a comfortable position in my seat. "Thanks."

"Anytime."

Steve seemed totally neutral, but I felt awkward.

I had just kissed my brother's best friend. My own friend. I didn't know how to feel.

The best I could do was joke around. "Are we gettin' married now?"

Steve scoffed. "You couldn't handle the Randle."

My eyes widened. "That was the worst line that I've ever heard."

Steve turned to me, looking offended. "What're you talkin' about? That was good."

I ate some of my popcorn, smirking. "How long did you work on that one, huh?"

"Just watch the movie, Jill."

When Steve pulled up to my house, I sat quietly for a moment until I got tired of the silence. "Thanks, Steve."

"Yeah, sure." Steve barely smiled, then gestured to my house. "Now get the hell out."

I laughed, opening the door and getting out. "See you."

"Don't forget to pay me back!"

I shut the door, running to my house. "I can't hear you!" I ran inside and closed the door behind me, still laughing.

"What's so funny?"

I gasped lightly, unaware of Soda's presence. I sat up from the door and took off his jacket. "Nothin'." I hung up my jacket and took off my shoes.

"How was the movie?"

I shrugged. "It was alright."

"Stacy's not stayin' over?"

Stacy. I had forgotten about her, as I'm sure she did about me.

I shook my head. "No, she's got a...thing."

Soda narrowed his eyes at me. "Hey, you alright?"

I nodded, smiling and walking toward the hallway. "Just peachy." I huddled down the hallway before I got into my room.

I sighed deeply as I fell onto my bed, rethinking everything that had happened that night.

Things got weird on my end.

Steve was acting like nothing ever happened, but I couldn't. It wasn't one of those things I could've just forgotten about.

"Jill?"

I snapped out of my thoughts as Soda called my name from the living room. "Yeah?"

"You're awfully quiet in there!"

I was completely still, chopping up some food for supper. I then proceeded to make supper. "I just...had a...moment."

"Alright."

I heard someone stand up and I prayed that it wasn't Steve. A second later, Pony came into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. "Hey."

"Hey," I said, trying not to notice him so obviously studying me.

"What's goin' on in here?"

"Nothin'," I answered quickly. I looked up to Pony, who was giving me that look, calling bullshit. "What?"

"I'm serious, Jill," Pony said, standing straight. "You've been actin' weird since yesterday."

I shrugged. "I don't know what you're talkin' about."

"Jill."

I sighed and stopped making supper. I turned to Pony and pointed into the living room, mouthing, "It's Steve."

"What?" Pony whispered.

I tried again, mouthing, "It's Steve."

Pony's brows furrowed and he shook his head. "What?"

I pointed into the living room, mouthing again. "Steve!"

Pony still looked confused. "Steve?"

I nodded frantically. "He kissed me." Pony shook his head, not understanding and I groaned, figuring out that Pony was the worst at reading lips. "He kissed me."

"He killed you?"

I shook my. "Kissed me, like -" I turned around and wrapped my arms around myself, tilting my head side to side and rubbing my back with my hands. From Pony's view, it would've looked like I was kissing someone.

When I turned around, Pony looked disgusted. "He kissed you?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

Pony's body lurched forward, like he was going to throw up. He covered his mouth with both hands.

I shook my head, whispering, "Don't be so dramatic."

Pony stood straight, taking his hands off his mouth. "Steve?" Pony whispered and pointed into the living room. "That Steve? Steve Randle?"

I nodded. "Yes, that Steve."

Pony covered is mouth again, but not before shouting, "Soda!"

I tackled him quickly. "Don't say a word!"

Pony and I wrestled around until Soda came in and broke it up. "Hey, hey. What's goin' on?"

"Jill -"

I hit Pony's head harshly. "Pony's just being dumb."

"What the hell is goin' on in here?" Steve asked, walking into the kitchen, past all of us and to the fridge.

I saw Pony narrow his eyes and start forward, but I grabbed his arm and yanked him around the corner. "I can't do supper! We have homework, bye!"

"Oh, okay," Soda called after us. "Finish it soon. We can all play go-fish!"

"Sure, Soda!" I said back, slipping inside of Pony's room because it was closer than mine, and shutting the door behind Pony and I. "Good god, Pony."

"Wha - how do you - and why would you -" Pony shook his head, pacing.

I sighed and shrugged. "It was just a thing that happened."

"How?" Pony stressed. "Why?"

"We were at the movies -"

"Together?"

I shook my head. "I went with Stacy, but we were both ditched, so we just saw a movie together. We saw Peter -" Pony grumbled as I continued. "And he was coming toward us and I told Steve to do something to make Peter go away and he...kissed me."

Pony stopped pacing and gave me a worried look. "Did you kiss him back?"

"I mean, for show, yeah."

"For show?"

I hesitated. "Yeah."

Pony gave me a look, like he could tell I wasn't a hundred percent. "Did you like it?"

I shrugged. "I -" Then I shook my head. "Ew, Pony!"

"What?"

"I'm not talking about this with you!"

Pony shrugged. "I can tell when you're lying."

I put my hands on my hips. "Then why did you ask?"

Pony shook his head. "I don't know. I just miss it when you told me everything." Pony paused, before mimicking my pose, and turning red, and dropping his voice. "Like when you kiss Steve Randle!"

I dropped my hands and walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Pony. But it only happened yesterday, and you're the first to know."

Pony sighed, sitting down on his bed. "What're you gonna tell Soda?"

"Nothing," I exasperated, lying down next to him. "Absolutely nothing. And neither are you."

"Fine," Pony agreed reluctantly, then turned to face me. "Are you guys..."

"No, no."

Pony nodded. "All I can really say is that I hope you never have to go through that again, Jill."

I laughed. "Thanks, Pony."

"Anytime."

Steve stuck around for supper, and I avoided eye contact completely. Then during a competitive game of go-fish, I also avoided eye contact.

"Go-fish." Soda smiled widely. "Uh...Pony, do you have any two's?"

Pony groaned and threw the card across the coffee table sourly. "Yeah."

Soda took it and turned to Steve. "Steve, do you have any five's?"

Steve smirked. "Go-fish." He looked up at me and for the first time of the night, I looked into his eyes. "Jill. Do you have any three's?"

I looked down at my cards, seeing a three. I hated losing and it wasn't an option. "Go-fish."

"Bullshit, Jill, I saw your cards."

I gasped. "I told you to not look at them!"

Steve shrugged. "You went to the bathroom and I took the opportunity."

I grumbled, throwing the card at him. "You're a cheater."

Steve fake-pouted. "Too bad, so sad."

I kicked him underneath the table and he feigned hurt.

"Ow!" He kicked me back.

"Ow!"

"Will you two cut it out?" Soda laughed. "Let's get back to the game."

"Yeah, Steve."

"Yeah, Jill," Steve mocked in a girly tone.

I looked back to my cards, thinking over what just happened.

Just like normal.

I looked down more to hide my smile.