I don't own the Outsiders.
Yes I know Pony is out of character. He'll be better in the next few chapters and all will be explained.
So my beta hasn't got back to me with the edited chapter but I have to go away for a week so I'm just going to put it up. Then I'll post the edited on when I get it.
The next morning when I woke up I couldn't help but feel a little relived. We had passed the social workers first visit. Now all we had to do was make an appearance in the courthouse so the judge could make his final decision and pass guardianship to Darry. So I guess that's one hurdle jumped and another one to go. I didn't really have anything planned for today. Darry and Soda were at work and wouldn't be home till after dark and Pony was at school. Soda had mentioned that Two-Bit might pop around and wanted to make sure I was all right with it. Saying that he'd tell Two-Bit to wait till they got home to come over. Even though I wasn't over excited at the idea of being alone with a boy I said I was. I might be family and living with them but I didn't have the right to try and change things, not that I wanted to. I just wanted to blend into their lives and not cause any ruckus.
Last night I had gone to bed with a promise in my head. I promised myself I would try to be normal. Try to talk more. I knew it was something I had to over come. I could see the way Darry and Soda and even Two-Bit at times would glance at me and then each other when I would reply non-verbally. I knew they were worried I wouldn't fit in or something bad would happen to me. I didn't want to cause them any more stress. They finally got a break with money thanks to my grandmother. Though the thought made me sad. It seemed the only way my grandmother could help them was with her death. I didn't want to add another worry to their lives. I knew they didn't like what Dally had to say and they weren't glad that he said it to me the way he did. But I know in the back of their minds that its there and they never forget it. I have to adapt even though I'd rather not. They are my family now and families help one another and I was going to help them by not adding anymore worries to there already burdened shoulders.
I got dressed and showered and before leaving the bath room I just stood and looked at myself once again in the mirror. I didn't understand Two-Bit's comment last night, "You look hot." He was probably just saying that to make me think of anything else but the visit with the social worker. I'd heard of Two-Bit's reputation with the ladies. Well sort of, I had heard Soda mention it a time or too. Not that I wanted to be hot for Two-Bit I didn't want to be hot for anyone. Except maybe Dally. Oh I didn't just think that. I glanced up into the mirror and I saw myself blushing. The other night he seemed really concerned for me. Or maybe he was just warning me so I didn't cause the Curtis any more trouble. I think I need my head checked. I don't even know what hotness looks like but I can tell that I'm not it. I can't wait for Soda to get home I really need to talk to someone. I knew this was a bad idea. I knew deep down that I wasn't meant for the world. I'm barely around people for a full week and already I think the most dangerous JD is well I'm not sure. But whatever it is, its only gonna hurt me in the end.
The rest of the day I just kinda wondered around the house Two-bit stopped over and ate some cake then left and then came back again. I didn't really know what to do. I was at a loss. When I was home with my grandmother we'd be doing school at this time of the day, but I don't start school for another month. I kept thinking about Dally. I knew no good would come from me having thoughts about him. Two-Bit came around again and I needed to get out of the house. Which was crazy. I never wanted to leave my old house. I was always content. I could tell I had already started to change. I'm not sure I like this change.
"Hey doll you hear?" I heard Two-bit say as he came threw the door.
"Yes, I am in the Kitchen." I said and he walked in.
"What's doing?" He asked plopping himself at the table.
"Can we go to the store?" I asked and could tell that I threw him off by asking him to leave the house.
"Yea we can, watcha need?" he asked
"I wanted to get some fabric. I was thinking of making some new curtains." I said looking at the old ones.
"Yea sure kid whatever you want. You got money cause I never really picture you the stealing type…" He trailed off as he saw my expression.
"I would never ever do something like that." I told him feeling tears prickle at the corners of my eyes. I hadn't even fully adapted and already people were thinking I was a thief. I missed my grandma. Why'd she have to leave? I didn't like this at all.
"Calm down Rachel it's alright I was just playing." Tow-Bit said concerned. Which was new for me cause you don't see him serious very often.
"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to over react. I'm just not used to it." I said feeling my face heat, which was a sure sign I was blushing.
Two-Bit just laughed it off. Thank God.
"It's cool sometimes I forget but soon you won't be able to tell your anything different." Two-Bit said. Standing up.
"You ready?" He asked I nodded yes, I thought I saw his eyes widen a bit at my lack of verbal response as I went to get my jacket.
On the walk to the store I was silent cursing my self. Not actually using those words, of course. I knew Two-Bit had meant to reassure me with his "soon you won't be able to tell your anything different" comment. But inside that had scared me. I didn't want to be anyone else. I had always been happy for me. I knew that if I changed it would relieve everyone. But I couldn't help but wonder would anyone other than me miss the old me?
By the time we were on our way back from the store I was exhausted mentally mostly. The whole trip I had been arguing with myself. Trying to calm my fears. It wouldn't do anyone any good if I had a panic attack. As we were walking back I say a group of guys that we would have to pass by. As we got closer I realized that Dally was with them. Only they weren't all guys. There was a girl with him and they looked to be attached at the face. Only I knew that wasn't right because I'd met Dally and he was fine. This must be what kissing was. Though I didn't understand how they were breathing. Their hands were moving all over each other. I felt as though someone had just knocked the wind out of me. I must have stopped and stood still because all of the sudden Two-Bit was walking towards me.
"Hey, Rachel, look at me are you all right?" He asked but I didn't look at him my gaze was focused on Dally and what had to be a hot girl. I could feel tears start to prickle in my eyes for the second time that day. I wasn't ready for this. I knew I felt something more for Dally and in a way I accepted that nothing would happen but I didn't need to see it. Finally I nodded yes and we began to walk again.
"Hey don't worry about them. We'll just cruise by them. If they stop us look at anything but them. Okay?" He asked
I nodded yes once again. I didn't have the energy or will to reply out loud.
Then we continued on. We were almost past them when they noticed us.
"Hey Two-Bit" One voice said
"Who's the broad" another said
"What's doing?" Another voice said
I began fidgeting. I wasn't used to men. Especially not this many. I kept my gaze locked on my mary-jane's. When I felt someone watching me I glanced up to find some of the guys looking at me. Quickly I glanced back down not wanting them to see my blush. While Two-Bit and the others talked I kept trying to steal glances at Dally but He was still locked with the girl. Suddenly an arm snaked around my waist and pulled me into it. I glanced into a pair of eyes. There was some emotion there on the surface. I couldn't understand what it was but I knew it was different from the look Dally had given me. It was so different it made me shiver with fear. I wanted to panic but I held myself still. Remembering Dally's word about being careful.
"Hey doll how's about me and you go up and get aqantied? What'd say?" He said his breath nasty with some foul odor I'd never smelt. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to go anywhere but home to the Curtis's.
"Let her go, shepherd." Two-Bit's voice came out clear and dangerous.
"Why we was just having some fun. Right doll" he said into my ear. Rubbing his hand up and down my side. I could feel the tears start filling my eyes my gaze was becoming glassy. I just had to breathe deep to keep from screaming, or fighting. I had to stay calm. I looked up and my gaze met Dally's. He was frozen in motion watching how it all played out. I could hear Two-Bit trying to talk to them but it didn't seem to be working. In fact the guys grip seemed to tighten if anything. I looked up to Dally again. Pleading silently with my eyes praying he'd understand. I felt a tear roll down my check. I could see Dally tensed as though debating with himself.
"Let her go." Dally's voice was clear and deadly he bushed the girl away from him and stepped up to me and the guy who was holding me. Everyone tensed. It was like a challenge to see who'd back down first. But with the look in Dally's eyes I didn't think it would be him. For the first time since I'd met him I wasn't silently cursing his name. I was praising him.
"You really wanna go there over a broad Dally?" Said the boy holding me.
"I think the question is do you really wanna fight me over this girl?" dally said he looked ready to pounce.
I held my breath. It seemed as though the world had stopped and everyone had forgotten how to breathe.
"Na, Dally I don't. I was just messing around." The guy said and released me pushed me roughly into Dally. Dally's steel grip caught me and held me away from him. He didn't look at me. I could hear the sounds of there footsteps fading away. Then only when no sound but Two-Bit, Dally and my breathing could be heard did he release his steel grip. I collapsed into him. A sob broke lose. I had tried so hard to be strong. My mind felt like it was on overload. I was so grateful to Dally. I felt him gently wrap an arm around my back to keep me from collapsing into mush on the ground. I clung to him. Feeling safe, for the first time since my grandmother had passed. I didn't ever want to let go. I faintly heard Two-Bit ask if I was okay I tried to answer but it came out a sob. I tried to nod my head but I began to shake, badly.
"Let's get her home." Dally said for the first time since the others had left. We began to walk back towards the Curtis's. I was still clinging tightly to Dally. I could feel that his body was still tense and ready, and probably uncomfortable, but I didn't care. I didn't care about anything as the sobs continued to shake my body. Half way threw the walk home my legs gave out. I had finally quieted down, my body only giving a shake or two now or than. When my legs gave out I would have been glad to just sit there and die. But Dally lifted me into his arms and we began walking again. When my senses began to return to me I realized that Two-Bit had been oddly silent during the trip. I hope he isn't mad at me. Some where along the was I must have nodded of. Because the next thing I remember was waking up to Darry's raised voice and flinching at the sound. I opened my eyes and realized I was in my bed with a leather jacket covering me. I was happy knowing that it must have been Dally's. I felt this warm sensation start to fill me until the events of today came back to me. I started to sniffle and my sniffles turned into great heaving sobs. Which seemed to attract the attention of the other room. Suddenly my lights were turned on and soda was at my side. Darry leaning over him. Steve and two-bit behind them and Dally stood alone in the corner.
"Hey baby" Soda said and gently moved his hand towards my forehead. With out meaning to I flinched. Soda sat back in shock. I wanted to apologize but I couldn't find the strength.
"Its okay Rachel. I understand. You're safe here. No ones gonna hurt you." Soda said comfortingly. I gave a small smile, but it didn't reach my eyes.
"Two-bit and Dally explained what happened. We're so glad your safe kiddo." Darry said.
"Why don't you get some sleep." Soda said and Darry began to usher everyone out of the room. Dally was the last to go. He gave me one long look and then turned to leave. I wanted to find out what that look meant but all I wanted to do know was sleep.
"Do you want me to stay with you a little while?" Soda asked
I nodded yes but couldn't speak. I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I hadn't said a word today and I had gotten into trouble. I was so confused. My feelings were a mess. I just wanted to drift into dreamland. Soda smiled at me the scooted me over and laid beside me. There was nothing other than comfort going one. Though I was a little uncomfortable, not because of soda but because the thought of any touch made me think of the guy and the way he held me. I closed my eyes tightly and felt the tears run down my cheeks. I heard Soda sigh of saddens and him pull me into a hug, I kept my eyes closed and drift off comforted by the warm of soda and the security I felt by having Dally's Jacket around me.