A half an hour later we strolled up the front porch steps of the address that had been scrolled on my arm from Cynthia, and pushed open the white painted wooden door; figuring no one would hear us over the loud music if we knocked. My eyes widened slightly at the amount of people - small gathering my ass - the front room, or as some may call it the lounge area, was somewhat overcrowded - whether it be drinking, dancing, talking, and even kissing.

I followed behind Curly as we pushed and shoved through people, most of the kids happened to be around our age somewhere between the fourteen to seventeen range. It felt a little surreal walking into some unknown strangers home, not knowing the names or faces to anyone as I passed them by. I hadn't seen any sign of Cynthia or Nancy yet, or even Annette. If I was truthful with myself I was more than a little relieved that Curly had indeed invited himself, walking in on my lonesome I'd admit would have felt somewhat awkward.

The red bricked home wasn't overly large, like the double story homes the Soc's owned, but wasn't small either. If anything it was just a regular sized home. We passed through the adjoining door from the living room into the kitchen with me a couple of steps behind Curly. It wasn't as overcrowded in here as the front room, but I wouldn't say it was close to being empty either... just not overcrowded. The kitchen was a reasonable size, with a long laminated blench top running in a L shape, finished with teak wooden cupboards. The ray of food that adorned the blench top was nothing to write home about; on the end sat a couple of pizza boxes - whether they still had pizza in them I wasn't sure, but either way, even if there was left over pizza in those boxes it'd be stone cold by now - my guess is the early arrivers ordered them. Joining them sat three different sized bowls with some favour of chips, if the unopened bags of Lay's classic and Doritos tossed on the other end of the bench was anything to go by. In the centre of the room separate from the bench top sat a six seater wooden family table, with a rouge floral table runner down the centre, a top that sat a large clear bowl filled with punch with a plastic scoop spoon, beside that was an open packet of fifty Dixie cups - minus the cups used... but I'm without a doubt this party was more about the booze and good times. Now if only I could find Annette, maybe I could have some good times too...

Sure, like I said before I ain't really into the whole girl thing yet, and much of my experiences with girls has been through Sodapop, but Annette was nice enough at the restaurant not to mention pretty cute... and it's not like I'm asking to go the whole way or anything at all to that extent... a slow dance could be nice, hell maybe even a kiss?

"Here, catch Curtis." Curly drove me outta my thoughts, tossing a beer to me. I was silently thankful for my quick reaction and him being an 'almost' straight shooter, or we would have had a slight mess on our hands - before the drinking even began. Not sure I can say the same after the drinking begins...

I popped the cap on the bottle, taking a heavy drink, and watching from my right as Curly almost mimicked me. I glanced around the kitchen - a couple by the cabinetry looked to be playing tonsil hockey, the girl was pressed up against the pantry door with the guy leaning forwards, one of his arms steadying himself with his open palm pressing against the door above her head, as his other arm wrapped around her waist. Over by the glass sliding door a heated conversation between three guys hadn't let up since walking in here, and everyone else just seemed to be either making small talk, or grabbing a beer from the overly large cooler that had been stocked full then dumped with ice cubes which were on their way to melting, making a small pool of water around the ice cold beer bottles.

We both strolled casually out through to the lounge again, the record player by the far wall pumping The Everly Brothers 'Bye Bye Love' out through the speakers taking over any conversation in the room. I leaned back against the wall behind me, pressing the heel of my right sneaker behind me on the wall.

"Hey, baby!" Curly called to a good lookin' girl, her flowing ruby locks bounced just below her shoulders as she walked past us for the kitchen, she stopped just before reaching the doorframe and turned her direction towards Curly.

"Hey," she smiled, her red lipstick almost matching the redness of her hair. She flipped the lightly curled loose strands just behind her shoulders, with her free hand as her other hand held an empty punch cup. Without another word she turned and continued towards the kitchen, but returning seconds later with not one filled cup, but two.

"Sorry 'bout that, my friend thinks she's gonna keel over if I don't bring her another glass of punch," she laughed gently, coming over to us. "By the way, I'm Robin." she offered a bright smile, looking between us.

"I'm Ponyboy." I offered, almost the same time as Curly spoke.

"Curly," he gave a somewhat half grin. "What d'ya say doll-face, we blow this joint an' get somewhere a lil' more private?"

"Why don't you boys come over an' join us?" she offered instead, "and I better get this drink to Cynthia, she'll probably think I got lost on the way, or something." she laughed softly. I glanced at Curly, knowing exactly whom the name belonged to, and wondered briefly if everyone here knew everyone, and was it just us that didn't?

"Sure why not?" I answered, still looking at Curly.

He gave a brief nod, "Lead the way, angel."

We only made it a quarter the way across the room before Cynthia came towards us from the other direction. "Robin, did you get me-" she stopped short as her blue eyes landed on me, "Hey Ponyboy, you made it." She was still in the same outfit as she had been earlier on; an unbelievably short mini dress in a bright aqua, with a belt in the matching fabric, tied around her waist with the long ends almost touching the hem of the dress, complete with white strappy heels. I watched as her eyes flicked across to Curly, with a slight curious look as to who his is.

I could feel a slight blush creeping up. "Yeah, hey Cynthia. That's my buddy, Curly." I let my eyes fall from her across to Curly, whom was studying her with a raised brow and somewhat seductive smirk.

"Hey doll, how ya know this ugly mug?" Curly asked, jerking his thumb towards me.

She laughed lightly, "I've seen him 'round," she answered, with a wink to me. Well I suppose it was the truth, even though we'd only just meet not even a couple hours back; but even so, I went with her answer. Curly can just think we've know each other, for however long he wants to think.

"Sure, honey." Curly answered, finishing off his beer, "I'm gonna go grab another beer, you want one Curtis?"

"Sure."

Robin passed Cynthia her punch, as Curly left for the kitchen. We waited for Curly to return with two bottles of Budweiser's, he handed one to me as I skulled the rest of my first one. Then made our way over to the rest of their friends. On an expensive looking beige, three seater, suede lounge sat four teens, maybe between fifteen - sixteen, and perched on the low suede arm was Annette, her waist length silky brunette locks curled loosely on the ends, hanging carefully over one shoulder. I let my eyes travel upwards from her white go-go boots to her purple with blue, yellow and pink floral, high neck, mini dress. She noticed my stare, giving me a soft smile.

"Hey," she said, her emerald eyes looking at me, as her long lashes blinked softly.

"Hey," I repeated back, unsure of what else to say. I could feel a slight blush returning to my cheeks, and took a quick swig on my beer hoping it'll relax me a little. Standing beside Annette was Nancy in almost the same dress attire as the other girls, except her dress was a hot pink, polka dot bustier with an above the knee full skirt.

I watched as Annette leaned closer to Nancy, and whispered something to her. Nancy nodded and giggled with her eyes falling on me. I nervously chewed my bottom lip, before swigging my beer again. It was giving me a real good buzz, and helping calm my nerves around these girls. I'm sure without the alcohol content in my bloodstream, I don't think I'd even find the courage to say boo to them.

Suddenly Nancy left her spot coming round the front of the couch standing in front of one of the boys that were seated, she held out her hand.

"C'mon Ronnie, come dance with me. I love this song." She said, referring to Roy Orbison's 'Oh Pretty Woman' playing over the speakers.

He glanced around at his mates beside him, "Oh, I don't know, Nanc."

"C'mon, Ronnie. Please." He finally gave in taking her hand, and guiding her towards the other dancers in the middle of the family room. I noticed Annette stand up from her position on the lounge arm, advancing towards me.

"Do you wanna dance?"

I knew I wasn't much in the way of a dancer, if anything I had two left feet. But she wasn't asking me for the Rumba or anything to that extent. Looking at most of the other kids dancing, most of them were just swaying lightly to the music with their arms around each other, and talking or singing along to the song.

"Sure," I said, taking her hand and leading her not to far from where Nancy and Ronnie had their arms around one another, swaying side to side. I placed my arms around her waist as she did mine, and virtually mimicked everyone else.

"So, why didn't you call me?" she asked, as we gently swayed.

I knew the question was going to come up sooner or later; I should have called, but with everything that has happened since then till now... and the shooting - truthfully I kinda forgot. I know it's a pretty poor excuse, well it is and it isn't... but either way I should have remembered.

"I'm sorry, just a lots happened."

"Like what?" she frowned her brows, curiously.

Do I say or not? One thing I can't stand is sympathy, except if it's from my brother Sodapop. I hate running my mouth about injuries or anything along those lines to people I hardly know, it's really not their business. But from what I knew Annette was a nice enough girl, and maybe she already knew about the trouble Soc's gave us, with us getting jumped and all. But if she didn't, and I told her, would she think any less of me? Or maybe she'll be as the girls I've read in my many books; the knight taking on a whole army of men, killing them armed with one sword. She'll fan her cheek as she listens while he goes through telling his story of act of bravery, with her practically fainting in his arms all Juliet style like his her hero or something. Though I knew that wouldn't happen, not in reality... maybe I've read to many medieval fantasy books? But it's nice to dream...

"Do you know of the rich kids, Soc's?"

Her face content with thought for a second. "Hmm, not really. But I think I've heard of them. Why?"

I shook my head, "Doesn't matter." I answered, as our swaying slowly slowed to a stop, with our arms still around one another.

"You can tell me, I won't say nothin',"

I removed my arm from her waist that held my beer, taking a deep drink from the bottle. I was almost finished this one, but was probably gonna be in need of another one or something stronger once I finish re-cashing everything. I started off quietly, mostly just thinking to myself rather than to her. "The rich kids..." I started as I let my eyes drift from her, and across the room; the room was crowded, with kids dancing not even two feet away - but my mind wasn't seeing them, it had blocked out everything around me - even the music that was blaring a second ago, sounded far off - as if a great distance away. "From the west side... their big-time Soc's, alright." My mind came back into focus, with my eyes making contact with hers. "I'm a grease, same as my buddy, Curly. We're both greasers. And my brother Sodapop-"

"The one that came with you to the restaurant?" she asked softly, her green eyes not leaving my green-grey ones.

"Yeah," I spoke softly, wondering if she heard me over the loud music, but when she nodded it confirmed my answer. "We both live with our oldest brother, Darry. His been looking after us ever since our parents accident..." I couldn't say death, it hits home too hard. And I don't really like talking bout it. "Darry dropped everything to look after us, he had good grades and was head of the football team, and would have made it to college if it weren't for us. Soda also dropped out, said he wasn't smart enough; but he ain't right, Sodapop is smart, especially when he puts his mind to something. And Soda understands me, better then most; he'll listen to any problem and make it his effort to fix it. Darry's different, he ain't like that, he ain't like Soda. Darry is hard headed and yells too much, everything I do in his eyes is never good enough, he ain't like that with Soda, and I won't let him either. But he works hard to keep us together, keeps down two jobs while running a household, so I suppose in someway that's something to be thankful of, that we get to stay together."

I broke quietly on that thought, realising I was rambling but also realising Annette's eyes hadn't left mine. Her expression almost saddened, but also held that unwanted look - that look when someone feels pity for you. I didn't need, or want pity or even sympathy. This was my life. And it wasn't going to change anytime soon.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

"No don't be... anyway the Soc's like to jump us, mostly cause we ain't like them; that we don't have big houses like them, or the latest trends and drive Mustangs or Corvairs. They'll get us especially if we're walkin' on our lonesome, you know mostly for kicks. And they don't fight fair... they gang up and take down like one on five... it ain't ever fair, you know people can get hurt, my buddies get hurt. Sure we have heaters and blades, but sometimes that ain't enough, you know... people get killed with heaters, and even blades... my buddy Jo..." I trailed off not being able to mention Johnny, it was still too raw to talk about.

"You know it doesn't have to be like that," she spoke gently, her soft eyes sympathetically looking at me. "It doesn't have to be, not all people are like that Ponyboy. You have to believe me, there are still a lot of good people in this world."

"Sure,"

"I'm telling the truth, Ponyboy. I'd never heard any of this until just now, and I'm pretty sure none of my friends have either. Listen I'm not gonna judge you, or your friends on how you live, I'm just saying it could be different."

"I know," I said, and I did. I knew things could have been different, but it's just not that simple. "C'mon lets go get another drink?"

I skulled the last of my beer before we made it to the kitchen. I grabbed another beer from the cooler, feeling quite buzzed already from my last two, and knew it wouldn't be long if I kept this up, remembering anything from the night at all.

"Here, Ponyboy." Annette handed me a shot glass containing a light brown liquid, I looked across to the bench top where a reasonably sized bottle of whiskey sat toward the edge of the counter, with about six other teens huddled by it having bets on who can down the shot the fastest.

"On the count of three," I looked back to Annette noticing her holding out a glass almost identical to mine, I held my glass out in front of me almost like we were going to do cheers, and waited for her to count. "One... two... three... skull..."

I brought the glass to my mouth, and threw back the entire shot, almost regretting it at once as the harsh liquor burned at the back of my throat. I immediately pop the cap on my beer, taking a long swig to ease the fire in my throat, and noticed everything around me was slightly blurry. I rubbed at my eyes trying to clear my vision, but I couldn't get anything into focus.

"How 'bout round two, you good for another?" Annette asked taking my shot glass.

Before I could answer Annette was over by the counter pouring another two shots. She brought them back, handing me one.

"Alright, should we do on the count of three again?"

"Yeah," my voice slurred.

"One... two... three..."

I tipped back my second shot, downing it immediately with my beer again to ease off the burning, and felt myself sway slightly. I could hear Annette laughing, but for the life of me didn't know what at. But I must say it was pretty infectious as I found myself laughing along with her.

"How 'bout another?" she laughed, and slightly lost her balance and stepped back with one foot to steady herself. She didn't wait for my answer as she stumbled to the bench, before coming back with the same glasses topped up. I threw back the shot, downing it with the last of my beer. I watched as she practically tripped over herself as she crossed the room to the table that held the large plastic bowl of punch, she filled two of the dixie cups and swayed slightly as she clamped her hands around them. As she moved a foot away from the table, she slightly lost her footing making her stumble as some of the punch splashed out onto her hands and to the floor.

My balance wasn't much better, but I crossed the room over to where she was having difficulty standing, to save her from having to bring the drinks across the room. She gave me a thankful look as she passed one of the plastic cups to me, as soon as I took a mouthful I wondered vaguely if it had been spiked; as I knew Annette hadn't touched the beer. Sure she had the shots, but I'd noticed she was slightly unsteady on her feet even before that.

I skulled the punch before I was even able to taste it, and stumbled to the cooler for another beer. As I made my way back to Annette she was downing the last of her punch.

"Wanna another?" she asked, setting her cup on the table.

"Later..." I slurred again, popping the cap on the bottle.

"Do you wanna dance?" she asked, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder to balance herself; it was pretty useless though, as I could hardly stand myself.

"Here?" I asked, confused.

"No silly, out there," she laughed.

"Sure..." I answered, unsure if I'd make it out there.

We somehow made it back out to the family room, by supporting one another. My blurry vision glanced around the room slowly, trying to make out what was happening in the room. The music was still blaring, but my mind couldn't make out what song was playing, and people just seemed to be everywhere. I jumped when I felt a pair of arms snake around my waist, and was almost nose-to-nose with Annette. She leaned in pressing her lips on mine, and I literally froze.

...

Bella Lilac