CHAPTER 6

Pony and I stopped our little make out session and stared at the door. We stared at the door for a good ten seconds before continuing to lock lips. Pony grabbed my waist as he forced his tongue down my throat. I truly didn't mind how sexual this act really was. As long as it was Ponyboy doing it to me.

We continued for another couple of minutes before hearing another knock at the door.

"What is it?!" Pony yelled at the door, me, still on his chest. He was hyperventilating like crazy!

"Oh c'mon dude, it's just me!" Steve chuckled from outside the door, "Say, what're you doing in there? You're panting pretty heavily…"

I hopped off of Ponyboy's chest and tossed him his shirt. He pulled it over his head as he walked to the door. He opened the door with a grin on his face.

"Yeah, what is it?"

Steve leaned in the doorway, "What's up in here? Why's little Dani in here?" He winked at me as he chortled.

I rolled my eyes. Pony pushed him back, "What d'you want, Steve?"

"Well, lucky for you, Soda's passed out on the sofa. You guys get the bed all to yourselves." He grinned like a creep.

I jumped up and shoved him out. He just wouldn't stop laughing! I could hear him continue to laugh as I closed the door.

Pony startled me as he grabbed me by the waist. I gasped, then giggled as he pecked at my cheek. He slipped his shirt back off as he continued toward the bed.

"So, where were we?" He had a smug smile on his face.

I rolled my eyes playfully, "We were just going to bed for the night." I raised my eyebrow, "Do you have anything to add to that, m'boy?" I crossed my arms.

He snickered, "I thought we might make a fort out of sheets tonight." He winked at me with a sparkle in his eye.

I plopped onto the bed, "What do you mean?" I stared at the ceiling in curiosity.

"Well, I dunno… I thought it was a term for sex." He dangled his head above mine where I could see into those gorgeous eyes of his.

"Sex, Pony?" My heart dropped. I had never actually had sex before… Had he? Was he really going to try to take advantage of me like that? I don't know! My head was racing like crazy.

He grinned, "Yeah. I mean, if you feel like it's time for that—"

"Ponyboy! We are only 14 year olds! What's gonna happen if my friends find out about it? Why are you doing this? Oh my God, what is Johnny gonna think?!" I began to bite my fingernails as I do when I'm nervous.

I could feel Pony's eyes branded on me as I stared at the floor. He put his hand on my shoulder, "Wait, is this your…first time?" I didn't respond. He grabbed onto my chin, forcing me to look at him. "It is, isn't it?"

I could see in his eyes that he knew it was. I shoved his hand away, "Yeah, it is. What're you gonna do now? Make fun of me?" I crossed my arms as I sat there silently.

He got off the bed and kneeled down in front of me, "No way. I just—I would've assumed that such a pretty girl like you would've ya know… had guys all over you." I felt myself blushing. A strand of my hair then fell over my eyes. Pony noticed and pushed my dark hair out of my black eyes. We then just sat there in silence for a good half a minute, staring into each other's eyes.

Pony then broke the silence, "I won't force you to do something like that if you don't want to. I just want to know if you're willing to when the time comes."

I smiled, "Thanks Ponyboy." I hugged him.

THE NEXT DAY

Johnny and I had been walking to Carla's house to pick her up for school. Ponyboy was already on his way to school a few minutes before. We were only about a block away when he started to talk about the previous day.

"What makes you think that Carla will forgive you after the way you treated her yesterday?" Johnny said with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

I shrugged, "I don't know. She knows I have anger issues, though. So I highly doubt she won't forgive me…Right?"

Johnny looked at me with disappointment, "Carla might not forgive you for the way you yelled at her yesterday, Dani. From what I understand, she was really hurt. Also, she seemed pretty upset when I saw her walking down the street by the Curtis house."

"C'mon, Johnny, she has to! She's my best friend and I don't wanna lose her…"

Johnny stopped me, "Really, Dani?! It might be a bit late for that! She was only trying to help you, ya know…"

I screamed in his ear, "By trying to hook me up with Dallas!"

"And? She cares about who is in your life. She probably doesn't want Ponyboy to hurt you."

I punched Johnny's arm really hard, "What makes you think Ponyboy's gonna hurt me?!"

He rubbed his arm where I hit him, "What makes you think he won't?" We paused.

I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes. I gave him a look of anger, "Johnny, he's your best friend…and mine. Do you really think that he'll hurt me?"

"You know what," he asked, "If you're determined to be with him, I ain't gonna stop you. But if he hurts you, don't come and play the victim card on me." He rushed ahead of me and knocked on Carla's door.

We waited for a minute or so before her auntie Vivian opened the door.

"Yes, boy? Can I help you?" She scolded him.

He looked at her nervously, "Is…" He stiffened up a bit, "Is Carla ready for school?"

She stared at him with dismay for a moment before calling Carla down to the door. Carla suddenly rushed out of the house, books in hand.

"Have a great day, my dear." Vivian grinned at Carla. When Johnny turned around to face her, her smile faded into a scowl.

Johnny grabbed Carla's hand and sped onto the sidewalk quietly. He let go of her hand abruptly as they approached the pavement.

Carla didn't look at me as she spoke, "Are you okay, Johnny? You seem kinda jumpy…"

Johnny stared at the ground, occasionally glancing back at Carla, "Y-yeah. I'm fine."

It was silent for a moment. I didn't like it. I hated it when it was silent like this. No conversation, no smiles or laughter, and no eye contact.

I looked at Carla with hopeful eyes, "Hey…Are you mad?"

Carla glared at me for a few seconds. She then smiled, "No, of course not." She laughed.

I laughed too, "Thank God! I would've been depressed for weeks if you were."

She smiled, "No way. You know I can't stay mad at you." She put her arm over my shoulder.

Johnny grinned at me. Carla looked at Johnny for a few seconds before he turned away in embarrassment. She looked back at me as if she expected me to explain what's wrong with him.

"Hey, Johnny," I raised my eyebrow at him, "we're gonna go ahead, kay?"

He shrugged as he smiled at Carla. We sprinted the the corner to talk.

When we got there, I whispered to Carla, "So you wanna know why Johnny's so jumpy?"

She giggled, "Yeah… He seems kinda tensed up."

I looked back at Johnny to make sure he was far back enough for me to talk, "H-how do you feel about," I paused as I looked her in the eyes, "Johnny?" I stuffed my hands into my jean pockets.

"What do you mean? Johnny's like my brother in a way." Dammit. She started to look flustered, "…A very…cute brother. Well…hot brother." She looked away as she giggled again.

I felt my eyes pop and my stomach felt sick, "Ew, Carla! That's my brother you're talking about!" We both laughed, "I'm kidding. But do you like him?" I noticed he was gaining on us.

She bit her lip, "I guess so…" She began to stare at him.

"Just ask him out already!" I rolled my eyes with attitude.

She laughed, "Maybe I will. But what does this have to do with—" I forced my hand over her mouth.

"Shhhhh… just go to him." I pointed to Johnny.

She spun back around to look at me, "You okay? You seem to be a bit…" She scowled, "Wait. Have you asked Ponyboy out yet?!"

I lightly pushed her, "Shut up. I'm gonna. Just ask Johnny out. Do it. Do it!" I pointed at him, my eyes still looking at Carla.

"Woah woah woah! Calm your tits, Dan-Dan." She put her hands on my shoulders, "Why haven't you asked Ponyboy out?!"

"I'm on it, just ask him first!" I pointed to Johnny for the third time, this time angrily. "Do it!" I screamed.

I guess she noticed Johnny was coming way too close because she lowered her head, "You ask Ponyboy first, then I'll ask Johnny." She backed up to where Johnny was. I scrunched my nose at her and stuck out my tongue. Johnny grinned as she shrugged.

I ran the next couple of blocks to school without them. Fuck Carla for that; I mean I love her, but fuck her!

When I opened the door to the building, I was greeted by a bunch of socs, who looked intimidating in my eyes. I started to sneak past them, when they noticed me. They started to sprint after me, chasing me through the hallways and past the lockers. I must've turned ten corners, but each one they were still behind me. That's when I approached the cafeteria… There were dozens of socs inside. I didn't mind that. I zoomed through there with a grin on my face knowing I could outrun them if I tried. I bolted through a crowd of students, mostly greasers though. I stopped when I realized something—my worst nightmare.

Ponyboy was locking lips with Gwendolyn. I almost fell to my knees, that's how bad I felt. He may not have been mine to begin with… but this hurt so bad.

The socs that were chasing me tackled me down to the tiled floor. They pressed my head up against the hard platform as they yanked at my arms. A small crowd of people surrounded me, blocking my view of the horrific sight. It was too late though, my eyes were already glued to that corner. Shit, I thought, I guess I was stupid to think he'd really love me.

I shut my eyes as I felt a tear fall, not out of sadness or disappointment, but out of embarrassment. I can't believe he did this to me! I just let them jack me up for what I had to lose if I lost contact with air… Nothing.

Suddenly I heard a muffled voice screaming my name, "Danielle! Danielle!"

I just rested my head as the socs started to kick my side. I felt my eyes grow heavy as they began to kick my stomach. Where are the goddamn teachers for fuck sake?! I slightly gasped before losing consciousness.

-LATER / WAKING UP-

"Danielle? Are you okay?" I heard a voice call out. It was muffled, but recognizable.

I rubbed my eyes sleepily, being startled to see that I had a black eye, "D-Dally?" I recognized the room as the nurse clinic.

I then heard a female voice, "The boys that pummeled you are being suspended as we speak."

I yawned, "Great. Dally, where are you?" I glanced around in silence.

I then felt a hand touched my forehead. It gently pushed my head back onto the bed. Then Dally walked into view, "Hey, kid. Just rest, will ya?"

I blinked a couple of times, "Wh-what're you doing here?"

He noticeably rolled his eyes, "I dunno, thought I'd shoot up the school. What does it look like? I go to school here, don't I?" He bit his bottom lip as he looked at me.

"Yeah, but don't you like… never attend?" I winced as I felt pain in my head.

He sighed, "I do occasionally, young lady." He chuckled. I grinned at him. He may look mean sometimes, but he has a nice smile.

I looked at my feet, "Where's Johnny?" I looked back at Dal.

Dally looked back at the nurse to make sure she wasn't watching before he pulled out a cigarette, "He's in class. He thought I might be able to take care of ya." He snickered, "It's funny how he trusts me with you."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I half yelled.

He put his hand over my mouth as he leaned in, "Shhh! Do you want her to see me smoking?!"

I swallowed, "But I thought you don't care about getting caught doing stuff like that…" I grinned in question.

He kneeled down next to me, "I don't, man. At least, not normally. But I guess that a little someone keeps me off of my habits, huh?" He winked at me. I giggled as he looked into my eyes. I couldn't stay mad at him…

He threw his stick away, not taking his eyes off me, "So, M'lady, am I still your problem?" He beamed at me.

I sat up slowly and confidently said "No sir, you aren't. And you never were." I gestured toward him, "Am I still one of the gang's pets?"

We both chuckled, "Definitely."

"Jinx!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. Dally laughed as he noticed the nurse scorning at my obnoxiousness.

He grinned as he caught his breath, "Wanna hang out this afternoon?" He crossed his arms thoughtfully.

I shut my eyes tiredly, "Duh, Dal. Duh."

He gently petted my back, "Alright, kid. I guess I'll see you then." He then walked out of the room silently.

As he left, I remembered the image of Ponyboy making out with Gwendolyn. Fucking disgusting!

-AFTER SCHOOL-

After the last bell rang, I ran to the junior hallway as fast as I could. I rushed through the crowds of people who were trying to leave the building, surprisingly not bumping into a single one of them. Also surprising, I didn't feel like I was gonna die anymore.

As I opened the door to Mr. Keem's room, (Dally's last period) I noticed Dally was acting like an ass to him, but what's new? He acts like an ass to everyone and gets away with it.

"Hey Dal." I jumped up and slapped a sign hanging from the ceiling, "What's up?"

He started fondling on stuff on Mr. Keem's desk; pictures of his family and such.

"Hey, come check this out, Dani." He pointed as he held a frame.

Me, being respectful to Dally like everyone else, did. I looked at the picture and I was a bit shocked. There was gorgeous lady in a dress, holding a baby in her hands.

Dally snickered, "Who is this baaaabe? And what is she doing on your desk, man?" He looked up at Mr. Keem.

Mr. Keem darted over and snatched the frame from Dally, "That's nobody. Get out of my classroom if you're gonna be peeping at private things."

Dally chuckled, "Yeah, whatever," he looked at me, "let's go, Dani." He gently pushed me out with him.

"Who do you think that woman is?" I asked Dally as we walked out the doors of the school.

He looked back at the door, "Gee, I don't have a clue." He put his arm around me.

As we walked down the steps, I noticed Ponyboy was approaching Dally and I with a smile on his face. I was panicking inside. What did he want?!

Right as he was about five feet away, I abruptly grabbed Dally by the collar. He looked confused, yet pleased as I forced my lips onto his. I closed my eyes as I passionately kissed this juvenile delinquent I was proud to call my friend. I was actually a bit surprised by how good of a kisser he really was. His lips were sugary sweet like candy.

I stopped after a couple of moments. I left my palms placed on his chest confidently. I looked at Ponyboy with eyes of hate. Sure, I didn't really hate him, but I wanted to!

He had a look of utter shock written upon his face, "What. The. Hell?!" He yelled in my face.

"Oh, are you upset?" I gritted my teeth at him. I crossed my arms angrily.

He snickered, "Well, what the hell is going on here?! Are you guys—"

"Together? Yes." Dally stared down at him with serious eyes.

Ponyboy glared at me, "How could you do this to me? How could you even…And I mean with him?!"

I pushed him, "Oh, sure, pal! Act like you didn't tangle tongues with Princess Horniest Of Them All over there." I pointed to Gwendolyn across the courtyard.

He looked back, then paused sheepishly, "That's none of your business anyway…"

"Oh my God, Pony. Save the bullshit!" I looked at him with a fiery expression. I then grabbed Dally's arm and pulled him away from Pony.

As we progressed down the street, Dally began to talk.

"So, Dani," he cleared his throat, "what was that back there?"

I glanced at him carelessly, "What do you mean?" I plunged my hand into my pocket.

"You kissed me back there. You did it to get back at Ponyboy?" He lit a cigarette as he walked.

I was startled. I guess I forgot about that since I was so mad about Ponyboy and all.

"Uhh, yeah. I guess so…" I shyly crossed my arms, "But," I gasped as I looked at him, "it was worth it, I think."

He held his cig as he looked at me. He smiled that nice smile of his. He snickered, "You mean you liked it?"

I felt so embarrassed… mostly because it was true. I really enjoyed it.

"W-well, I guess I did." I lowered my head bashfully, hoping he'd just move past the subject.

He took a long drag, "Well, to be fair, I thought it was damn great. You know, for a 14 year old, you sure are a good kisser." He exhaled the smoke as he continued to stare at me. This time, I didn't want his eyes to stop looking at me. I loved his eyes being on me.

I began to blush, "Maybe we should hang out at the lot or something." I giggled, "What d'you think, Dal?"

He nodded yes. He put his weed out and we kept walking. All of a sudden, I felt my head throbbing. I was gonna be okay, but it hurt.

When we reached the lot, it was completely empty. Nobody was hanging around anywhere. We pretty much had it to ourselves for the next couple of hours. We sat under a tree that I named 'Pepsi' after Sodapop.

Dally sat there quietly for a few seconds, "So, you still dig sunsets?"

I chuckled, "You still dig fiery girls?"

"Uhm, yes." He punched my arm.

I leaned back on the tree trying to catch my breath, "Yeah, why? What's up?"

"Guess I'm just wondering." He put his arm around me.

I guffawed a bit, "Oh okay." It got silent for a minute as he started to stroke my arm.

A thought suddenly came to me. He was being nice. He's never nice! Why? I really don't understand what it was he wanted from me. I just had to ask…

"Dally," I turned to him, "you wouldn't…hurt me? Would you?" I carefully picked at the grass.

He jerked up a bit, "What? Why would I hurt you?" He looked very confused and a bit disappointed.

I leaped to my knees, "Oh, God. No, I didn't mean it like that… I mean…" I shut my eyes, "Someone told me to stay clear of you because you might hurt me. But then again, someone told me to stay clear of Ponyboy, too." I opened my eyes to see that Dally had scooted closer to me.

"Why would they tell you to stay away from me?" He folded himself into a weird sitting position as he picked at his boots.

I sighed, "I don't know… I mean I know, but I don't think that you'd treat me like that. Someone told me you were 'handsy' with girls and that if I'm 3 years younger, who knows what you'll…" I sighed as I heard myself speak. "I Don't think of you as the type of guy to hurt me."

He smiled and raised his head up, "It's funny you say that."

"Why?"

He grinned evilly, "Because I'm using you."

"What?!" I sat up straight.

He laughed really hard, "I'm kidding! God, you should've seen your face, man!" He fell over laughing.

"I hate you!" I punched his chest hard.

He gasped as he laughed even more, "Damn. You've got a real temper on ya, huh?"

I glared at him, "Seriously, Dal. Can you not play with me like that? I'm already broken enough as it is." I crossed my arms as I sat there.

"Oh, c'mon." He grabbed my shoulder, "Don't be mad. It's not my fault you're," don't you dare, I thought, "weak."

"That's it, Winston! You're dead!" I jumped on top of him and tried to punch his chest, but he wouldn't let me. He kept blocking them. And he just kept laughing. He pushed my arms into the air, causing my chest to collapse on top of his. He just stared into my eyes as I sat there in shock.

It was at that moment I realized, I really did like him for more than a brother type. I realized that he was actually very attractive. His silky blonde hair layered over his eyes in a way that made you think he could be the sweetest guy in the world and you wouldn't have to change him.

We both sat there in silence for moment before I hopped off and dusted my high waters off. He sat up, "Something wrong, Danielle?" He was panting as he sat up. He looked pretty concerned.

"No. Why would there be something wrong?" I turned the other way to look at the sun slowly set behind the hills. I couldn't take my eyes off of this beauty!

I heard shuffling in the grass behind me. I turned around to see Dally. He grabbed me before I could fall backwards from shock. My heart skipped a beat as his smoke scented breath filled the air.

This felt wrong…and yet so right. I wanted him to be my knight in shining armor. Maybe that's exactly what he was.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" He stared into my eyes.

I swallowed, "I don't want to go home."

He chuckled as he kneeled down to my height, "Then where do you wanna go?"

I felt like I was going to die just by looking at him as I responded, "I wanna go wherever you do." I stretched my arms around him and clung onto him like a stubborn child would to their parents.

I felt his warm chest rub up against mine as I felt his arms fold up around me, too. I rested my head on his shoulder.

He suddenly spoke, "I'm staying at Buck's. What's new?" He held my wrists as he looked down at me, "Should we go tell Johnny where you're gonna be? He's probably worried sick about you."

I stuffed my hands in my pockets, "You're probably right. Let's check at the DX. He likes to visit Soda and Steve a lot."

Dally beamed sweetly, "Of course, kid." He put his arm around me as we began to walk the the DX.

About a block away from the station, Dally started to act weird…

"So, Ponyboy and you, huh?"

I rolled my eyes in discourage, "I don't know anymore, Dal. Last night, he kissed me and then this morning I found him kissing Gwendolyn Davis, his ex… That hurt like hell."

Dally slowed down a bit, "Oh… I'm—I'm sorry about that. Anyway, how were you attacked this morning? I wasn't there for everything."

I crossed my arms, feeling uncomfortable. I looked away in silence. I felt Dally's eyes on me.

"No way, Dani." He shook his head.

"No way, what?"

He licked his lip, "There is no way that you got distracted by that little shit and his bitch. I refuse to believe that!"

I frowned, "Don't you understand how damn hurt I was by that?!" I felt a tear slither down my cheek, "He was the first boy I ever…" I sighed, "Forget it."

Dally grabbed my jacket, "Wait. What were you gonna say?" He swallowed.

"It's nothing, okay?" I kept walking.

He grabbed my arm, "Wait. What is it? Please just tell me."

I paused, noticing how serious he was. I took a deep breath, "Pony was the first boy I ever loved, okay?" I looked away.

"Hey," he said loudly, "he's not worth it if he's gonna do that to you." He looked up at the sky, "What would you say if I told you that I could take you away? From all of this horrible shit?"

I turned around completely. He's got me beat, I thought as I smiled. I responded, "You know what I'd say? I'd say I was in love with Dallas Winston. Now, how does that make you feel?"

He smiled a big smile. The ones I could no longer resist.

He grabbed my waist and pulled me close to his. He then leveled our noses to each other's, where we made direct eye contact. His brown leather jacket rubbed up against my jean jacket sleeves as he leaned in slowly. I felt like I was gonna collapse as his lips made contact with mine. Oh my God, his lips tasted so bitter sweet…like smoke and Cola. I loved it.

I gently pushed him away with a smile.

"Is something wrong?" He asked in a puzzled way.

I tried to hide my grin as I replied, "No. Do you want more?" I raised my eyebrow goofily.

He scratched his head, "Yes please." He leaned in close.

I backed up and began to sprint away, "Well, tough guy, you have to catch me first!" I felt a huge smile strike like a jackpot across my face as I ran. I heard him snicker behind me as I felt him gaining on me.

One minute I was running, the next I was being lifted off the ground. I relaxed knowing it was Dallas. I giggled as he stopped on the sidewalk across from the DX. He set me down and wrapped his arms around me.

"Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?" He whispered.

I rolled my eyes, "How long?" I wrapped my arms around his neck.

He looked into my eyes as he responded, "Ever since I laid my eyes on you."

I raised my eyebrows, "Wow. So when you were…14? 15? You know how illegal that sounds?" I laughed uncontrollably.

He slipped his hands down to my waist, "Does it look like I mind the law, sweetheart?"

I snickered, "Trick question?" He gently grabbed my head and pulled it to his shoulder.

Suddenly, a truck pulled up. Darry's truck. Shit, I thought. "Dally, Dani, what's going on over here?" I backed away from Dal in fear of getting in trouble, "N-nothing's going on here, Darry."

He paused for a minute before grinning, "Okay, kiddo." He then pointed to Dally like he was menacing to him, "You tell me if Dallas is bothering you or something, okay?"

I scowled at him, "Okay?" I asked with attitude. With that, Darry pulled away toward the Curtis house.

"That was…weird." I sighed. Dally nodded with an expressionless face.

"Anyways, let's get to the DX." He gently pushed me forward, him following.

As we approached the gas station, I noticed that someone wearing a hoodie was standing next to Sodapop at the gas pump. Johnny suddenly walked out of the small DX building.

He looked frightened as he mouthed to us, "Run, guys! Run!"

Dally and I looked at each other in question. I sped up to catch up to Johnny. Right as I tried to squeeze through Soda and the hoodie guy, the hoodie guy stopped in my path.

"Hey, I need to get through here…" I tried to gently push him away. He wouldn't move, "What the hell, man?! Let me through," I turned to Sodapop, "Soda! A little help here?!"

He nudged him on the shoulder, "C'mon Pony, Move."

I stepped back in shock, "Pony?!"