I hope you like it! Please be nice! I'm super sensitive!

REWRITTEN

It wasn't long before I had to buy more groceries, also bringing an old cooler with me to store them in. The day was slow, and I had seen no sign of Dal, not that I was looking for him or anything. Two-Bit's words rang in my head clear as day from last night.

Was I like Dallas? Nah...I couldn't be...

I saw Sylvia in town, chatting it up with another Greaser, flirting with him as she batted her eyes in a seductive manner.

Two-timin' broad. She makes me sick.

I didn't know how people could cheat in relationships, it was just something that baffled me. If you wanted excitement, just talk to your boyfriend/girlfriend about it. If you don't like someone, don't fucking lead them on.

Apparently no one else got the memo.

It was like I was just going through the motions today. I put on a fake smile, pretending that I was this confident girl, even as I finally rented a room from Buck. For the majority of the day, I was just lost int my thoughts. Before I knew it, I had made my way to the park in Greaser territory. I heard voices, noticed a faint fire going on, and realized it was Ponyboy and Johnny that were hanging out. When I got a closer look however, I finally noticed how scared Ponyboy looked, and the faint red mark on his cheek.

"Hey guys...what's up?" I rubbed my eyes and stretched.

"Hey..." Ponyboy grumbled.

"What's wrong Pony?" I asked.

"Dar hit me...I slept in the lot by accident and when I came home...Darry got so mad and he hit me...so I ran to get Johnny and here we are." Pony mumbled.

"Ponyboy...I know that look on your face. What are you up to?" I folded my arms as I stared at Ponyboy.

"I'm running away Jackie. I can't take it no more...Darry is just so...he's such a jerk!" Pony cried. "Me and Johnny are leaving a-and...you can't stop us!" He stammered.

"I never said I'd stop you, but you guys should think this through. I don't think running from your problems is gonna solve anything, Ponyboy. Darry is just...have you ever considered how much stress he's under? I ain't sayin' that I'm on his side or anything, but ever since he had turned from brother into parent just after your parents passed...it's just not easy for him Ponyboy. He's trying...I'm sure if you talked it out with him things will be okay. Tell him how you feel." I said.

Johnny and Ponyboy merely stared at me in surprise, unsure of what they were hearing. They knew I wasn't exactly sentimental or the nicest person on Earth.

"Tell anyone I'm being nice and you're both dead." I glared at them.

"Yup...she's just like Dally..." Johnny faintly chuckled.

Before I could come up with a good retort, we all stopped what we were doing as we heard a car pull up. Normally, I wouldn't have been so nervous, had it not been for that stupid red car filled with Soc's. We all tensed up, unsure if it was best to run or to stay where we were. If we made any sudden moves, showed any sign of fear, it was obvious that they would chase us down for the hell of it. My breath hitched as I slowly reached into my back pocket grabbing out a switchblade I 'borrowed' from Dallas.

I'd give it back to him later...

"Guys...I want you to run when you get the chance. Go get help..." I told them.

The two nodded and I inwardly smiled.

They were good kids...

"But what about you?" Johnny looked at me like I was crazy.

"I'll try to hold them off. I've got my gun and Dally's switchblade on me."

"SHUT UP GREASERS!" One of them yelled.

The blonde Soc that I met earlier today then glared at me.

"Y- -you're the Greaser chick who aimed a gun at me." He slurred.

...wait...Cherry said this ass was her boyfriend right? Bob was it?

"Well that's what happens when you act like an asshole." I smirked.

Bob looked outraged that I had said such a thing, and he finally made the command.

"GET THEM!"

My eyes widened and I pulled out the switchblade I'd been holding behind me and had it right above one of the Soc's neck before he could tackle me.

"You better back the fuck up." I warned him.

The Soc waited a few seconds before smacking the switchblade out of my hand and tackling me to the ground. The Soc was heavy, but I kicked him off of me before he could do any damage. Another Soc punched me in the face and I fell to the ground with a rough landing. I quickly sprang up on my feet before two more Soc's lunged at me. I punched one in the face and he stumbled backwards, holding his face as he groaned in pain. The other Soc finally managed to pin me to the ground, straddling my waist and getting out a switchblade of his own. I struggled to move my leg, but was finally able to kick as hard as I could against his groin. He then rolled over, holding his groin and trying to hold back his whimpering. I looked around and noticed that several of the Soc's were trying to drown Ponyboy in the fountain. I instantly felt a rush of anger and fear before I charged at them, instinctively feeling protective of Ponyboy as if he were my own flesh and blood.

"Get off of him!" I yelled furiously.

I just remember running and falling to the ground with the Soc's, before being pulled into the fountain and feeling water fill up my lungs.

Was I dying?

It was probably a long time before I finally came to, gasping for air as I did so. I sat up, feeling afraid for the second time in my entire life, afraid that I was finally dead this time. My vision began to clear up, and I noticed Ponyboy's unconscious and motionless body settled right next to mine. I shook, tears clouding my vision as I quickly checked Ponyboy for a pulse and sighed in relief, happy to know that he was still breathing. I finally looked over a few feet away, seeing Dally's now bloody switchblade in Johnny's hand. I could see Johnny shaking with what was most likely fear. Several feet away from my own feet was Cherry's boyfriend Bob, lying on the ground, a pool of blood surrounding his corpse.

Holy...fucking...shit...

"J- -Johnny?" I gasped.

"I killed him Jack...I- -I killed him." Johnny mumbled fearfully. "They all took off after that."

I was just too stunned to react, at a loss for words for the first time in my life. My mind was racing, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest almost loud enough that I thought I could hear it. I slowly reached for Johnny, knowing how traumatizing this must have been for him and pulled him into a hug before gently prying the switchblade from his hand. I wiped the handle with my sleeve, making sure that there were no fingerprints on it.

"He almost killed you and Ponyboy, so I tried saving you guys..." Johnny stammered. "I'm so sorry..." He whispered.

I was finally able to form words as I shook, probably from both adrenaline and the cold weather.

"It's alright Johnnycake. It was self defense. You didn't do nothing wrong..." I kissed his forehead. "Thanks for saving for my life."

It wasn't long after before Ponyboy was awake and we told him what had occurred. Ponyboy seemed just as terrified, but I was able to pull myself together, having been in a similar situation once before.

"Look guys. I know what we have to do. Dallas and I took this freight train when we needed to lay low once. It leads to Windrixville...we stayed at an abandon church there. We can stay there before word gets out about this." I said.

The two boys nodded slowly as I pocketed Dally's switchblade after wiping the blood off in the grass. It wasn't long after until we headed for Buck's Place.

Buck almost didn't let the boys in until I told them that they were with me. We all quickly and quietly went up to my new room that I had rented recently before slamming the door shut.

I didn't have anymore cash...shit..

I began rummaging through the dresser drawers, trying to search for some clean clothes. I had to find something that would fit Ponyboy and Johnny.

They were probably freezing.

I paced around the room nervously and went into the bathroom to grab a rag, trying to be of some use to the boys, and attempting to think of a way for some quick cash. I quickly soaked the small rag in water before tossing it over to Ponyboy, and Johnny.

"Clean yourselves up." I muttered softly.

Johnny and Pony obeyed, sharing the towel as they wiped off all of the dirt and blood from their bodies. I felt myself shaking as I began to panic, unsure of what I could do to protect Johnny and Pony.

What the fuck do I do? I can't just let them go to jail...it'll ruin them.

"Jackie, you alright?" Ponyboy gave me a look of concern.

"I'm just...peachy."

"Shit...I think you're in shock or somethin'." Johnny pointed out.

"What else is new?" I laughed faintly.

"Jack, just sit down for second and take a breath. You look pale as a ghost." Ponyboy told me.

"I- -I can't. We've gotta get moving and now." I stammered.

Johnny grabbed my hands, pulling me over to my bed and sitting down with me.

"Jack...just please...try to calm down- -"

"What the hell?"

We all looked over to see Dallas standing in my doorway, looking confused and suspicious. When he got a glimpse of me however, his face hardened while showing concern.

"D- -Dally? W- -what are you doing in here? This is my room." I stuttered.

"I think the better questions are..where is my switchblade? Why are Ponyboy and Johnny here? When did you even move in Buck's place? And why are you guys looking like you committed some murder?" Dally questioned.

Dally came over to me, kneeling down until we were at eye level, before he put his hand against my cheek gently.

"What's wrong, Jackie?" Dallas asked.

I grabbed Dally's switchblade from my back pocket and put it in his hand.

"You can have your switchblade back. I just borrowed it is all." I averted my eyes.

I got up, frantically searching for new clothes for Ponyboy and Johnny. Dally seemed to be getting fed up with my skittish and nervous behavior and finally snapped.

"HEY! What's going on?! And answer my damn questions!" Dallas yelled.

"We're leaving for a week Dallas. It's not a big deal." I said.

Dallas gave me a look of surprise before he came over to stop me from pacing around the room again, holding me in place as he stared into my eyes.

"What the hell happened?" He asked worriedly.

"Johnny killed a Soc. Jackie said we were gonna head for some abandon church in Windrixville." Ponyboy confessed.

Dallas grabbed a lock of my hair and finally took notice of how soaking wet Ponyboy and I were.

"What the hell happened Jackie?" Dally mumbled softly.

"W- -we were jumped by Soc's in the park. They tried drowning me and Ponyboy in the fountain and...Johnny saved us by stabbing that one Soc with your switchblade...I think he was Cherry's boyfriend..." I admitted.

Out of shock, Dallas released me, trying to process what I'd just told him. It was at least one minute before he left the room for brief second, coming back into my room with some of his clothes. He tossed Ponyboy an old pair of pants and a sweatshirt. I grabbed some new clothes from my dresser and quickly slipped them on, ignoring the looks I was getting from the boys.

"Here's some cash. Get a weeks worth supply of food."

Dally slipped the wad of cash and put it down in my shirt and into my bra, his fingers softly grazing the side of my breast. I blushed and stared up at Dallas in confusion.

"Why are you helping us?" I asked. "This isn't your problem."

"No offense angel face, but you look like you can't think straight because you're probably panicking on the inside right now. You look scared shitless." Dallas smiled at me and rested his forehead against mine. "Get going on that freight train...I'll see you guys soon. I'll drop by and let you know what's going on with the cops in a week. The heat should die down by then."

Johnny and Ponyboy left the room, eager to leave, but for some reason, I could only continue to stare at Dally. I felt many mixed emotions, but decided that now wasn't the time to question how I felt.

We needed to get going and now.

I didn't know what had possessed me to do it, but I leaned over, kissing Dally on the cheek before making my way to the door.

"Thanks for helping us out Dally. Sometimes I don't know what I'd do without you." I confessed.

Dally looked stunned, but said nothing, only nodded in reply.

Eventually, we managed to get on a freight train headed for the direction of Windrixville. Even as we had plenty of time to settle down and sleep for a little bit, we were all wide awake, still shaken up from what happened.

It all...escalated so quickly...I shoulda' kept my mouth shut...

I felt completely responsible for this, like I was to blame for everything. What was worse was that I wasn't able to protect Johnny, and he was forced to do the unspeakable just because I wasn't quick and strong enough.

I should have used my damn gun again. That would have scared them off. I was just stunned, I didn't have time to think.

By the time we arrived in Windrixville, we were all mentally exhausted, and by then it was early in the morning. After leading them to the abandoned church, we all collapsed on a wooden bench, and finally, sleep had taken us. It was probably an hour until Ponyboy and I both woke up to the sound of Johnny coming back in with a box of food. I blushed as I looked down my shirt, realizing where Johnny had gotten the money.

He reached down my bra didn't he?

Johnny silently greeted us, giving us a small smile as he put the box of food on a table nearby and pulling out the contents. I took a deep breath, feeling a little more relaxed than yesterday, but still on edge.

"Man I'm thirsty...what are we supposed to do if we're thirsty?" Ponyboy whined.

I snapped out of my daze, looking at over at Ponyboy and Johnny.

"There's a pump in the back...so don't worry about water." I told them.

They merely nodded in reply as Johnny continued to unload the box full of food.

"You seem more calm than yesterday." Johnny noticed.

"Yeah...I guess even I get scared once in a while." I chuckled dryly. "I mean...honestly? I'm still shaking...last night was fucking scary. I could have actually died." I then frowned and glared at the ground. "Why didn't you guys run like I told you? I could have handled those assholes."

"We didn't wanna leave you alone! You may be as tough as Darry or Dally, but a group of guys against one girl? That ain't fair and you know it, Jack." Ponyboy reached for my hand. "You could have died if you tried takin' them alone."

"Life is never fair Ponyboy. Just remember that. When I tell you to do something, you better damn well listen."

"No. We weren't gonna risk letting you die. Everyone would have been devastated." Johnny snapped. "We care about you!"

I shut my mouth after staring at Johnny in surprise.

Johnny snapped at me? That's a first.

"Watch yourself kid." I warned.

Johnny still continued to glare at me, but he finally sat down, knowing when to back off. I only grew irritated and angry as Ponyboy and Johnny began talking, almost as if nothing was wrong. Sure, it was a good distraction, but sooner or later, we'd have to get serious and talk about what the fuck we were going to do. I glanced up and noticed Johnny giving Ponyboy a book.

"I know how much you like to read. I got you 'Gone with the Wind'." Johnny said.

"Gone with the Wind? How did you know I wanted this?" Ponyboy smiled.

"I remember you mentioned it once. Maybe you could read it to me and Jackie." Johnny suggested.

"Sounds cool..." I cracked a small smile.

The kids need a little time to relax, it won't kill them. We can address our little problem later.

Johnny got these two small bottles out of the box. My smile faded away instantly as I read the label.

It was hair-dye.

"What are those?" I asked.

"Well we gotta make sure the cops can't recognize us right? Our faces will be in the paper by now, so we gotta change our appearance." Johnny pointed out.

Johnny got out a switch blade, particularly Dally's switchblade.

"When the hell did you get Dally's blade?" I asked

"He gave it to me before we left." He answered.

Johnny came over with the switchblade and hair-dye hand in hand. I immediately backed away, giving Johnny the death glare.

Oh fuck that. I'd rather get arrested. He ain't touching my hair!

"There ain't no way I'm letting you cut my hair." I grumbled.

"It's not like I'm gonna give you a bob cut. Maybe just have it to your shoulders, it won't be that bad." Johnny assured me.

"I said no." I nearly growled.

"Oh come on, Jack. Hair grows back." Ponyboy chuckled.

"If you won't cut your hair, then you're having your hair dyed a different color." Johnny told me.

"Fine...what colors do you have?" I gave in.

"I've got blonde dye and black." He replied.

Hmmm...what to choose?

"I'll go with black. Pony here can have blonde hair." I smirked.

"HEY! I don't want blonde hair!" Ponyboy whined.

I got up and held my fist out, making it seem like I was going to hit Ponyboy. Ponyboy immediately flinched and held his hands up in defense.

"Two for flinching." I punched his arm twice. "Alright Johnny. Make it look pretty." I teased.

Johnny smiled in approval, eager to get started. Before he approached me, I held up my hand, sitting down and taking off my shirt, so that I wouldn't get any dye on it, which now left me with only my bra on. Johnny and Ponyboy stared at me for several seconds, their faces red.

"It's just a bra, boys...would you rather see me naked?" I chuckled.

Johnny and Ponyboy glanced at each other, before shaking their heads. Johnny immediately got to work putting in as much dye in my thick auburn hair as he could. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my once auburn hair turn completely black and I frowned. After a half hour, it was Ponyboy's turn, Johnny using the switchblade to cut off chunks of Pony's long hair before he dyed it blonde. We would have dyed Johnny's hair, but decided against it, and cut his hair instead. After we were all finished changing our appearances, Johnny found an old broken mirror and brought it over, so we could all see our handiwork. I gasped and held up a lock of my now black hair. Ponyboy looked surprised, gaping at his reflection, while Johnny seemed amused, not minding his appearance.

"This is gonna be hard to get used to." I sighed.

"You can say that again." Ponyboy mumbled.

"I look like some evil witch." I groaned.

"Oh come on now. I think you look fine. I like you with black hair. We could be siblings!" Johnny grinned.

"Alright then, little brother. Let's shut up and go inside." I teased.

"Hey Ponyboy. Why don't you read that book for us while we eat?" Johnny suggested.

"Sure thing." Ponyboy smiled.

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