Hey guys! Here's a new chapter! I'm so happy with the rewrite, it turned out pretty good in my opinion.
Over the past few weeks, Soda was in a dark place because of his breakup with Sandy. We all felt terrible about it, mostly because we knew how much Soda cared about Sandy, there was even mention of Soda thinking about proposing to her. What had me surprised about this the most was when Angela mentioned that it was another man's child. It made me curious about how long Sandy had been cheating on Soda. I tried my best to help him cope with it, while trying to relax myself because I didn't want to get myself worked up over it.
Yeah...life's just great...
After walking Ponyboy to school, I walked over to pay a visit to Buck, wondering if he had any jobs for me that I could take on. We conversed for what was probably two hours, just going from topic to topic until I realized it was already past noon. I was about to head back to the Curtis' when I decided to get two cheeseburgers from the Dingo, thinking Soda and Steve probably hadn't had their lunch yet. I walked over to the DX, watching Evie flirt with Steve as he worked on a car he was trying to restore. I walked over to Soda who sat behind a counter, reading a newspaper. He glanced up, looking surprised to see me here. I merely held up a paper bag before tossing it over to him. Soda looked inside, perking up before he grabbed a cheeseburger and began to feast on it immediately. Soda tossed the bag over to Steve, who gladly took the burger as well.
"Muahts smecal cassion?" Soda asked.
Soda blushed and swallowed his food, repeating his question.
"What's the special occasion?"
"I knew you dopes probably hadn't eaten today. So there. No charge." I chuckled.
I grabbed a cig from my pocket, about to light it up before Soda stopped me, snatching the cig from my hand.
"Darry's been telling me that you need to cut back for your health. He thinks you should quit." Soda brought up.
"Oh really?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I know you hate restrictions and rules, but it's gotta be done." Soda smirked.
"And if I say no?" I pursed my lips.
Soda chuckled before leaning over the counter, our faces getting closer. I hadn't realized how hot my face was before I noticed how close our faces were.
"I guess I'll just have to do something about it." He teased.
It felt like I was shrinking under his gaze, growing slightly nervous by every second. I continued my little act, however, and pushed on.
"Like what?"
Soda's smile faded away as he finally took notice of how I was reacting, but he didn't back away. Instead, he inched forward a little more. It was almost a little uncharacteristic of Soda, considering he was trying to recover from his breakup with Sandy. Soda and I flirted from time to time sure, but it never felt as intense or heated as this.
Why am I reacting like this? I can't...I can't actually like Soda can I?
"I guess you'll just have to find out when the time comes, huh?" Soda mumbled softly.
"SODA!" Steve yelled. "I need your help with this car!"
Soda and I broke away from each other, our faces flushed as we both left. I walked away from DX, heading back for the Curtis' for a nap, hopefully taking my mind off of what had just occured.
"Hey Heffer."
I cracked an eye open and sat up in my seat I had placed on the front yard of the Curtis' home. I found Tim Shepard smirking at me from above.
"I've been hearing that you need some money. You runnin' low?" Tim asked.
Buck told him didn't he?
"And if I said yes?" I folded my arms.
"I have an offer for you that you can't refuse." Tim winked.
Oh this oughta be good.
"Well what is it?" I stared him down.
"Man, you're as uptight as Winston." Tim chuckled.
"Well?" I rolled my eyes.
"Listen..." Tim lowered his voice, kneeling down a little until his lips were against my ear. "Some of my guys need some heaters, and we just bought some from another gang the next town over. I need someone to pick them up."
Whoa what?!
"What the fuck, Tim?" I hissed at him. "Why the hell are you askin' me?!"
"Because you're the right girl for this job." Tim grew serious. "You know what you're doing, you're not careless, plus you've got some of Winston's street smarts. I think you can pull it off. Plus you're a woman, no one would suspect you."
"You're fucking insane if you think I'll do this for yo- -"
"I'll pay you upfront, $1000." Tim cut me off.
I nearly choked on my spit, but managed to remain composed. I laid back in my chair, staring up at the sky as I contemplated it.
Well...if it's $1000...that's a pretty nice deal. All I gotta do is get some guns right?
"So what do you say, Jack? You in?" Tim waited patiently.
I mean...Darry's a little behind with his bills...maybe I could help him out?
"Alright." I gave in. "But you fuckin' owe me big time. If I get arrested, I'm comin' after you the next chance I get."
Tim smirked almost seductively and grabbed my hand, placing a kiss on it. I blushed as I narrowed my eyes at him.
"You're a doll, Jackie." He told me.
"Yeah yeah. Well you better pay me nothing less than $1000. I mean it." I warned him.
Tim placed a set of car keys in my hand, before placing another kiss on my forehead.
"It's keys for Buck's car. He said you could borrow his car. I'm on a deadline here, you think you can get them by tomorrow?"
"Shit. That means I'll have to leave tonight, you got anymore details on where I meet up with these guys?"
Tim grabbed a piece of paper from his back pocket and handed it to me.
"That's everything you'll need to know. I'll see you by tomorrow, Heffer. If you get them to me earlier, I'll give you a little bonus."
What the fuck did I get myself into?
I went into an old box full of Mrs. Curtis' clothes, pulling out one of her favorite dresses, before putting on and doing my makeup.
I mean, if I looked like a Soc, I wouldn't look as suspicious.
I inspected myself in the mirror one last time, before I walked out of Soda and Ponyboy's room. I grabbed a piece of paper, quickly scrawling a small note that I'd be staying with Evie for the night. After putting the note on the table, I turned around, bumping into Two-Bit.
"Well holy shit, don't you look great." Two-Bit smirked. "You know, if I weren't into blondes, you'd be my next choice."
"Keith. Don't make me punch you in the face." I glared at him. "I gotta get goin' alright?"
"Where to?" Two-Bit asked.
"I'm goin' out with Evie tonight." I lied smoothly.
"Well that's real funny. Me and Kathy were plannin' to meet up with Steve and Evie tonight. You're going too?" Two-Bit gave me a look of suspicion.
Fuck...
"Okay fine you caught me...I'm goin' on a date."
"With who?"
"That would ruin the fun Two-Bit. But listen, if the other guys ask, that's all you'll get to tell them."
"I ain't lettin' you leave until you tell me a name, darlin'."
"Randy Adderson." I blurted out.
FUCK WHY DID I SAY THAT?!
Two-Bit did a double-take, nearly keeling over in shock as I sped past him, ignoring his shouts as I quickly left the house, got into Buck's car, and drove off.
The drive over to Muskogee was long and tiring and I had managed to make it over to the drop off in time to pick up Tim's guns. The gang selling the guns to Tim kept giving me the stink-eye, mostly because of my appearance. I merely gave them a dry smile in return, taking the guns, and giving them their payment as Tim had asked of me. I relaxed for a half hour, finding the nearest McDonald's and eating dinner there before I had to drive all the way back to Tulsa. I made sure to drive carefully, not going too far over the speed limit, and not going under. It was probably nerve wrecking because of how many cops I would pass by on the highway every once in a while. It was almost 11:30 by the time I had arrived to Tulsa once more, and I finally arrived to Tim's place. I honked the horn, signaling Tim to come out. Tim and his gang followed him out front of his place, smiling when they saw me.
"Holy shit. I almost didn't recognize you, Heffer. What's with the get up?" Curly asked.
"Well you don't get pulled over if you look like a law-abiding citizen now do you?" I smirked.
Tim laughed and clapped a hand on my shoulder as he helped me out of the car.
"I like the way you think, Jack!" Tim smiled. "You boys could learn a few things from her."
I went over to the trunk, and pulled it open. For a brief second, Tim looked outraged wondering where the guns were because of how empty the trunk appeared to be.
"Where the fuck is it?" Tim glared at me.
"Where's my money?" I countered.
Tim fished out a bundle of cash from his jacket pocket and handed it over to me. After counting it out, I placed it down my bra within my dress, before moving over to unlock a secret hatch within the trunk. When Tim and his guys finally saw the guns, they all smiled brightly, almost deviously as they each grabbed one and went inside. Tim and Curly stayed behind, looking pleased with me.
"Sorry, Heffer. I thought for a second that you double crossed me." Tim chuckled awkwardly.
"Yeah, not even Buck knows I had this installed into his car." I smirked.
"Oh really?" Curly chuckled.
"Yeah, did this a few years back. Dally thought it was smart. He was the one that came up with the idea." I smiled faintly.
"Listen, good job. I knew I could count on you. Thanks for helpin' a guy out." Tim nodded at me.
"Well don't you worry, this was only a one time deal."
I shut the trunk, heading over to the driver's seat before I got in, getting ready to pull out of his driveway.
"Whoa. Hold on. A one time thing?" Tim looked nervous.
"You really think I'll do this again for you? I'm not going to be apart of that life, so forget it. I only did this to help out Darry, Soda, and Ponyboy." I scoffed.
With that being said, I drove away, heading back home as I saw Tim look angry and flustered through the rearview mirror.
I pulled up out front of the Curtis', seeing Sodapop nursing a cola in his hand as he sat out on the front porch. He stood up immediately and began storming over to me as soon as he spotted me. I parked the car, getting out of it before Soda had me against the car, his hand slamming down on hard metal surface beside me.
"Where the hell have you been?!" Soda nearly screamed.
I stared at Soda in surprise, but managed to remain calm and not yell back at him.
"I was just out...relax, okay?" I glared at him.
Soda's vibrant blue eyes continued to stare at me, and as angry as he seemed at the moment, he looked more confused when he noticed what I was wearing.
"Wait...is that my mother's favorite dress?" Soda asked in confusion.
"Yeah, you don't mind right?" I blushed and looked down at my feet. "I just thought...I thought I'd like to try something new, you know? I don't look bad in it do I?"
I always did like this dress.
"No...I...you look good in it." Soda's glare softened.
"Thanks." I mumbled.
Soda's shoulders slumped as he began to calm down, not as angry as he once was.
"Where were you? We were worried sick." Soda asked worriedly.
I felt almost guilty, hearing Johnny's voice in my ahead again.
What do you think would be the right thing to do?
"I...if I tell you...will you promise not to be mad?" I averted my gaze.
Soda grew concerned at this, and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
"You weren't out on a date with Randy Adderson were you?"
"No...I...I did a job for Tim." I confessed.
"What kind of job?" Soda grew tense as he pulled me closer towards him.
"I'm not sure you wanna know, Soda. But listen...I did it for you guys. I wasn't even gonna keep the money for myself."
I pulled out a wad of cash from my bra, handing it over to Soda.
"Darry's been behind on his bills. I just wanted to help out."
Soda counted the cash, his eyes widenening at the large amount.
"What the hell did you do? Kill someone?"
"Sodapop Curtis!" I yelled.
I glared at him, hitting his arm. We both fell silent for what was probably five minutes, before Soda finally spoke up again.
"I didn't know...Darry didn't tell me. How did you find out?" He questioned.
"I found the last bill in his room. It was under the bed." I answered.
"Listen, you didn't have to do this. We would have figured somethin' out- -"
"I just wanted to do something for once. I hate feeling useless. I just wanted to help." I snapped.
"You're not useless and you know it." Soda grew serious.
I grew angry and frustrated, pushing Soda away from me.
"You're kidding me right?" I folded my arms. "Do you've got any idea how I've felt these past few months? Since the night of Bob Sheldon's murder?"
Soda looked saddened, but didn't say anything, like he didn't know how to respond.
"I told the boys to run...I told them I'd handle it. They were just stubborn and they wouldn't let me fight them alone. I...I wasn't strong enough...I was just...I was so fucking useless. I've only felt like that one other time, only this time, Dally wasn't there to save me. Johnny ended up killing that stupid asshole in order to save Ponyboy and I...I almost died again.."
"What do you mean again?" Soda muttered.
Soda's eyes were full of concern and worry, but I couldn't stop, it was almost like word vomit if that made sense.
It just wouldn't stop, it just came out.
My fists were now clenched tightly enough to draw blood as I forced myself to continue as I visibly shook from the anger I now felt.
"I've always protected those boys...and now one of them is dead because I wasn't strong enough. Johnny was like my younger brother. If those bastards had just stayed away that night, Johnny and Dallas wouldn't be dead. But either way, I'll always blame myself. I'm fucking useless. I just...with everything that's been happening...I feel so fucking weak." I practically growled.
Soda eyes brimmed with tears before he pulled me into a hug, embracing me like his life depended on it. I was taken back by his gesture and didn't know what to do for several seconds, but eventually, my arms made my way around his waist as well as I returned the hug.
"You were never weak. Johnny looked up to you, darlin'. So does Ponyboy. Plus, I don't know what you said to Darry, but he and Ponyboy are starting to get along better because of you. You've been so helpful, Jacqueline. I don't want you sayin' that you're weak ever again, you hear me? You're one of the strongest people I know." Soda smiled at me warmly.
He never calls me Jacqueline unless he's being dead serious about something.
"I can't help it, Soda...it's just how I feel. Nothing will ever be the same...and not for the better." I blinked back tears. "I couldn't help Johnny, just like I couldn't help Dallas...someone else I care about will die soon, just you wait."
"Stop thinking like that. What happened ain't your fault." Soda told me.
Soda placed his forehead against mine, as a comforting kind of gesture. I was reminded of Dallas immediately, recalling how he used to do the same thing to me whenever I was upset. I immediately stopped crying, my eyes closing as I breathed deeply as I focused on calming down. I felt my face heat up as I opened my eyes again, seeing Soda's baby blue eyes stare into mine. I backed away slowly, glancing up at the sky.
"Listen, I want you to keep the money. I don't care what you do with it..." I mumbled softly. "I just wanted to help you guys...you've done so much for me."
I began getting into Buck's car again, before Soda slammed the door to prevent me from leaving.
"No. You're not leaving while you're like this. I can tell that you plan on going to Buck's for a drink. It's not going to happen, not this time. Just stay...I won't tell Darry alright?"
I sighed as I stared at Soda, leaning against the car.
"Why do you want me to stay? Just go be with Ponyboy and Darry. They need you way more than I do." I scoffed. "You don't need me and I definitely don't need your damn pity- -"
"Stop it. Stop trying to push me away!" Soda snapped. "I care about you and I want you to stay with me because I want you to. I don't pity you. You've done a lot for me and I just want to return the favor okay? It's like you said. You've done a lot for us. You don't gotta be all prideful and do things on your own. It's what Dallas did."
I stared at Soda in shock, and raised my hand to hit him, but he quickly caught my wrist and pulled my body closer towards him. We both grew silent as we looked into each other's eyes once more, but this time, neither of us had backed away. Soda pulled my wrist down, yanking me over towards him, so that our lips connected.
Well this escalated quickly...
It was like my mind was having a battle, going back from struggling to willing as Soda pressed his body against mine, pinning me against Buck's car. It was when Soda swiped his tongue against my lower lip, that I finally gave in, letting out a small moan as I used my free hand to grab the back of Soda's head, forcing his head closer towards mine. Soda released my wrist, wrapping his arms around my waist, hitching one of my legs up around his waist so that his groin pressed against mine. I panted as his lips left mine and went straight to my neck. I tugged at his hair, groaning as he planted kisses along my neck and collarbone.
Fuck...I gotta stop this. He just broke up with Sandy not too long ago. There's no way he can want me. He's just...confused.
I jolted when I felt him bite my neck, melting into him as I let out a whimper.
Shit...he's making this hard.
I finally let out one more groan, gently pushing Soda away from me.
"What just happened?" I breathed out.
Soda looked guilty, cursing to himself.
"Jack...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to force myself onto you. Shit..." Soda sighed deeply.
"I'm not mad Soda...I should be the one apologizing. I almost hit you. I said stupid shit..." I panted.
"...do you like me?" Soda blurted out
I froze, staring at him in surprise from the sudden question.
"Of course I do..." I muttered.
"No...do you like me?"
I mean...I've always had a crush on him since I could remember...but he had Sandy...and I thought I had Dallas. God what the fuck do I say?
"I wanna say yes, but I feel like I should be asking you that question. You just had your breakup with Sandy. I don't...I don't wanna be used as a way of grieving okay? I mean...shit I don't know..." I grew frustrated.
"I get what you mean. I'd never use you like that though, darlin'...you know that. I've got morals." Soda lightly joked.
I chuckled as I ran a hand through my hair.
"So...so what exactly are we doing here?" I questioned.
"I don't have a clue. It just...that kinda felt right if I'm gonna be honest." Soda stated.
"Oh really?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah." He smiled.
"I'm...seriously confused right now." I lightly laughed.
"You and me both. But...maybe...we don't have to put labels on anything right now. Not until we know for sure." Soda suggested.
"Sure." I nodded.
"We'd better get inside, I don't have a clue if Ponyboy or Darry are still up, but I don't wanna be you when they spot us. They'll probably be worse than I was."
"Yeah..." I mumbled.
"So where have you been Jackie?" Darry gave me a stern look. "And why are you wearing one of my mother's dresses?"
Soda and I both sighed, knowing it was too good to be true.
Darry just had to be awake didn't he?
Soda glanced over at me, silently pleading me to come clean, knowing it would be better to just get it out in the open before he'd find out from someone else. I grabbed the money from Soda, tossing it over to Darry. Darry looked confused before his eyes widened at the amount of cash I gave him.
"Listen Darry, before you say anything, let her explain okay?" Soda mumbled.
Darry looked conflicted and angry, but nodded, looking for an explanation.
"I found one of your bills. I was just asking around for a job from Buck, maybe help out a little. But then..."
I swallowed, averting my gaze.
"Tim came over later, knowing I'd needed the extra cash. He offered me a lot of money in return for doing a job for him. So that's why I was gone..."
"What was the job?" Darry grew tense.
"I...I'm not sure you wanna know." I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
"Just tell me." Darry's jaw clenched tightly.
Soda came over, placing a hand on my shoulder and urged me to continue.
"...Tim bought some guns from a gang in Muskogee. He needed someone to pick them up and deliver them to him."
Soda and Darry looked at me in shock. Darry dropped the money onto the table as if it had burned him. He placed his hands on his head, trying not to have a huge meltdown. Soda backed away from me, unsure of how to react.
"Why...why would you do that?! Getting involved in Tim Shepard's shit storm is gonna get you killed!" Darry snapped.
"Darry...I told him it was a one time deal. I won't do it again, alright?" I folded my arms. "I just wanted to help you out with the bills." I snapped.
"You don't gotta worry about the bills! That's my problem and mine alone!" Darry glared at me.
I took a deep breath, trying not to have another shouting match with Darry.
"So it won't happen again?" Soda cut in.
I looked at Soda in surprise, but nodded in confirmation. I didn't know why I thought I'd be surprised though, considering how understanding Soda is about everything. It was something I admired about him.
"I think that's good enough for me. What about you Darry?" Soda glanced over at Darry.
"So what? We're just going to pretend that this money isn't- -"
"Darry. I know it ain't right, but...we do need the money. As long as it don't happen again, I'm willing to let it slide just this once. I don't like this anymore than you do, but if we're behind on bills..." Soda looked desperate.
Darry shut his mouth, frowning as he pinched his nose to try and calm down.
"Alright...alright..." He gave in.
Darrel grew completely serious, looking me straight in the eye.
"Promise me. Promise me you won't get involved with Tim Shepard's gang. If you talk to Tim, it won't be about taking on a job for him. Just promise me that." Darry lowered his voice.
I nodded again, unsure of what to say, not used to seeing Darry look so calm.
It was almost unnerving.
Normally, I hated people that told me what to do, that were authoritative and demanding, but when it came to Darry, he was probably one of the very few people I'd actually listen to. Maybe it was because he was a brother/father figure to me and I looked up to him in both respect and fear.
"Say it." Darry ordered.
"For you? I promise." I muttered.
"Now come here."
Darry came over quickly, pulling me in for a hug.
"Soda...not a word of this to Ponyboy okay?"
"Sure, Dar." Soda nodded.
Things were tense the next morning, but I kept quiet about it, not wanting to draw attention to myself.
"Everything alright Jack? You've been quiet all morning, more quiet than usual." Two-Bit noticed.
Ponyboy perked up as he glanced over at me, nodding in agreement with Two-Bit.
"Yeah, now that I think about it...you and Soda sure we're acting strange...you two barely looked at each other." Ponyboy added.
"Is that so?"
Two-Bit raised his eyebrow in that special way of his as a huge smirk formed on his face.
"What?" Ponyboy asked in confusion.
"Did something happen last night by any chance?" Two-Bit asked.
"You didn't have a fight did you?"
Ponyboy looked worried, still not catching on to Two-Bit's suggestive tone. I glared at Two-Bit, punching his arm as he laughed hysterically.
"Nothin' happened you morons. So drop it." I grumbled.
"Awwww. You don't gotta be so shy!" Two-Bit snickered.
"Jack...what's going on with you and Sodapop?" Ponyboy grew serious.
My glare softened from Ponyboy's concerned tone, and I wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"Nothing you need to worry yourself over kid. I'm just...I'm confused is all. It'll be alright." I told him.
"OOOOH! Now I have to know!" Two-Bit practically jumped in excitement.
In seconds, Two-Bit wrapped his arm around my waist, hauling me up until I was dangling over his shoulder.
"KEITH MATTHEWS! I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL KICK YOUR ASS UNTIL IT'S PURPLE! PUT ME DOWN!" I yelled angrily.
"Not until you tell us the truth, sweetheart!" He laughed.
"Fuck you!" I growled.
"Two-Bit, you better do what she says." Ponyboy shook his head at Two-Bit.
"Spill the beans sister!" Two-Bit shouted.
I grabbed Dally's old switchblade from my jacket pocket before it fell out, gently poking it into Two-Bit's butt. It wasn't enough to make him bleed or even give him a cut, but he yelped pretty loudly. Two-Bit immediately put me down, rubbing his butt as he glared at me.
"That wasn't very nice." Two-Bit grumbled.
"Well I ain't a nice girl." I smirked. "Suck it up, I barely got you."
"If I find a bloodstain on the back of my jeans, I'm coming for you Heffer!" Two-Bit threatened.
"Go ahead, see where that'll get you." I rolled my eyes.
I continued walking, pulling Ponyboy along with me so he wouldn't be late for school. It wasn't long until Two-Bit caught up with us just as we arrived to the school entrance.
"Don't slack off in school alright?" I gave Ponyboy a stern look. "And anyone that gives you trouble, you tell me or Matthews."
Ponyboy nodded, blushing as he averted his gaze.
"Alright mom, chill out. We'll see yah later, babe." Two-Bit pulled Ponyboy with him to class.
I glanced over to my left as I turned, seeing Cherry Valence walk past me. She stopped and turned, looking over towards me, as if considering something. Soon enough, she mustered up enough courage and came over to me before I could leave.
"Hey." She mumbled softly.
I glared at her as I folded my arms. I could tell she felt intimidated by me, but I could care less.
"Did I do something wrong?" Cherry rubbed her arms awkwardly.
"Besides ignore Ponyboy like he don't exist?"
Cherry blushed the same shade as her hair, before she managed to calm down.
"I didn't mean to, it's just...I don't know what to say to him. Plus...I'm a Soc...my friends won't take too kindly with me hanging out with a greaser." She said.
I rolled my eyes before grabbing a cig from my jacket pocket and lighting it.
"I get it...gotta keep up a reputation and all." I said sarcastically.
"What the hell's your problem?" Cherry grew annoyed by my attitude.
"My problem, sweetheart, is that you shouldn't have to give a shit of what other people think about you. You know who you are. That's all that should matter." I told her.
Cherry calmed down, looking surprised at what I'd said to her.
"I...you're right." She smiled faintly. "...thank you."
"For what?" I raised an eyebrow.
"For reminding me." She clarified.
"So you'll stop ignoring Ponyboy?" I inhaled some smoke.
"Yeah..." Cherry nodded.
Cherry then gave me a hug not even a minute later which took me by surprise, but eventually I rubbed her back to assure her everything was good between us.
"Listen...I wanted to say that I'm sorry for Dallas and Johnny. I never got to apologize...I didn't know Bob would do that..." Cherry frowned.
"Your boyfriend was a real piece of shit, but I ain't mad at you. He made that decision all on his own." I sighed.
"He was a real sweet guy before he started drinkin'." Cherry mentioned.
I nodded, not knowing what to say to that. Based off of what Johnny had told me after being attacked, I came to the conclusion that Bob was also the one that scared Johnny so badly. I decided not to say anything to Cherry about that though, not wanting to start another fight between us.
"Listen, I gotta go to class. It was nice talking to you...maybe we could go to the Dingo together. My treat." She offered.
"Sure. You know who to call to contact me." I referred to Ponyboy.
Cherry nodded before she turned away, walking inside the school before the bell rang for the first class of the day. I turned around after finishing my cigarette, finally making my way over to the DX to see Soda and Steve.
In light of recent events, mostly because of yesterday, Darry had wanted me to be with Soda for the day to keep an eye on me so I'd stay out of trouble. So currently, I was at the DX, lying on top of the hood of a car, sipping on cola as I closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun fan my face gently. It was one of my many weaknesses, the sun had always made me fall asleep. On a nice day, it was like the sun was covering you with a warm fluffy blanket and it made it very hard for me to stay awake. It was just relaxing lying under the sun. I didn't know how long I'd fallen asleep for, but I think it was noon by the time I was shaken awake by Steve.
"You mind getting off of the car?" Steve huffed.
"Just workin' on my tan, Randle." I smirked.
Steve rolled his eyes before glancing over at Soda expectantly.
"What?" Soda chuckled.
"Well do somethin'. This car's gotta be fixed by two o'clock." Steve grumbled.
"What do you expect me to do?" Soda folded his arms.
"She listens to ya, just do somethin'!" Steve threw his hands up, leaving to get his tool box.
Soda sighed and walked over to me, leaning against the car as he looked down at me.
"Why do you always gotta rile him up?" Soda smirked.
"Because he makes it so easy." I merely replied.
"Well come on. I gotta go get us lunch today and you're comin' with me." Soda said.
I immediately got off of the car, stretching before punching Soda's arm playfully.
"Well good, I'm freakin' starving." I smiled.
The both of us walked along the streets in silence side by side as we left for the Dingo. We were both still a little tense around each other, considering what had happened the night before.
"So uh...I heard about something before Sandy left for Florida..." Soda brought up.
I tensed up, but nodded nonchalantly.
"Yeah?"
"I heard Evie tell Steve that you threatened Sandy before she left."
Shit...
"Yup." I merely replied.
"So it's true then? You're not going to deny it?" Soda questioned.
"Why would I deny it when it's the truth?" I shrugged.
I grew serious, my smile immediately fading away as I glanced over at Sodapop.
"...did you hurt her?" Soda asked.
"I only slapped her in the face. I'm not a complete monster. I was just angry that she hurt you like that. It ain't right." I admitted.
"Jesus, Jack..." Soda sighed in frustration.
"Look, it's over and done with. Sandy's gone."
"You made sure she stayed gone that's for sure." Soda retorted.
"Well I didn't want you near that bitch. She don't deserve you anyway. You gave her everything and she left you with a broken heart. Does that sound right to you?" I glared at him.
I got out a cig, lighting it up before Soda could protest. I inhaled, holding my breath before letting out a shaky breath.
"Listen, Soda...I was just angry for you. When I found you home later that day, crying...I'd never seen you like that since your parents died. Part of me regretted hitting Sandy, mostly because I always liked her, because she made you happy. But then I saw you like that, and I don't regret it at all now." I told him.
Sodapop nodded, taking my cig from my mouth before inhaling the smoke himself.
"I get it...I'm just glad you didn't do any real damage. You're just as reckless as Dally was." Soda said.
"Yeah well, I ain't a baby killer. Let's just get that straight. If she wasn't pregnant, I might have done more damage...it was hard just trying not to hurt her."
"Come on. Let's go get lunch before my break's over." Soda smiled faintly.
"Soda...you're not mad are you?" I asked. "I mean, I'll understand if you are, but- -"
"I ain't mad, not completely. A little bit, but...let's just forget about it okay? I'll let it slide just this once. Thanks for being upfront with me. I like that you're honest."
"Okay." I nodded.
"Alright, what did you do?" Ponyboy questioned.
I glanced over at Ponyboy, putting down the book I was reading in their bedroom.
"What?" I grew confused.
"What did you say to Cherry? She asked me on a date!" Ponyboy looked flustered.
I grinned from ear to ear like a Cheshire Cat at the news, happy to hear that Cherry had listened to me.
"Is that so?" I bit my bottom lip.
"Oh god, now you sound like Two-Bit." Ponyboy groaned.
"Oh shush. What did she say to you?" I asked.
"She asked me if we could go to the drive-in together." Ponyboy answered.
"You said yes right? You didn't just run away?" I teased.
"Of course I said yes to her!" Ponyboy yelled.
"Well what's the problem then?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I...I don't know what to do...I've never had a date before." Ponyboy muttered.
I smiled in sympathy, patting a spot on the bed for him to sit on.
"Listen, don't overthink it alright? Just be yourself. You're pretty much a gentleman in regards of how to treat a lady, just stay that way. All you gotta do is be thoughtful and considerate. Listen to her, buy her a drink, whatever, just remain calm, you dig?"
Ponyboy nodded before he sighed, laying back on the bed as he grew more relaxed.
"Thanks Jack. Sometimes you know what to say. Kinda like Johnny." Ponyboy smiled.
"I'm usually being compared to Dallas, you sure you're feeling alright?" I joked.
"Listen, I...could you help me pick something out to wear? Nothing too flashy, just...something nicer than I usually wear?" He asked.
"I got you kid. I'm sure Sodapop has something more casual in the closet. You two are about the same size anyway."
I moved over to their closet, browsing through their clothes.
"Oh yeah...what happened with you and Soda? You never told us." Ponyboy brought up.
"I told yah not to worry about it. It's nothing major..." I stammered.
"Right." Ponyboy mumbled sarcastically.
"Don't get wise, kid." I grumbled.
"Sorry...just...Soda barely talked to me as I passed by him on my way home from school. He looked deep in thought, I haven't seen him that way since before he mustered up the courage to ask Sandy out." Ponyboy mentioned.
I grew tense and stopped what I was doing for several seconds from Ponyboy's words.
Well...that's interesting...
"I'm sure he's fine." I replied.
I snapped out of my daze, pulling out a long-sleeved flannel shirt I found. It looked really nice and didn't stick out that much, but it was better than what Ponyboy would usually wear on a daily basis.
"Here you go." I tossed over the shirt.
"Thanks. I didn't even know this was in the closet." Ponyboy said.
"It's probably never been worn before." I chuckled.
Ponyboy took off his shirt, quickly putting on the button up flannel shirt after grabbing a tank top to go underneath it.
"So when's your date?" I asked.
"Tonight at seven."
"Well shit. You've got about four more hours." I laughed.
"I guess so. I'd better get started on homework before Darry gets here." Pony mumbled.
Hey guys! Finally, a new chapter! I'm sorry to those that have been waiting a while for a new chapter, but I haven't had the inspiration up until now to continue my story. I rewrote the previous chapters, so I hope you'll find it more enjoyable to read if you decide to go back from the beginning to read it. I changed several things to the story, nothing too major I think. Anyway, let me know what you think! Don't be too harsh with the reviews, it's all I ask. Just be civil okay? If I messed up anything with the characters, KINDLY point it out, and I'll go back to change it when I can. Thank you!