The Unfortunate Love

Chapter 2: Unexpected Reunion

I wake up to the car coming to a screeching halt. The sounds of yelling fills my head. I look up to see the driver and some man arguing. That man is hitting the side of the car with his foot. He's makin' a total ass of himself. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. 

"What's his deal?" I laugh nervously.

"Dunno, but this is far as I'm takin' ya kid." The man says.

I look around not sure of where I am. "Uh, can't you just take me to the nearest gas station?"

He gives me a sour look. "I only took this because your mother owes me one."

"Would it kill ya to drive me down to that damn DX or something?"

"Get out."

I huffed getting out of the car. Making sure my anger was known by slamming his doors. As I grabbed my bags, he took no hesitation in speeding off. What a dick  I thought to myself. I walked aimlessly down the street, hoping to find somebody  for directions. The once bright sun was now turning into a beautiful pink sky. It seemed like forever until I saw some life. I asked several strangers for directions but they all gave me the cold shoulder. As I passed several diners, I saw a girl with red hair standing outside of one, looked about my age. Man was she pretty and she knew it. I mean just lookin' at her she looked expensive. I decided I had to approach her or else I'd be walkin' for miles.

I walked up and waved. "Hiya there! I'm lookin' for directions to the nearest gas station." She looked me up and down with the most hate-filled look on her face. She frowned and looked at the other girl standing next to her.

"I'm sorry. I don't talk to Greasers." She turned back to her friend continuing the conversation they were having before I butted in. I tapped her shoulder. "Miss, I'm awful sorry but I need  to find directions to the nearest gas station. Ya see, I'm not from 'round here." She spins around, her face almost as red as her hair.

"Do not  touch me again. Find your own damn way, Grease."

Boy. She had a sour attitude. Also what the hell is a "Greaser"? I decided it wasn't worth my time so I kept going and kept searching. Didn't take me too long until I saw a DX in the distance. Man, was I happy to see that. I picked up speed with every step. My stomach started to rumble. I hope I can get something with this five bucks. I walk into the DX and head straight towards the chips. I grab what I'm in the mood for and head towards the counter. Nobody is around. Are they closed? I peak around and I see two men outside working on a car. I knock on the glass separating the store from the garage. The two men look up but instead they weren't men at all. They also looked to be about my age. They both scramble to their feet but instead one comes inside.

"Hi there! How can I help ya, miss?" He gave me the biggest gap toothed smile. He was taller than I was. He had a mop of dark brown hair and a bird tattoo on his right bicep. Oh boy, was he muscular. He must work on cars.

"Oh! Sorry. Um just this stuff right here." I hand him the things that I got. I shift awkwardly on my feet. He seems to notice my bags I have with me. He goes to ask me but gets cut off by the other boy. Who looked oddly familiar. He had the same color hair if not a little bit lighter than the other one. He smiled at me. Wow a smile of a movie star's. Wait a minute. I know that smile!

"Steve! I got the car a-workin-" He stops talking and looks at me. "Wait a minute. I know you." He hops over the counter and comes close. He eyeballs me real good. I feel myself grow a little nervous. A stranger in your face sayin' they know you in a town you don't know. It's scary. I give him a nervous smile and he gasps. "No way! Tatum?! It's you! I knew I recognized you! It took me a long while though!" He laughs.

My eyes widen. "SodaPop?! No way! I never woulda thought I'd run into you! Outta all places too!" I laugh and embrace him in a hug. "How's your brothers? I heard 'bout your parents, I'm real sorry 'bout that." I give him a sympathetic look. I do feel really bad. I wish I would've known about the funeral.

"Aw we're doin' just okay. PonyBoy is in school, Darry and I work so damn much to try to pay bills at least." He looks down for a moment before looking back up at me to flash a smile. "Nuff about the sad stuff! Let me introduce you to my friend, Steve!" Steve waves proudly and sticks out a hand. I take his hand in mine, it's rough and sweaty.

"Hi Steve, I'm Tatum, the Curtis' cousin. Once removed." I joke.

He gives me a hearty laugh. "That was a good one. I like her." 

Soda gives me a bright and proud smile. "Actually Tatum, we're 'bout to close up shop. Why don't you wait outside for us?" I nod, eager to see Darry and PonyBoy. I skip outside, my bags feeling a whole lot lighter than they did before. I see Soda and Steve bring a beat up truck around the corner. I toss my things in the back and bounce up to Steve's side of the window.

"Any room for me?" I smile at them. Steve scoots over leaving just enough room for me.

"A special seat for a special lady." Steve grins. I blush and climb in the seat next to him. Its a little tight which causes me to elbow him in the side. Steve jumps like a little kid. 

Soda gives us a look. "Do I need to leave?" Steve and I look at each other in bewilderment. We both shake our heads no.

For the rest of the ride, Soda and I do some catching up. Steve occasionally butting in to tell a story or two 'bout their friend, Dallas Winston, who sounds pretty badass if you ask me. I can't wait to meet everybody!