me & the greasers (a dally love story)

chapter 31

A week or two had passed since my release from the hospital. I was starting to feel a lot better and eventually I went back to school full time. I was in school for only a short time before it was one week away from winter break. This year I was actually more excited than usual. I'd been struggling to see Dallas recently because I was trying to catch up on all my missed work and also recover, physically and mentally. Finally over the break I'd be able to see Dallas, without the gang interfering anyway.

When we got out of school on Friday I asked Two Bit if he'd go out on the town with me that evening. I also told him to invite his sister because I was wanted to get to know her better. Two Bit was a great guy but it was probably killing her having to be stuck in a new town with her goofy older brother and no friends to talk to. By "out on the town" I meant shopping, but I didn't want him to know that, if he did he probably would've shot down the idea immediately. He seemed skeptical at first since Two Bit and I rarely hung out alone, but agreed. Right after the last bell rang I made the journey to my house. I got changed as quick as possible, slipping on a borrowed pair of Pony's jeans and leaving on the baby blue sweater I'd worn to school. It was definitely not enough to protect me from the harsh Tulsa winters. I threw on a turtle neck under the sweater, it wasn't much but it was better than nothing. I looked outside my window and saw Two Bit's car rolling down the street, right on time. I barely said good bye to the guys in the living room and rushed to the shotgun of Two's car, slamming the door shut.

"Well hello to you too," he greeted.

"Sorry. You would not believe how cold it is out there."

"Right!" I turned around to see Natalia, Two Bit's sister, in the back seat, nodding her head in agreement. She had on a really nice button up jacket, it almost went down to her ankles so I guessed it was probably her moms'. Atop her head was a white fluffy winter cap, one I wished I had myself.

"You want my jacket?" he offered kindly, but I couldn't accept because I knew all he wore under those leather jackets was a Mickey Mouse tank top.

"That's sweet but no thanks. We'll be in stores most of the time anyway."

"Stores, like shopping?" Two asked sounding surprise.

"Oh yeah," I mumbled feeling embarrassed I didn't tell him already, "I was hoping we could do some Christmas shopping," I told him my original plan.

"Guess we might as well since we are already out."

"I'm so excited! I have an idea of what I want to get each of the boys but I was hoping you could help."

"For sure, but Bev, I really don't have no money to spare."

I felt bad because I didn't need any of his money, I just wanted his opinions and company."Oh no I can pay for the gifts, I've been saving up. I want your ideas on what to get for the gang."

"That's not a problem," he smiled now, much more giddy and uplifted.

I noticed how quiet Natalia was being in the back seat so I tried to include her in a conversation.

"So how's school going Nat?"

"It's going well I guess, I met a few nice girls to talk to and class and have lunch with," she said quietly, nearly whispering.

"Maybe over break we can hangout, besides those girls at school are mostly trouble. Trust me."

"It's weird. I have some friends at school but Ponyboy told me they're soc's so I shouldn't hangout with them. What's that even mean?" Natalia began to open up a bit more.

"Greasers and socs,"

"A tale as old as time," Two Bit interuppted.

"Yeah it's this whole hierarchy they have constructed based off of your wealth. You know how I got jumped a few weeks ago? That was soley because I'm a greaser. Don't go around pissing no one off and you should be fine."

This seemed to frighten Natalia a bit but our conversation was cut off by our arrival to the mall. We emptied out of the car, shivering due to the cold washing over our bodies.

"Race ya," Two Bit yelled causing us all to take off running towards the entrance of the mall.

We browsed through many stores, occasionally buying something. I didn't get many big gifts because I couldn't really afford them. Two Bit was actually a big help and I needed to get him something too, Natalia distracted him for me while I checked out a Mickey key chain for his Christmas present. I got Ponyboy a few books I think he'd like and a journal for him to write in. For Johnny I got a new pocket knife, it was what he needed to feel safe off the streets. I bought Soda a new flannel and matching combs for him and Steve. I also got Steve a book about all different models of cars because Two Bit told me he had an obsession with them. I got Darry a new pair of work boots which were pricey but it was worth it, he really needed a new pair and I knew he'd appreciate it. Dallas was the hardest to find a gift for. I found a really nice leather jacket that he would've enjoyed, hell I wanted it for myself but he probably had a million of those, so I wanted to find something even better.

Nat and I strolled through the jewelry shop while Two made his way to the store with all the gags. We stumbled across this ring that had Dallas's name written all over it. It was a silver skull ring. This was just perfect for him for so many reasons I don't even need to explain. After purchasing the ring Natalia and I collected Two Bit and headed back to my house.

Of course I invited the two to hangout at my place for a bit. I noticed Natalia was hesitant at first but once she saw Two's eagerness to see the boys she agreed to tag along. Two Bit and I carried all the bags in while Nat held open the door.

"Two Bit my room, now," I rushed through the house. I didn't want any of the guys to see what I got them.

He placed the bags down on the floor of my room. I noticed Natalia standing in my doorway, probably unsure of where to go. I pulled them both into a hug.

"Thanks for today you guys."

"Anytime Bev."

"Yeah it was fun," Natalia agreed.

As we walked back out to the living room we were shot some confused and judgmental looks by the guys scattered about in my living room. Then I was faced with a grinning Dallas walking in a clear path towards me.

He didn't even say hi to me before plucking at the fabric on my neck and saying, "A turtle neck Bev, really?"

"Since when are you a fashionista?" I laughed at my own joke while he gave a sarcastic one. "I didn't really have a coat to wear so yeah, the undershirt was necessary."

"Where were you guys anyway?" Ponyboy asked, his head peaking from behind Dallas.

"We went shopping," Natalia actually answered him which caught me off guard. She hadn't spoke since we got here.

"Awl Two had himself a girls day," Steve teased, "Did ya get your nails painted?" he held Two Bit's hand inspecting his nails.

"Shut your trap Randle," Two chased Steve around the furniture.

Soda and Steve decided to go out with some girls they were talking to, I think their names were Sandy and Evie. They've been hanging out with them for a little. I'd interrogate Soda about it later. Darry headed to bed since he had work early and the rest of us played a game of cards for a bit. Eventually Two Bit being the responsible brother he is decided it was time for him and Nat to leave, at around midnight. Soon after the rest of us went to bed, Johnny sleeping on the couch and Dallas disappearing into the night.

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a/n- hey guys! sorry it took me so long to update, i love writing this story it just takes a lot of energy. i'm currently working on natalia's story and the first few chapters of that will prob b up soon. thanks sm for reading and plz continue to leave comments!