Sing me a love song || Sodapop Curtis |

IX

When Valerie woke up the next morning, she was laying on the living room floor next to Two-bit, who was sleeping on top of a Monopoly board. Fake money was scattered everywhere as well as small character pieces. Steve and Dally were hanging off the couch. Soda, Pony, and Darry had gone to their normal bedrooms and Johnny was still in the hospital, supposed to be released that day.
Valerie stood up and grabbed her pack of cigarettes and lighter from the coffee table and walked to the front porch. She lit up a cigarette and put it to her lips.
The morning air was cool and crisp. Valerie was still in her clothes from the day before so she was shivering just the slightest bit. The front door opened with a creak and Soda walked out.
"Mornin'" he sighed. She looked over her shoulder. His hair was messy and his face was groggy. Soda walked up next to her and leaned against the railing.
"Why are you up so early?" He asked. She shrugged.
"I'm always up this early." The morning breeze blew, sending chills up Valerie's spine. He looked over to her.
"You cold?" He asked. She shrugged and he took off his flannel. Soda wrapped it around her shoulders, earning a laugh from Valerie. Soda looked over to Valerie in admiration. Her hair was frizzy and messed up and her clothes were wrinkled. Her eyes were filled with exhaustion and a mild hangover. But Soda couldn't help but smile.
Valerie took one final drag on her cigarette and sighed. She leaned over and rested her head against Soda's shoulder. He rested his head on top of her's and wrapped his arm around her. They sat like that, enjoying the fresh morning air. After minutes of silence passed, Valerie spoke.
"Wanna know somethin?" She asked. Soda hummed in response.
"I was scared to love you, at first." Soda adjusted so her could look her in the eyes.
"Scared?" He repeated. "Why?" Valerie sucked in a breath.
"Because I was scared of what it would do to me." She intertwined her fingers with his. "I was scared I would end up like my dad. I was scared I'd end up hurting you." Valerie laughed and Soda stayed quiet. "But ya know what?" Soda hummed and looked into her eyes. "My whole life I've been on this...soul searchin' journey...and I feel like it's come to an end." Valerie leaned against the railing and looked at her feet. "And what I found was you." Soda smiled as Valerie looked up and added, "and me."
Soda ran his hand through her messy blonde curls and Valerie held his hand gently. He caressed her cheek and leaned in, pecking her on the lips.
Soda gently rested his arms on her shoulders and pulled her in close. She laid her head on his chest and he rested his own on the top of her head.
They held each other, silently and closely. They enjoyed the quiet feeling of bliss that ran through their bodies. Birds chirped in the early morning and the sun shone, freshly risen. Valerie took in his scent; the scent of cigarettes, hair grease, and cologne. He took in hers; the faint smell of booze, cigarettes, and pine cones.
The breeze blew again and Soda held her tighter. Soda was warm, very warm, like the sun. His body generated heat like his smile forced other smiles out of hiding.
Holding her close, Soda whispered in her ear, "Are you still scared?" Valerie thought for a moment and clicked her tongue.
"Yeah," she whispered. "I am." Valerie grabbed his hand and brought it to her chin.
"But this? This is worth the fear."