𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠 // The Outsiders

Chapter 12 - Happy Birthday

Do you know what the worst day to go back to school is? The day Christmas break ends, and it also just happens to be your birthday. On the plus side, I'm seventeen now, yay! Cherry wanted to invite me out for dinner but I told her I already had plans. Which is a total lie.

My plan is to go home and sleep at the end of the day after we go to the DX. But me and my big mouth accidently let it slip to Two that today was, in fact, my birthday. And of course, Two and his big mouth told the rest of the gang, at least those at school. So now, I'm pretty sure Soda has it engraved in his brain that I'm coming over tonight.

Once the bell for history rings, I slam my head on the desk. What did I get myself into?
"Umm, you okay?" Steve asks, poking my head. I groan in response, swatting away his hand. Two-bit chuckles lightheartedly.
"What's wrong with cha'?" He asks.
"I'm tired." I sit up, though my eyes are still
closed.

"You can't be tired." Soda whines. "It's your birthday." I huff, dropping my head back on the desk. I hear him say "ow" and I'm pretty sure Steve hit him or something.
"Soda, I don't think Win likes her birthday." He says. He pokes me for confirmation and I give a thumbs up. Soda sighs but says,
"I'm still gonna get her a present."

I'm not bothered to say anything. His most likely gift will probably be a bottle of coke, which I have no objections to. I love Coca-Cola. And my theory is only confirmed once we get to the DX, as per routine, and Soda rushes to the back of the store, coming back a second later with a soda in his hand.
"Happy Birthday." He smiles, giving me the drink as I hop onto the counter.
"Thanks," I reply simply, cracking off the cap and taking a sip.

After a while of helping Soda with customers, and his math homework, which he wants me to do. I get bored and decide to join Steve in the garage. Which is something I've never done. The only sound is that of tools clanging together, coming from under a car Steve's working on. Other than that it's quiet. A peaceful kind of quiet.

The boy doesn't notice me till he rolls out from under the car, sits up, and starts whipping his hands on a rag.
"Oh, hey Win." He says, finally noticing me. "What's up?" I shrug.
"Not much. What about you?"
"Just finished up this car." He stands up, making his way over to the sink in the corner.

I nod. And there it is, that awkward silence. I feel like when I'm around Soda or Two, we always have something to talk about. But not Steve and me. I mean we carry out conversations well when the gang is around, but not by ourselves. It's kinda odd. I mean we are. Maybe we're better as a trio and not a duo.

Author's note:
Why are these chapters getting shorter and shorter? Well, anyway, Happy Birthday, if it is your birthday. Thank you for all the support. 🥳😀