My Strange Addiction | Dallas Winston

four

The gang had been hanging out at the Curtis' all day, enjoying each other's company in the absence of Darry, who was at work and was expected to stay late. The day had been pretty quiet so far, with Steve and Soda sitting at the table playing poker, while Pony sat beside Soda, engrossed in a book for school.

Johnny, Madelyn, and Two-Bit were lounging on the long couch, watching Mickey Mouse on the small TV. Madelyn was fidgeting with her empty pepsi can, not paying attention to the tv. Dallas was in the armchair, absentmindedly playing with his St. Christopher necklace.

Despite the peacefulness of the day, there was an underlying tension in the air, as if everyone was waiting for something to happen.

Ponyboy suggested, "Hey, do you guys want to go to a movie tonight?" looking up from his book. Steve laughed while throwing cards at Sodapop, "Can't, me and Soda are heading to a party soon."

Two-Bit took a sip from his beer and chimed in, "Hey, I'll join you guys." Ponyboy turned to the others and asked, "What about you guys?"

Johnny lightly nodded his head and pushed his coal-black hair away from his eyes. He looked like an innocent puppy who had been hurt one too many times. His eyes were filled with a mixture of sadness and fear, and it was clear that he was struggling to keep it together.

"Sure," Madelyn smiled, pushing her hair behind her ears and looking up to Pony for a second. Her eyes were bright, and it was clear that she was excited about the prospect of going out.

"Yeah, why not," Dallas took a long drag from his cigarette and tilted his head backward, exhaling the smoke slowly.

*

Madelyn and the three boys walked the streets as night grew closer. They walked closer to the gates that lined the outdoor movies, the flickering lights and sounds of the film drawing them in. The air was cool and crisp, and the stars were shining brightly overhead.

Dallas was the first to slide under the fence, his movements quick and graceful. He brushed his pants off before sticking his hand out to help Madelyn up. She smiled slightly at him, her eyes shining with amusement.

They waited for the other boys to get on the other side, and soon all of them were walking through the parking lot. Ponyboy gripped his arms and started to shiver, regretting his smart choice to wear an attenuated, small tank top. He tried to rub his arms to warm them up, but it was no use.

They came up to a short fence that separated the seats from the parking lot, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. The four of them jumped over it with ease and made their way to a couple of empty chairs at the back of the lot. The air was filled with the scent of popcorn and the murmur of voices.

Madelyn and Dallas were deep in conversation as they walked to their seats, their heads bent close together. Their laughter and chatter drew the attention of some of the other moviegoers, who yelled at them to shut up and sit down. But the two of them were oblivious to the noise, lost in their own world.

The movie was something about the beach and girls, but Madelyn didn't really like it. She found herself getting bored and restless, her attention wandering. But she was enjoying the time she spent with her friends, the sense of camaraderie and belonging that came with being part of this tight-knit group.

Dallas sat in the aisle seat, his long legs stretched out  as he kicked his feet up on the chair in front of him. Madelyn sat beside him, her body close to his, and Ponyboy sat beside them with Johnny at the end. The movie was playing on the big screen, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the air.