Evermore | Sodapop Love Story | The Outsiders

Chapter 12 | Idea

"Hello, doll."

Monday, I got into school. At the end of the day, I'm planning on going to apologize to my Math teacher. I feel bad for running out of her class.

 I sat down at lunch alone because I didn't have lunch with Two-bit, Ponyboy, or Steve. I was in an extremely bad mood. My grades are getting worse than before, and that's saying something.

Soon, the bell relentlessly rang and I had to go to class. I wish I didn't have to come every day. I just want to stay home, but I'm staying for my mom. If not anything else, I need to do this for her. 

The worst thing happened. The teacher gave me a note from the guidance office about how I was struggling that I had to give to Mrs. Curtis. She knew I was struggling a bit, but this? I am so stupid.

At the end of the day, I just didn't have the confidence to talk to my teacher, so I just left. I walked on my own, despite the fact Socs could be around. I also went to the park to clear my head. It's dumb because there are Socs around, I know, but I need to relax myself.

I can't have anyone else see my cry today. I need to get over myself.

I took deep breaths and thought about all the possible outcomes. Despite the fact all of the ones I thought of were bad, I knew deep down Mrs. Curtis wouldn't be mad, just concerned. Once I finally accepted this, I went to leave, but I was stopped by a Soc. Why is there always a Soc after me?

He got really close to me and smiled. It was devilish and downright creepy. I've never seen a look like that in a Soc before, but god, it scared me.

"Hello, doll." He said to me. I took a deep breath and went to run, but he grabbed my arm. I knew fighting harder would just make it worse. I'm so good at getting found by Socs.

"Let's sit down." All I could do was comply, I was too scared to do anything else. I was frozen. Both physically and in my mind.

"What's your name?" He asked, moving a piece of my hair out of my face and behind my ear. I was shaking a little, but I was trying to keep myself under control.

"Elle." I said, trying to keep my answers simple and short. He'll know how weak I am if I show it. I didn't dare show him a sign I was scared. I put on my bravest, polite face.

"Well, Elle, you're very pretty." He said with a smirk on his face. He was drawing closer to me, his face inches away from mine. 

"Uhm, thanks..." I said politely. I subtly moved my body away from him, but he still scooted closer to me, closer than before. He still had a firm grip on me.

I'm in no way a fighter, but I knew that nobody would be coming to save me this time. I spit in his face, causing him to let go. I got up and ran fast. I stumbled on my own feet because I bolted so fast, but I kept my balance.

I didn't bother to look behind me because it would slow me down. I didn't know if he ended up following me. Either way, it appeared I lost him.

I ended up subconsciously at the DX. I was shaking a lot and I was trying to calm myself down before going in, but I couldn't. I went in and tried to look like nothing was wrong.

My breathing was quick and shallow. I could only get half of the air into my lungs. I heard quick footsteps and someone dropped down next to me. My vision was blurred, but I didn't need to see to know that it was Sodapop.

I could tell he was trying to talk to me, but I could barely hear him over my own thoughts and breaths. I don't know why I felt so panicked, but as Soda hugged me tight, I calmed down a little bit

"What happened?" He asked me. He was trying to remain calm, but he sounded slightly panicked and his voice was laced with concern.

"I...I..." I didn't want to tell him, I freaked out for no reason, I should be able to stay calm and collected.

"Don't worry 'bout it, I'm-I'm fine. I overreacted." I stood up, trying to steady myself. Soda gave me a look before he stood as well.

"You sure? You seem pretty nervous."

"Yeah." I faked a smile. I took deep breaths, trying to regain control over my body.

I could tell he knew I was lying, but he didn't push it any further. I just didn't want to worry him or anyone else.

I took my backpack off my back and sighed before sitting down on a stool behind the counter while Sodapop was taking care of customers.

I was thinking about the letter I had to give to Mrs. Curtis. I was dreading it. At first, I was nervous, then I was fine with giving it to her, but now I'm not so sure.

 I know she won't be mad, she will try to understand. She will also be worried about me and ask me questions. I will get too much attention. One thing I don't like is constantly being asked about if I'm okay. I've been doing a lousy job at doing that lately.

I saw a hand wave in front of my face and I knew I had completely zoned out again.

"Hmm? Sorry." I said quickly.

"Is something worrying you?" Soda asked. He looked genuinely concerned.

"Nah, don't worry." I said. He nodded.

"C'mon, let's go home." Soda said, holding his hand out so he could help me up. I grabbed onto him and he pulled me up. 

He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into a side hug. I sort of leaned into him.

I could tell he was worried about me, just with how he looked at me. It wasn't quite a concerned look, but a look you give someone when you're just hoping they are okay. 

A thought came over my mind just then. What if I ran away? I could catch a train to Chicago, take only the stuff I need. I can leave a note or something. I can still talk to Soda and the gang on the phone, or we could send letters.

Most importantly, this could be my escape from Tulsa. Most greasers never make it out, I could be one of the lucky few to get out.

I wouldn't have to deal with Socs and the rivalry. I wouldn't have to worry about getting jumped every day. I could finally be with my mom again. 

Realistically, it hasn't been that long, but it feels like it's been forever.

So it's a plan. I'm out of here as soon as I can.

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Published March 8th 5:31 PM EST

Words: 1156