I can't love him. - Johnnyboy

chapter 2 - party

I had been walking with Two-bit and Steve to the candy store to get some candy bars. I was kind of feeling down since yesterday - I don't know why. I was excited that I get to buy some candy for myself. Who wouldn't be happy? Candy is good.

I about decided to get some kitkats and a pepsi, when I saw a familiar set of hair across the store. I perked my head up in excitement and walked over. "Johnny?" I asked, poking his shoulder. He turned around and immediately smiled. "Hey, Ponyboy! How ya doin'?" I shrugged, "the usual. You?"

"Good, now that you're here." I smiled and set the snacks aside, looking over at Two and Steve. "You guys grab my stuff," I said, reaching out into my back pocket before Johnny stopped me from doing so. "I'll pay," I shook my head. "Please, you don't need to."

"But I want to," his soft voice muttered, grabbing his own money and handing it to Dally. They payed and left, but Johnny and I stood there. "So, what have you been up to?" I scoffed. "It's only been a day." I sighed out, tapping my fingers on the counter. "Right, you gonna head home?" He asked, pursing his lips. I hummed. "Hm, I don't know. I gotta be back by dinner, and that's in an hour. . . yeah, I guess I'll go home. See you around, Johnnycakes." I sighed and turned around, walking away. As I opened the door, the wind hit my hair, making my face feel a little cold, as well. I walked away from the store, catching up with Two-bit and Dally.

"What'd he want?"
"Nothing - he just wanted to say hi, I guess. Anything we're doing after dinner?"
"Yeah. Soda and I are going to Buck's place for the party. Are you going to ask Darry if you can come along?"

Steve kind of scoffed when he finished saying that, and it made my nerves kind of snap. "And what if I did?" I asked, bitterly. He rolled his eyes and looked me up and down. "You'd be a tag-along, that's what." I had to stop myself from snapping out, because Steve can really get annoying. Sometimes I hate him. I mean it.

"Quit it, you two." Two-bit snapped, handing me my candy and soda can. I silently thanked him by nodding slightly and he grinned. "I mean, we're all going. Pony, you should come, too.

"What?" I asked, scrunching my nose.
"Darry's only going to watch y'all, but still. . . you should join,"

Oh. I nodded and opened up the candy bar, sighing and taking a bite. "Okay, fine."

-

When we got home, I immediately went up to Darry and asked if I could go. "I don't know, kid. It might get rough. You sure you can handle that?" Darry sighed out, pulling a shirt on that flexed all of his muscles; abs and biceps.

"Please, Darry! I really want to go!" I begged, as Two-bit was laughing loudly about something stupid. "Fine. We gotta have dinner first, though. We can't cook, but we can head to Darry Queen. . ." He trailed off, looking down at his shoes. "Okay. Let's go, then."

For the second time, we all left our house to go get food. I mean, I was starving. I had only eaten that candy bar - and I left that pepsi in the fridge.

I had gotten a hamburger and a coke, same as Darry and Dally. Soda and Steve were in the bathroom, doing god knows what. Two-bit was trying to pick up a blonde. I scoffed and rolled my eyes - what's with Two-bit and blondes? I asked myself. I wasn't jealous; I didn't care too much for girls yet. I never did, actually. The only girls I've cared for were family members. I knew Sodapop cared for girls. Well, I thought so.

After we had finished eating, we were already on our way to the party. I was scared, if I'm being honest. I don't like being in a room full of weirdoes, or even worse - people who I don't know.

I hated being anywhere near people who I didn't know, because then I don't know how they think or what they'll do to me. It was kind of scary that way.

When we arrived, I was immediately greeted by the smell of booze and sweat. It was gross. I hated the smell of sweat - even more mixed with any other scent. I looked around to see if I knew anyone there.

Then, a familiar figure caught my eye.

Johnny!

I grinned slightly and walked up to him, and I poked his shoulder. He turned around, eyed me up and down, and smiled. "Hey, man. How are you?" I giggled. "Great, now that I found you. Say, how long has it been since I last saw you?" He laughed and shrugged. "At least three hours. Hey, you know Buck?" I rolled my eyes. "Buck--" I added a few adjectived after the name. "I don't like him; he's snobby." He chuckled and nodded. "I guess so."
I stared at him for a minute, until Johnny spoke up. "Wanna get out of here?" He asked, smirking. I bit my cheek and nodded. He took my hand and led me out of the house, dragging me to the side. "Thanks, it smells in there." Johnny sighed.

"Do I smell?" He muttered, tilting his head. I smiled and shook my head. "No, don't worry." He smiled and sighed. "So, you like any girls here?" I scoffed. "It's funny how you think I'd think anyone here is cute," I stated,staring at Johnny.

"You never know."