Where I'd Gone ⌲ River Phoenix ((COMPLETED))

The Outsiders

March 30, 1987

Today was the first school dance and I was anxious and fearful. Of course, I knew Danny wouldn't ask me, but can't a girl dream?

But no... I wasn't apprehensive because of that. I was scared of being alone. I didn't want to go to the dance and just sit in the corner with the rest of the outsiders. I wanted someone to ask me. 

Danny did ask me though if I was going. I said yes, and he said he was going with Priscilla. Great. Colbie told me that Alex asked her. Michael asked some other girl... And well, I was alone. At least I had this reassurance in my mind that River would've asked me if he were here.

As I was scrummaging through my drawers trying to find something decent to wear, I knew I was hopeless. No one had asked me. I was still going to go, though. I just wanted to let them know that they didn't break me. Just like Andie Walsh from Pretty in Pink.

I put on my pink dress that didn't scream too much attention, and some mascara just on my lower lashes, I had gained a liking towards the '60's makeup style - much like how my mom used to look.

I walked into the gym, and of course, a slow song had to play. Everyone in the center were cuddled together- swaying back and forth.

I sat down with the outsiders in the corner. It was inevitable I know. I wasn't going to dance in the center alone, but I wasn't going to just bail on the dance.

"No one asked you huh?" A curly-haired blonde kid asked. I shook my head sheepishly. I got all dressed up for nothing.

"I don't get it." He added, shaking his head in disagreement.

"Don't get what?" I asked, confused.

"How nobody would ask a pretty girl like you," he smiled, and that's when I knew he was confident, to some extent anyway. I started to blush, suddenly having an urge to just hug him. He had made my night already.

"You know what? Within the minute I met you, I found out you're a very nice guy, and any girl would be lucky to have been asked by you." I felt happy after saying that. He seemed to light up.

"Even a girl like you?" He asked. Now that's a question. But yeah, even a girl like me. And a guy who is nice to me is the kind of guy I'd date.

"Yes. Let's dance." I smiled, and he smiled, slowly getting up from his seat. I never knew he was so tall.

We walked into the center of the dance floor and he came closer to me, entwining his soft fingers with mine; pulling me close. For an outcast, he seemed to know quite a few moves to woo a girl.

They were playing I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner. Oddly enough, it wasn't awkward to dance with this kid I just met. He was a little shaky at first- but through some mingling, it was a good night.

April 15, 1987

River still hadn't called me since he left. It's been 3 months. I'm fine, I really am. He just left me with my beating heart in his hands. But yeah, I'm fine.

Danny was learning to smile more while around Priscilla, and I'm happy for him. Colbie and Alex are dating... And I'm just here waiting. It really taxes your self-esteem when every single person in high school is in a relationship but you.

"Christine!" Charlie called out during passing. Charlie was the nice kid I met and danced with.

"Hey Charlie," I smiled. I wasn't in the mood for his happiness. I just wanted to go home and mope around.

"I wanna see you after school today. Wanna go see a movie?" He asked and I knew this was my chance.

"Sure." I actually wanted to spend time with him. He seems to be a really down-to-earth guy.