ʜᴇʀᴏ

heartache

after dally had walked me home, i spent the next few hours in a haze.

i sat on the couch, replaying dally and i's kiss over and over in my head as i finished two-bits birthday present. ponyboy was in his room working on his homework, darry and soda were both still at work.

i heard a knock on the door and stood up. i walked over to the door and opened it, assuming it was someone from the gang. but to my surprise, it was jamie.

"jamie.. hey."
i smiled, guilt plaguing my expression.

"don't 'hey' me.."
he wore an angry expression, his eyebrows were furrowed and his cheeks were bright red.
"tell me why i heard from jack that dally winson walked you home from school today."

i froze, not exactly sure what to say.
"uhm.. well, he did walk me home."
i said, stumbling on my words.

he hit the door frame hard with a fist.
"how many fucking times do i have to tell you to stay away from that hood?!"

"i'm sorry.."
i muttered.

"sorry isn't going to cut it anymore, fizz. you need to learn a lesson."
he reached out and grabbed my throat, squeezing it tightly.

i put my hand on his, scratching it.
"jamie.."
i croaked out.

he squeezed harder.
"why do you keep doing this to me?!"

"please.."
i begged, scratching at his hand harder.

"i suggest you get your hands off my sister, hood.."
i heard ponyboy say from behind me. then i heard a switch flick open.

jamie looked at him and scoffed, considering his options for a moment before letting me go.

"i'll see you tomorrow, fizz.."
he said in a threatening manner before huffing and walking off the porch.

i was bent over, coughing. my throat was throbbing and my eyes stung with tears. i took a deep breath, gasping for air and put my hand on my throat.

pony walked over to me, putting a hand on my back.
"jesus christ, fizz. he could've killed you."

"he.."
i coughed, standing up straight.
"he wouldn't do that.."

"i don't know what he's capable of after what i just saw.."
he said, walking into the living room.

i walked inside and shut the door behind me.
"ponyboy, please don't tell anyone. especially darry."

"oh that's exactly who i'm going to tell. you can't be seeing him anymore, fizz."
he said, turning to me.

"it was my fault, i made him mad. if you tell darry or anyone else, it'll just cause a fight and people will get hurt. please, ponyboy."
i pleaded, walking over to him.

he looked at me, unsure of what to do.
"okay, i won't tell. but you have to end things with him."

"absolutely not."
i said.
"i really like him, pony. i'm not going to ruin it."

he sighed.
"he hurt you.."

"but i'm okay.."
i shrugged.
"please.. please ponyboy. i'm finally happy. please don't ruin this for me."