An Outsiders Fanfiction
August 1967
“Jen-Jen?” said Dally. “Can you come here for a sec?”
I sigh. I’ve been working on this song for hours, trying to get the words to say what I want them to. I look up at Dally, ready to tell him that I’m much too busy, but the earnest look in his eyes stops me. He looks as if he really wants to tell me something. So I stand up and sit next to him on the couch. “What’s up?” I ask.
He smiles and holds my hand. “I’m going to do something…big. And I want you to be the first to know.” I smile wider, but my palms start to sweat. Is he getting a motorcycle? A tattoo? Moving away? There are so many ways this conversation could go.
“What is it?” I ask, trying to prepare for the worst.
He beams. “I’m going to ask Sheila to marry me.”
I’m shocked for a moment, stunned. When I finally get my senses back, I leap and envelop him in a hug. Dally and Sheila! That’s perfect, that’s amazing! Dally and Sheila love each other. They’ll have the perfect marriage and Dally will be happy for ever and always have someone to keep him out of trouble…this is amazing!
He kisses me on the cheek.
“Oh, Dally! I’m so excited! Did you get the ring yet?” I ask, breathless with excitement.
He beams again and nods, pulling out a small, black, velvet box. “Ooooh!” I squeal. “Wait! Practice on me! Show me what you’re going to do with Sheila!” He smiles. “Alright.”
He puts the box in his back pocket and holds my hand. “Sheila Callahan, we’ve been through so much together. Ever since were kids, we were there for each other. Whenever we’re together, I’m happier. Every time we’re together, I feel like I’m something I’m not. And I love that person. So that’s why,” he says, sinking to his knees. I play Sheila, mock-wiping away a tear of joy. “I’m asking you: will you marry me?”
Two-Bit, Johnny, and Ponyboy walk in, laughing about something. Their casual merriment comes to a dead stop when they see the spectacle Dally and I have created in the living room. Ponyboy looks horrified, Two-Bit’s got a huge grin on his face, ready to make the first joke, but Johnny just looks stunned.
Even before Two-Bit can say anything, Johnny opens his mouth. “Dally…I never thought you’d be the one to steal my girl.” We all laugh, but now Dally’s either going to have to make up an artful lie to get out of telling them the surprise, or tell him. I walk over to Johnny, stepping on top of Pony’s couch and kiss Johnny on the lips. “If it were going to be anyone,” he raises his eyebrows. “Which it wont be.” Everyone laughs. “It wouldn’t be my brother.”
I sit on the side of the couch, and Johnny kisses my cheek from behind, then raps his hands around my shoulders. I watch Dally expectantly, waiting to see what he will come up with. So does everyone else. We don’t say anything, just stand there, arms folded expectantly.
“Alright, alright. I’ll tell you.” We all grin and move closer wordlessly. “I’m going to—”
I can’t contain myself. I stand up on the couch. “He’s going to ask Sheila to marry him!” I say, and jump into the air. Johnny catches me as I land back on the couch. Then my words go into effect, and he stands up and claps my brother on the back. Pony smiles and hugs Dally, and Two-Bit’s laughing and saying something. I stand back, elated for my brother. I only hope she says yes.
