Aria Mathews [CURRENTLY EDITING]

Epilogue: Fear of Death; Paradox

It's been 3 months after they died.

3 months of hell.

But, Ponyboy told me today will make me feel better. You see, Ponyboy told me I should write out my feelings. At first I refused because it sounds stupid to me. Why would I write my feelings on a paper that somebody can find? Until, our English teacher gave us our first assignment, which was to write about something we fear. Of course, I decided Ponyboy was right and wrote about what happened this past year. That stupid Curtis boy is always right. But, I would never tell him this because he would keep reminding me of my wrongs

.

I tucked in my black shirt into my high-waisted shorts and re-tied my black converse before walking into school. When I made it to my locker, I saw somebody leaning on it. Instead of my brother this time, it was Curly Shepard.

"Shep, can you move from my locker?" I asked.

"No proper greeting?" He questioned back.

I rolled my eyes. "Hey Curly Fry, now can you move from my locker?"

"But, it's so comfortable here." He teased.

"I don't care how comfortable it is on my locker, move before we're late for English. I don't want to get yelled at." I said.

He moved so I can open my locker and retrieve my books. When I was checking to make sure that I had all my books, a bastard shut my locker. I looked to see Steve with Curly Shepard behind him.

"Asshole."

"I like your hair, Aria." Steve referred to my half-up-half-down hair.

"Gee, thanks Randle." I said punching his arm.

"I wonder how Pony would think of it?" Steve teased.

I hate it when the boys do this. It's because I spend more time with Ponyboy then any of the others. I guess it's because he can start a conversation easily. I don't know what it is but it pushes me closer to him.

"Shut up. Go to Eve." I said.

"Hey Ari, I like your hair straight." I heard Johnny's soft voice from behind me. "Ready to go to class?"

I turned to him. "Yeah, thanks. C'ya later, Randle."

Slowly walking in silence, we both walked to class with our books in hand. Then, a soc with white hair walked in front of us and Johnny accidently stepped on the back of his sneakers. He knocked down Johnny's books and pushed him against a locker.

"Where your going greaser? Your just gonna step on my sneakers like that?" He sneered.

"Leave him alone!" I shouted at the soc.

"Is he your boyfriend or something?"

"No! He's my brother's friend. Now leave him alone."

"Fine. But, call me cutie." He said winking at me and left.

"Your fine, Johnny?" I asked as he nodded in response.

*

In class, everyone whispered among themselves when they saw that the English teacher, Mrs. Ginger, wasn't inside the class yet. As everyone was doing this, I was rereading my essay. 'Should I turn this in? Hell, should I not share it and get half credit for it? Should I just try to walk out without Johnny, Curly, and Ponyboy not noticing?' I thought too soon because Mrs. Ginger walked in, with her red wavy hair bouncing, and hazel eyes examining the classroom.

"Settle down class!" She shouted.

As the class became silent instantly, she continued. "Today is when you present and hand in your essays. Good luck."