Ti Amo da Lontano // Johnnyboy

Chapter Eight // Carina

Johnny and I had gotten dressed for the day.

I was wearing a black crew neck sweater, and a pair of grey jeans. I also put on my all black vans. I thought I looked alright. 

That was until I saw Johnny. 

He was wearing a navy blue sweater with white stripes, with khakis and white converse. His outfit was so effortless, yet he looked amazing. 

I couldn't help but look at him. 

Currently, Johnny was reading something at the coffee table. Every now and then, he would run his hands through his hair. 

I wanted to run my hands through his hair. 

Don't think like that, I thought to myself. It isn't right.

Johnny looked up at me. 

"Oh! Pony, hi! Is that what you are indosarre today?" he asked, motioning to my clothes. 

"Yeah, it is. Why? Is there something wrong?" I said, insecurely. I immediately tried to over myself. 

"Oh, no! Nothing is wrong with it. It looks carina!" he exclaimed. I raised my eyebrows. 

"What's carina?" I asked. He grinned at me. 

"Carina means cute," he replied. I felt my cheeks go bright red.

"You're carina," I blurted out. I immediately moved my hands to cover my mouth. 

"Maybe I am, but so are you," he stated, looking away from me. 

I went even redder. 

-

I told Johnny that we had to stop by my house because my brothers wanted to make sure I was alright. He said that he was okay with that, so we were walking down the street. 

"Do you think your fratelli will like me?" he whispered. I nodded, confused. 

"Of course they would. Why wouldn't they?" I asked. Johnny's eyes looked sad.

"Because I'm an immigrante, and no one really likes us," he mumbled. I immediately gasped. 

"Oh, Johnnycakes! Don't worry about that! My family doesn't care if you're an immigrant or not," I stated. Johnny tried to force a smile. 

"A- alright," he stuttered.

Without thinking, I grabbed his hand. 

-

Johnny and I walked into the house. I immediately let go of his hand. I didn't want the guys getting the wrong idea.

We were just friends. 

"Darry? Soda?" I yelled out. Suddenly, the whole hang ran out of the kitchen. 

"Is this you're new friend?" asked Dally. I nodded my head. Dally shrugged and sat down.

"Hi, I'm Darry," said Darry, stepping up to Johnny. I saw Johnny gulp.

"Hi, my nome is Johnathan, but everyone calls me Johnny," he stated. Johnny extended his hand, and Darry shook it. 

I saw Steve's eyebrows shoot up.

"Are you Italian?" he asked. Johnny nodded to Steve's question. 

I heard Steve gasp. 

"Finalmente! Sono l'unico del gruppo che è fluente," Steve stated. Everyone in the room groaned.

None of us knew what he was saying. 

Johnny immediately perked up. 

"Grazie a Dio, un altro Italiano!" exclaimed Johnny. I couldn't help but laugh.

"What the hell kind of bullshit are you guys saying? Newsflash, but the rest of us are purely white, English speaking Americans!" yelled Two Bit. I could tell he was tipsy. 

The whole room cracked up, but Johnny's shoulders sank. He clearly didn't understand Two Bit's humor yet.

I knew that I had to get him out of here. 

"Hey, how about we start walking to school?" I suggested. Johnny nodded, but was then cut off.

"I can drive you guys if you want," offered Steve. I was about to say no, but Johnny stepped in.

"In an Americano car? That's so cool!" he exclaimed. 

He followed Steve. 

-

I wanted to cry. 

Currently, I was in the back seat of Steve's car, while Johnny was in the front with Steve. They were talking, and I couldn't understand a single thing. 

"..Quindi, quali sono le vostre intenzioni con lui?" asked Steve. I heard Johnny giggle.

"Lui mi piace molto. E 'davvero grande. Non gli farò del male," Johnny stated. Steve smiled and nodded.

Then, he put his hand on Johnny's knee. 

I felt myself get mad. I didn't want Steve touching him. 

It doesn't even matter if they touch each other. It's not a big deal, I told myself.

For some reason, I didn't believe a single word I said. 

-

After Steve stopped the car, I immediately hopped out. I didn't want to say anything to anyone. 

"Ponyboy?" I heard Johnny scream from behind me. I kept walking. 

"Ponyboy! Il mio amore! Please wait," he screeched.

 I began to run.

Before I knew it, I was in the boys bathroom. I walked into one of the stalls, and locked the door behind me. 

I began to sob.