heartache

two

I woke up relatively early that morning, somewhat eager to see Sodapop again. It was very out-of-character for me to wake up early AND to want to see someone, especially a boy that I had met the day prior. I opened my window to get some fresh air circulating and began leafing through my clothes. I could already feel that it was going to be a warmer day so I decided on high-waisted shorts, a plain black t-shirt, and a red flannel. I tucked the black tee into the shorts and put a brown leather belt through the loops around my waist. Again, I braided my hair to the side again and returned my feet to the Chuck Taylor's from yesterday. I applied my usual make-up and once content, went downstairs. My mom was cooking breakfast like she did most mornings. Today's food consisted of wheat toast, eggs, and orange juice.

"G'morning Mom," I said as I kissed her cheek. My mom smiled and then slid me my plate of food. I sat down at the breakfast bar we had in the kitchen and picked at my food. But to my surprise, I found my stomach in knots and unable to hold much food. "Mom, I'm not really that hungry," I said as I gave her the plate back. My mom looked at me and smiled in that motherly-all-knowing way. "What?" I laughed.

"It's that boy isn't it?"

"What? No! I barely know him! He's just an... acquaintance," I replied defensively. That's all he could be, because I already knew he was special, and didn't want to lose him. As my mom grabbed her keys from the table, she said, "That's what they always say. I'll be in the car." I rolled my eyes and filled a mug with the coffee from the pot.

When I got outside, I leaned into the open window of my mom's car. "Actually Mom, I think I want to walk again. I'll see you later okay?" My mom nodded and then pulled out of the driveway. I watched her drive down the street then put my sunglasses on.

As I was walking, I heard someone call my name. I turned around and saw Soda a about half a block behind me. As he got nearer I noticed that there was a younger boy behind him. He didn't look much younger, maybe only a year or two. I put my sunglasses on top of my head and waited for Sodapop and his friend to catch up.

"Hey Stella," Soda said. I greeted him as well and we continued walking. It was silent for a little bit, but then Soda piped up. "Oh yeah, this is my brother Ponyboy that I told you about. Ponyboy, this is Stella." I looked over at the boy. At a closer look, he seemed to only be about fourteen.

"Nice to meet you Ponyboy," I said quietly.

"Same here," he replied before looking down at the ground. We made small-talk until we arrived in front of the high school.

"Stella, are you gonna stop by the DX later?"

"Probably. I mean, it's not like I have anything better to do." Soda laughed. "Pony, take care of her, you hear?" Pony nodded and then Soda waved goodbye before jogging off. Ponyboy and I walked up the steps of the high school.

"So, when do you have lunch?" Ponyboy asked.

"Fifth period. You?"

"Me too! You can sit with us at lunch if you want."

"I think I'll take you up on that offer. My locker's right here but I'll see you later," I replied as I stopped at my locker. Pony nodded and headed down the hallway.

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School was a drag, like always. But Ponyboy and his friends were pretty cool. The one, Johnny I think his name was, was really quiet but when he did talk he was very nice. When school ended, Ponyboy said he had loads of homework so he couldn't come with me to the DX. So I went on my own. Along the way I dropped off my bag at home and wrote a note similar to yesterday's.