The Outsiders: Before My Time Sequel | Sodapop

Back to School Again

August 21, 2017

The first day of school rolled around and I was actually prepared for my senior year. However, I was also dreading it. Senioritis had already set in, considering I technically completed my senior year already and I should be finished with school. I should be allowed to graduate on this technicality.

As with every first day of school, I was going back and forth with my outfit. Now that the dress code doesn't involve making sure my skirt touches the ground when I'm kneeling on the floor, I felt like I had so many options. I grabbed a pair of straight leg jeans, and a simple white t-shirt. I didn't think I had to bring a jacket on this warm day.

I combed through my hair and let it fall in its natural waves, put on some light makeup so I didn't look tired or dead, and my breakfast involved shoving an apple down my throat as I ran out to my car. Jenni was right behind me. I promised to pick up the guys for school, but we were already running late.

I pulled into their complex and just obnoxiously honked the horn until I saw their door open. They all ran outside with backpacks over their shoulders bouncing with every step they took. I'm sure their neighbors are annoyed with us by now.

Soda took the passengers seat, and Ponyboy was squished in the back between Jenni and Dally. When Johnny tried to get into the car, he realized that there were no more seats so he curled up on the floor by Dally's feet.

"Where's Two?" I asked. "And Steve?"

"They walked, they said they'd meet us there," Pony disclosed.

"Huh," I said as I pulled out to the main road. "I guess it's not that far of a walk."

"I am gonna get detention," Dally said. He was sitting directly behind me. "I already have some great ideas."

"Dally, no," I scolded and tried to look at him through the rear view mirror as I continued to drive. I think Darry threatened him to go back to school, but Dally certainly didn't promise to stay in school. This was probably going to be like a game to him.

"I take that as a challenge," he said, looking out the window.

"Winston, don't be an ass, okay? Just once in your life. No one here knows your reputation. Just be good."

"I'm a greaser. I'm a hoodlum, a burden on fuckin' society, and I ain't gonna to be good." He took out a flask and just started chugging it.

"Dally! Where the hell did you get that?" I glared at him through the rear-view mirror.

"I ain't never gotten through a school day sober and I ain't gonna start now, doll." He took another swig.

"Give that to me," I ordered.

"No," he argued.

"Come on, Dal," Soda said. "Why do you argue with her?"

"I don't know, I can't help myself," he replied sarcastically.

"Please, Dally," I begged.

"Get on your knees and beg me to stop."

"Ponyboy, help," I asked.

Ponyboy quickly snatched the flask from Dally's hands and handed it to me. Dally tried to argue but I leaned over and shoved it into the glove compartment. I huffed, "you're going to get yourself arrested, and then you'll never get back to the 60's."

"You're gonna get yourself arrested," Dally mocked me. "You're making me a fuckin' square, you know that?"

"You are being dramatic," I stated.