The War of Tristan

chapter 7

Two weeks had passed by. The gang thought it was awesome that Dally and I were together. Sodapop and I hadn't spoken as much as we did the first week. Dallas and I are still living together. I'm on my way to the Curtis's house right now. Dally however is with Buck getting ready for Buck's little sisters party. She's coming home from college and Buck really missed her. I think it's really sweet that Dally is helping.

"Hi guys." I said instinctively when I walked inside.

"It's just me." Sodapop responded walking in the living room.

"Oh hey." I greeted. "Where's the other boys?"

"Steve had to go out of town, which is also why I'm here. The DX is closed. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Two are at school and Darry is at work." He replied and I nodded. I sat down and started watching tv.

"Where's Cindy?" I questioned bitterly.

"Sandy."

"That's what I said." I mocked her from a couple weeks ago.

"Tristan." He begged. He knew Sandy and I didn't get along but he hated the fact. I rolled my eyes and kept watching tv.

"I think I'm gonna head out soon." I stated.

"You just got here?" He questioned.

"No I mean Tulsa. It's been a few weeks, and a friend of mine told me she's got concert tickets to see Janis Joplin down on the East coast. I think I'll stay there for a while." I informed him. His mouth fell open slightly.

"What about Dallas?" He asked.

I looked at him angrily for a second and in all honesty I don't know why I was mad. I just was.

"Dallas wasn't the reason I stayed was he?" I asked rhetorically. His face melted and I could see the pain on his face.

"When?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. It's up to my friend. And if we decide to go to the concert or not."

"Does Dally know?" He questioned.

"No." Was all I said.

"Why not?"

"Soda he knew who I was before he started dating me. This is who I am. I've been here for weeks now. It's time to move on."

"Stay." His voice was real. He seemed genuine. As if the thought of me leaving was unbearable.

I didn't respond. I just walked out. I walked all the way back to Buck's trying to get the sound of his voice out of my head. I walked in and saw Dally hanging a banner.

"Hi." I greeted.

"Hey!" He hopped down and kissed me. I was crazy about Dally. He was great to me and I had a past with him. A past that could never be replaced. Dally knew me better than anyone.

"Thought you were going to the Curtis's?" He asked.

"Nobody was home." I lied with a smile. Something I was quite good at.

"She's coming!!" Buck yelled and everyone hid from Holly, Buck's sister.

"Welcome home Holly!" We yelled as she walked through the doors.

She was ecstatic. I had never met Holly obviously considering I moved here only weeks ago and she had been away at college. She was absolutely stunning. I was beginning to wonder if I was the ugliest girl in Tulsa.

"Buck!" She cried out and ran to her brother with open arms. We all smiled at their reunion. She walked around greeting and hugging all of her friends in which I'm guessing she missed dearly.

"Hi I'm Holly." She introduced and extended her hand.

"Tristan." I smiled and shook her hand politely.

"I like your dress. It's very... hippie!" She exclaimed.

"That's me." I laughed.

"Are you really?" She sounded unbelievably impressed and shocked.

"Yeah, I just stopped here a few weeks ago. I've been dating Dallas. We knew each other when we were kids." I explained.

"You're kinda badass!" She laughed and I did as well.

"Why's that?"

"Because you're dating the baddest boy in Tulsa and because you're what like 16 and a hippie? That's amazing!"

We both laughed again at how strange my life truly was to someone like her. "Hey baby." Dally greeted while coming over and kissing me cheek.

"Hi." I replied.

"Y'all look great together." Holly stated.

"Thank you." We both said smiling at each other.

"Oh I can't stand her." Holly said causing me to turn around to see who she was talking about.

There I saw Sandy with Sodapop. And all of the beautiful feelings inside of me somehow died.