The new outsider

Chapter four: Buck's

They approached a run down, two story house and Dally pounded at the door. A guy answered the door who looked to be about Dally's age or a little bit older. He stood back to let them in. When Jessica went to go in he put his arm out to block her way.

"And what do we have here?" Buck asked. "Whats your name gorgeous?"

"Keep dreaming'." Jessica said glaring at him.

"Lay off Buck, she's cool." Dally said turning around.

He put his arm down and she followed Dally into what looked like a kitchen. Two-Bit was raiding the fridge and pulled out a couple cans of beer and Dally was sitting on the counter.

"Who's she?" Buck asked, grabbing a can out of Two-Bits hand.

Tia leaned on the counter next to Dally and shoved her hands in her jacket pockets. Two-Bit just shrugged and grabbed a couple more cans. He tossed one to Dally and tossed the other one to Jessica. She caught it and was about to crack it open when Dally snatched it out of her hand.

"Not tonight." Dally said giving the can back to Two-Bit. "Her name is Jessica and she is staying with Darry and them for a while."

"Oh c'mon Dal, I never knew you as being the protective type." Buck said laughing.

"I ain't, Darry only let her come here cause he knew that you wouldn't be having a party on a Monday. He would skin her if he caught her around here on a Friday." Dally said coldy. "He would beat my head in if he knew I let her drink."

"So, Jessica, what's your story?" Buck asked, still looking her over.

"I spent three years in the slammer for murdering my boyfriend. I am still on parole, so don't tell my parole officer I am packing two blades." Jessica said, trying hard to keep her face straight. "Hey, buddy, eyes up here."

Although the two Greasers knew that she was joking, Buck obviously believed her because he looked quite shocked. The look on his face made all three of them burst out laughing.

"She is from Texas and we were wondering if you could get her into the next rodeo." Dally said once he stopped laughing.

"Chick's don't ride in the rodeo's, if the guys territory down there, you know that Dallas." Buck said smirking.

"Then let her ride with the boys, she can take 'em." Dally said impatiently. "She needs the money and she is a good rider."

"Have you ever seen her ride?" Buck asked.

"Well, no." Dally said.

"Then how do you know she is?" Buck asked.

"Cause she told me she is. I mean look at her, she moves like a cowboy." Dally said, jerking a thumb in Jessica's direction.

"Fine, I will get her in but if she gets her neck broken you can't blame it on me. Do you want her in under 15 or over?" Buck asked.

"Over 15." Dally said, Jessica looked up at him "You get more money when you win and plus you'll be riding with me."

He winked at her and she just rolled her eyes.

"Can't you try for a girl your own age?" Two-Bit asked Dally grinning.

"Nope, I like 'em young and innocent." Dally said laughing.

"How old is she, anyways?" Buck asked.

"None of your buisness. Get me my money." Dally said hopping off the counter. "We are gonna get going. Darry doesn't want her out too late."

Buck pulled a stack of bills out of his pocket and threw it to Dally. Two-Bit said it was for a bet Dally won but wouldn't say what the bet was. They left and Buck didn't even notice that Two-Bit had a few cans stashed in his jacket.

"You coming to the party Friday?" Buck called from the house.

"Wouldn't miss it!" Dally called back.

When Jessica looked at him he just shook his head.

"Keep dreamin', its too rough for you around his parties." Dally said chuckling.

"When's the rodeo?" Jessica asked, knowing that she shouldn't push the subject.

"Friday, before the rodeo." Two-Bit said pulling a can out of his jacket.