People Don't Change (Dally Winston)

Chapter 28

Before leaving the house, I stopped to check my reflection in the mirror. I looked way different than I had months ago. I had dark circles under my eyes, I was paler, and overall, I just looked like a different person. Since Dally and I broke up, I've been spending most of my time inside, and I can't sleep at night. I tell the gang that I'm fine, but I'm not. I miss him and can't stand living without him.

I fixed my hair and stepped out the door into the chilly night. The sun had just set and the last bit of light was fading. I could see the crescent moon amidst a background of stars.

I had at least a twenty minute walk ahead of me, and I was just beginning to get nervous. What if Dally ignored me? What if he never wanted to speak to me again?

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I got to the drive-in and paid my quarter to go in. I knew that the guys wouldn't have paid, but I didn't feel like getting into trouble over twenty five cents. I stopped to get some popcorn before going to find the guys. They were sitting in a row of seats. I couldn't see Two-Bit, so I figured that he was elsewhere.

I suddenly stopped and choked on my popcorn. Dally was leaning in and whispering something in a red headed girl's ear. I recognized her immediately. She was one of the Socs that went to my school. Dallas played with a strand of her hair and continued to talk. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but the red head and her friend both laughed.

I turned and ran. How stupid had I been to think that there would be a chance of us ever getting back together? He obviously didn't care as much about me as he had said, if he had moved on already. I had imagined that he would be torn up, but maybe that had just been what I had been hoping for. He really didn't care. I was just another girl to him.

Dally's POV

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"Get lost hood!" the red head shouted at me. I made some reply and then left, intending to go get a few cokes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Jenny. But, when I looked that way, she was gone. I must be going crazy. I missed her so much, and now I was seeing things too.

I knew that she didn't want to see me. No matter how much I wanted her back, I would respect her wishes and leave her alone. I had to get over her. She was essentially gone forever.