People Don't Change (Dally Winston)

Chapter 31

"Just be careful, okay?" I asked as Two-Bit headed out the door. He was heading to a rumble between a few greaser gangs and the Socs.

"Jenny, nobody gets hurt in a skin fight," he laughed, slamming the door behind him. I rolled my eyes, even though I knew he couldn't see me.

~~~

A few hours later, I heard gunshots nearby. Through the open window, I could see red and blue sirens near the park. I could see definitely hear them too. The loud, blaring sound filled my ears.

What if something had happened at the rumble? What if one of the gang was injured? Without thinking, I climbed out of my window, just like I had so many weeks ago when Dally and I started dating. I ran in the direction of the park. As I neared it, I could see people clustered around a body lying on the ground. The closer I got, the more familiar they looked. It was the gang. Nothing could have ever prepared me for what I say.

Dally lay on the ground, so still that I knew he was dead even before I saw the blood. His bare chest was covered in bullet holes and blood pooled all around him. Police officers were pushing the gang away from the body. I ran, trying to get over to him. I couldn't accept that he was dead.

Two-Bit held me back whispering, "Jenny, stop. There's nothing you can do for him he's gone. I struggled against his grasp, but eventually I just gave in and went limp, sobbing into the night.

Dallas Winston was the first person I had ever been in love with. I thought breaking up with him would be the worst part of my life, but now I know differently. I always thought that maybe we could still salvage our relationship, and back then, I knew he wasn't gone forever. But, he was now. I could never kiss him or tell him I loved him ever again. He was gone.