RUNAWAY

15. THE WALK HOME

A tired yawn escaped my lips as I watched, yet another, Mickey Mouse cartoon play on the tv. I set a glass plate down on the floor after I finished my slice of the chocolate cake, which was absolutely amazing. Everyone had at least one slice, with the exception of Two-Bit and Steve, who managed to eat four.

"I'm gonna head out," I announced, standing up from the couch.

"Already?" Two-Bit sighed. I nodded sadly and sent him a small smile. A chorus of goodbyes followed as I made my way over to the screen door.

"You're welcome here anytime, Diana," Darry called out politely.

"Thanks," I said. "I'll see you guys soon."

I pushed the front door open and stepped out into the dark, wintery night. I made my way down the stone path and pushed the gate open, stepping out of the Curtis' yard. When I didn't hear the metal chains 'clink' shut, I paused and turned around. I noticed the outline of a tall, buff figure moving closer to me. It was Dallas Winston.

He halted right in front of me, and looked down to meet my eyes. Although I couldn't see his features too well, I could feel that he was smirking. I crossed my arms over my chest and gazed up at his towering figure. "What do you want?"

"Let me walk you to Buck's," Dallas said.

I tilted my head to the side, confused as to why he wanted to walk with me. "Yeah, no thanks," I remarked.

Dallas rolled his eyes. "Come on, it's dangerous at night," he stated.

I scoffed obnoxiously. "I'm a big girl, Winston, I think I can handle bein' alone."

"Fine," he huffed. "Then, walk with me."

I rolled my eyes and gave in. "Fine, but just know that I'm only sayin' 'yes' because I don't feel like arguing."

"That's the first," Dallas said lowly.

"I heard that."

"I know."

I rolled my eyes again. That he would the third time tonight.

Dallas and I walked in the middle of the street back to Buck's. Both of us were quiet for a few moments until he spoke up again. "Where are you from?" He asked.

"Here," I stated as if it was obvious.

Dallas shook his head. "We both know that's not true. I would've noticed a broad like you before," he said with a smirk.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I questioned defensively.

He shrugged saying, "Just means you're different."

"In a good way or a bad way?" I asked, curious of his answer.

Dallas chuckled. "It means whatever you want it to mean, doll." I stopped myself from my fourth eye roll, instead sighing agitatedly.

"No offense, Dallas, but I'm not into moody assholes," I fired at him with a smug smirk.

"Yeah, you're not my type either, Diana," he shot back. "Crazy, uptight chics are kind of a turnoff." I narrowed my eyes at him and growled angrily.

"Ya know, it's obvious that you're not from around here," Dallas said, continuing what he was saying before. "You got the same big city accent and attitude I got."

I scoffed and shook my head, disagreeing with him. "No, I don't."

"Yes, you do," he stated, ending our argument. "The rest of the gang might not notice it, but I do."

"Okay, so?" I asked, unsure of where he was going with this. "Are you goin' to tell everyone?"

"No." Dallas shook his head and shrugged, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket. "You're not worth my time."

"Well, apparently I am if you're explaining this to me," I remarked.

Dallas chuckled softly. "You talk too much." I opened my mouth to say something, but realized that I would only be fueling the fire that is Dallas Winston. Noticing my reaction, he smirked and said, "Cat caught your tongue?"

I glared at Dallas. "Oh, put a sock in it!"

"Gladly," Dallas dragged out the sarcasm dramatically.

By now, we had made it back to Buck's bar. Dallas held the door open for me, and I walked through with my arms crossed and a scowl across my face. He smirked and shook his head as he walked in behind me. Unlike other nights, the building was relatively quiet. Regulars drank at the bar and played pool at the tables, while Buck was seated at one of the round tables in the middle of the room. When he heard the noticed the glass door swing open, he looked up and shared a look between Dallas and me. "Hey, guys," he said as he waved to us. "I didn't know you two knew each other."

"We don't," I snapped. Dallas chuckled at my reaction, so elbowed him in the arm, shutting him up.

"Oh, okay..," Buck said in a questioning tone.

"Well, I'm going to bed," I said quickly.

I began walking for the steps in the corner of the room, when I heard Dallas' voice and paused. "Cya tomorrow, Diana."

I glanced over my shoulder, meeting his eyes one last time for the night. "Hopefully not," I remarked before turning and continuing to walk up the stairs.

As I made my way down the hallway, I overheard Buck and Dallas talking and decided to eavesdrop. "She's something, ain't she?" Buck spoke quietly.

Dallas was silent for a minute before he replied, "Yeah.. she sure is."

A small smile crept onto my lips subconsciously as I walked further down the hall and into my room. After throwing my backpack on the beside table, I slipped off my boots and climbed into bed, not bothering to change into something to sleep in. I laid there, under the covers, staring blanking at the cracking ceiling until my eyelids grew heavy and sleep consumed my conscious mind.