The Outsiders Fanfic: Where Does the Time Go?

Chapter 18: News Flash

A/N: So we finally are getting some romance! Keep reading, because what I have planned for the future of this book is going to be perfection ;) and also; there is going to be some swearing and stuff in this chapter just letting you know bc idk some people don't like that.

Arie's POV-

I'm swaying, spinning, and twisting all around in a daze from the sparkling sensation I felt on my lips a minute ago. Ed and I are dancing, but I can hardly stand up straight.

"I'll be right back. Gonna go get some punch," Ed says, kissing my hand and walking towards a crowd of loners. For the first time I begin to really take in my surroundings. Everyone is dancing, that is, everyone who has a date. The majority of people are dancing, slow and sweet, but there's one couple that stands out. A laughing brunette and a rugged looking boy, dancing to the beat of their own drum.

"Who's that?" I ask Cherry as she appears by my side.

"Oh, them. The girl is Jamie Young. That boy there is Sodapop Curtis," she says. "And you're wondering what's their deal. She's a soc, like us. But o'course she'd fall for 'ol Soda."

"So, who is he?" I ask.

"He's a greaser," Cherry says.

"A what?" I say, confused

"A greaser," Ed cuts in, "poor kids with greasy slicked back hair and leather jackets. Wonder who let one in here."

"What's so bad about them?" I ask.

"Everything. They're nasty people. Can't get by so they steal from people and places. Some get into real trouble. And of course, naturally greasers and socs, I mean, socs and greasers, they just don't mix. And as the rightful founders of this town and all, us socs, well we try to keep the place safe. So ya know naturally we gotta defend ourselves," Ed tries to explain.

"They jump 'em." Cherry finishes.

"Like beat them up?" I ask.

"Yeah, just so nobody gets real hurt. Keep 'em from doing real harm," Ed says.

"So why's he here?" I ask, motioning back to Soda.

"All the girls love him. He ain't that bad, but like I said, he's a greaser," Cherry says. I stare at this boy for a while. Something about him... he isn't actually that different from us, I don't see what all the fuss is.

"Come on Arie, let's not talk about that," Ed says, "Quit staring! He's gonna see us! And he's gonna pick a fight!"

"Why would he pick a fight with us?" I ask.

"Cause I jumped this girl who he took in. They been carin' for her, and he and his gang found her after she had a run in with us. Little bitch, she was. Sorry you have to hear this Arie," Ed finishes.

"You beat up a girl?" I say, stunned.

"Yeah well, she deserved it," Ed defends.

"Edward Brandess. I should've known. You're the one who beat up Spencer?" Soda says, suddenly behind Ed. The name Spencer pulls at my head and I zone out trying to remember where I've heard this name before. I can't remember. I can't. It's going to bug me all night long. Listening back in on the conversation, I note that it escalated, and fast.

"She didn't even know what was going on! She's not from here, you asshole. I don't care how much sass she gave you! Why the hell would you beat up a girl!" Soda yells in rage at Ed.

"She had it coming to her! That little bitch practically asked us to beat 'er up!" Ed yells back, equally enraged.

"Don't. You. Dare," Soda says.
"Don't you dare call her that. You don't know nothin, nothin, about Spencer Faye. You didn't even know her name. So shut your goddamn trap and leave, before this gets ugly."

"I ain't leaving. It's you who better get going, hood," Ed says.

"Jamie, I'm sorry this asshole had to ruin the night. But I gotta be the better person and get outta here," Soda says to his date.

"It's okay, it is. Thank you for coming though, while Bradley was away," she says. Ouch.

"Anytime!" Soda says, not even wincing at the obvious dig. He flashes an award winning smile and exits the building.