He Was Mine, I Was His

The Race

    At breakfast, I told Elizabeth about the night before. She was so excited for us. I knew she'd been waiting for it to happen for a while. Boy, haven't we all? Ada had overheard and was excited too. Mostly because her best friend would be around more often. Later on, I took Sodapop to get the car he was going to race. 

    "So does anyone know?" I asked as I drove down the road. 

    "Uh, Darry but that's it. I figured they'd find out tonight," he replied, taking my hand.

    I smiled. I was surprised he hadn't told Ponyboy but I respected his decision not to. We continued down the road until we arrived at a large shed. There was an older man standing outside. He waved to Soda as we got out of the car. 

    "Hey Soda, got the car all ready for ya. Cleaned her and everything," the man said. He opened the doors to the shed. There were many cars but the one right in front was a brand new red Ferrari.

    "You're kidding!" I exclaimed. 

    "Isn't she sweet," the man replied.

    "Sure is! Soda, you already have this race won."

    Soda just laughed but I knew he was nervous. I probably would be too if I was driving something that expensive. The man gave Soda the keys and we both got in our cars. I followed Soda to the race site.

    It was a road out in the country. The race was down to the fourth telephone pole and back. When we arrived, Randy and his supporters were already there. Our gang was there too. Soda lined the Ferrari up with Randy's Mustang while I parked my car. I met up with everyone who was surrounding Sodapop. 

    "How'd a grease ball like you get a car this nice? Ya steal it?" Randy taunted. 

    "Save it for the road Randy!" someone called out. 

    I walked up to Soda. The crowd had scattered out but a few people were still standing there. Soda took my hand, spun me around, and wrapped his arms around my waist, setting his chin on my shoulder. 

    Two-Bit bent down and put his hands on his knees, "Oh thank God! I thought I was going to have to lock you two in a room together until you made out or something."

    I laughed. Johnny spoke up, "What are you moaning and groaning about?"

    I figured he hadn't known since neither of us really talked about it with him. "As of last night, Soda and I are going steady," I explained, a smile spreading across my face. 

    "My man!" Steve shouted, high fiving Sodapop. 

    "That's great," Johnny smiled. "Now we just have to find Two, Pony, and Darry some chicks and we can go on one big ole date."

    "I don't have time to date," Darry chuckled, elbowing Johnny. 

    "You and Donna?" I asked Johnny. 

    "We're getting there," he replied, blushing.

    "Don't worry Ponyboy," Two-Bit said. He started to make kiss noises and walked towards Pony. "I'll be your date."

    "Get away from me man," Ponyboy laughed, pushing Two-Bit away.

    "Come on grease! Let's go racing!" One of the Socs yelled. 

    "I guess it's time," Sodapop sighed.
 
    Everyone gave Soda wishes of good luck. I gave him a hug and held his hands. "Just remember to breathe. Don't pay attention to us. Don't pay too much attention to Randy. Just focus on the car and the road, okay? Get down there and get back. That's all."