I tear open the letter from LIM college with an excited smile on my face. I quickly skim over the letter before screaming loudly, "oh my god! I made it in!"

As the excitement subsides I release this means I'm leaving Tulsa.

Leaving Jilly.

Leaving Spencer.

Leave Sodapop.

Leaving the gang.

Leaving the place I snapped in half.

Leaving the place I met my dad.

Leaving the place I lost my dad.

Leaving the place I met my brother.

Leaving my home.

Leaving my friends.

Leaving where I lost myself.

Leaving where I found myself and discovered who I am.

The pain of that sinks in as I plop on the couch my mom bought me in Tulsa not knowing my dreams truly lie it New York. A small smile turning into a slight pout as I sit on my couch.
***
Jilly walks into my house and looks over at me confused, "Lacey, what's wrong, you haven't come over Soda's all day?"

"I-uh, I made it in," I mutter more to myself than anybody.

She smiles, "into Oklahoma State."

I shake my head, "LIM."

"Where's that?" She asks as she sits next to me.

"On a full scholarship," I say tears forming in my eyes.

"Why is that bad?" She asks slightly.

I hand her the note as I put my head in my hands, "just read."

She mumbles it aloud before turning to me, "New York City."

I nod my head, "I'm gonna be a make-up artist Jilly, but I have to leave Tulsa."

"Does Soda know?" She croaks.

"Not yet," I chuckle softly a pitiful chuckle. "That's the worst part. I love him, but I can't expect him to leave Oklahoma."

"When are you gonna tell him?" She asks.

"I'm telling the gang after diner," I inform her.

She smiles at me, "well you're gonna live your dreams."

I nod my head as I smile biting my lip happily, "call me on your wedding day so I can do your hair and make-up."

She chuckles as she hugs me, "my best friend is going to college on a full scholarship!"

"Isn't it great?" I squeal.

"It is," she nods. "It truly is and I am so happy for you. We'll always be friends Lace."

"Forever and ever," I mutter.
***

I stand up after diner, "guys, I gotta tell you something."

"You're pregnant!" Steve cheers. "This is so great and that explains that ring. I am so happy for you two as long as I'm the god father."

"You and Sodapop and engaged!" Darry guessing a big smile on his face. "I've been waiting for this day since the day ya'll met. I am so happy for you."

I shake my head, "guys please just let me talk."

Soda nods his head, "go on Lace, I'm listening."

"Are you gonna be my sister?" Pony asks.

I look at Sodapop, "guys, this isn't easy for me to say."

Two gaps, "did you two break up?"

"Oh my god Lace I am so sorry," Spencer sighs. 

"They didn't break up! Look at that ring!" Dally yells. "Isn't it obvious? They eloped and they feel bad because, none of us were involved in the wedding! We're happy for you."

"Just let her talk!" Jilly yells at the gang.

I take a deep breathe, "I got accepted to LIM college on a full scholarship-"

The whole gang cheers and hoot and hollers.

Soda walks over to me pecking my lips, "I am so proud of you baby."

I sigh, "LIM is in New York City."

"What?" Two asks.

"I know, it seems far, but I'll be back for Christmas and summer and-" I start.

"Yeah and that worked out so well last time," Steve scoffs.

I shrug, "we were younger than, just please be happy for me because, I'm happy. I'm very very happy. Guys I'm gonna live my dreams."

"Without us," Dally scoffs before he storms out.

"DALLY WAIT!" I scream.

"I'm out to, sorry Lace," Steve sighs as he walks out.

Spencer looks up at me, "what happened to being a greaser Lace?"

Pony looks at Johnny, "wanna go upstairs with me?"

Jilly walks over to me and hugs me, "I support you, but I'm gonna go find Steve."

Darry looks at us, "I'm proud of ya Lace, good job, but I'm gonna let you and Soda talk."

"Please understand," I beg.

"I do," he nod his head. "You're living your dreams, they just don't include me."

"Yes they do,"  I insist. "After I get my degree, I can come back here."

He walks over to me hugging me, "don't leave me forever because, I love you."

I peck his lips softly, "I won't, I promise."

This is such a bitter-sweet moment. I am so proud of little Lacey for getting accepted to college, but so sad because, she's leaving Tulsa. I mean she's coming back, but it's just so bitter sweet. Stay gold. Do it for Johnny!

-Beth