" 'Those boys are known for jumping girls and not letting them go until they've unbuckled their belts.' "

A week had past since I'd taken Steve, Soda, and Two-Bit to my favorite place to watch sunsets, and things were changing. The gang and I hung out a lot more often, and I was beginning to realize how wonderful it really was hanging out with others. My normal solidarity was slowly melting away and I was finding myself less and less intimidated by the world. It wasn't like I'd miraculously been fixed. No, my broken pieces had yet to be swept off the floor, but at least I was looking for them now.

The gang and I were over at the Curtis's house over the weekend, hanging out and sharing laughs. It was so easy to relax with them.

"Cake's done," Darrel called from the kitchen. "Come get it while it's hot."

I smiled lightly as the herd of boys that had once been crowded around the TV, trampled one another in order to make it to the table where a beautiful chocolate cake sat waiting. Quickly, I followed them, fearing they would finish the cake before I'd even have the opportunity to try it.

I sat down next to Steve with my slice of cake, and watched as he devoured his before jumping for another. I laughed lightly, before taking a bite of my own piece. My eyes fluttered shut and I sighed with contentment as I savored the flavor of the cake. "Oh my god, Darry," I said, a smile breaking across my lips. "This is amazing!"

Darrel smiles from the kitchen doorway. "I'm mighty glad you like it, Penny." I sent him a smile in return.

"Oh yeah!" Two-Bit jumped in. "This is the first time you're having the Curtis's famous chocolate cake!"

Darry laughed as he came over to get a slice for himself. "It's not famous, Two."

"Well it sure is famous with us," Steve mumbled out, mouth filled with his third slice of cake.

The rest of us finished our cake and I helped clean up the dishes. "So, got anything planned for today?" I asked the boys.

"How about we go out and play some football in the lot?" Sodapop suggested. "We haven't done that in a while." The gang muttered their agreement.

"You think you can keep up with us, Penny?" Two-Bit joked. I shrugged helplessly.

"We'll just have to see," I smiled, but was only half joking. I'd grown up as an only child and had never taken to any sports. I'd never really played football before.

Sodapop slung his arm around my shoulder. "Well we'll help you get the hang of it either way," he said, flashing his brilliant smile. "You'll do fine."

Darrel was pulling on his shoes as he spoke. "Well don't just stand there! Get movin'!"

The boys whooped and scrambled out the door, running across the street to the lot where a well worn football laid abandoned. Dallas scooped it up and started assigning positions.

Dallas approached me, about to give me a position, but I shook my head. "I'll sit out for now." I shrugged, giving him a lopsided smile. "See if I can catch on to how this game works."

Dally gave me a pat on the shoulder. "Whatever you want, doll. Let us know if you wanna hop in."

"Will do." I gave him a joking salute before taking a seat under a nearby tree to watch the boys play.

I stayed like that for a while, watching the boys have a good time throwing the ball around. I didn't much understand how the game worked, and my confusion only worsened as I watched, but it was okay. I was just glad that they were enjoying themselves.

Besides, it was a hot Tulsa day. The boys had already shrugged off their jackets by my tree, leaving them only in their t-shirts. I'd had such a wonderful week, and the last thing I wanted was for the boys to pester me about why I refused to take my jeans jacket off. It made the whole ordeal easier on everyone.

My mind drifted as the boys continued to play. My spirits sunk at the thought of what lay under my jacket. The boys didn't have the faintest idea as to what was going on with me, but that was fine. Just the way I liked it, in fact. They didn't deserve a burden like the one I carried. The problems I had were nothing but my own.

I hadn't cut since last week, as my time with the gang had been wonderful and filled with nothing but things that made me happy. I truly loved those boys, and their ability to keep me on my feet.

Finally, the gang made their way over to me. Tired and sparkling with a light sheen of sweat, they laughed and hoisted me to my feet.

"Did you see my touchdown?" Steve shouted, dancing ahead of the rest of us as we walked back to the Curtis's house. He turned to Dally. "You're defense had nothing on me!"

Dallas growled lowly. "Shut it, Steve. No one cares about your blasted touchdown."

Steve puffed out his chest, holding his head high. "You know, I think Penny cares! Don't you, Penny?"

I looked over at Steve as he gave me a knowing smirk. I rolled my eyes playfully. "Sure thing, Steve. It was wonderful," I said, sarcasm lacing it's way into my voice.

"See!" cried Steve as the rest of us laughed. It was obvious he hadn't caught my sarcasm.

We made it back to the Curtis's house, but it was only about noon and the rest of the boys had plans.

"Does anyone want to come to the movies with me," Ponyboy asked, glancing around as we filed into the living room.

"Dal and I are gonna see if we can lift a few things from the corner store," Two-Bit responded. "We'll be back later."

Steve shook his head. "Evie wanted to meet up with me at the Dingo this afternoon."

Johnny shrugged. "I'll go with you, Pony."

Ponyboy nodded and turned to Darrel. "We'll be back later. See you guys!" He waved at the rest of us as he and Johnny made their way back out the door.

"Don't be late for dinner!" Darry called after them. He grumbled something under his breath about Ponyboy going to the movies too often.

"Right," Dally spoke up. "Well we're outta here too."

"Be back later," Two said, making his way out the door after Dallas. Steve followed behind them, waving his goodbye.

Darry walked into the kitchen, leaving Soda and I in the living room. I shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. "I'll get out of your hair then, and get on home. See you around, Soda."

I was about to leave, but Soda's voice stopped me. "Actually, do you want to walk around town with me?" He patted his hair almost nervously, carful not to mess up his greased back hair. He continued quickly, "It's just that it's still kind of early and I don't want to waste the day. It's okay if you don't want to."

I smiled kindly at him. "That sounds like fun, Soda. I'd love to."

Sodapop sighed, relieved, before giving me his winning smile. "Let's get going then!"

We made our way around town, talking about things that didn't matter and having a good time. Being with Soda just felt so right. He found the best in everyone and everything, and did his best to bring it to light. And the longer I talked with him, the more my admiration towards him grew.

"I don't mean to bring up an unwanted subject, but I was wondering why you dropped out of school." I was remembering the time I first met Sodapop, when my car had broken down, and how he'd later explained to me that he was a high school drop out. Not that it mattered to me, but I wanted to know more about him, and this must have been a huge part of his life.

Soda sighed. "There really isn't much to tell. I'm plain dumb. The only thing I really know anything about is cars."

"Oh Soda," I spoke, giving him a look that could only be described as motherly. "You're not dumb."

"Yes I am, and quit telling me I'm not." I gave him a disapproving look, but he only continued. "Besides, it worked out anyway. Darry needs as much help with income as he can get, so having another person in the house who's making money will always be appreciated."

I nodded my head in understanding, but I wasn't about to let the subject drop. "I get that, but please know that just because you dropped out doesn't mean you're stupid. Maybe you just don't get things like others do. But there's nothing wrong with that."

He only shrugged, not meeting my gaze. We were silent for another few steps before he spoke again. But this time, it wasn't something I was expecting.

"Steve told me you almost got jumped last week at the end of school."

My head whipped up to look at him. His eyes held caution, as if he knew he was swimming into rough waters.

"He told me it was Dave and his two cronies," he continued, voice carful. "It's just . . ." he trailed off meeting my gaze. "Those boys are known for jumping girls and not letting them go until they've unbuckled their belts."