Ponyboy's POV:

"So what do you think of her?" I ask my brothers excitedly, as soon as Olivia walks away.

"She's a real catch, Pony. You're lucky," Soda says. Darry nods.

"She seems very nice. You like her?" He asks me.

"A lot," I tell him, nodding and smiling.

"Good," he responds. "That's what matters."

"I agree. How'd you two meet?" Soda asks.

"I sat with her twin brother on the way to camp, and he introduced us," I explain.

"How long have you two been together?" Darry says. I shrug.

"I dunno. Few weeks..." I suggest. Darry laughs.

"You've only been here three weeks so far, Little Buddy," he says.

"So? I really like her," I defend myself. Darry puts his hands up in surrender.

"I didn't say you didn't," he says. And before I can respond, a blonde haired girl with a baby bump waddles by quickly. She looks a lot like Amelia, with the same smile and freckles that she does. But I know that girl. I've known her as long as I can remember, and so has Soda. It's Sandy Clarke. His ex-girlfriend, the one he was madly in love with, and she ended up cheating on him.

Trying to spare his feelings, I suggest we turn around and I can show them my bunk, but he sees her first.

"Sandy?" He calls out loudly. He already has a weird look on his face that's a mixture of happy to see her, sad that she left, and angry that she cheated. His voice was flooded with emotion, but which one, I couldn't pinpoint. Sandy turns around, tears streaming down her face.

"So-Soda," she stutters, looking down as she shifts foot to foot. She holds her baby bump, probably trying to make sure he knows not to offer a hug.

"H-how are you?" He asks awkwardly. You can tell he already regrets stopping her. It takes her a second to respond, and you can tell she's trying to think up a good lie.

"Actually, not to great. Morning sickness, you know? I'd better get going," she says, and turns to walk away. But being the passionate person that he is, and probably being able to tell that she was fine, he calls back. I could almost read my brother's thoughts. He can't let his 'one that got away' leave again, or he would never be okay again himself.

"Sandy, wait up!" He calls.

"What do you want, Soda?" She asks, tears welling up in her eyes. You can tell she feels guilty, that she regrets cheating on him.

"I just want to know... Why did you do it?" He asks. The whole world becomes silent, other than Sandy's loud breathing. It's almost like she's hyperventilating.

"I don't know," she says after a moment. It comes out in a sob, and you know that she hasn't forgiven herself yet. Soda's close to tears himself. But instead of letting him talk, she looks to me.

"Ponyboy, I'm sure Amelia's been giving you hell lately, knowing who you are. And I want to apologize... I'll talk to her, but I have to go now," she says. She looks like she's actually going to be sick any second, or maybe pass out, or just fall on the ground crying, and Soda must see it too, because he doesn't say another word. Neither or Darry or I.

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"So I'll see you soon?" I ask my brothers hopefully, as they're getting ready to leave.

"Six weeks, buddy," Darry says. I smile, thinking about that. It's already been three, so six more won't be too bad.

"I'm sure gonna miss you guys," I tell them. They both give me sad smiles. I hug Soda first. He rubs my hair.

"Bye, Pony," he's almost tearing up.

"Bye," I say, squeezing my big brother. Then, I hug Darry. It's quick and he pulls away after barely even a second, and I want to hug him again. I don't.

"What're you doing for the rest of the day?" He asks. It's only 3:00.

"There's a dance at 5. I'm taking Olivia," I explain. He nods and they both hug me one more time before walking off. That's when I decide to go start getting ready for the dance.

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"You guys ready?" Two hours later, Philip is asking the group. We all nod, very few of us excited. I'm one of those who am, because I get to hang out all night with the most beautiful girl in the world. I practically run to the cafeteria, where the dance is being held. Tables and chairs are moved out of the way, and boys and girls are already on the dance floor, listening to the blaring music. Right in the front of the room, standing by the punch bowl, I see her. I have to stop myself to running towards her.

I try to hide my shock, the total wowed and awed feeling that I get as soon as I see her. She looks gorgeous, absolutely perfect in her short black dress and shiny sliver rhinestoned heels. She wears light makeup, blush and mascara, making her eyes pop. Her hair is brushed out, with a matching black headband. And what's more, she's glowing. Sparkling. I've never seen a more pretty portrait, and I feel lucky realizing that I'll never be able to get it out of my mind.

Flashing a smile, I walk to her calmly, and plan to say something about how beautiful she looks, but she speaks first.

"I can't believe we were all forced to go to this thing," Olivia says, the first thing I hear from her. I don't know whether to laugh or be annoyed, especially since I've been so excited.

"Olivia, you look... great," I compliment, changing the subject and taking her hand in mind. She blushes.

"Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself." And then it's my turn to blush. I can feel my ears burning, and we both laugh.

"Thanks. Do you want to dance?" I ask her. She shrugs.

"I'm not much of a dancer," she admits. I smile.

"Neither am I." She looks down at her feet.

"What should we do then?" She asks. I shrug, and look around the room. Couples are paired up on the dance floor, laughing and smiling together, some other kids standing by the snack table, talking and eating.

"Wanna get out of here?" I suggest. Her eyes widen, in either shock or surprise, but it's not like we haven't done it before. And then it occurs to me what she's probably thinking I meant. I blush.

"No! No, not like that. I just meant... Do you want to walk down to the lake and back or something?" I laugh awkwardly, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"I knew what you meant. And I want to... But I'm on my last strike. I'm not sure it's such a good idea," she admits. I think for a minute, looking around the room. Counselors are few and far between in here, and most of them are talking to each other.

"I just meant for a little bit. I don't think anyone'll notice that we're gone." She looked into my eyes and I tried to silently tell her that she could say no if she wanted, but instead she just smiled.

"C'mon." And together, hand in hand, the two of us ran out.

A/N: It's been so long I'm so sorry. But only 5 chapters left. Who's excited? I am!! And I'm hoping to not take another 2 months for the next update. Let me know what you think of this chapter and how it should end? -Katy