"What happened to you," Billy questions, glancing at the girl as he speeds down the road.

"A boy," she states, wiping her tears.

"Yeah? Well, tell me his name so I can kick his ass," he states, his grip on the wheel tightening. "God damn it, the people in this town are such pigs. I'll kick his ass, you just tell me—"

"No, no, it's okay, Billy," she shakes her head. "I just...I think it's might fault."

"How?" He scoffs. "You aren't responsible for how you feel!"

"I am a little," she states. "I mean, I just had to fall for a kid who's mean and rude, didn't I?"

Billy glances towards her with a frown, "I don't get what you're trying to say here, kid."

"I'm just starting to think I'm confused about what I like," She softly states.

Billy turns with a shook look, tensing up a bit and sitting up properly.

"What do you mean by that?" He questions.

She look towards him questioningly. It takes her a while to understand what he's thinking, and when she does she begins to shake her head rapidly.

"Wait-no! Not like that- I mean, I like boys. What I meant is...I just...my dad use to rape and beat me. Yet, he always had me convinced that he did it out of love. I'm starting to think I can't tell the difference between manipulation and love..." she elaborates.

This is the first time she's said anything about her dad out loud.

Billy presses his foot against the breaks, causing them both to fling forward. Thank goodness she's wearing her seatbelt!

"Billy!" She shouts, turning to him with shock.

"Your Dad use to what?!" He growls. "I'll fucking murder him! Where is he? Is he still around? Goldie, I swear—"

"Billy!" She quiets him. "He isn't around. He's still in Cali— in jail. He gets out Friday though.."

"Friday? As in this Friday, two days from now?" He questions with disbelief. "Are you fucking kidding me right now?"

She shrugs her shoulders, "I don't make the laws."

"Jesus," he sits back, and begins to drive again, slower this time. "Are you alright? Do you need anything from me? Look, I don't care if you need me to sleep on the floor of your room to feel safe, I'll fucking do it."

Marigold smiles, shaking her head.

"Thank you, Bills, but I'll be fine," she assures.

He nods, still a bit concerned.

"I know what it's like," he says after a few minutes of silence. "My Dad still beats me, but not enough to report it."

"I'm sorry," Marigold frowns. "You can come stay with me if you need to. Whenever you need to."

Billy smiles lightly, parking in front of the houses.

"Thanks, Goldie," he nods. "I think I'm gonna start calling you Sodapop."

She snorts, "why the hell would you call me that? That sounds stupid!"

"You know, like from the Outsiders. That way I can say 'stay gold'," he explains.

"Isn't it supposed to be, 'stay gold, ponyboy. Stay gold'?" She laughs, shaking her head. "I swear you don't even know the movie properly, you faker!"

"No, I know," he snorts, "but you're not a boy, so 'ponyboy' doesn't make sense. Plus, Sodapop was way cooler, admit it!"

"You aren't wrong," she nods, getting out of the vehicle. "Okay, I'll see you later, Bills, thanks for the ride!"

"Yeah, see ya! Stay gold, Sodapop!" He grins.

She rolls her eyes and walks into her house.