2018

The holidays had gone by way too fast. I spent nearly every waking moment with Soda during Winter Break, I even spent the night at his apartment a few times. I was with him unless I had to be with my family, like when we went to my grandpas house for Christmas Day. My grandpa even asked where Garry was, I guess he was expecting me to invite him to our family's Christmas Brunch, which is always held at his house.

I was able to talk my parents into inviting the gang over for Christmas Eve dinner. Usually, Christmas Eve dinner is at our house, consisting of just me, my parents, and Jenni. It was always us four, and no one else. When I suggested we invite them, Jenni was very enthusiastic. She took quite a liking to the gang. My parents took a bit of convincing. It is easy to guilt them when I told them that the guys would have to spend Christmas alone if we did not invite them. I might have also alluded to the fact that the Curtis's were orphans.

They gave in and allowed me to invite them over. I called the apartment and told them that they had to dress relatively nice and be on their best behavior with my family since my parents have only met Soda.

When they finally came over, Darry gifted my mom a bottle of wine to thank her for letting them join for dinner. He never goes to a dinner party without bringing a gift, which I found to be really sweet. We all sat around the table. I sat between Dally and Soda. Everyone found spaces around us, and Steve was the first to reach over and grab a dinner roll from a bowl in the middle of the table.

My mom was laughing at all of Two-Bit's jokes, which seems to be catered to her humor. I saw the way he looked at his future daughter, he looked proud and so happy. She's his little girl, and he might have already felt that. Mom even told Two that he reminded her of her father.

"Wow," Two said, staring right at me with an empty smile. I shot a death stare back at him. "That's crazy."

"You seem so familiar to me. Do I know your parents?" Mom asked him. I think her reasoning was that she might have gone to school with them. She grew up in Tulsa and moved to California for school, and that's when she met my dad.

Two looked back at her softly, a little smile lifting the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, maybe you do."

My dad seemed to get along quite well with Darry. They asked each other questions about Tulsa, the weather, and sports. Generic "dad" conversations. I felt my heart beat a little faster when they got to the topic of the recent Thanksgiving football game, the Rams against the Saints. My dad grew up in Los Angeles, so the Rams are his favorite team and he has been taking every chance he gets to talk about their recent win.

"You a Cowboys fan or Chiefs?" Dad asked Darry.

"Cowboys, definitely." Darry set his wine glass down.

"I'm a Rams guy."

"I watched the Rams game on Thanksgiving weekend," Darry told Dad. "When Gurley rushed 74 yards for that touchdown had me on the edge of my seat. I swear, I haven't seen a play like that since Meredith threw the pigskin 250-some yards for a touchdown."

My dad cocked his head to the side with a raised eyebrow, sporting a look of confusion. "Meredith? You mean Don Meredith?"

I stopped chewing and listened in more intently on their conversation. I tried to tune out the other voices around me.

"He was a solid player these last few years, I'm always looking for him out on the field."

My dad chuckled a little, but I couldn't tell why it was funny. It made me nervous. "Meredith is a little old school, but I get it. Dickerson was the player I looked up to when I was a kid. I would have thought you'd like Tony Romo, or Witton. Frankly, I'm a little surprised you know who Meredith is, he was out of the league even before I was born."

I inhaled sharply through my nose and clenched my jaw so tight, I nearly bit my tongue. My hand got clammy so I set my fork down on my plate and grabbed a buttered roll instead to eat and distract myself.

Darry was quick on his feet and immediately changed the subject by asking, "think the Rams will make it to the NFL championship?"

"I'm not sure if they'll make it to the Super-Bowl this time," Dad sighed. "They had a rough year."

Darry took a sip of his wine and asked, "what's the Super Bowl?"

It was at this moment that I realized everyone was listening into their odd conversation too. Steve and Soda were staring at each other, while Ponyboy kept his eyes on Darry. Dally's thick eyebrows were shot up, as if waiting to hear what was going to happen next while Johnny was poking the green beans on his plate silently and looking at everything through his dark eyelashes. Mom seemed just about as confused as Dad was, and Jenni had her mouth full of potato's but was trying to chew quietly so she would not disturb anything. My dad's slight confusion and Darry's pathetic attempt at small talk that backfired forced me to hide behind my glass of apple cider, shielding my uncomfortable smile as I darted my eyes back and forth between them. Two reached over and discreetly snatched Darry's glass of wine away from him and gave me a humorous side eye before he finished it off for him.

For Christmas, Soda got me a sweet little gold locket with a picture of us that was taken in the '60s, and engraved on the back said, Bri and Soda: 1965. He said it took a while for him to find the perfect gold locket, because all of them he saw were silver. And he knows I like gold.

I'm not sure where he got it from, but it was vintage. He said that Lillian helped him get it, but I don't know how he had that picture. Did he bring it with him to 2017? I got Soda a watch, also engraved saying, If I could turn back the clock, I'd find you sooner and love you longer in cursive. He had a watch back in the 60s, and I noticed he kept checking his wrist as if he was wearing it.

Since July, Ponyboy and Jenni had been really great friends. I've been nonchalant with both of them, but I don't think there are any romantic feelings towards one another. They really connect on being the youngest siblings. Ponyboy will help Jenni with her homework, and they always go on runs together. I'll try to go with them, but I really don't like running and they're both faster than me so I end up losing them. Maybe I should have joined track a few years ago.

With my parents going to their friends party for New Years Eve, I invited everyone to celebrate at my house. Most of the guys were drinking and having a great time, while I was struggling to find the channel that shows the ball dropping in New York, just an hour earlier than our midnight.

Darry had made a comment that he was pleasantly surprised that they've kept the tradition going throughout all these years. The first time the New Years Eve ball had been dropped in Times Square was in 1907. It has been a well-loved tradition ever since.

"5-4-3-2-1, Happy New Year!" We all yelled to each other. Now that it was 2018 in New York, the rest of the country had to wait.

Lillian was keeping track of the time as the last hour of 2017 passed quickly. Some of the guys were getting rambunctious and boisterous, annoyed with having to wait but we counted down again when the hour was about to strike for our midnight.

"5-4-3-2-1, Happy New Year!" We all screamed again a little more excitedly. Poppers were popped, confetti was everywhere, and everyone was standing up and cheering.

The best way of ringing in the New Year is with a traditional kiss right when midnight strikes. With Soda right beside me, he looked down at me with his bedroom eyes. The familiar crave and feeling of desire for him washed over me again. He leaned down and kissed me softly. He was gentle and slow, which made me melt into his arms. His hand wrapped around my lower back and he pulled me close. I could taste the champagne that danced on his tongue and lingered on his soft lips.

"Happy New Year, Brianna," Soda whispered when we released.

"Happy New Year, Soda."

"And happy New Year to my two best buddies in the whole—whole world!" Two-Bit yelled in our ears. He had thrown his arms around us and pulled us in closer to his face. He had a party horn between his teeth that he blew, because I didn't want any of the guys to smoke while they were in my house.

"Happy New Year, man," Soda chuckled and pat Two's back.

I wasn't sure if Lillian knew that Two was my grandfather yet, because I haven't told her. I don't think anyone has. Considering she seems to really like him, I think that would be a very difficult conversation. I'd rather her be happy now and break up with him when he has to leave than her be uncomfortable for the rest of the time he is here.

When March came around, my parents invited Soda out to dinner for my birthday. We went to Hanks, upon my request. Soda knew exactly why I chose that place to have my birthday dinner.

"Happy second eighteenth birthday," Soda would joke. I turned eighteen back when I was in the 60's. I felt like Edward Cullen. How long have I been seventeen? A while. I made that joke to Soda earlier and he didn't get it. I really should do the math on how old I actually am, counting all the months together. I already feel like I have lived a thousand lifetimes.

Soda has always been really sweet to me. He loves to hold my hand every chance he gets, and when he is jealous he will protectively pull me closer into him. He loves to play with my hair, and playfully annoy me by smacking his lips or clicking his tongue. He keeps talking about how he wants to go on a roadtrip with me next summer, to follow Route 66 over to California. He wants to stop at all the dumb tourist attractions and signs along the way, and how we can eat at diners on the route. He's so adorable when he's excited. I never remind him that he probably won't be here next summer, because it makes him sad.

We had already completed our finals for first semester, so we were beginning our second semester of our senior year. Soda was doing very well in school, better than he thought he could do. I only helped him study a couple of times, otherwise, it was all on his own. He was on track to graduate, and I was so proud of him. We all were.

The months went by quicker and quicker. I nearly forgot that the gang still needed to go back home. I have been with them for so long, I felt like they belonged here. Or that I belonged in the 60's with them. I just couldn't imagine my life without them anymore.

Before I knew it, it was time for all of us to graduate. Even Dally graduated, which came to me as a shock. I think he missed the maximum amount of school days he could to still be eligible, but at least he graduated. Ponyboy probably did most of his homework, considering he dropped out in the sixth grade. Now he just has to go back home and do the same thing again. No one will believe him if he returns with a diploma dated fifty-two years into the future.

Lillian and I received our diplomas, and we made our way to our seats. She sat next to Two-Bit, who had just walked with Dally. Two-Bit graduating also came as a pleasant surprise. I knew that he purposefully failed Junior year multiple times because he was afraid to grow up. I think him knowing what his future entails, a wonderful family and many loving grandchildren, he isn't so afraid anymore.

Soda just finished walking with Steve. He sat right beside me in the chair, and we listened to the audience cheer for every kid walking to get their well-earned diploma.

"Ever since I dropped out, I never imagined that I'd be one to graduate," Soda stated softly but with a heartwarmingly big smile. He was so proud of himself.

"I'm so proud of you, Soda," I told him. I took a deep breath and grabbed his hand. His were clammy, just like mine. I squeezed it and he squeezed harder.

We sat through the rather boring Valedictorian speech, the student class president, the principal, and a few more people. At this point, I just wanted to go home. Graduations are long and boring. We were still holding hands, when the principal asked us all to stand up.

The moment the principal told us to stand, I felt my heart drop to my feet. This was it. It was really over. All those years, all those tests, all those memories were about to end.

On the principals cue, we moved our tassels from the right to the left.

"... the class of 2018!" My principal nearly shouted into the microphone. Everyone grabbed their cap and threw it up into the air all at once. The crowd stood up, clapped, cried, cheered, and whistled.

Soda grabbed me and brought me into a kiss as the caps were falling down. It was all in slow motion, it was perfect. I got to graduate with my boyfriend, and there was nothing that could ruin this moment.

"Hey, Bri!" Lillian tapped my shoulder. Soda and I pulled apart and he had his hands on my waist, I noticed that everyone was trying to find their caps and make their way to their parents.

"Yeah?" I asked. I had a permanent smile on my face. I turned my head so I was looking at Lillian, but my body was still facing Soda, my arms wrapped around his neck.

"I was going to tell you later, but I finally fixed the Time Machine!" She yelled above all the noise. People were still clapping, cheering, and whistling.

"What?" My face dropped. My hands slid from Soda's neck and they stopped at his chest. I felt my heart physically stop beating.

"They have to go."

I felt like my heart was ripped right out of my chest. I immediately felt tears well in my eyes as she walked away to go find her parents. Anger spread through my limbs. I wish she didn't tell me now. I was so happy, why did she have to tell me right now?

"What's wrong?" Soda asked, I could hear the concern in his voice.

"You guys have to go." I inhaled sharply. "Lillian fixed it."

"Oh." His face dropped too. He flipped on his happy-go-lucky personality and said, "it's okay, we can figure something out."

"I guess I can still see the seventy-year-old version of you." I started crying a bit, but laughing at my stupid joke so I felt a little hysterical. "It's fine."

"It's going to be okay," he laughed too and pulled me into a hug. I got tears on his graduation gown. "Let's not think about that right now, darlin'"

"Okay." I smiled to cover my breaking heart. I took his hand again, we found our caps, and we made our way to our families. I hate goodbyes.

After all the photos, hugs, and the handshakes, Lillian and I went back to the boys' apartment and she began discussing the details of what our next game plan should be. We dragged Jenni along too. She is a part of all of this now too.

We sat everyone down, because Soda was the only one who knew about it besides me. It was pretty big news, and they had been here for a month shy of a year. They've made their own lives here, it will be hard for them to just pack up and go back like nothing had happened.

"So, I have recently finished the Time Machine—" Lillian began. We were all sitting on the couch and she stood in front of us to make her announcement. Everyone took their caps and gowns off, I left mine with my parents while Lillian left hers in her car.

"Does that mean we can go home?" Dally asked. His voice was low. He used to loathe it here in the future and couldn't wait to go home, but now he didn't sound so certain anymore.

"You bet your ass it does." Lillian smacked her mint gum. "The Machine is completely ready. I tested it and everything. Just say the word, and you'll be zapped back home in no time."

"Back home?" Darry asked, looking around to see the rest of our reactions. "As if nothing happened?"

"As if it nothing happened. You'd go back at the exact same time you had left, so no one would know that you were all gone for nearly a year.

"Groovy like a drive in movie." Steve snapped his fingers.

"Take today to gather your belongings and say your final goodbyes. I want to get you guys out of here by tomorrow. I think that we should take you at your house, so when you get back to 1966, no one can accidentally see and wonder why seven teenagers came out of nowhere. Sound good?" Lillian asked.

"What do we do with the Machine after we get back home?" Johnny asked.

"Destroy it. I will write down instructions on what exactly to do with it," Lillian said. She checked her watch and made a face. "I got to go, I promised my folks I'd meet them for dinner, but I would start by quitting your jobs. Dally, I'll tell them you quit."

"Good. I hated that job," Dally grumbled.

Lillian promised that she would see them all later, and she busted out of the apartment and headed off to meet with her family.

"I can't believe we get to go home," Soda stated softly.

"Yeah..." Steve's voice trailed off.

"It'll be like none of this ever happened," Pony stated.

No one said a word. We were all coming to terms with the fact that they were going home, and we were never going to see each other again. At least, not in the same way. All the memories that we made together will be just that, memories. Nothing will ever be the same.

"Come on now, don't be sad." Soda pulled me into a hug. "If you think about it, you get to see me right away. I have to wait decades to even hear your name again."

"How will I know where to find you?" I asked.

"Maybe I can find you. I already know where you live and all." He brushed some of my hair back behind my ear, and played with the ends between his fingers.

I chuckled softly. "That's a good idea."

"I'm going to need some help packing. Will you help me?"

I sniffed softly and nodded my head. We stood up together and he grabbed my hand and he walked me into his room.

Darry helped us get a hold of some boxes, and the entire apartment started packing up almost immediately. I shot my mom a text, telling them that I was at their apartment and I'd be home a little later than I was expecting.

"What are you going to do with all of these?" I asked him when I was shoving his clothes into boxes.

"I'm not sure. I'll take them with and figure it out later. I might wear them, I might throw them away. Or donate them:"

"Or you can save them," I said, continuing to fold the clothes.

"For fifty years?" He laughed. "I bet that I won't even be able to fit into these in fifty years."

"You'll have that whole grandpa-body going on," I joked.

"Ew, ew. You've ruined it. I don't want to think about that." He shivered. "I'm just glad that Two-Bit ended up being your grandfather and not me."

"If it was you, I'd probably have to go into therapy," I laughed. I'm sure that I'd be able to put two and two together pretty quick if my grandfathers name was Sodapop. "But it wouldn't even work because I wouldn't be able to talk about what was wrong. "Yeah, I started dating my grandpa because I time traveled"."

"That wouldn't be good," he laughed.

Soda started stacking the boxes. It didn't take long for him to pack up an entire year of his life. All he really had were clothes, some photos of us, and not much else.

"I think that's everything," he stated after taping up the last box.

"Did you get any objects or anything? All I packed were clothes," I said. I got down on my knees and wrote Soda's Clothes on the side of the boxes.

"Besides photos, nope." He shrugged. He's never really been a very sentimental person.

"You are lame," I laughed and stood back up on my feet. "You gotta get something that will make you remember this trip. A little souvenir."

"Trust me, I'll never forget it." He pulled me in for a kiss.

"Since it's probably your last day," I said, trying to keep my voice strong. I cleared my throat and finished, "maybe we can go out and do a bunch of touristy things that you don't have back home."

"Let's do it." He smiled.

We walked out the door hand in hand, planning out the rest of our day. We had less than a day to do whatever we wanted. It was going to be a day that neither of us would ever forget.