Ch. 9 The Written Permit Exam
It's been a week since Ronnie and Danny took a break from their relationship. Every day, Ronnie clung to the hope that Danny would come by her place and apologize for hurting her, but he hadn't shown up. She frowned, thinking it was best to distract herself by working at her mother's boutique.
The bell above the door chimed as Ronnie pushed it open, stepping into her mother's boutique. The familiar scent of lavender and fabric softener enveloped her, instantly calming her troubled mind. This shop, where she had spent her childhood among the racks of clothes, was her sanctuary. The summer sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow across the shop floor, further soothing her.
Ronnie sighed, trying to push away the thoughts of Danny that had plagued her mind. She needed this distraction. Working at the shop had always been her haven, and she hoped it would help her clear her head.
"Ronnie!" Her mother, Irene, looked up from the counter and smiled warmly. "Glad you're here. We have a lot to do today."
Ronnie forced a smile and nodded, setting her bag down behind the counter. She was about to ask what needed to be done when the door chimed again.
"Hey, Mrs. V.," a familiar voice called out. Ronnie's heart skipped a beat as she turned to see Leo strolling in with a confident yet gentle smile. "I'm here to help, as usual."
Leo had been a constant presence at the boutique over the past year, helping his Mom, Amelia, who worked with Irene. But his presence had become something more—a source of comfort and an unexpected connection for Ronnie.
"Leo," Ronnie said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Good to see you."
Leo's eyes softened as he looked at her, noticing the tension in her shoulders. "Hey, Vonnie. How've you been?"
She shrugged, not trusting her voice to answer truthfully. Instead, she busied herself with rearranging the display on the nearest rack.
Leo moved closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Everything okay?"
Ronnie swallowed hard, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I don't know, Leo. I told Danny we needed a break, but he hasn't tried to reach out. I guess I'm just... lost."
Leo's hand gently touched her shoulder, grounding her. "You're stronger than you think, Ronnie. Danny's an idiot if he can't see that."
She glanced up at him, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Leo. Really."
Just as Leo was about to respond, Irene called out from the counter. "Leo, could you help me with the new stock in the back?"
"Of course, Mrs. V.," Leo replied, giving Ronnie a reassuring smile before heading to the back of the store.
Ronnie took a deep breath, feeling a bit lighter. She focused on her work and was grateful for the distraction and Leo's kindness.
At Frosty's, Danny Zuko sat in a booth, a half-finished milkshake in front of him. He hadn't felt this low in a long time. His best friend, Kenickie, sat across from him, slurping his shake.
Kenickie eyed Danny critically. "It's been a week, man. Betty told me that you and Ronnie are currently on a break. When will you find the courage to talk to her and apologize?"
Danny sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. I know. I screw up big time. Frankie likes to remind me of that every day now." He mutters.
"Well, you did hurt Ronnie physically. It's no wonder Richie took your T-Bird jacket away," Kenickie said, knowingly looking at Danny.
"How do I get Richie to trust me again?" Danny asked.
Kenickie leaned back, crossing his arms. "You gotta fix this, Danny. Prove to Richie you're still T-Bird material. But more importantly, you have to make things right with Ronnie first. Everyone in Rydel knows that Ronnie means the world to Richie."
"How?" Danny's voice cracked. "I messed up so bad. She won't even talk to me."
Kenickie leaned forward, his eyes intense. "You start by apologizing. Sincerely. No excuses, no blaming anyone else. And you show her you're willing to change, to be the guy she deserves."
Danny nodded slowly, taking in Kenickie's words. "You're right. I have to make this right. But how do I get Richie to trust me again?"
Kenickie smirked. "You show him you're still a T-Bird at heart. You don't need the jacket to prove that. It's about loyalty, respect, and standing up for what's right. You get those back, and the jacket will follow."
Danny took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thanks, Kenickie. I needed that."
Kenickie clapped him on the shoulder. "Anytime, man. Now, finish that shake. We're going to the junkyard so I can get some car parts. Betty's Mom gave me money for working with them at the Deli a few days ago."
The two teens finished drinking their shakes. Kenickie paid for their meals and exited the booth to start his car. He walked out of Frosty's, leaving Danny behind.
Danny stepped out of the booth, his mind a whirl of thoughts and plans. He was determined to make things right with Ronnie and prove himself worthy of being a T-Bird again. As he made his way to the exit, he didn't notice the blonde girl walking in until they collided.
"Whoa, sorry about that!" Danny exclaimed, steadying the girl with a hand on her shoulder.
The girl, Sandy Olsson, looked up at him with wide blue eyes. "Oh, it's alright. I wasn't watching where I was going."
Danny found himself momentarily speechless, taken aback by her soft accent and warm smile. "No harm done. You new around here?"
Sandy nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes, I just moved here from Australia. I was hoping to get a milkshake."
Danny grinned, the stress of the past week momentarily forgotten. "Well, Frosty's makes the best shakes in town. I'm Danny, by the way."
"Sandy," she replied, her smile growing. "Nice to meet you, Danny."
"Nice to meet you too, Sandy." Danny gestured to the counter. "I'd join you for a shake, but I've got to run. My friend's waiting for me outside."
Sandy glanced towards the door, then back at Danny. "Maybe another time, then?"
"Yeah." Danny flashed her one last smile before heading out the door, his heart a little lighter.
Kenickie leaned against his car, a cigarette dangling from his lips, as Danny walked out of Frosty's. He raised an eyebrow at the goofy grin on his friend's face.
"What's got you all smiles, Zuko?"
Danny shook his head, still grinning. "Just met this girl inside. Sandy. She's new in town."
Kenickie stared, flicking ash from his cigarette. "You're supposed to be focusing on Ronnie, remember?"
"I know, I know," Danny said, climbing into the passenger seat. "But it was just nice to meet someone new. Besides, I'm not giving up on Ronnie. I've got a plan."
Kenickie slid into the driver's seat. "Good. Let's get going. We've got some work to do if you're going to win back Richie's trust and make things right with Ronnie."
As they drove off, Danny glanced back at Frosty's, thinking about the brief encounter with Sandy. He shook his head, refocusing on the task at hand. He had to make things right with Ronnie first. Everything else could wait.
The door to Irene's Boutique chimed as Richie Valdovinos walked in, the midday sun casting his tall shadow across the shop floor. He took a moment to adjust to the cool air inside, his sharp eyes scanning the room until they landed on his younger sister, Ronnie, rearranging a rack of dresses. Nearby, Leo was helping to unpack a box of new arrivals.
"Hey, Richie," Ronnie called out, her face lighting up with a smile as she saw her brother. "What brings you here?"
Richie walked over, giving her a quick hug. "Just thought I'd check in on my favorite baby sister." He turned to Leo, giving him a nod. "Leo."
"Richie," Leo replied, meeting his gaze. Despite their rival affiliations, there was mutual respect between the two gang leaders.
Richie turned back to Ronnie, his expression softening. "How are you holding up, sis?"
Ronnie shrugged, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I'm managing. Work helps."
"Good to hear," Richie said, reassuringly squeezing her shoulder. He glanced at Leo, then back at Ronnie. "I wanted to talk to you about Danny."
Ronnie stiffened slightly at the mention of his name. "What about him?"
Richie sighed, running a hand through his hair. "His brother, Frankie, tells me he's been a mess since you two took a break. He's trying to figure out how to make things right."
Ronnie hummed.
Leo stepped closer, his presence steadying. "Danny's got much to prove, not just to you, Vonnie, but to everyone. But he needs to understand that words aren't enough. He needs to show through actions that he's changed."
Richie nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And he knows that. Kenickie's been trying to knock some sense into him."
Ronnie sighed, feeling the weight of her brother's words. "I just don't know if I can trust him again, Richie."
Richie pulled her into a gentle hug. "Take your time, Ronnie. You don't owe him anything. He has to earn back your trust."
Leo watched the siblings with a mixture of admiration and protectiveness. "And you've got people who care about you, Vonnie. Don't forget that."
Ronnie smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Leo. And thank you, Richie. I needed to hear that."
Richie smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Anytime, kiddo. Let's see what new threads you've got in the shop. Maybe I'll find something nice for Jane."
Leo stayed back as Richie and Ronnie moved towards the new arrivals, watching them with a small smile. He was glad Ronnie had such a strong support system and was determined to be a part of it, no matter what.
An hour later, the door to Irene's Boutique chimed as Olivia and her boyfriend, Gil, walked in. Ronnie looked up from the counter, a mix of surprise and excitement lighting up her face.
"Liv! Gil! What are you two doing here?" Ronnie exclaimed, rushing over to hug her sister and Gil.
Olivia smiled, returning the hug. "We're here to take you to the DMV, silly. You didn't forget about your written permit exam, did you?"
Ronnie's eyes widened in realization. "Oh my gosh, I completely lost track of time!"
Gil chuckled, giving Ronnie a pat on the back. "Good thing we're here, then. You ready to ace that test?"
"I hope so," Ronnie replied, nerves starting to bubble up. "I've been studying, but I am still a little worried."
Olivia gave her a reassuring smile. "You've got this, Ronnie. We believe in you."
Leo, who had been helping a customer, walked over. "Good luck, Vonnie. You'll do great."
"Thanks, Leo," Ronnie said, feeling more confident with all the support.
"Go get that permit," Leo added with a wink. "And don't forget to come back and tell us how you did."
Richie, who was still in the shop, joined the group. "You're going to nail it, Ronnie. And remember, we're all proud of you no matter what."
Ronnie nodded, feeling the warmth of her family and friends surrounding her. "Okay, let's do this."
The drive to the DMV was filled with light-hearted chatter, and Olivia and Gil did their best to keep Ronnie's spirits high. As they pulled into the parking lot, Ronnie took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.
"You're gonna do great, Ronnie," Olivia said, squeezing her hand before they exited the car.
"Just remember everything you studied," Gil added encouragingly. "And don't overthink it."
The three walked into the DMV, where Ronnie checked in and received her test materials. She sat at one of the desks and took a moment to center herself before beginning the exam.
Olivia and Gil waited outside the testing room, sharing a look of mutual pride and hope for Ronnie. "She's got this," Olivia said, more to reassure herself than anything else.
"Of course she does," Gil replied, wrapping an arm around Olivia. "Ronnie's intelligent, just like her sister."
After what felt like an eternity but was probably only an hour, Ronnie emerged from the testing room, holding a piece of paper in her hand. Her face was a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
Olivia and Gil rushed over. "How'd it go?" Olivia asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
Ronnie looked at the paper, then at her sister and Gil, a slow smile spreading across her face. "I passed!"
Olivia let out a cheer, hugging Ronnie tightly. "I knew you could do it!"
Gil grinned, ruffling Ronnie's hair. "Congratulations, Ronnie. You're one step closer to hitting the open road."
Ronnie laughed, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over her. "Thanks, guys. I couldn't have done it without all of you."
As they left the DMV, the sun shining brightly overhead, Ronnie felt renewed hope and determination. This summer was proving to be full of changes, but with her family and friends by her side, she knew she could handle whatever came her way.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top