Chapter 24: Like a Drama Soap opera

Why did he have to be here? This is the worse time he could show up. I don't want to deal with this. "Joan," he said surprised as he came over to me. He had something in his hand. It was a bag. He actually shops? Wow. That's new.

"What?" I asked pissed. He stayed a couple feet away from me. "Sorry. I didn't mean to snap," I said calming down SLOWLY. "Steve just pissed me off."

"What me to do something to him for ya?" he asked.

"No thanks. It isn't worth hearing him complain when I see him again tomorrow," I said. "What do you want?"

"Your going to be coming back?" he asked.

"Unfortunately yes," I said. "My brother needs me." I looked at him and saw his face was happy. Great. Now he thinks he has a second chance to ask me out. Hate to say it but that bubble is going to be popped real quick. After I break up with Andrew, that's it for me. I can't handle another relationship at all. I always end up breaking up with someone for someone else's happiness. I guess that's how I'm to live my life: alone and unloved.

"T-t-that's great," he said. I rolled my eyes at him and walked away from him. "Joan." I turned around and looked at him. He walked over to me and handed me the bag. "Happy last birthday." What did he just say? Did he actually say happy last birthday to me? He remembered something? "Go ahead. Open it." I opened the bag and pulled out something soft. It was a teddy bear and the one I've wanted to get for a while! How did Dally know? More importantly, where did he get the money for this? I was simply speechless. He was grinning like crazy. "The store was closing down and everything was marked down. I saw this and remember you wanted it so I brought it for you."

"Dallas I-" I was speechless. Simply speechless.

"You're welcome," he said. Before I knew what I was doing, I ran over and hugged him.

"Thank you," I said. He hugged me back and I started crying some. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know but I wanted too."

"I don't deserve this Dally," I said. He shook his head.

"Yes you do. You deserve it because you are a good girl."

"Dallas I-"

"Johanna!" I looked over my shoulder and see Andrew walking toward me. Dally instantly let go of me and I let go of him. He walked over and his eyes narrowed at Dally. "You better not be hurting her," he said.

"No Andrew. Dally was being a gentleman," I said then showed him the bear. "He was just giving me a late birthday present so all." Andrew nod. "Thank you again Dally."

"Welcome Joan," he said smiling. "See ya around." He then turned and left. At that moment, I fell in love with Dally again. Or should I say, the love I had for him came out of the safe of my heart. I love Dallas Winston. I always have and always will. No matter what. Even now, after everything that has happened. I truly do love him. More than Andrew. It seems Dally still cares for me now even though I'm with someone else.

"Joan." I came back to reality and saw Andrew was smiling. Then I smelt some alcohol and it was coming from Andrew's breath. Did he actually drink some beer behind my back? No. Not Andrew. He would tell me if he did. He came over and hugged me. "Wanna come over to my house?"

"Sure but Andrew answer this question. Have you been drinking?" I asked.

"No," he said smiling. He walked over to me and took my hand. He can't even walk straight. I took my hand away. "What's wrong Johanna?"

"You just lied to me," I said looking at him.

"No I didn't," he said.

"Andrew you can't even walk straight!" I yelled.

"So," he said. "Your point."

"I don't like you lying to me," I said. "If you would have told me maybe I would have forgiven you."

"What about now?" he asked looking at me.

"We're through!" I yelled. He looked at me. He came over to me and grabbed my arm roughly. "Let go!"

"You stupid bitch," he said smacking me. I fought back. I pulled my arm away and ran. He came after me. What the hell is wrong with him? I understand he's drunk but still. This isn't the Andrew I know. I placed the present around my wrist, picked up my speed and I saw Dally ahead of me.

"Dally," I said running over to him and hugging him. I felt him wrap his arms around me.

"Joan, what's wrong?" he asked. I looked up to point but I saw Andrew wasn't there. I just he knew better than to mess with Dally. Even if he was drunk. I shook my head and hugged him still. "Come on. Let's go to the Curtis house." I shook my head. I just wanted to stay here for a couple minutes. "Alright," he said as he held me. After ten minutes we started walking to the Curtis house not saying a word. I walked into the Curtis house, looked at everyone and went out back.

"Smooth Steve," I heard Soda say inside. "Making her break up with Andrew."

"You made her break up with him?" Dally asked pissed.

"That was her choice!" Steve yelled.

"No. You blamed her for Johnny getting jumped," Pony said.

"Stay out of this kid," Steve shouted at Pony.

"What the hell is your problem Steve? Are you on your period?" Soda asked. Not fun Soda. I don't know what happened next. I heard nothing. I guess Steve was deciding whether or not to hit Soda. Steve wouldn't do it. Soda is his best friend. I eventually got up and left the house without anyone knowing. I went home and to my room. I laid down and pulled the blankets close to me. There I started crying.

***

I was with the boys in the park. I was watching them play football. I sighed. Its been one week since I started hanging with them again. I didn't talk much. Dally tried hitting on me some but I turned away. I guess he doesn't get I need time. Andrew was the best thing that happened to me since Dally. I guess it goes to show: Socs and Greasers can't be together. I missed him though. He was great. I sighed and laid down on the grass. Johnny's bruises from when he was jumped started healing already. I gave him his present and he felt bad because mine broke. I just shook my head, hugged him and smiled. I didn't need anything. He was alive. That's all that matters. I still don't tell him secrets anymore though. The guys came over to the picnic blanket and sat down. They were all sweaty and they smelled bad. I moved over so they could sit down. Johnny sat next to me and patted my head. I did nothing. I was just like a lifeless doll.

"You ok Joan?" Johnny asked. I nod. "Do you want something to eat?" I shook my head. "Are you still pissed at me?" I shook my head. "Why won't you talk?" I shrugged my shoulders. Johnny sighed.

"You don't need to take it out on Johnny," Steve said. I got up and left before another fight started. I went to a tree, and laid there. Steve was right though for once. I guess I could talk some.

"Joan," I heard someone call my name. I looked down and there was Andrew. "Can we talk please? I swear I'm sober." I got down from the tree and looked down at the ground. "Joan, I'm ready sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to. I didn't mean to get drunk. I swear I had a coke to drink. They must have spiked it."

"Its ok Andrew," I said softly. "You don't need to explain."

"I'm really sorry Joan. Please forgive me," he said. I nod and he smiled some. "I won't ask you to take me back. Not after how I acted." He's good. He looked at me and placed a hand on my cheek. "I'll always remember you though." My hands went to the necklace around my neck and he stopped me. "Keep it. Please. It was a gift." I nod and placed my arms down. "Could we still me friends?" he asked.

"That depends on you," I said kinda coldly. I don't know why. It just came out like that. He nod.

"I understand," he said. "I guess I better get going before you kick my ass. See ya around Joan and I'm sorry again." I nod and he went away. Johnny came over to me and hugged me.

"Will you be ok sister?" he asked.

"I will be someday," I said sighing. "I'm hungry. Let's go eat." We went back to the gang and we all started to eat lunch. For some reason I was hungry today. I don't know why. I think I ate my sandwich and a full, big bag of chips. Johnny was watching me laughing.

"That's my sister," he said shaking his head. "A little piggie."

"Am not," I whined. I felt someone wrap an arm around my shoulders. I knew it was Dally. I removed his arm from me and laid down on the blanket. I placed my head in my brother's lap. I was tired now. "Joanie sleepy," I said like a little child as I fell asleep.

I woke up and next thing I knew I was on a bed. I looked around and saw it was Pony and Soda's room. They must have placed me in here. They are always so sweet to me. I arose from the bed and walked out. "Soda? Pony?" I called. No response but I did hear something. Sounded like the tv. "Hello?" I called as I entered the living room. Dally was on the couch, watching tv. I should have guessed he would have been here. He looked over at me and smiled.

"Have a good nap?" he asked. I know. I was still tired so I laid down on Darry's chair and curled up. Dally got up from his seat and placed a blanket on me as I curled up on the couch. He placed his hand on my forehead. "Everything ok?" he asked as he removed a piece of hair form my face. I nod.

"I have work tonight," I said.

"Oh. Do you mind if I walk you there?" he asked. I shook my head and he smiled. "Joan, can I ask you something?" I nod. He got down in front of me. "Will you go out with me again?"

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Will Joan say yes and give it a try or will she say no and lock away her feeling forever? Let me know what you think! Review please!!