back to you

always beside you

Delta's POV

I went over to see the guys and tell them I was moving up north.

I was a bit nervous, but dad took it pretty well. Probably just ready for his 20 year old daughter to move on.

I know they'll be happy for me.

I walked inside and said hi to everyone. And then I circled back to Sodapop.

"Hey, I've got something to tell ya." I said with a slight smile.

"Good news?"

"I think so. I'm moving out."

"Really? That's great!"

He hugged me and I smiled a bit. "I'm actually moving in with Dominick up north."

"Really? That's a bit of a drive."

"I know. But I'll obviously be back to visit. And you guys are always welcome. My house is your house. Even if it's forty-five minutes away." I said with a slight smile.

"I'm really happy for you. He seems to really like you. And I don't have any weird feelings about him."

I laughed. "That's always good."

"He's really good with conversation. Always knows what to say." Sodapop said.

My mind went blank.

That was always my favorite thing about Dallas.

I told him that on our first date. And I still stood by it.

I couldn't believe Soda was comparing Dominick to Dallas in that way. Don't get me wrong, Dominick was good at it. But Dallas had it in a different way. He didn't care what he said. He always just said it.

"Delta?"

"What? Sorry... I zoned out for a minute."

"Hey." Dallas said coming around the door. "Can you give me a ride home tonight?"

I grinned a bit. "Yeah. Sure thing, Dal."

I eventually told everyone I was moving up with Dominick and they all were very happy for me. Even Dallas. It was kinda shocking to everyone, since we were moving so quickly.

And I knew we were.

But Dominick and I had something special. We just fit together so perfectly. And I can see my future with him.

And now's the time to think about that.

My parents got married young. It's certainly a trend right now.

Settling down and moving in with him might be the best thing to do.

The night came and I did say I'd drive Dally home. It shocked me when he asked.

We started driving and Dally lit a cigarette. "So, you and Dominick. Getting pretty serious."

"Yeah. He's great."

I used to have such good conversation with him. But it just didn't feel right.

"He's not like Will, is he?"

"God, no. I know better than that. He runs his own business, takes care of his family. I love him. Truly."

God, why did I say that?

How did Dallas still manage to make me nervous?

"You know, if you ever needed someone, I'm only a call away." He said looking at me.

I looked back and it was silent for a moment.

"I know." I muttered looking back at the road.

"I'm serious, Delta. If anything happens, I'd be up there."

I love Dominick.

But I love Dallas, too.

Maybe in a different way.

I wanted another shot with Dallas. I've been waiting for a year to try and get back on the same page. But I thought he wasn't interested anymore. And now that I find someone and want to start a life with him, Dally manages to come back into my life in the worst way possible.

It made me wonder.

Would I still go back to Dallas?

I had to stop.

It's Dallas fucking Winston. He doesn't care about me like that. He only cares about himself. And it's best for us!

God dammit!

I love Dominick and I would never hurt him. Dallas and I were great friends. And just friends. I can't think about him anymore.

I told him it was for the best when we broke up. And our paths haven't gotten back to the same one. I'm on a new path now. And that path is with Dominick.

I finally spoke up. "I know, Dally. You're one of my best friends. And I know you'd be there if I needed anything. But Dominick is a good guy. He's not like Will. He's different. And he might be the one I spend the rest of my life with."

I hope that was clear enough.

We were just friends.

It hurt so much to say it, though.

It was silent for a moment.

"I'm not gonna lie, this is a shitty thing to realize for me. But he's really good for you. You've been happier with him. And I'm glad he makes you happy. But as your friend, I'm gonna be there for you. If anything happens."

That stung.

I didn't want Dallas to see me happy with someone else.

Maybe it's just because he's my ex. And I care a lot about his feelings. But I don't want him to feel like that.

"We're friends." He said. "And as your friend, I'm happy for you. As your ex, this sucks."

Aaaand that killed me.

I felt like I was just shot through the heart.

How can he read my damn mind?

It's like he always knows what I'm thinking!

God dammit, Dallas!

"I'm sorry, Dally. But one day, you're gonna find someone so much better for you. Someone who's gonna love you more than I could. Someone's who will accept every part of you in a way I could never do. Whoever that may be. But until then, I'm rooting for you, Dal. I'll always be on your side."

I parked my car and he got out with not another word.

Once the door closed behind him, I started to cry.

The first time I've cried over him since we broke up.

I felt the same way I did when we broke up the first time. Heartbroken. Upset. Clueless.

Why did it have to kick in now?

-

"Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you."
- Walter Winchell