DON'T DREAM IT'S OVER | SODAPOP CURTIS

SEVENTEEN

It was now Thursday afternoon, finally.

     Cade left my household, the rumble's tomorrow evening, and I spend the day with the gang. Everything is finally aligned.

My bag was already packed from preparation nights before.

     "Okay... toothbrush, pajamas, socks, extra outfit." I sighed, rummaging through my bag one last time before leaving for Soda's.

I took my bag and walked downstairs to the kitchen.

"Hey Mom, I'm gonna spend the night at Cherry's. We're gonna have a girls weekend and stuff." I lied.

"Why am I just hearing about this now?!"

"I'm sorry it was a last minute. Please Mom I'll be back by tomorrow night."

"Do I have to drive you?"

"No, I can walk."

"Fine. Don't do anything stupid." She said, kissing my forehead.

I ran out the door and let out a scream of joy and relief, spinning down the front path.

I ran up the street where I told Vicki to wait in her car.

"She's letting you go?!"

"Well... I kind of lied."

"I'm impressed." She scoffed.

"I am too."

I went into the passenger seat and abruptly closed the door.

     She carelessly drove up the street and blasted the music from her speakers, as she usually did.

Sodapop was sitting on the steps of his porch with Steve, with a cupcake in his hand.

"ALICE, YOU'RE HERE!" He yelled, jumping up from the steps and pushing through the gate.

I leaped out of the car and threw myself at him.

     He spun me around and held me tighter than ever.

     "You seem awfully happy."

"I am. I worked all day and night yesterday so I could have the day off with you and the gang."

"You did?"

"I did. Let's go the rest of the gang is inside."

     "Red baby, what's up?" Two - Bit said, jumping up from the couch.

     "Not much."

     "Here, have a beer."

     "I don't drink, thanks though."

     "I'll get you a soda."

"Hey, Allie." Dally said, ruffling my hair.

     "Allie?"