The Outsiders meet elves: A Keeper of the Lost Cities crossover a Sophitz story

Chapter 19 - Tess

It's been a long week. I'm bored outta my mind. Even though Johnny got Gone With the Wind, it's real boring, being stuck in an old church for a week. At least I'm not alone. Johnny and I've kissed a bunch. Each time feels like the first time. He's so sweet, it's amazing to see the change. Before, he was very withdrawn, but now, it's like he came outta his shell. He smiles more. He laughs more too.

"Hey! Sleeping beauty, wake up!" I'm not sure who it is, so I slowly grab my switch, just in case. When I hear him come close, I whip out my blade, and hold it to his throat.

"Hey! Tess, it's just me! I ain't gonna kill you. No need for that!" Dally said, laughing at the embarrassment on my face.

"Sorry Dal, I guess I was a little jumpy. I didn't mean to." I said. Huh. I wonder what changed with Dally. If I'd done that to him before, he would've really ripped into me.

"No worries. Hey, Blondie! I gotta letter for you!"

"A letter? Who from?" Pony asked.

The President, of course, stupid. It's from Soda." Dally said, "He wrote a bit to you too, Tess."

"Soda?" I said. We never told Soda, and Dally keeps his lips sealed about this type of thing. "But how did he know?"

"He came over to Buck's a couple of day ago and found your flannel, Pony. I told him I didn't know where y'all were, but he didn't believe me. He gave me half his paycheck to get this letter to y'all. Kid, you ought to see Darry. He's takin' this mighty hard." Dally actually looked worried. Just a bit, but still worried. I leaned over Pony's shoulder.

Ponyboy and Tess,

Well I guess you got into some trouble, huh? Darry and me nearly went nuts when y'all ran out like that. Darry is awfully sorry he hit you, Pone. You know he didn't mean it. And then you two and Johnny turned up missing and what with that dead kid in the park and Dally getting hauled into the station, well it scared us something awful. The police came by to question us and we told them as much as we could. I can't believe little old Johnny would kill somebody. I know Dally knows where y'all are, but you know him. He keeps his trap shut and wont tell me nothing. Darry doesn't have the slightest notion where your at and its nearly killing him. I wish you'd come back and turn your selves in but I guess you can't since Johnny might get hurt. You sure are famous. You got a paragraph in the newspaper even. Take care and say hi to Johnny for us.

Sodapop Curtis

"Soda's spelling could be improved, but then it wouldn't be Soda." I said, breaking the silence. It hurts a little, knowing the pain they're going through. Even though Darry hit Pony, he's still our big brother.

"Yeah, it could." Pony agreed.

"Dal, you look different." Johnny said, "I dunno, maybe...happier?"

"Yeah, you're right. I noticed, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it." Pony said. He put his hand on top of Dally's. "Yeah, he's definitely happier."

"How do you know?" Dally looked suspicious.

"I just know." Pony said, "You're also feeling kinda guilty. What're you hiding?"

"I ain't hiding nothing!" Dally shouted. Just then, two of the prettiest girls I've ever seen walked in.

"Dallas, it's fine." said the blond girl, "The poor kid's been through enough, without you yelling at him."

"Who are you?" I said, pulling out my switch.

"Friends." said the one with black hair. I liked the silver tips on the ends. It looked good with her creamy skin, and silvery blue eyes. They were strange, but nice.