DON'T DREAM IT'S OVER | SODAPOP CURTIS

SIXTEEN

"Hey, Soda." I said, as he opened the door.

He immediately smiled brightly and ran his fingers through his hair.

He picked me up at the waist and held me tightly while he stood in the doorway.

"Soda, put me down I can't feel my waist anymore!" I laughed, holding onto his soft hair.

"You're so bossy."

He sighed and put my down in the porch again.

I looked him up and down and tugged at his sunned and faded flannel.

"I really like your shirt."

He smiled in response and put his hand on my shoulder.

He was only wearing black socks on his feet, and he stood on his toes and leaned against the doorway.

"Why are you standing like that?!" I laughed, backing away from him.

     "Because."

     "Because why?"

     "Promise not to laugh?"

     "I can't promise anything. Tell me!"

     "I have sensitive feet sometimes." He sighed and looked away to try to hide his smile.

     "You're so cute. Come on, let me in it's sunny out."

     "You're in the shade."

     "My goodness, Soda!"

     "You are awfully feisty today. And awfully short. You look so small."

     "I'm not that short!"

     I was suddenly jolted backwards and spun from behind as I lunged for Soda.

     "RED, BABY!"

     "DAMN YOU TWO - BIT!" I giggled, nudging his stomach as he still held me in the air.

     He put me down and laughed along with Soda, and Pony and Steve who entered from around the side of the house.

"You were stalling me, Sodapop?!"

"Yes."

"Damn it, this is not what I came here for."

"What did you come here for, then?" Two - Bit sneered and winked.

"Stop it."

     "YOU CAME FOR THE D!!!!!" He cackled and fell to the porch.

     "Why do you think you are so funny, Two - Bit?!"

     "Because I am!"

Ponyboy began to laugh, and Soda did as well.