Misunderstood

Chapter 5

Sodapop came into Pony's room, "Hey, dinner's gonna be ready in less than an hour." he told us.

Pony asked when Darry was going to be home and Soda said it would be a little after the food was done. I felt my stomach flip with anxiety. I didn't know if I could face Darry after that party. When Soda left the room, he stood from Pony's bed, "I think I'd better go before Darry gets home." I said, it was my turn to pace Ponyboy's room.

"But I want you to stay." Pony said quickly, standing up from the bed as well.

I felt a blush creep onto my face, "Why? I know Darry's probably still pissed at me. Do you really think he wants me here eating his food?" I questioned, pretending his words didn't faze me.

He didn't take his eyes off of me, "I don't care what he thinks. He should know he's in the wrong this time, Dal. I'm sick of him treating me like I'm irresponsible and untrustworthy." He explained, his voice starting to shake.

"You really want me here?" I asked, finally meeting his sad, greenish-grey eyes.

He nodded, making eye contact so I knew he was serious.

I sighed, feeling my body relax, "Fine. I'm only staying for you, not Darry." I commented as I made myself comfortable on his bed.

He came over and sat down next to me, his face tinted pink, "Okay." He smiled, looking down at me.

I shoved my face in his pillow to hide my face, it was almost embarrassing how quickly, and easily he could get any reaction out of me.

-

I was woken up by Pony gently shaking my shoulder, "Dal," he whispered, "Darry's home."

I instantly sat up, causing him to jump and almost fall off the bed. I looked around, remembering where I was. I fell asleep. In Pony's bed. Great.

"We fell asleep, Soda woke me up a little bit ago." He said, his ears red.

I felt my own face turn red as I scrambled to get out of his bed.

Pony chuckled at me, "Dal, it's fine. Darry's in the shower right now anyway."

"It's not that-" I paused, hearing my heartbeat in my ears, "I just didn't mean to fall asleep." I said, scratching the side of my head. I could tell my hair was a mess.

"Dally, it's fine. I shared a bed with Soda for years." He fixed the blankets on his bed, not turning to look at me.

I looked in his mirror and tried my best to fix my hair. Ponyboy noticed and laughed, "Tryna clean yourself up for Dar bear?" he reached for a pillow.

"Don't even think about it," I said, staring at him through the mirror, "And I don't wanna look like I just woke up."

Pony looked at me seriously, "But you did just wake up."

I turned to face him, seeing a slight smirk tugging at his lips, "Shut it."

"Your hair looks fine, Dal." He assured, running a hand through his own hair.

I walked over to the bed, "Wish I could say the same for you," I joked, smiling at him.

"My hair always looks good." He said with confidence.

I knew he was joking but I agreed without thinking, "Yeah." I sighed, letting a yawn escape my lips. That nap made me even more tired. I'm definitely taking another after I eat.

He turned toward me, "You agree?" He asked, a smirk plastered across his face like he knew something I didn't

"What?" I played dumb, getting up from his bed. That look he gave me made me uneasy, "I'm thirsty," I said stretching my arms. I had to get out of his room before I said something I couldn't come back from.