I finished mixing the ingredients and popped the cake into the oven when Pony and Dal walked through the door. Ponyboy was carrying a paper bag and Dal was carrying a box. Soda grabbed my wrist and dragged me to the couch. “Since you already got your present, open ours.” Soda said passing me a paper bag. It said “From Soda, Steve, and Two-Bit.” “Fancy wrapping boys.” I said smirking. “We know.” Two-Bit said. I opened up the bag to see a bunch of different color beanies inside. “Awesome, how’d you guys know I like beanies?” I asked pulling some out. “Johnny told us some good gift ideas.” Steve said nodding to Johnny. “If he told you anything like perfume don’t listen to him. I hate perfume it makes me gag.” I said and Johnny shook his head. “Jen if I wanted to see you gag, I’d buy the perfume myself.” He said. “Good point, who’s next?” I asked and Dal tossed me his box. “Before anyone asks, no I did not steal the money to buy you that. I borrowed it from Buck.” Dal said and I looked at him. “By borrow, do you mean you asked him for the money and said you would pay him back or take his wallet while he wasn’t looking?” I asked crossing my arms. “The second one.” Dal said and smirked. “Shoulda known.” I mumbled causing him to laugh and plop down next to me. Ponyboy sat down on the other couch next to Johnny. I opened the box and stared at the contents. It was a fancy black switchblade. “You did not…” I said in disbelief. “But I did.” Dal stated. I looked at Dal with a smile. “I swear I am happy enough to hug you right now.” I stated and everyone laughed. I never had the money to buy my own switch; I would always borrow Johnny’s. Johnny offered to buy me one several times but I always denied. Johnny truly did too much for me; I didn’t want him spending money on me. Protecting me from our parents was enough I could ask for. I picked it up flicking it open. “Two-Bit, the blade’s bigger than the one on yours.” Steve examined as I stared at it. “What? No it’s not.” He said taking out his blade and opening it. He held it next to mine and sure enough my blade was bigger. “I knew it would be bigger than yours that’s why I bought it.” Dal said and draped his arm around my shoulder and leaning back. “Dallas, arm off her, now.” Johnny said his voice hard. “Jonathan relax, Dal isn’t causing no harm.” I said but his eyes stayed locked on Dal. “I don’t care.” “What did I say earlier?” I asked. This time Johnny’s eyes left Dal to look at me. “Okay, okay I’ll lay off, but I see anything I don’t like I’m not gonna let it slide.” He said and seemed to relax. Ponyboy tossed me his gift. “I bought it with my own money, reminded me of the day we met at the park.” He said and smirked at me. I opened the bag and saw a foot ball inside. “How’d you know football was my favorite sport?” I asked looking at the ball. “Well the way you caught the ball at the park kinda showed.” He stated and laughed. The buzzer on the oven rang indicating the cake was done. Johnny was the first to stand and was about the bolt for the kitchen when I hit him with the football in the gut, causing him to fall over. I bolted to the kitchen and took the cake out of the oven and placed it on the table. I cut myself a piece and then everyone else. I gave Johnny a tiny sliver which he frowned at. “Could I have some more?” He asked looking at me. “Yea, I was just messing with ya.” I said and gave him a bigger piece. We ate out cake almost in silence since it was so good I guess. “Damn this is some good cake.” Two-Bit said taking another sip of beer. “Thanks, Shaun’s mom taught me how to bake.” I said with a bite of cake in my mouth. Sodapop cleaned the plates as we chatted in the kitchen. I was standing next to Johnny. “The only reason I wanted Dal to get his arm off you earlier was because Pony wasn’t too happy about it.” Johnny said, “He really does like you Jen.” I blushed, smiling and looked down. “Who wants to go play some football?” Dal suggested and everyone nodded. I grabbed my board and the ball and skated through the door and off the porch. We all headed to the park the guys cheering me on with my tricks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Only a week until Christmas!!! I can't believe it. It is truly sad that I still don't have all my shopping done.... Oh well I still have a couple of days left. Until Next Time STAY GOLD!!!!!!!