You were Paul’s girl. And had been for a while—a Soc like Paul needed a pretty little thing on his arm, and you were just that.

Paul and Darry used to be best friends—before Darry’s folks died, and he dropped out and quit the football team, you’d been his girl. But now Darry was a Greaser, and a Soc with them was like water and oil.

You stepped into the DX one evening after cheer practice, Paul waiting outside in the car for you. You knew Darry’s brother, Sodapop, still worked here. You didn’t mind saying a hello, but you didn’t anticipate Darry’s being here.

You walked in, grabbing what you needed, and silently walked to the counter.