***This is not gonna be a long chapter, but there will be a double update today***

I step off the train and take a deep breathe. I walk over to the same bench I met Sodapop and sit down for a second as I hear a high-pitched voice, "oh my god! I missed you!"

I hear a voice that I can almost recognize, "Virginia! I missed you too!"

I look over to see the guy's face covered as he picks her up and spins her around before kissing her lips. I run my fingers through my short totally blonde hair. I got the black dye out when I was in rehab. I stand up as I carry my duffle bag out to pick up where I take a cab to the Curtis house. When I walk in the lights are off, "that's weird."

I turn on the lights and look up to see a banner. "Welcome Back Virginia!"

"SURPRISE!" The whole gang jumps out minus Two-bit, Darry, and Sodapop.

I roll my eyes, "wrong girl. I just wanted to come and say hi, but I gotta go unpack."

Silence.

I cock my head to the side, "okay, awkward. I'll be back for dinner. Tell Soda I say hi."
***
I walk into the Curtis to see them already eating dinner and talking as I walk out I see a pretty brunette in my spot, "uh hello?"

The whole table goes silent and I look at Sodapop, but he says nothing to me.

"Wow, did I kill your dog and not know about it or something?" I scoff rolling my eyes. "I'm sorry I hurt ya'll, but I thought you guys were all over that."

Jilly looks over at Spencer and she whispers something before Spencer nods slightly.

Tears form in my my eyes, "Spence? Jilly?"

Jilly looks at me and I can see her break then she turns to Steve who grabs her hand. Dally pulls Spencer into a hug.

"Did I die and not know about it?" I ask them my voice cracking.

Silence.

"Can somebody please fricken answer me!" I scream. "I know I messed up, but seriously guys, I don't deserve this!"

Nothing, not even from my own brother.

"Damn Keith, so much for a sassy five year old named Lucy or the girl you met named Lacey who left, but you'd never stop loving even after a fight," I scoff.

Sodapop won't even look at me.

I sigh looking away for a second to make sure I don't cry then I look back at Soda, "is this about the drinking game the other day or something? I'm sorry."

He takes a deep breathe and talks to me being the first person since I got home, "Lacey, we need to talk."

Okay, so cliff hanger, yah. You guys got a double update and a cliff hanger. Stay gold. Do it for Johnny!
-Beth