part 2

Dallas and I quickly walked hand in hand through the trees that led to a large opening, where the greasers and socs stood. It was like a scene out of a movie. The greasers stood on one side, while the socs stood on the other, each of them glaring at the other. The face off was intense and I could tell that the fight was about to break out any minute. I rolled my neck around, listening to the cracks as I limbered up. I wore a smirk on my lips as I spoke, "Alright, let's do this thing."

"You should sit this one out," Dally said. It sounded more like a command than a suggestion though.

I crossed my arms defensively. "Why?" I asked. This was my first official rumble and there was no way that I was going to sit this one out.

"It gets bad out there," Dallas said, nodding towards the socs and the greasers.

"All of a sudden, I can't take care of myself?" I asked sardonically. This was ridiculous. I've been in numerous fights before, most without Dally present, and he chooses now to tell me that I can't be apart of one. I've proven myself time after time, and I shouldn't have to sit and watch from the sideline.

"You know that's not what I meant," Dallas huffed as he rolled his eyes at me.

"Then, what did you mean?" I asked. I was growing impatient and frustrated now. "I don't need you to keep protecting me, Dal. I can handle a stupid fight-"

"Jesus, Diana, you don't think I know that?" Dallas exclaimed. "I just don't want you to get hurt. You just got out of the hospital."

I was quiet for a moment, silently debating on what I should say and do. I thought it was sweet that he didn't want me to fight in the rumble because he didn't want me to get hurt again, but I also really wanted to be apart of this. "Okay," I said. "I won't fight."

Dally's expression softened. If staying out of the rumble would make him happy, then that was what I was going to do.

"Be careful," I spoke softly. I pressed a kiss on his cheek. Dallas smiled and nodded before turning around and running towards the standoff.

I leaned on the tree that stood tall behind me, and watched Dally join the other greasers. "You know a rumble ain't a rumble without me!" He shouted, signaling the start of the fight. In the distance, I could see my friends standing side by side. When the first punch was thrown, it hit Ponyboy right in the face and sent him flying to the ground.

Almost immediately, the greasers and socs meshed into one, large group, punching and kicking anyone that was near. I watched with wide eyes as the rumble erupted into pure and utter chaos. The fight was filled with so much hatred and anger from the feud that had been boiling for years and had only gotten worse. The socs fought to avenge Bob Sheldon's death, while the greasers fought for Johnny Cade, the boy who had taken the other's life. I couldn't believe that this was the outcome of the different social classes in Tulsa. It was truly devastating that these people couldn't get along, and that a fight would be the only way to release their bottled up emotions.

I spotted Dallas running towards a soc. He swung his fist and punched the boy in his face, causing the soc to collapse onto the ground. That boy was definitely down for the rest of the fight. I caught Dally's eyes and smirked, chuckling softly when he sent me a wink.

I could hear the soft roll of thunder sound throughout the sky with flashes of lightning appearing shortly after. Rain started to drizzle from the dark clouds above. The temperature dropped due to the impending storm, making the weather much colder than it already was. I tugged my leather jacket closer to my body as I shivered from the cold water.

Thunder began to roar loudly from above, while the lightning intensified, striking through the air and crackling with violence. Heavy rain followed instantly and, within seconds, I was soaking wet. My long hair pressed to my face and my clothes hugged my body tightly. I felt rain droplets slowly roll down my cheeks and off of my face. My boots sunk into the muddy ground like quicksand.

From behind me, I could hear branches cracking and footsteps approaching. My heartbeat fastened nervously as flashbacks of previous memories played out in my head. I whipped my head around and let my eyes search through the dark trees that stood around me. A tall figure started walking towards me. When the person was close enough, I could identify them in the light. "Chuck," I breathed.

"Long time no see, Diana," Chuck replied. His lips were pointed upwards in a sinister smirk. I hadn't seen him since the races with Dallas and Buck. I had no clue how he knew where I was or what he was doing here in the first place. "I must admit, I had missed your presence."

"I can't say the same for you," I remarked. I kept my guard up in case he tried to pull something on me. I knew that Chuck disliked me, but I wasn't sure why. His threats to expose me from the last time I saw him still worried me whenever I thought of that night at the tracks.

Chuck looked over my shoulder, staring at the rumble. "I'm surprised your not in there," he stated. "Word around town is that you've always had it out for the socs, especially Bob Sheldon."

I narrowed my dark eyes at him. What was he getting at? "That's one way to put it." I replied simply. "Besides, Dally asked me to stay out of this one."

Chuck raised his eyebrows. "You listen to everything he says now?" His fingers grazed my jaw and lifted my chin up.

I pushed his hand away and took a step back. "Don't touch me," I warned. Chuck put his hands up in surrender and laughed darkly. I felt chills run down my spine under his stare.

"Easy," he cooed. "I just came to talk, alright?" I wanted to punch the smug look off of his face. Chuck didn't come here to talk. He came for something else. He had something to tell me and I had a feeling that I wasn't going to like it.

"Is that why you followed me into the woods?" I spat. I clenched my fists tightly by my sides. Rain seeped through the leaves from the trees above and poured down on us. The greasers and socs continued to fight until the other either gave up or became too beaten to carry on. Chuck found my anger humorous as he laughed to himself. I pointed an accusing finger at him and narrowed my eyes. "You're a fucking creep."

Chuck grabbed my wrist harshly and pulled me in closer to him. His glare didn't falter as he hovered over me with a sick look in his eyes. Although I refused to show it, I was starting to become nervous. "Remember what I told you last time?" He spoke lowly.

"Just empty threats," I replied. I tried pulling my arm out of his grasp, but he held on tighter and pulled me closer.

"Not anymore," Chuck said. "Your secret is out now, Diana Westbrook." His smile took over his face as he stared down at me. Chuck knew I was a runaway from the start, but I was still surprised and confused as to how he found out about my secret.

"Who told you?" I asked, but my question sounded more aggressive than I had intended. Chuck's eyes narrowed, not liking my attitude.

"Bob Sheldon," Chuck revealed. My face fell from shock. "I ran into him awhile back. He hated greasers and I hate Winston. It was clear that the best way to 'take care' of both.. was with you."

I faked a smile. "Awe," I remarked sarcastically. "You guys would've made a cute couple. Too bad he's dead." Chuck scowled at me harshly. His hold on my wrist tightened as he clenched his jaw in rage. I winced in pain and desperately tried to yank my arm away from him, but my efforts were useless.

"If I were you, I'd choose my words very carefully," Chuck warned me. I didn't take his advice seriously, considering that I had nothing left to lose. "I alerted the police. They know you're in Tulsa, and they're looking for you right now. It's only a matter of time until they arrest you and take you back to New York."

My heart sank in my chest as my whole world crumbled and fell apart. My secret was out.. It was over for me. My unbothered expression faltered for a moment until I heard a voice behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Dallas, bloodied and bruised from the rumble. "Let go of her," he demanded.

Chuck smirked and finally let go of my wrist, pushing me into Dally, who caught me carefully. "Are you okay?" He asked me. I nodded as I rubbed my wrist. Dallas' expression softened for a moment, knowing that I was safe. He stepped in front of me and glared at Chuck. I peeked over his shoulder to see what was happening. "Don't ever touch my girl again," he warned darkly.

Chuck narrowed his eyes at Dallas but nodded slowly. "Fine," he spat. "It doesn't matter anyway. She'll be locked up for the rest of her life. Might as well say your goodbyes now." Chuck looked over Dally's shoulder to meet my eyes one last time, before turning on his heel and walking off into the trees.

I breathed a sigh of relief and felt my shoulders relax. My whole body had been tense since Chuck made himself known.

Dally turned around and wrapped his arms around my waist as he pulled me in for a hug. I was surprised by his actions, but enjoyed the embrace anyway. Heavy rain continued to fall down on us as we stood in the trees and held one another. When we pulled apart, I sent him a small smile which he returned. "Did we win?" I asked softly.

Dally nodded but then grabbed my hand. "Come on, we gotta help Pony," he said.

The two of us quickly made our way over to join the rest of the celebrating greasers. Everyone was cheering and clapping, excited that they had beat the socs and won the rumble. I high-fived my own friends as I walked over to Pony, who had been beaten pretty badly. The side of his face was turning black and blue from bruising, while small cuts poured out blood. Dallas dropped my hand and reached into his pocket to toss me his car keys. He picked the younger boy up carefully and helped him walk over to the car we had drove here earlier. I unlocked the vehicle and opened the door for Dallas as he ushered Ponyboy inside. I handed Dally the car keys and slid into the backseat as he took the front. Dallas immediately ignited the engine and sped off on the road into the darkness of the night.