two

***Bailey's POV***

"Hey guys, this is Bailey," Johnny says. The boys just stare at me. I feel uncomfortable because no one says anything or moves at all.

So it scares me when the house erupts in excitement.

Everyone crowds around me like I'm a great friend that they've known their whole lives. I just smile and introduce myself. They all seem really excited to meet me.

I learn their names: Darrel, Sodapop, Ponyboy, Steve, Two-Bit, and Dallas. I also learn who to steer clear of in terms of dating. I wasn't planning on dating anyone from the group anyway, but you never know.

"You know what? I think we're gonna have to call you Baby Cade!" Sodapop says. Everyone yells their agreement, even Johnny. I don't actually mind the nickname. It makes me feel like I'm one of them.

We hang out for a while. I make good friends with Ponyboy, Soda, and Dally. As it nears 12, though, it becomes obvious that Johnny needs to ask sooner or later if I can stay. I sit next to Ponyboy on the couch, dreading having to go home. 

When Darry finally announces that it's time to go to sleep, I begin to shake. Johnny is passed out on the couch, so I get up and leave. "Bye Baby Cade!" is heard from all through the house. I wave and begin to walk home.

I'm honestly a little sad. What if I have the dream and Johnny's not here? What if he stays the night at the gang's house? I'm past terrified just thinking about it.

I can hear yelling coming from my house three blocks away, which is always a great sign. I try to sneak in my window, but unfortunately, my parents are in my room. They each hold a beer bottle in one hand and a blade in the other. I begin to crawl back down, but get hit in the head with a beer bottle first. I collapse onto the edge of the open window.

"Where the heck were you?!" They both yell. I open my mouth to answer, but blood comes trickling out instead. My dad opens his switchblade and begins to cut the side of my face. I scream.

"Maybe that will teach you a lesson," he says before pushing me out the window. I feel the wind blowing through my hair as I fall from the second story.

It's a good thing I black out before I hit the ground.