Austin is everything and anything. That is the best way I could possibly describe her. It's like she has pieces of each of the Curtis boys in her. She is a real hard worker. She was telling us how when she was first left New York she had three jobs and would live in the basement of on elf the restaurants she worked out. Her determination made me think of Darry. She was also crazy smart. She read a lot and it seemed like she could keep every bit of information she ever read inside her mind at all times. This, of course, reminded me of Ponyboy. At the same time though I remembered that once upon a time Dallas was like this too. And lastly, she looked so much like Sodapop it scared us. They were both spitting images of their mother. Everyone took turns asking her questions. She did the same. 

"Austin, it's getting late," Dal informed her. "We should head out."

"Where are we going?"

"My place, I live with Buck Merril. You know, we were all good friends when we were kids," he reminded her and she smiled.

"Oh yeah! Wow, it sure has been a while since I was in this town." Her smile faded slightly and her face grew a small amount of pain at her memories. She shook it off and pretended nothing was wrong. That quirk could have been something she got from any of her brothers. They were all too tough to let people in when things were wrong. That was something that always bothered me. 

"Bye Austin, it was great meeting you. See ya'll tomorrow." The boys and I all said our goodbyes and they left. At the last moment, Dal and I made eye contact. I watched his dark eyes slowly leave mine and I felt my stomach tie up. I wanted him to stay. I wanted him to never break eye contact with me. I wanted Dallas and that made everything a mess. Because I loved Sodapop. I loved Sodapop. I must have been staring at the closed door because Johnny finally said something. 

"Henna, are you okay?" He asked. I turned around and all of the boys faces grew confused and worrisome. "Why are you crying?"

"What?" I questioned. I brought my hand to my cheek and felt a tear. I laughed at myself softly. What am I doing? I thought. 

"Baby," Soda said softly. "What's wrong?" I shook my head and didn't say anything. 

"Nothing," I lied. "Just thinking of my brother, that's all," I lied again. "Do you guys mind if I stay here tonight?" They all told me it was fine and Soda said I could make my way to his room. 

"Alright, goodnight!" I said quickly leaving the scene. I said I hated when the boys hid the truth, but here I am. Doing the same thing.