Don't let him bug you. He's really proud of you 'cause you're so brainy. It's just because you're the baby— I mean, he loves you a lot. Savvy?" "Sure," I said, trying for Soda's sake to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. "Soda?" "Yeah?" "How come you dropped out?" I never have gotten over that. I could hardly stand it when he left school. " 'Cause I'm dumb. The only things I was passing anyway were auto mechanics and gym." "You're not dumb." "Yeah, I am. Shut up and I'll tell you something. Don't tell Darry, though." "Okay." "I think I'm gonna marry Sandy. After she gets out of school and I get a better job and everything. I might wait till you get out of school, though. So I can still help Darry with the bills and stuff." "Tuff enough. Wait till I get out, though, so you can keep Darry off my back." "Don't be like that, kid. I told you he don't mean half of what he says..." "You in love with Sandy? What's it like?" "Hhhmmm." He sighed happily. "Ifs real nice." In a moment his breathing was light and regular. I turned my head to look at him and in the moonlight he looked like some Greek god come to earth. I wondered how he could stand being so handsome. Then I sighed. I didn't quite get what he meant about The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton 16