DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE OUTSIDERS BOOK , NOR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS PORTRAYED. THEY BELONG TO S.E. HINTON.
For the first time in his natural born life my best friend Sodapop Curtis had nothing to say. His mouth was practically clamped shut and his eyes looked like they were going to burst any second. I had to wait until after Darry dropped us off at the DX to ask what's wrong.
We hopped out of the red pick-up and Soda went inside the store without a word. Darry gave me a look that said, 'I don't know' and I quickly followed after him.
When I stepped inside Soda was about ready to drop the picture of his long-time girlfriend, Sandy, he was crying so much. I'd assumed it was because his brother, Ponyboy, and our friend Johnny had killed a Soc and ran away. I for one didn't understand the big deal. Those Socs needed a wake-up call. I quickly rushed over and supported him; he was looking a bit woozy.
"Soda, what's gotten into you man?" He sniffled, trying to stifle the flood of tears. Soda was never one to conceal his emotions.
"S-s-sandy, she's p-pregnant." My eyes widened and my mouth dropped. Soda was too nice, too gallant, too pure to do something like that to a girl. Luckily he continued, "I told her I'd still marry her. I don't care that it's not mine. I love her, god damnit! She was the best thing that happened since my parents died. I wanted to have kids with her. To grow old with her. She was the one Steve, the god damn one." It didn't surprise me so much to hear him curse so much in one conversation even if he doesn't do it often. The only thing that would've surprised me at that moment would be to see him grab a bottle of beer. Soda had never drank anything before in his life, and I don't think he ever would. He didn't need to; he had a grand ol' time doing anything. He punched the wall beside him hard. I went over to him and done something I've never done before.
"Now, Soda. Normally I'd hate you for making me give you a hug, but come on. You don't need her. I'm still here. Darry, Two-bit, Dally. Pony and Johnny'll come back. I promise. Come on man, I hate to see you like this. You're my best buddy." His eyes lit up and his famous smile crept up on his face.
"Steve, you're my best buddy, too. Since we was kids." I shook my head at his naive attitude. For the rest of the afternoon we reminisced about the good times. Me, and my best buddy Soda.
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