Summer Adventures

Chapter 1

Summer Begins

XXX

The warm weather made everything hot in the house; stifling, really. Every window was open, but with no breeze outside, everything just felt muggy. I was glad school was finally over, I'd found it hard to concentrate these last few days of school and Darry ragging me to study every hour was grating on what was left of my nerves. I'd had my last final today and I think I did okay on it. At least I had an answer for every question, but with the heat melting away every drop of knowledge from my brain, even I wasn't sure how I did. Report cards would be ready tomorrow which meant I had another day of Darry annoying me like a fly buzzing around about how I did. And if I didn't do well enough, I'd have him on my back until fall about how important it was to do as well as I could to earn a scholarship.

I was already over the whole scholarship thing. Darry managed to study his rear off and earn one when he graduated, but it didn't pay enough to attend school full time. Then, when he went part time and was managing his way by working some, mom and dad got killed; so he had to quit anyway to take care of us. So, what the heck was the point of working my rump off to get somewhere when all we did was get dragged back to where we started?

Groan. I was being unreasonable, but was too hot to care. I flipped over on the bed, feeling the sweat drip off my back, over my sides and down onto my unmade bed. I hated heat - it made me temperamental, grumpy. Even I couldn't stand myself when it was this warm.

At least tomorrow would be better. Max had already agreed to let me come back to work for him at the pet store, working off the books and getting paid under the table for three bucks a day cleaning the cages - dirty work, but I was sort of looking forward to it. It kept me from being in the house all day and I got to play with the pets when I was done. In addition, the money I made helped offset the amount Darry had to spend on me. I hated that my brothers worked their butts off just to keep us together with me not really allowed to help out.

Last year, Mom and Dad allowed me to work because Max was a good friend of Dad's... and I was a bored kid with nothing to do. This year I was a bored kid, a year older than last year, with still nothing to do - combined with very little supervision; which I could tell bothered Darry to no end. Two-Bit was a great pal and all, but he had a life... and a girlfriend... that also demanded his attention. Steve and Soda were busy working even longer hours, and with both Johnny and Dally gone, I had no one to pal around with. I think that's why Darry agreed to let me go back to the pet store, he didn't want me running all over town getting into trouble.

I think Darry was worried I'd do the same stupid stuff Curly managed to get involved in, jacking cars and pickpocketing (which he wasn't very good at either considering how often he's been busted), or honing skills like Two-Bit, where he could lift stuff without anyone being the wiser. Those type of kicks weren't for me. I had a conscious that wouldn't allow me to stoop that low.

I reached over and took another swig of my once- iced water... now just a few degrees cooler than the room. Man, I was so ready for this heat wave to be over, yet miserable knowing summer was just beginning. I heard the front door open and close, not even caring enough about who was coming inside to investigate. Steal the house, I don't care.

"I swear, Pone, you're gonna melt into a big puddle if you lay still long enough." Soda said with a smile while hovering a bowl over me as cold condensation dripped from it onto my bare back.

"Hey, ya big goof... what is that? Ice cream? Where'd that come from?" I asked while reaching for the bowl.

He handed me the bowl and I finished the melted glop of cold sweet goodness in two bites. "Work, boss had a half gallon he was giving us since the garage was so hot to work in today." He stripped off his work clothes and headed into the shower. It was the only way to cool off around here and at least he had a good excuse for taking one. Not only was he covered in sweat, but oil and grease as well. Darry had gotten on my case about taking more than one shower a day but I couldn't help it. I felt like I was melting in the early summer heat wave. Just so happened he saw the water bill one afternoon a few days ago while I was lathered up under a cold spray of water, and he came barreling in wanting to know just how many showers I intended to take that day. He'd turned the faucets off on me, still covered with soap, and after giving me the what-for about the water bill, he gave me exactly thirty seconds to rinse off. Since then, he's been rather watchful of the water meter in the yard and I have been in melt mode.

I headed outside to sit in our oak tree, hoping to cool off. There was a branch on it that jutted out like a recliner and since the first days we'd lived here, that branch had been mine. I'd laid back on it for so long over the years that the bark was as smooth as glass now. This afternoon was no exception. I laid back on it again like a sloth, shaded from the sun by the tree's canopy but still not feeling enough of a breeze to get any benefit from it. I didn't bother returning back inside, it was just as hot here as it was in there. Misery. Sigh. I closed my eyes and let the rest of the afternoon whither away.

XXX

"Hey, anyone home?" I called. For a house usually filled with noise, the silence was deafening. "Soda, Pony, anyone?"

Heading back to my room I heard the shower and hoped it was Sodapop. Ponyboy was gonna kill me with the water bill, I just knew it. Soda's work clothes lay in a jumble on the floor of their room and I knew if I waited for him to pick up after himself I'd be waiting well past the point of him being nude. I scooped up Soda's work shirt and pants, and took them to the laundry room, tossing them in the hamper with the rest of his DX clothes. From the window I saw Pony out the back door seemingly asleep in the tree, perched on the branch like some over-sized bird. At least both of them were home.

I opened the back door and headed over to the tree. "Ponyboy," I called. No answer. "You're gonna get a sunburn laying here like this, now wake up." I shook his shoulder, and he woke with a start.

"Hell, Darry, don't do that. What is it?" he asked rather annoyed, rubbing his face and squinting against the sunlight.

"Don't cuss. How did you do on your finals?"

"I guess okay. Scores won't go out till tomorrow. Until then, I have no idea."

"Well, how do you think you did?"

"I did the best I could. Like I always do. Whether it was good enough is still pending." He leaned back and closed his eyes again.

I didn't bother with a comeback. I was grumpy enough to say something flat out mean. It would only be the heat talking anyway, and I knew he didn't tolerate heat well either. On days like this, I just wished I could move us all to Alaska.

"Hey Darry, mail's here," Soda yelled from inside.

Grumbling, I went back to fix dinner and check the bills. The electric bill was due anytime now, and it was always my nemesis. How it cost so much was still beyond me, as I didn't run the air conditioning and we only had two circulating fans that we used at night. No electric bill this time, I thought as I went through the stack, but a rather thick letter on fancy stationary caught my attention.

To The Guardian of Ponyboy Curtis:

Oh crap. Nothing good usually comes when it's addressed like that. It was thick stationary, like the fancy stuff used on weddings or graduations. I knew he wasn't due for either, so I had no idea what this was. The return address, I noticed, was from Windrixville, another word that sent shivers up my spine.

"What's got you all goosey, Darry?" Soda asked, plopping down in a chair next to me.

I turned the envelope over and showed it to him, and he raised his eyebrows at it.

"What do they want?" he asked, swigging a cold Pepsi down his throat.

"Dunno yet. I just found it myself." I tore the envelope open and pulled out the contents, then started reading the letter.

To Ponyboy Curtis, and Guardian thereof,

You have been chosen as this years recipient of the Good Citizen of the Year Award by the citizens of Windrixville, in thanks for your selfless act of heroism for the events of September 22 of last year. Your courage in the face of danger directly helped save the lives of seven children, and we, the citizens of Windrixville, wish to honor you for that courage. In addition, the hero's who assisted you who succumbed to their injuries from that day, will also be honored with a dual tree planting ceremony at the elementary school in their honor.

Please RSVP to let us know if you can accept this award in person. We look forward to hearing from you, and seeing you again under happier circumstances.

Derek Parker,

Mayor

"You gotta to be kidding me," Soda said. "You gonna let him go to that, after finally getting his head back on right?"

I put the papers down. On one hand, I felt he should go to it. He had, afterall, saved those kids and should feel proud of himself. On the other hand, I knew Soda was right too. It took a long while to get him past Johnny and Dally's deaths, and the last thing I wanted to do was send him spiraling backwards into it again.

"I don't know. Let me think on it." I got up, shoving the papers back in the envelope and returned to the kitchen to get dinner started. I wondered what was left of the groceries I bought last week for us to eat. Surprisingly, there was still a lot. At least one good thing came out of the summer heat, everyone's appetite was shot.

"How long you gonna sit on that, you know they're gonna want an answer."

I found a box of frozen fish sticks, spread them out on a cookie sheet and tossed it in the oven. "Yeah, I know, but I don't think they need it tomorrow." I went to work taking out my frustration over this latest problem on the cabbage and carrot, shredding them to make coleslaw. Once that was made, I tossed it in the freezer, hoping it would get cold enough that Pony would eat it. Soda's appetite was fine, slowed as expected... but fine. Pony however, flat out wouldn't eat when he was hot. Or sick. Or moody. It was no wonder the kid remained a perpetual toothpick. He has a build better than most kids his age, yeah sure, but he was skinny too. Came from Mom's side - had to have. Soda and I weren't like that. Oh well.

I heard the front door open, followed by Steve and Two-Bit's voices, laughing.

"So the fuzz were called to the daycare, where the three year old was resisting a rest! Get it? A rest!" Two-Bit was laughing, and Steve was shaking his head, laughing too.

"Yeah, Two-Bit, I get it. Ha ha." he said in a dry laugh. "Funny. Hey Darry, how was the heat wave on the roof-tops today?"

"Just like any other day... hot." To me it was too hot to be funny, but Two-Bit never let up no matter the temperature.

"Hey, I was thinking in honor of school getting out, that we all go cruisin the strip tonight. See what kinda action we can find. You in?"

"Hell no, I ain't in. Ask Soda, I'm sure he'll wanna go. Stay out of trouble though... all of you. I ain't got enough dough to bail anyone out."

"Aww, Darry... ain't like we're gonna go find illegal trouble or nothing!"

"Yeah, whatever. Two-Bit.. you ain't got to go find it, it just shows up!"

"Ain't that the truth. And if I recall correctly, her daddy usually don't like you later!" Steve high-fived Soda, and everyone let out a laugh.

"Well, not tonight, anyway. Me and Kathy have plans. Hey, where's the runt of the litter?" Two-Bit asked after gulping down one of my last Pepsi's and letting out a belch.

"Backyard in the tree, probably asleep again." I said, and Soda looked out the kitchen window.

"Yup."

I took a glance for myself and shook my head. "Do me a favor and go wake him up... he's gonna fry in that sun. I already told him once but he ain't moved yet."

Soda grinned. He, Steve and Two-Bit all went outside. I heard them sneaking under the window where the garden hose was, and heard the squeak from the faucet being turned on. I knew what was coming, but didn't stop it. Pony had been warned. Watching out the window, I saw Two-Bit getting closer to the tree and turned and gave Steve a nod, then the spray hit Pony hard on the chest.

"What the hell!" he screamed as he toppled off the limb onto the ground below. "Two-Bit!" and the chase was on. Two-Bit took off around the house with Pony catching up fast. I knew he'd catch him for two reasons; Two-Bit was laughing too hard to run well, and Pony was one of the fastest kids on his track team in school. Sure enough, I heard the sounds of the scuffle at the side of the house, the two of them at it full on. Where the other two were, I didn't know. Two-Bit was still laughing, so I knew whatever punches were being thrown were done in play. I was sort of glad... they all needed to blow off some steam. This heat wave was driving everyone insane.

A few minutes later, I took the fish out of the oven and went to see if they had settled down yet.

"Hey, Soda and Pony, go wash up... you especially Pony, you're soaking wet. Go change your clothes and both of you come on and eat. Two-Bit, Steve...y'all staying?"

"Naw... Kathy and me are headed to Jay's to celebrate the end of school. Maybe we'll catch up with you two later on the strip."

"Knowing you, Two-Bit, we won't hold our breath waiting on you to show up." Steve grinned, but chucked Two-Bit on the shoulder.

"Darry, do I have to stay here... for this?" Soda was poking at the fish sticks. I gave in.

"I ain't got no money for you to be buying burgers on the strip, but go on if you want to. Be back before midnight, and don't get in trouble."

Pony showed back up, hair still damp but the rest of him dry. He was wearing a tank top and cut off jeans. He sat down and poked at the fish sticks too, as if it was the last thing he wanted to eat. I got the slaw from the freezer and sat down with him at the table while the rest of the guys cleared out.

"At least there's more for you and me, right Ponyboy?" I said in a hopeful tone.

He looked at me like I was trying to sell him ocean front property in New Mexico.

"Whatever," was his simple response. He had a scoop of slaw and called it a night, resigning himself back to the tree as soon as he took a few bites. Only when the mosquitoes got worse than the heat did he come back in, brush his teeth and go to bed.

Other than it being my responsibility, I sometimes wondered why I bothered to cook at all.

XXX

"Rise and shine, little man. Time to go to work!"

Damn, Darry sure could be chipper this early in the morning. "Fine, alright. I'm awake, jeesh." I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Still, I was looking forward to today, even if I didn't get to sleep in. You'd think my first day of summer vacation, I'd get at least one day to really sleep in, but noooo. Not with Darry bellowing the morning wake up call.

"Go on, Ponyboy. Get on up." Soda's sleepy voice called out from his side of the bed. Sure, the irony that Soda gets today off didn't miss me. Funny that I'm the one Darry gets to drop off at work today. The more I look at Darry plundering about the kitchen, the more I think he's getting way too much enjoyment out of this. I got up and headed for the shower, hoping the cool stream of water will wake me up.

"See ya at one, kiddo." Soda sleepily called after me after I got dressed and ready to head out the door with Darry.

"Have a good day, Ponyboy. Call Soda at the house if you have any problems, or me if you can't get up with Soda."

"Yeah yeah, you too, Darry." I hopped out of the truck and knocked on the pet shop door, Max came over and let me in then Darry drove off.

"Morning Ponyboy. Glad to have you back again. You remember where the cleaning supplies are kept?" he asked.

"Clean papers and food are kept in the closet, soiled papers go in the trash, then the trash is taken out to the dumpster as soon as I get finished." This really wasn't a hard job, but it could get rather messy if not kept up with. Max had the cleanest pet store in town in part because he insisted on the pens being kept clean. All cages had one big cleaning a day, and whenever a cage needed tending to after that, it was my job.. at least until one.

"Yup, you remembered. Any questions?"

"No sir." He smiled at me and I went on to the back to get the stuff. I started at the top and did that row of kennels, then worked my way down. I learned from last year not to let all the puppies out at once, because they get rather hard to control. Max didn't seem to mind too much then, but I wasn't about to make that mistake again. So, I went about cleaning while a pup or two nipped at my heals, one kennel at a time.

Then came the cats. They were easier to clean but harder to manage. A cat that doesn't want to be caught just wont let you catch it easy. Like they say, you own a dog, but a cat owns you. And if it doesn't even like you... well, that only makes it harder. Kittens were easier, but their nails were sharper, too. There weren't too many cats and kittens, so I didn't get too scratched up.

Finally, the birds. They made one heck of a racket, and loved to try to escape their cages. "Don't let the 'keets out!" Max warned. Last year, three of them managed to get by me, and he had to close the store to catch them again. I knew better this year, and didn't have any problems.

Max didn't want me messing with the aquariums, and that was fine by me. They were fun to watch, all different types and all, but their tanks required more skill in keeping the pH right. One wrong move and the whole tank would be lost.

"Aww, look, Soda. How much is that pup in the window?" I heard a familiar voice. Turning around, I saw Steve and Soda walking in, laughing at me. Thankfully, I had just washed my hands for what had to have been the thousandth time, and was playing tug of war with some Springer Spaniel puppies in the front pen. These three guys were too active to leave in their small kennel, and Max allowed me to put them in the show pen in the front of the store.

"I'll give Max ten bucks for him," Soda said, looking at me.

"Is he housebroke? I wouldn't give five if he ain't housebroke."

I got up, leaving the pups in the pen to play tug -of- war by themselves.

"Ready to get out of here, Ponyboy?" Soda asked.

"Just let me make sure Max doesn't have anything else for me to do."

Soda and Steve nodded and wandered over to the bird cages.

"You need me for anything else, Max?" I asked.

"Are the Spaniels penned up in the front okay?" he asked.

"Yes sir." I knew what he meant. If those three ever got loose in the store, they could really do some damage plundering about and knocking things down.

"Then I think you're done today. Good work, see you in the morning, Ponyboy."

I washed my hands once more and found the guys. "Max said I could go."

"Have a good day, Pony?" Soda asked.

"Yup. Max has two labs in the back he's waiting on the vet to check, then they go up for sale. I've been playing with them every free chance I got."

"Don't get attached. You know Darry ain't gonna let you get a dog."

"Yeah yeah, I know." I climbed in the back of Steve's car and Soda tossed me a bag from the burger pit.

"Here, eat something so Darry doesn't think you're starving to death. If he asks, you ate the leftover fish sticks from the fridge. Got it?"

"Yup," I said, licking the salt off my fingers from the fries littering the bottom of the bag. "What really happened to the fish sticks?"

Steve laughed as Soda turned to me. "They went out with the morning trash. Don't tell Darry, you know how ticked he'd be."

Yes, indeed I did. Leftovers were never ignored at our house. We rarely had any, but if we did, it was usually because it was something no one wanted to eat in the first place.

Steve pulled up at the school. Report cards, I'd forgotten. I crawled out of the back and headed up the sidewalk with Soda and Steve. They were given out in the office, and once I had mine, I didn't want to look.

Steve had his open, and managed to pass everything. No 'A's' but he did have one 'B' in English. Of course, I was the one who did his paper for him, he just put his name on it. He probably doesn't even remember the title of the book he was supposed to have read. "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Coleridge. I explained the whole thing to him as best I could, and apparently he remembered enough to do well on it when asked questions. I'm sure his teacher is still trying to figure out how he pulled that off. He folded his report card up and stuck it in his back pocket.

"Well, how'd ya do?" Soda asked.

I scooted around him and walked outside, glancing at the grades as I walked ahead.

"You know the brain did fine." Steve said lighting up as we went back to the car.

I had done well. Only two 'B's,' one in advanced science, and the other in geometry. I had the hardest time with those after I came back from Windrixville, and never really recovered. The rest of my grades were 'A's.' Still, I didn't think it was too bad. I knew Darry wouldn't be exactly thrilled, but it was all water over the dam now. I gave the report card to Soda, and he just grinned ear to ear looking at it. Steve glanced at it too.

"Jesus, kid, can't you be normal? Make a 'C' or something like the rest of us."

I knew he was kidding. I settled back in the rear seat and slurped down my milkshake, finally able to put this last year behind me. Glancing at the rear-view, I caught Steve's eye and his one-sided grin before he could hide it. It was an odd feeling, knowing Steve... Steve of all people, was proud of me, too.

"Shut up, kid. Just shut up," was all he said when I couldn't help but grin back. He vroomed the engine to life, and we headed off back down the familiar roads to our neighborhood.

XXX

Calla Lilly Rose