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Soda:

I thought Pony was the one that was supposed to have trouble sleeping, but ever since that week he was in Windrixville I don't even think about closing my eyes. Darry's worried, and Pony blames himself. At first it was just nightmares, pony and I would comfort each other. Then I just wouldn't be able to go to sleep. No matter how long I'd lay in bed, close my eyes, count sheep. Nothing worked.

I looked over at Pony, he was shaking like crazy, and tossing around." Hey baby, wake up." If you caught him in a nightmare before it got real bad its easier to wake him up.

"Were you asleep?" He asked tiredly, eyes still closed, but his voice hopeful.

"No, kiddo." I informed.

"Oh," his voice was sad. I pulled him into me. I hadn't wanted to make him upset, but I didn't want to lie to him either. This has been the routine for a month. I will occasionally fall asleep on the couch for an hour or so, but that's it. Tomorrow Darry's takin' me to a therapist. He says he doesn't want to take me to the hospital so they can put me on drugs, and 'change who I am'. He says the therapist can talk me through what I'm going through.

"Hurry up, Soda!" Darry was beginning to get impatient. I pulled my jeans up, and ran into the family room.

"OK, I'm ready," I said. We walked out to the truck. Both Darry and I had work off today, and Pony was at school. The ride to the therapists office was quiet. It took about ten minutes to get there.

When we got in the building Darry checked in. He sat in the waiting area, while I went back to a small room. There were two chairs, a couch, and table.

"Hello Mr. Curtis, I'm Linda. I'm hoping we can solve your problem." She seemed very nice. Not too much older than mom would be. She had shiny blonde hair, and kind blue eyes.

"You can call me Soda." I informed her. She smiled, and motioned for me to have a seat.

"Tell me about yourself." She instructed. I told her about the gang, my brothers, my parents, and all that stuff. Then she asked me when my insomnia started.

"Well, my little brother and our friend went missing for five days about a month ago after a boy turned up dead in the park. In the same time my girlfriend, who I planned to marry told me she was pregnant with another mans child, and moved to Florida. That whole week I didn't go to sleep. Pony came home after the place he was staying caught on fire, and he and Johnny saved the little kids. Johnny broke his back, and ended up dying about a day later, Pony saw that. Dallas couldn't handle Johnny being dead. He had a gun on him, after knocking off a convenience store he pulled it on the cops. It wasn't loaded, but of course they didn't know that. They shot him, we all saw it happen. Pony had a concussion, was exhausted, and in shock so he passed out in the middle of the street. After he was well enough we had to go to court for trial of the murder, and see if Darry could still be our guardian." I told her the whole story. She just talked about talking with Pony and I. Before I knew it my time was up.

I felt a lot better after talking with her.

(1 week later)

I'd been seeing Linda for a week, and she was really helping me. I've been able to sleep at night now, and having Pony go with me had really helped him too. Some of the things he told her he didn't want me to hear so I stepped out, but we'd all gotten better. Sometimes all you need is to talk.

"Night Soda, love you," Pony said nestling into me.

"Night kiddo, love you too." I said smiling. I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

I hope you guys enjoyed this story, tell me what you think. I love reviews, thanks!