My first Fanfic! Im super excited, and looking forward to reviews. I am planning for regular updates, and a long story. I do NOT own the outsiders, just this lovely creation :) ENJOY
How long is Temporary?
"The court has decided to deny custody of a Ponyboy Michael Curtis to a Darrel Shaynne Curtis. Ponyboy will be taken into the state's custody temporarily effective
immediately. We're sorry for this temporary inconvenience."
My heart sank. It felt like a rock just made my abdomen its new home, and had no plan on leaving anytime soon. Crazy isn't it? How just three measly sentences can ruin a life.
"Pony" Someone was calling my name, but my focus has long since left the building.
"Ponyboy!" A firm hand grabs my upper bicep from behind. I turn, and find Darry's mortified, face; already showing many more years of worry then his short 20.
"I'm gonna get you back, Pony. I promise." He pulls me to his chest, an awkward hug over a railing separating the family from the defendant. "It's for your own safety" That's what the prissy business lady told me when I asked.
I couldn't talk, to scared that if I tied my emotions would burst like the hoover dam. Instead I settled for a slight nod, and a whispered "I love you."
"I love you too." Darry whispers in my ear. I prayed he'd never let me go, but I don't know why I even tried. A hug can only last so long; and as soon as he let me go, I was gone. Escorted out of the courthouse by a uniformed monkey. Guided by his meaty hand on my shoulder. Not threatening, but a warning of what would happen if I tried anything. I bit my lip, keeping my emotions inside. My face stone cold and blank as I passed the judge, the jury, the prissy business lady, and Darry. My only family. How long is Temporary?
I am lead to a white car, my suitcase pre packed, and in the trunk. "Only a few things honey, it's just incase." That's what the lady in the business suit said. So I packed clothes, and a picture of Darry, Soda, Mom, Dad and me.
The officer ducks my head into the back of the car like a convict. I hate those terms, "defendant, minor" I stare out the window and crave for a cigarette. Crave for a different outcome. Crave for a different life.
"Only a hour and a half away, Not too bad!" A guy in the driver's seat I didn't notice says.
"I'm Brad, your new social worker. Nice to meet you Ponyboy." He says without hesitation. He must have looked over my file, or sat in on the case. I didn't really pay attention to who was there. Turning in his seat he reaches his hand out to shake mine. I continue my focused stare and pretend to not notice his hand. He seems to get the drift and turns back around.
"What kind of music do you like?" He asks, again trying to get me to talk. I just ignore him as he puts on country, the worst kind of music possible.
The drive is long, I ty to fall asleep but fail miserably. my mind to busy thinking of the what ifs and un answerable questions.
What if Darry gets drafted too, and dies like Soda. Who will bury him then?
What if there isn't a track at the new school?
What if they don't have chocolate cake for breakfast?
Where am I going?
"How long is Temporary?"
I didn't realise I asked this one out loud until Brad turned down the music and looked at me through the rearview mirror.
"Not too long hopefully, we just need to sort some stuff out.
"Sort what stuff out?" I asked with irritation in my voice. I know what I did, and boy do I regret it; but I don't see what can be "sorted out" about it.
"Oh just some details, maybe you can take some time to relax, think of it as a little vacation." Brad said with a hopeful grin.
Eventually we reach a small subdivision, and I study each house we pass, wondering which one will be considered my new home. All I was told was I'd be brought to a foster family if Darry was denied custody. The town doesn't actually look that bad, better than ours. The small houses are used, but look homely. bikes and toys picked up neatly in the yard, kitchen lights left on, families gathered around eating dinner. I almost forgot it was seven o'clock at night. My rock in my stomach has yet to budge, making hungar my last thought,
When the car stops, it's not in front of a house. it really looks like a prison. My wise ass comment has come to life. Brad see's my worry and tires to console me.
"Just for a couple of nights until we find you a family. The fence is for your protection, keeps people out too you know."
I roll my eye's, since when do I need all this "protection?"
"Vacation my ass, welcome to prison."
A younger lady meets us at the gate after we park the car, she smiles tightly and takes my bag. Her name tag says Mandy.
"Nice to meet you Ponyboy, you're just in time for dinner." Mandy says with fake cheer. She doesn't want to be here as much as I don't.
Mandy and Brad walk quickly up the steps chatting about their days and families while I fall behind. They still have someone to go home to, I'm stuck here.
"Come on Ponyboy, we'll get you in your room and you can join the boys for dinner."
The plaque outside the door says "State Home for Boy's." What a home.
Inside the prison, it's pretty empty, the boys must be at dinner. Down the hall I smell some concoction of food and it makes my stomach churn. I hear kids laughter and some random cuss words followed by a reprimanding of some sort. This almost reminds me of a school. White cement walls, plexy glass windows with wire on the inside, big door frames,without doors, motos painted on the walls with the occasional drawing or art work.
"You will be in room 103, with three other boys. Two bunk beds, two dressers. you can unpack, but don't get to cosy, you won't be staying long." Brad says bending down to my hight, making me feel all of six years old.
"Here's my card, call me if you need anything." He smiles and ruffles my hair. I pull away giving him a good glare.
"Have any questions?" He asks making his way to the door.
"Can I call my brother?" I ask praying, hoping that this one thing will go my way.
"I'm sorry, Ponyboy, no contact with your family for at least two weeks. It helps you adjust. See you soon!" And with that he was gone. I despised him greatly, but at least he was some what familiar, now I'm completely alone. I can't even call Darry. Why do I even bother hoping any more?
The Mandy chick comes back into the room with my bag, it looks lumpier than I remember.
"Procedure, we have to make sure there's no weapons or substance abuse." She says like it's normal
A man in a uniform comes in, almost like a cop, but less decorations. He's wearing latex gloves and looks mean.
"This is Chad, one of our correctional officers that stays here in case of emergency. He will have to search you quick, it's procedure." She says simply.
The officer turns me against the wall rather roughly, and starts patting my arms working is way down. He finds my smokes and lighter in my pocket and confiskates them. What a prick.
After the rub down Mandy takes my cigarettes and puts them in her pocket. She doesn't look like a smoker, young with brown hair; you can tell she tries to look nice but doesn't have much money.
"You'll get them back outside."
"Procedure" I finish for her, and she gives me a snarky smirk.
"This way to your room." She says and starts walking down the halls. I focus on the floor. All white tiles with some green squares forming little patterns line the hall. Eventually we get to room 103, which is marked with numbers outside the door. Inside there are two sets of bunk beds, two desks and two dressers.
"You will be sleeping with Ben, Ricky and Cole. Your bed is top right." Mandy says while studying her notebook. Looking around there really isn't a whole lot. No books, toys, pictures, or anything.
"You can unpack but don't get too comfy, you'll be leaving soon." She says kind of happy. She looks like a nice person, just tired and used up.
"This way to dinner." She says and starts to l=walk out the door. She stops when she doesn't see me follow.
"Can I just stay here?" I don't think I can handle the sight of food, let alone actually eating.
"Dinner is mandatory..." She trails off, watching me carefully. I try to look tired, which isn't that hard actually. This emotional crap takes its tole.
"I guess I can make an exception seeing as its your first night. Get some rest." And with that she's gone. Shutting the door behind her. At least my room has doors, some down the hall didn't have anything. I wonder why.
Not wanting to make a noise I climb the ladder to my bed. I'm not unpacking. This isn't my home. nothing is right.
I shouldn't have to climb a ladder to get to my bed.
I shouldn't have to be caged in a fence like an animal.
I shouldn't have to be patted down for "procedure."
I shouldn't be here
God, Why did I have to rob that damn store?