For new readers to this storyplease note this is a sister story. New Beginning is the seventh story entry with a character named Scout Marie Curtis, a.k.a.-Sissy

Recap of past 6 stories:

In my brother's gang they often called me by my nickname, Sissy. My oldest brother Darrel actually gave me the name when I was about seven. All of the boys in the neighborhood wrestled and played rough... Darry always told me to get into the game. One day I told him I didn't want to get hurt and he has called me Sissy ever since. For the longest time my parents thought he called me Sissy because I was the little sister. They were not to happy to hear the truth later that Darry was actually teasing me .

- Story excerpt from Family Bond

Scout is the 'seven minutes younger' twin sister to Ponyboy, her intelligence and common sense levels are higher than her twin's yet she is more analytical like Darry and less creative then Pony. She is very quiet and shy and not a "greaser girl". She is tough when she needs to be, but prefers to stay clear of violence whenever possible. She gets along very well with all of her brothers, even Darry.

At the beginning of the summer she met a girl named Casey who taught Scout how to be less of a 'tomboy' and more of a woman. Casey and Scout got along as well as Johnny and Ponyboy or Steve and Sodapop. Two weeks prior to Landslide Casey convinced Scout to skip the weekly football game and go to her house to have her nails painted and read woman's magazines. Scout agreed and she became involved in a traumatic family situation in which Casey's father, Duke Dobbins, shot his daughter then turned the gun on Scout. "You never heard anything, you never saw anything." Duke said as he stood in the middle of the room and looked down at me.

I tried to answer him through my intense fear. "Never … saw …."

"Damn straight you didn't." Duke smiled causing his mustache to lift. He raised his hand up revealing the gun. I couldn't take my stare from the darkness of the barrel. Duke pulled back the hammer on the gun. I closed my eye's tight, and shook. In the distance the sound of an approaching squad car caused Duke to curse out loud and flounder in his decision. I opened my eyes to see him pace nervously then he reeled around toward me and pointed the barrel of the gun in my direction, BANG! - excerpt from Escalation

Scout physically survived the attack on her life, but mentally and emotionally her wounds were still open. Before she could fully recover Ponyboy wandered in past curfew launching the biggest fight Ponyboy and Darry had ever had. In a moment Ponyboy darted out of the house, leaving the family bond in pieces.

My heart jumped as Darry struck Ponyboy out of anger. My twin's body was propelled to the floor by the impact. For a second no one in the room drew a breath…Ponyboy leapt up from the floor and bolted out the front door.

I wanted to yell to my brother as he ran past, his eyes welling with tears, but all I could muster was a soft spoken call, "Pony?" Before I could speak again Darry and Sodapop ran to the door. I spun around on the couch, propped up on my knees and peeked through the blinds just in time to see my brother disappear into the darkness…

"Sodapop, you know I didn't mean too?" Darry began to plead for forgiveness. "I would never mean to hit Ponyboy or any of you. I just reacted." …

… I stood before Darry with angry tears flooding my eyes. "You did mean too! …I can't believe I ever stuck up for you! All those nights of telling Pony how much you cared for him were a waste! Ponyboy was right all along, you only kept us two around because Soda wouldn't forgive you if you didn't. You don't really want us here. You never did!" I hurriedly wiped the tears from my eyes wishing I hadn't given Darry the satisfaction of making me cry.

"I bet you're happy now that Pony's gone!" For the first time in a long time Darry was speechless. He stood there and his mouth moved slightly but no words could come out. I watched him carefully as he suffocated from my words… It wasn't until that moment I noticed Darry's lip quiver. I looked into his icy cold eyes and saw the whites begin to flood with red. I froze in place and became aware of the unstoppable stream of tears on Darry's face. He was crying. Not just a little, he was ready to break down and cry out loud... - excerpt from Landslide

The days pass without Ponyboy at home and the family is challenged as Sodapop's hear is shattered, Scout is an emotional wreck and the gang can't get a break as Two-Bit gets jumped and Dally arrested. Finally, Scout realizes she can no longer stay at home waiting for her brother to return. She must go and find him. In the early morning hours she sets out to find him and does so with the unexpected help of Dallas. Her happy reunion with Ponyboy soon goes up in smoke and all four of the friends battle the blazes to save the children and each other.

"Ok he's free! He's free, get out of here!" Dallas yelled at me and hoisted Johnny up underneath his armpits to drag him out.

I turned to exit the inferno and mistakenly exhaled a large amount of toxic smoke. Gagging for fresh air I stumbled through the burning wood and embers toward the exit before falling to the floor in a fit of coughs. I looked up through the smoke at Dally who leaned Johnny's limp body out the window to be caught by the teachers below. I struggled to stand as cinders singed my hair ... Dally noticed my struggle and grabbed a hold of my sweatshirt as the wooden floor began to lurch beneath us.

"Get … out, Scout!" He coughed and yelled as the wind from outside blew through the tattered building causing the fire to swell and the temperature to rise. To shelter me from the raging flames Dallas Winston wrapped me in his arms. With the brightness of the firelight I could see Dally's jacket and arm were badly burned. I turned my head to him in fear and looked into his now protective eyes…When the strong wind passed the flames were reduced and Dally hoisted me off the floor and heaved me out the window. I landed with a thud on the hard ground below and gasped for fresh air. In seconds Dallas was beside me on his hands and knees searching for the same breath as I was and cursing the burnt skin on his arm. Suddenly the sound of gunfire went off and the two of us covered our heads for safety.

The sound triggered memories for me that I would have rather forgotten. I tried to stand up in a hurry to flee, but the motion and lack of fresh oxygen made my head swirl and soon the world disappeared into a sea of darkness. - excerpt from Landslide

Scout returned with her friends to Tulsa and was reunited with her family. The next day she was relieved to have the gang home again, even though things looked glum for Johnny after her, Two-Bit and Ponyboy went to visit him in the hospital. Scout opted to spend the afternoon at the DX station with Sodapop and she was soon reunited with a handsome blond headed boy who had befriended her only days before when she was caught alone in a thunderstorm.

I studied Sodapop as he took care of his new customer's car... I cleared my mind and glanced up at the popular blond boy a second time only to have him catch me looking…I watched him approach. I could tell through his fancy clothes and jacket that he was muscular and athletic. "Scout, right?" He took one hand out of the pocket of his jacket and casually pointed at me…It was Owen Jasper from the cemetery. I half smiled as my stomach turned nervous. "Yeah," …

Owen plopped down on the curb next to me as if we were good friends. "You weren't in school Friday like you said you'd be."

I remembered the day he dropped me off at my house. I told him I would see him at school the next day. "Yeah… I kind of made other plans."

"I'll say! I read about you in the newspaper this morning." Owen looked across the lot at his friends then back to me…

"O!" The tall redheaded boy in the Lettermen's jacket called out. "We got plenty of girls! Let's go!"

Owen looked at me with his ocean blue eyes, "I gotta go. We've got plans for tonight." The boy stood up and looked down at me one last time. "I better see you at school on Monday!"

I stood up and looked into his eyes, "you can count on it." I told him with a smile.

He walked backwards a few steps to keep me in his sights, "you better be there or I'll be pretty disappointed," then he turned and jogged back to his friends. He hopped into the backseat of the convertible and a few girls piled in around him hoping for attention. My heart fluttered with excitement and I couldn't wait for the weekend to be over. - excerpt from Landslide

But the evening would only end in tragedy for everyone in the gang as Johnny dies, Dallas is shot to death in front of his friends, Ponyboy collapses and Scout loses her mind.

The sound of the shots echoed through my mind. I heard Darry berate the officers then Ponyboy mumbled. "… Johnny, now Dallas…" My brother's words caused me to turn toward him, the sound of bullets whizzing through the air, still clear in my ears. I watched him collapse to the pavement. I turned back toward the approaching officers and saw Duke Dobbins standing among them. I saw the smoking gun in his hand and the edges of his black handlebar mustache curl up as he smiled. I convinced myself Duke had killed Dally! He had shot Ponyboy! He had driven Casey from my life. "You bastard!" I screamed with every ounce of energy and hate I had in me. "You killed her! You killed her and now you killed them!"

Hot tears flowed from my eyes and each of my muscles filled with rage as I charged at the man. I grabbed a hold of him, punching, kicking and scratching as violently as I could… Quickly his friends grabbed my body and pinned me to the wet street. I struggled to get free but the men seized my arms and pulled them behind my back… Darry watched in shock as the officers wrestled me to the ground. "Let her go! She didn't mean it…!" He begged the policemen, but kept his distance just enough to not anger the officers.

"Get her in the car!" One angry officer yelled as he wiped a stream of blood from under his nose.

"You can't haul her away!" Two-Bit's voice cracked as he walked up to Darry's side. - excerpt from Landslide

An ally, Mr. Ottavi, appears and saves Scout from being sent away. Instead, she joins her brother in the hospital for recuperation. She recovers just in time to attend Dallas and Johnny's funeral where she would again meet a boy who would begin to change her life.

Owen Jasper stands over six feet tall. His long blond bangs hang just above his ocean blue eyes. From the outside he appears to have everything, money, popularity and, athletic promise. As the running back of the high school, social girls flock to him offering anything for his attention. Owen doesn't notice and doesn't care. The one girl in school who intrigues him the most is shy, quiet and a greaser. None of that mattered to Owen he was intrigued by Scout's poise, intelligence and beauty. Scout tried to deny the mutual affection, but eventually the running back won.

Owen sat back up, so close to me I could feel his breath on my cheek. My heart began to pound as the smile faded from the boy's face…Owen leaned in, his blond bangs swept across my forehead and his warm lips gently kissed mine. Immediately, I kissed him back, long and soft. Inside my chest I swore my heart skipped a beat and every nerve in my body tingled with joy. - Story excerpt from Aftermath.

Scout and Owen were inseparable after that moment. He was good for Scout and her brother's knew it. She and Owen had more in common then anyone knew. Plus he treated her with respect and gave her courage when she was called to testify against Duke Dobbins. Everything was finally looking for the better for Scout as she an her new boyfriend stopped by the DX to visit with Sodapop.

Pulling away from the station I noticed Sodapop pause at the door to watch the two of us drive away…Suddenly, the rumble of a large truck reverberated in my ears. I looked to my right hand side in the direction of the sound. My eyes grew wide at the sight of a large rusty truck grill bearing down on Owen's little sports car. I let out a terror filled scream just before the collision threw my body forward into the windshield.

"SCOUT!" Sodapop screamed and ran across the lot to the scene of the accident. He dropped to his knees when he reached the area where my body had laid to rest. There was no response as the blood began seep from my injuries… "Steve call for an ambulance! Call for an ambulance!" - Story excerpt from Aftermath.

It would take months for Scout to recover, but in that time Owen and her family would grow closer then before. When Owen gathered his friends for a football game, Darry was included. This meant the world to Scout and she knew it meant the world to her brother too..

As I sat alone in the stands, I couldn't help but feel that my parents were there too. I remembered how we would go as a family to Darry's games. Sodapop would vanish into the crowd in the first few minutes. Dad always made us go early so he could be in his favorite seat on the fifty yard line, twenty rows up. Mom would pack bologna sandwiches and a bottle of milk in her picnic basket. Ponyboy and I would sit together. Johnny would often tag along and sit next to Pony. I always sat next to dad and snuggled into his side to keep warm on chilly nights. I remember looking up at my father as he watched. He would chew on a toothpick and tap his foot to keep his anxiety down. He was funny how he would yell to Darry from the stands. Mother would always laugh and look up at him to say, "Darrell, you know he can't hear a word you are saying."

My dad would look at her, his blue eyes shining. "I know that Maggie."

I sighed deeply and leaned back from the metal rail and watched as Darry ran down the field for a touchdown. He jumped in celebration. I smiled and didn't care how late it got or how cold I was getting. I would sacrifice my comfort for Darry, because he had sacrificed his dreams for me. - Story excerpt from Aftermath.

Scout struggles to be sure of herself and the choices she has made and will make. A rare opportunity arises for her to leave home during the last quarter of school and attend an elite boarding school for girls. Scout realizes it may be the opportunity of a lifetime, but her deep love for her friends and family leave her with conflicting feelings.

Darry looked straight out into the street as he thought of his next words. "Something's come up and I've got to make… we've got to make a decision." … "Do you remember how sad mom and dad were when they realized that even with my scholarship they were never going to be able to afford to send me to college?'

"I remember mom crying in her room about it." I recalled the helplessness I felt every time my mother would hide herself in her room and cry away her worries. "That night I took her my piggy bank, and told her I would give you ever penny I had…"

"See, that's my point." Darry said, confusing me even further because I hadn't figured out his point. "You were willing to do what ever you could to help me get to college. I'm in the same position now." … "I had a meeting with Principal Leary and your Social Worker today about that letter. Principal Leary said that more than half of the girls who attend get full scholarships to college. He told me that if you were to attend and do as well as you do at Tulsa High, you would too."

I took the letter out of the envelope and read,

Dear Mr. Darryl Curtis,

Here at Ashford Academy for Young Women we pride ourselves in educating the brightest young women in Oklahoma. Our school curriculum is one of the most advanced in the state. … the administration at Tulsa High School has selected Scout Curtis as a possible school recruit. It was also brought to our attention that your family's financial situation likely cannot afford to give her the opportunity to attend Ashford Academy. Due to Scout's outstanding academic ability, Ashford Academy is offering Scout Curtis a full scholarship including room and board for the remainder of her secondary school years. …

I blinked my eyes and reread the portion of the letter that said 'room and board'…"But it's so far away."

"I know, and this is your choice. I'm not going to make you go." My brother turned towards me. "Listen, you don't have to make a decision now. Take a few days and think about it, but remember Scout, this is an awfully big jar of pennies." … -except from Choices

Scout remains indecisive about the decision to leave, then a choice from her past causes her worst nightmare to come true and leaves her without the opportunity to make a choice at all.

…Those familiar green eyes and dimples shocked every last nerve in my body. I jumped off the folding table where I had been sitting and let my book fall closed. His arrival wasn't a coincidence. I noticed he had come into the laundry mat, empty handed. "James!"

"Hello, Baby. Did you miss me?" He hissed in a sarcastic tone. "'Cause I missed you."

I didn't answer. My eyes scanned the inside of the laundry mat. Every window was completely clouded over so no one could see in and no one could see out. I was trapped …

James slithered his way through the remaining washing machines that separated us. … "I told you. I always get what I want, and I want you."

…I tried to wiggle loose, but James pinned my thin body to the floor. … With his right hand he opened his switchblade. "Not another word from you or I'll shut you up for good," James threatened and pressed the cold steel blade against the side of my neck… I screamed as loud as my lungs would let me, "Darry! Darry help!" …

"Scout!" Darry demanded my attention, … Superman is coming!

My assailant released his grip from my throat. Nearly, out of energy, I rolled to my side to gasp for a welcome breath. My cloudy eyes looked ahead and noticed James scrambling for an item on the floor. I rolled over to my back and saw James charge towards my brother. Darry reached for the boy, then set him free without confrontation. I blinked to clear my sight and watched James leap across another folding table, and scurry out the door. The bells chimed one more time to signal my safety. I looked to Darry in relief.

There before me, my pillar of strength stood with a pale, desperate look on his face. His hands pressed against his abdomen and framed an item that protruded from his gut. The switchblade! -except from Choices

Within hours the family was separated and Scout was forced to move to Ashford Academy, a world she struggled to fit into until an unlikely series of events helps to bring her home again.

The Curtis family and Ottavi family sat around the dining room table in the Ottavi home…

"A toast! To a happy engagement for Darrell and Kathryn… Darry looked at his future brother in laws and replied, "I think we will get through the engagement pretty easily because the wedding is this afternoon, here in the backyard." -except from Choices

Darry and Kathryn shared a glance and a giddy grin. Darry rose from his chair, placed a caring hand upon Kathryn's shoulder, and announced to the group, "Kathryn and I are expecting."… - except from Choices

(The very beginning of this saga begins with the story Family Bond followed by Coming of Age, Escalation , Landslide, Aftermath, Choices and now,- New Beginning. If you enjoy sister stories or any story that is written well you may just find this series to be amazing, entertaining and able to keep your interest, others have. I hope you enjoy!)

Disclaimer: This fanfiction entry is based on the book, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Many of the characters in this story are her creation and I thank her for creating them and allowing so many writers to borrow them for our writing hobby. Many of the characters in this are my original creation as well.

New Beginning

Chapter One

Darry and I waited by the back doors of the Ottavi home that led to the lawn where the wedding guests were seated. From a chair I watched Darry as he paced back and forth. He seemed to be deep in thought until he lifted his gaze and caught my stare.

"What?" He asked with a grin.

"Nothing," I replied and smiled back. "You just look nervous. Are you nervous?"

My brother paused a moment in thought. "Yeah, I think I am, but it's a good kind of nervous, more like excited than nervous…" Darry paced a few steps then looked out the window at the white wedding arbor. "Maybe it's just nervous."

"You're not getting cold feet?" I teased because I knew Darry would never walk out on his family.

"No, I just need to stop thinking about how I am going to take care of everything in the future. You know?" Darry noticed the wedding planner coming across the lawn towards the house. "I just need to focus on right now."

"That's not really your personality." I stood up and walked towards my brother.

"I know. That's why I'm nervous." Darry said with a tiny laugh.

The wedding planner opened the back door and smiled at my brother. "Ok, Groom, it's time to go."

Darry turned his flushed face towards me. "How do I look?"

"Dashing!" I replied with a grin. I grabbed ahold of my bouquet of yellow roses and white daisies in my left hand and my brother's arm in the other. "Thank you for letting me escort you down the aisle." I peeked up at Darry who was standing tall and trying to appear stoic. I continued, "Actually, thank you for being the best brother ever. I mean that! I love you."

"Scout!" Darry warned me not to get all sappy with him.

I was amused with my ability to soften him up, so I stayed quiet so he could concentrate on matters at hand.

As a string quartet played a melody, I felt Darry take a large calming breath before we walked out of the house towards the long white rug that created a visual isle through the half a dozen rows of guests in white chairs. All of the guests, whose phone call invitations had told them they were coming to an engagement party, turned their heads to watch us approach. As we walked I was still in awe at how this moment had come to be. I couldn't believe that six short months ago I was practically begging my brother to ask Kathryn to go steady with him. Now the two of them were pledging their lives to each other for eternity.

When we stepped onto the white rug a professional photographer snapped our photo. At that moment, I was as proud of Darry as I had ever been because he was being true to himself and what he needed in life instead putting his needs aside for everyone else.

When we reached the end of the aisle I pulled on Darry's arm to get his attention, then I tip toed and kissed him on the cheek while the crowd sighed happily at the affection.

Darry returned the affection with a hug before taking his place at the arbor.

I stepped over to the bride's side of the wedding arbor and looked to the front row of the groom's guests to find Casey, Two-Bit, Steve, Evie and Owen sitting together. My heart was so happy to see my friends that the muscles in my cheeks began to tremble from the overly wide smile on my face.

The next wedding party members to arrive were Charles and Dorothy as the son-in-law escorted the mother of the bride down the aisle to her seat in the front row. A moment later, Ponyboy and Eleanor proceeded down the aisle with Sodapop and Victoria closely behind.

I beamed with pride at how handsome my brother's all looked in their tuxedos.

Once the wedding party was in place the preacher signaled for the music in the background to change to the familiar 'Here Comes the Bride' processional song. The guests rose to their feet blocking my view. Everyone watched the french doors of the Ottavi home swing open in synchronization to reveal the bride and her father begin their walk to the ceremony.

I stood on my tip toes to see the bride was dressed in a white laced gown with short sleeves and an empire waist line to conceal her condition. The warm breeze wafted through the white veil that covered her face. Kathryn glowed with joy as she grinned and walked down the aisle to the end of the carpet where she turned to face her father. Arthur raised the white veil and gently laid it behind his daughter's head before leaning in to kiss his little girl on the cheek.

I noticed a tear stream down the young lady's face. Caringly, Darry reached up and wiped it away with his thumb before offering his arm, and escorting her to stand beside him before the preacher. I though for a moment how being attacked by James and having to fight for his own life has seemed to soften my brother's usual tough demeanor.

The guests sat down, and the preacher began the service. "Ladies and gentlemen you came here today as guests to celebrate a newly engaged couple, and in addition to celebrating their decision to be married you are also bearing witness to the uniting of a family. Not just the Ottavi family uniting with the Curtis family, but Darrell and Kathryn uniting into their own family with their expectant child."

Suddenly, there was a soft audible muttering between the guests.

I watched as Darry and Kathryn exchanged a happy glance, and the preacher paused to give the guests time to comprehend the new information.

In the pause, I looked over to see Casey's mouth drop open with happy surprise. She excitedly slapped Two-Bit's arm. From where I stood I could tell that hearing the baby news and not being able to ramble on about it out loud was sure to make her stir crazy throughout the ceremony. She amused me as I watched her rub her hands together in excitement, then she looked over at me and mouthed the words 'Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? Oh my gosh'.

I had to look away from my friend to keep from laughing out loud. In doing so, my eye caught the sight of my twin on the other side of the bride and groom. He was nodding as Steve and Two-Bit were in their own silent, charades like conversation with my brother. I looked back to where the gang was seated and noticed Owen sitting at the end of the row smiling at everyone's reactions.

Once reconvened, the ceremony was short and ended traditionally with the preacher telling my oldest brother, "You may now kiss the bride."

I watched Darry and Kathryn look into each other's eyes and share a passionate kiss. The kiss reminded me of how my parents used to find a quiet moment together in our home and share a kiss before my father would leave for work each day. When the Preacher announced "Let me be the first to announce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Curtis", the string quartet played the wedding march, and the wedding party all followed the bride and groom down the aisle I was still caught in my daydream. Luckily, Ponyboy noticed and called out my name to cue me to catch up. I lifted my gown and walked quickly down the aisle while a few of the guests laughed delightfully at my daydreaming.

The reception, which offered white wedding cake and fancy hors d'oeuvres, was located on the other side of the Ottavi's lawn in the afternoon shade. Mr. and Mrs. Ottavi and their children began to mingle with the guests as Darry and his bride collected hugs and wishes of congratulations. Pony, Soda and I didn't know many of the guests, but each one came up to greet us. Many congratulated us on our brother's nuptials and expectant child.

After being ushered from her seat, Casey, in her black Capri pants and a tight sleeveless blouse, came bounding towards us. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Are you kidding me? Did I hear him right, did the preacher really tell us that Darry got Kathryn pregnant?" Casey questioned jubilantly and grabbed both of my hands with excitement.

I laughed and cautioned my friend to be a little quieter because I wasn't sure if the information was as exciting to Kathryn's side of the family as it was to her.

Casey lowered her voice as Two-Bit, Steve and Evie came to stand with us. "Seriously, I didn't think Darry even cared that much about 'getting it on' with a girl since he was always arguin' with you all and worryin' about bills and stuff. What's the scoop? How did this happen?"

"'Eww, Casey, I don't want to think about how this happened," I jokingly said in a low disgusted voice.

"You aint sure how a guy gets a girl pregnant?" Steve, dressed like a Soc on a school day, jokingly questioned my friend then laughed with Sodapop and Evie.

Casey defended herself, "ya'll know I know how that happens. I just meant…like where? ... when did this happen? It's like they're never together. Heck, we all barely knew they were dating serious and all."

"Well, they were together at least once," Soda said with a grin as he slipped off his tuxedo jacket.

Two-Bit added his piece to the conversation, "Yeah, and if he's quick about his business maybe even twice in the same night."

"Two-Bit!" I shushed him with a grin.

"I don't know why ya'll are talking about this like it's a joke." Ponyboy whispered loudly. "I don't think Kathryn would appreciate it after all she's been through."

The group grew quieter and Two-Bit looked back at my brother, "so what gives?"

"Nothin' she won't get over." Sodapop casually told our friends then looked to my twin, "come on, Pony, it aint all that bad, she's just not herself right now because of the baby. You heard what her dad said."

"Well, still." Ponyboy said, but didn't know how to put his concerns into words.

I told my brother. "Pony, they're just excited. They don't know better."

The gang immediately looked to me for the answers they knew my brothers wouldn't give them. I sighed a moment, then signaled everyone to get close so I could speak discretely. "Kathryn is almost halfway through her pregnancy..."

"What?" Casey whispered loudly, "and she's just now telling Darry? Or wait, did he always know?"

I continued, "He just found out this week, but she tried to tell him that night …"

"At the laundry mat." Two-Bit finished my sentence for me.

When I looked over at Two-Bit I realized he was wearing the same dress clothes he wore to work. In that moment, I remembered watching Two-Bit help Kathryn to stand on her feet while she sobbed as they put Darry's pale white, unconscious body into the ambulance. I physically shook the image from my mind, and told the gang, "Yeah, that's why she wanted to talk to Darry alone, but she never got the chance to tell him."

Steve nodded his head. "That explains why she was so upset at the hospital. She barely left Darry's side."

Pony reminded us, "Yeah, and she's still really shaken up about everything that happened, so we probably shouldn't be talking about this now."

With perfect timing to change the subject Owen came to my side and wrapped one arm around my waist and told me, "you looked so cute walking Darry down the aisle."

I turned towards my prom date and grabbed onto the lapels of his jacket. "You look pretty cute yourself."

"Alright, you two! Easy does it on the lovey dovey stuff." Two-Bit joked.

Owen dropped his arm from my waist and took ahold of my hand.

Ponyboy watched the gesture then told me, "Show'em the ring."

"Yeah," Soda smiled proudly, "Darry aint the only one who found his happily ever after. This one's just not that big of a surprise." Soda pointed towards Owen and me.

"It's just a promise ring." I said with a blush.

Owen lifted my left hand so everyone could see my new piece of jewelry. "I was planning on giving it to her tonight at Prom, but once I knew I was bringing her home from Ashford for good I wanted her to have it so she could brag about it to her roommate."

Casey grabbed my hand to get a closer look at the ring. "It's amazing, I am so jealous! Did you make Lacey jealous? You should have really rubbed it in."

Owen laughed, and slipped off his jacket. "I did more bragging then Scout. She used her manners way more than I thought she would."

"Cause she's a good kid." Two-Bit reached over and tussled my short hair then he asked, "Did I hear right, Sissy? You're back in Tulsa for good?"

"That's what I'm told."

"Good deal!" Steve said. "We've missed you."

I noticed Soda frown a little then I pointed to the Ottavi's home and said, "Yeah, but I have to stay here till after a verdict, or maybe longer."

Evie held onto Steve's arm as smiled at me, "doesn't look like you'll have it too rough."

Steve looked at the large home and laughed. "It's official. You are Darry are officially Socs now."

"Doesn't sound like a bad thing?" Owen defended his social class.

Steve knew in his heart the difference between the Socials who caused havoc in our neighborhood and Owen and his social group, so he didn't argue.

"Everyone! May I have your attention?" Mr. Ottavi called to the wedding guests who were all mingling with drinks and hor'devours.

The guests hushed and turned toward the tall man to listen.

"I would like to welcome everyone and thank you for being here today to celebrate with Darry and Kathryn. I know you were expecting an engagement party, but hope you were all pleasantly surprised."

The crowd happily clapped and a few guest responded, "I never miss an Ottavi party" and "anything for little Ryn."

Everyone watched Mrs. Ottavi gather Darry and Kathryn by the hand and pull them over to stand next to her and her husband next to the wedding cake.

Mr. Ottavi continued, "Dorothy and I have a very special present for the new couple that we would also like to share with all of you. As many of you know, my other daughters have had to spare no expense in creating the weddings and honeymoons of their dreams."

The Ottavi extended family members and friends laughed at the recollections of his other daughter's indulgences.

Darry seemed uncomfortable as he stood in front of everyone, holding Kathryn's hand with a smile on his face.

Mr. Ottavi continued, "but in Kathryn's rush to the alter…"

Kathryn turned red and slightly swatted at her father's arm for his comment.

Mr. Ottavi looked lovingly at his daughter, placed his hand on his grandchild and beamed, "for great reason! We have saved thousands of dollars on this quick and beautiful backyard affair."

All of the guests applauded to show they agreed with their host.

"So to keep things equitable, Dorothy and I are able to give a wedding gift that shows how ecstatic we are for our first grandchild to arrive, and equally so for Darry and his siblings to be joining our family."

Darry looked over and grinned at me and my brothers.

Mrs. Ottavi waved for my brothers and me to come closer to the presentation. "Children, come here... come and stand near Darry. You'll want to see this." The three of us took a few steps across the lawn to stand next to our brother in front of the crowd of people. Then Mrs. Ottavi presented the newly married couple with a baking soda sized box, embossed in gold leaf paper with a shiny silver ribbon.

Darry held the box in his hand as Kathryn untied the ribbon and removed the lid. She and Darry inquisitively peered into the box.

"There is one for each of you." Mrs. Ottavi joyfully instructed the couple.

Darry and Kathryn both reached into the box and pulled out separate golden key rings each with a door key that matched the other.

Mr. Ottavi beamed with pride as he announced the lavish gift to the few dozen guests. "With the help of my brother in law, they best realtor in the city of Tulsa, your mother and I have purchased you and your growing family a new home!"

Instantly, a look of shocked surprise appeared on Darry and Kathryn's faces as the guests burst into applause.

The news seemed to take my breath away as my mouth dropped open and I thought about the enormous gift and it's repercussions.

Mrs Ottavi announced loudly to the couple and the crowd, "It's a charming bungalow across from a park. It has four bedrooms, a garage and most importantly, a laundry room. We are certain you two will absolutely love it!"

Kathryn began to sob happy tears, she clutched the key in her hand, and gave her mother a gigantic hug.

Still stunned by the news, I took a few steps closer to Darry to get a better look at the key as Owen came up behind me and asked if I was okay. I shrugged my shoulders and kept quiet.

Darry stood eye to eye with his new father-in-law and spoke softly, "This is very generous of you, but I'm not sure I will ever be able to afford to pay you back."

Mr. Ottavi put his hand on Darry's shoulder and good naturally replied, "Son, I'm your family, not a bank. Dorothy and I understand all that you have to balance in life. We are happy to take a worry off your plate, and give our daughter a place to call her own to raise your families."

Many of the Ottavi family guests crowded towards the couple to offer congratulations, so I didn't hear or see how Darry responded. I looked over at my other brothers and stepped back towards them. The rest of the gang huddled close to us.

Pony furrowed his brow as he thought about what this new home might mean for us.

Soda spoke the first question that came to his mind. "Wait, does this mean we are all moving, or just Darry?"

"Darry can't move out on us." I said quietly, "The State wouldn't allow it. We would have to move with him."

"No way I'm moving!" Pony anxiously declared, "That's mom and dad's home. We can't just leave."

"You'll have to." Steve quietly told my brother. "There aint no way Darry can afford two homes."

"But, it's where we grew up!" Pony argued.

Two-Bit added his wisdom to the conversation. "It's where you grew up, but it's not where you'll live when you are grown up."

We all looked at Two-Bit in question.

He continued, "You won't stay in that house forever, and your mom and dad wouldn't want you to. Each of you is going to grow up and move away from that house. Don't you think Darry has the right to do the same thing?"

Two-Bit's adult like wisdom surprised me as I questioned him in jest, "who are you?"

Two-Bit didn't jokingly respond as he looked me straight in the eye. "I'm the man you always knew I could be."

I stared at him, dumbfounded by his comment that all those years of telling him that he could 'be more' actually worked. Owen gave my hand a little squeeze to remind me that I had made a difference in my friend's life.

"I guess I just thought our house would be our house forever." Soda said as he thought through the situation.

"Me too," Pony said softly.

"Two-Bit's right." I reminded my brothers, "I don't like it anymore that you all do, but we can't keep that home forever. Besides, Mom and Dad always wanted us to do better than they did, and most importantly, this is what's best for Darry."

"So, what about me? Where do I go?" Casey asked quietly as she realized, although she felt like family, she wasn't.

"You go to summer school." Two-Bit told her just like I would have told him. "Then you go back to high school in the fall and you finish up, but don't worry about livin', we'll think of something. That goes for you too, Sodapop! You need to start working on getting your GED just like I did."

Soda winced a little at the idea. "I don't know. I'm too dumb for school."

"No you aint!" Two-Bit told him.

I looked up at Two-Bit, furrowed my brow a little bit and questioned, "Seriously, who are you and what have you done with our friend, Two-Bit?"

Two-Bit laughed and shoved his hands into the pockets of his black pants. "All those times you gave me great advice, I was listening."

"Yeah, right! You were making fun of me!"

"Well, I did that too, but what you said always made sense. After all that's happened, I needed life to make a little more sense."

"I guess you're right about moving." Sodapop announced and gestured towards our eldest brother. "Besides, look at how happy Darry looks. I don't think we've seen him that happy since when he was playing football in high school."

"For all he's done for all of us... He's earned this." Two-Bit wisely told the gang.