I do not own The Outsiders.

TIME HAS PASSED .

It was the month of September. This meant the end of summer, back to work, school, the weather cools, leafy trees dressed in their colorful coat bright red and gold . It also meant the season when two boys were killed. One was timid, shy and gentle, the other was wild, rebellious, but worried for his friends. And it was in that same autumn night that life escaped two . For the people of Tulsa, one was the hero who saved five children from a terrible fire, the other ... a single offender who had just stolen a store. But for the Curtis brothers and their friends they were much more than that, they were friends, they were almost brothers.

Autumn also meant to Darry the period when he realized that it wasn't enough to assert authority to maintain the balance of a family, but that love has an equally important role. Sitting on one of the chairs that lined the long hallway, he was thinking of that night when, in the same hallway, his fourteen's little brother had thrown against him telling him he was sorry,and that he had hugged him very strong allowing his tears streaming down his face. His tears who represented the joy of having found him safe and sound, but also the bitterness he felt then. He was the one who was sorry, sorry to pushed him to flee out of the house, for not to knowing protected him, sorry to let him mistakenly thought he didn't love him. He remembered how that night, as he shook his two younger brothers in his arms, he promised himself to never leave Pony think that again . It was twelve years ago .

Darry smiled thinking at this time and how the water was flowing under the bridge since. Setting sun reflections filtered through the windows of an old yellow curtains drawn carelessly. He looked at his watch,time previously he expected . The corridor was too quiet. Much too quiet. Gradually, anxiety came over him when he suddenly felt his hand gently shaken. The small mass on which it was based had to move squirming.

"Um ... Daddy ?". Darry turned his head and smiled.

"Did you sleep well, buddy?" he said softly.

"Um ... yes ..." The little brown boy now sitting by vigorously rubbing his eyes and swaying in his chair. Darry remembered perfectly of his birth. He was at work when the boss called to ask him to go to the hospital faster. It was late afternoon and the traffic on the road was difficult, so that when he arrived, he found the little guy blissfully asleep in the arms of his wife who smiled to him tenderly. He had thought of a great name bunch of "respect the tradition of the family." But his wife had won naming the tiny baby James Darrel Curtis. It was a little over five years old ago and since then Darry hadn't ceased to be impressed by how much it can sometimes be more difficult to raise a little boy than two teens. James was anything but a quiet child, he had a vivid imagination and full of energy. In many ways, he inherited his uncle Sodapop.

"Are you hungry?" He asked, looking around him in search of a distributor. The boy shook his head, still fidgeting.

"So, what do you, huh?"

"Um ... I have to pee ," he said with a growl. Darry hold his smile, his son was maybe five years old, but he sometimes wanted to show how proud teenager he wasn't, and his embarrassment to admit his need to go to the bathroom was a proof.

"Ok, come on!" Darry got up and held out his hand to guide him in the bathroom and sawing his difficulty in moving squirm, he took him to one of the stands.

"Come on, hurry up! I wait for you." He closed the door quietly and walked to the sink. He splashed his face to stay awake because up since six in the morning, he felt fatigue gradually win him . By observing his reflection, he found himself in a strange thought. Many times since the tragic day when he learned of the death of his parents, he looked at his reflection being older than he was not imminent. He was a young man of twenty years in charge of many responsibilities that made him to seem five or ten years more . But there, at that moment, he saw the man of thirty-two years old he was, he seemed neither young or old, but at his place of the married man and father. As if life had given him through all his trials for lead where he should be. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard the sound of the toilet and creaked open stall door.

"Hey! So you feel better, buddy?" He asked, noticing the boy walking towards him, looking down. "Oh, stop, he said stopping him with one hand. If you keep it, you can make a wall ..." Usually James would have laughed aloud to imagine someone accidentally hit a wall, but he kept his head down. "What's the matter, buddy?" Darry worried and crouched before him. "Do you...wet your pants ? "He was about to check his denim overalls when James pushed his hand away.

"No ! the little boy shouted vexed. I'm not a baby! "

"Well, well ... ok! So tell me what's wrong with you! "James lowered his head again.

"It's Mommy ..." he said of his small voice.

"Mommy ?"

" Yes. Do you think that ... Mommy is sick because of me?" Darry sighed ... .

One hour earlier, he had pushed the swinging doors of the emergency room. His wife had called him in a panic to tell him to join the Emergency Hospital in Tulsa. He had found her trembling and pale in the waiting room and had hastened her tight against him.

"Everything is fine, he said. He did nothing! ... Our little man is a thickhead, you know that." But he knew she would be reassured that taking her little boy safe in her arms. Then she explained. She was at the supermarket with James and looked away a few seconds, enough for the urchin snaps into head to climb a display of toys to try to catch a football. Of course, the display has shifted beneath him and the little boy was sprawled on the ground hard. He seemed to have nothing but the store manager called an ambulance as a precaution. Darry had felt angry, but for now the concern took precedence over his anger.

"Mr. and Mrs. Curtis" the nurse called and asked them to follow her into a room where they found James sitting on the examination table a miniature airplane in his hands.

"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis! Dr. Douglas, a paunchy good man, had received. Well, you have here a future stunt , isn't it?" Darry had remained near the doctor to whom he shook hands while looking at his wife rushed to the little boy. "Oh, honey, do you have nothing ?" she asked, kissing him.

"He's fine! Don't worry! Dr. Douglas had certified. Not a scratch!"

"Yeah ... he had the chance, isn't it?" Darry had added, casting a stern look on his son who immediately hid his little face in the vest of his mother.

"Yes ... it will never resume, James, do you hear me?" Dr. Douglas had tried to take a stern tone, but it didn't work very well.

"Oh, he understood, doctor ,Darry said approaching the examination table. Do you understand James?" His tone was harsh and he felt his wife's look of reproach on him . The little boy nodded shyly throwing apprehensive eyes at the thought of the punishment that awaited him. Darry had smiled and kissed the little scamp on the head. "You made us a holy fear , buddy ..." he said, taking the little boy in his arms. Then he looked at his wife. She seemed relieved, but her face with finely drawn features was still pale and tired. He hated the idea that James could cause to her such fears. He was their treasure to both. She had so much trouble getting pregnant, they desperate to have a child, then the miracle happened. Darry knew she couldn't support the idea that their precious toddler may even skinned knee, but James didn't facilitate her work. He was a very sweet child, but his boundless energy made him do stupid things on nonsense. The miracle had transformed into a true small tornado.

"Should he take something, Doctor?" Darry asked, gently running his hand through the tousled hair of his son.

"No, it's not worth it ! We keep him several hours, he has no sign of concussion," the doctor reassures him.

"Good . God thank you!" Concussion was that he had worried the more,he remembered too well the effect this has had on Ponyboy after the bad blow he received to the head after their big fight against the Socs, and couldn't imagine such a trauma to the head would have been in a five year old's child.

"What we owe you, Doctor?" Darry had found the voice of his wife terribly tired. She advanced to the doctor and after a few steps, stumbled and stood on the examining table.

"Mommy!" James shouted. Darry had hastily to put him on the table runed near his wife that he had surrounded by his arm.

"Honey, Honey ! Hey ...". She seemed semi-conscious when she opened on him her blue-green eyes. "Sweetheart, you don't feel well ?"

"It's nothing ,she replied in a unsteadily tone as he has sustained her. I'm just ..." Suddenly, take a left, she put her hand to her mouth and she leaned on the side not able to keep from vomiting. "I'm sorry ," she whispered after,embarrassed,to the doctor.

"It's nothing, I saw more!" he launched airily. "Well ... it looks like I have to watch the mommy too, eh!"

"No, it isn't necessary, I assure you . "

"There is no for a long time . Come on, go in the other room ! Can you walk?" She nodded, but after a step she had to catch up with the strong arms of her husband, who has always surrounded her.

"Don't move, Darry said by pulling her up in his arms. You know that you can be tougher than our son,sometimes... " He felt her faint smile as he went into the room, she seemed so small, curled up in his arms.

He had always thought that their marriage was like the one of the giant and the fairy. Their meeting took place in the funniest possible. By exchanging truck at the supermarckett. She arrived by accident in the box with a shaving cream and hair cream pot, while Darry's basket contained some feminine products and accessories! The cashier had so looked them with a strange look when they made fun of their awkwardness. Darry was immediately attracted to her. She was very different from other girls he might encounter. Very small and thin, her ash-blond hair slightly curled falling over at center of her back, and she wore all that represented the hippie style of the last years, very flared jeans, sandals and a light royal blue blouse with small embroidered flowers around the neck. Around her neck were some long necklaces with colorful beads, and at her her wrists, a multitude of bracelets. His blue-green eyes lightly made and delicate doll face, literally dazzled him . She worked as a cashier in a local nursery and lived in a small apartment with a colleague. Her name has come to Darry ears as pretty tinkling of a bell...: Sue, the first name of a fairy. Because that's what she was, the fairy who, a magic wand had transformed Darry's life when it became a boring routine. That was in 1971. Pony was left to study at the University of Oklahoma for a year, Soda go home quick hello, busy with his work full time in the DX and the horses he cared with his girlfriend at the time, when Steve and Two Bits, they had to manage their own lives. This surprised Darry, but he missed the ruckus of the gang when it was complete lacked ,the nights when, coming home from work, he found himself alone in front of his television. This is where Sue had entered in his life, making it suddenly more fascinating than ever. Her good humor and smile were enough to encourage anyone. She was the sun that lit since his existence.

"Install comfortably," Dr. Douglas said with his kindly voice. Darry had delicately placed her on the examining table and sat down on the ledge. She couldn't distinguish anxiety and sweetness in his icy blue eyes proud.

"I'm fine, Darrel, she assured, taking his hand tenderly. Of course, I had to take a virus ... don't you think, doctor? "

"Oh ... um, yes! Absolutely! There are some stomach flu right now ." Dr. Douglas came near the table provides a device for measuring blood pressure.

"But, you look tired, and your dizziness worry me," he said. "That's why I want you to look more carefully ... Darrel, give us time I look at Sue, please . "

Darry had been surprised by the request of Dr. Douglas. Why did he want to be alone?

"Go ahead, Darrel, the doctor insistedseeing that he hesited . Go find your little monster before he turns my examination room in a playground!" He ordered the head toward the door. Darry then filed a kiss on the hand of his wife before leaving the room.

"See you soon," she said with a sweet smile. But it was one hour ago... .

"No, well ! Why do you say that?" Darry had laid his hands on his shoulders and,crouched here, he could clearly see the blue eyes pleading of his son.

"Um ... because ... because the other day ," the little boy tried to explain.

"The other day ?"

"Yes, the other day ! When ..." James threw a wary glance at his father, not sure he knew what he was going to confess to him, then he decided when he saw him frown questioningly .

"... When I emptied the ice tray from the freezer ." Darry's eyes widened.

"Why you do something like that ?" James lowered his head before answering a small voice :

"It was to see if my cars could run on the ice." Darry held a smile. Certainly his little urchin was never short of "ingenuity" to invent nonsense.

"So what ? he asked, trying to hide his amusement. Did it work?"

"No, the ice melt ! James said sincerely. There was water all over in the kitchen, and ... then I went to get my boat ... the one that uncle Pony gave me... But Mommy was very angry ... and she said:. "This child will eventually kill me" ... " He suddenly stopped and Darry saw tears apparead in the eyes of the little boy who replied: "I don't want mommy is sick because of me ."

Darry shook his head in disbelief. He had never heard of this ice tray's history. He was certain that Sue had hidden him because, as she often said, if she had told him all the nonsense that their son invented, he would spent his days to punish him . He would certainly have confiscated James's small cars, no more. But to force small boy'll end up being without toys! He smiled and gently stroked the disheveled hair of the little boy.

"Look, James ... uh ... How to explain ? ...Your mmmy was probably angry and ... you see, what she said was only an expression ... " he looked into the large questioning eyes of his son and realized he had to choose his words more simply. "What I mean ... is that ... uh ... Mommy just wanted to say that she was tired ... She didn't think for a second that you might hurt her, or make her sick ... It's not because of you ... Ok?" Darry cocked his head to capture the expression of the little boy who was staring at the white tiles of the room and lifted his chin with a finger to see tears streaming down now on his adorable mug.

"Um ... You promise ? " He asked sniffing with uncertain pout. Darry took his handkerchief in the back pocket of his jeans, suppressing a smile, and wiped the tears of the face and nose of his son. "Sure, buddy . I promise you ." Then he gently took him by the waist and pull the little boy against him. He felt the small arms of James be tied very strong around his neck and kissed his head before hear him emit a small sob. "Hey ! Hey ! Don't cry anymore,okay ? What do you say to that ? " He pushed him gently and kept him in front of him . "If tomorrow you and me, we would play football in the park ? It would be great, huh? "

At this proposal James opened his eyes. " For real ?" he asked,his little voice suddenly become very excited. "Just you and me? "

"Yeah, just you and me ..." In front of the joy expressed on the beautiful face of his son, he suddenly realized he had been too long since he had no time alone with him. That was six years he had been appointed by his boss, Mr. Berckley, foreman on construction site of the house where he worked. It paid better than a roofer, but he had developed such a capability in this profession, he was looking for a few months working on his own and had accepted some roof renovations he was alone, in addition to his job as foreman. He hopes to one day become his own boss, but the hours at work meant that he couldn't give James the time and care he needed, and, most often, their conversations were limited to reprimand after misconduct of the little boy, at least for a few months. And he didn't want that. He didn't want his son to have him as the image of a stern and authoritarian father. He had learned raising Soda and, in particular, Ponyboy, it was very important to show a child how much you care about him. The conversation he had with the little boy opened his eyes, and he remembered how his father, but he worked hard, always had time to play with his sons. This was the image he wanted to give to James.

"Awesome!" the little boy exclaimed raising his arms to the sky. Darry laughed and took him in his arms before getting up.

"So tell me, James ,he said as he left the bathroom. What was Mommy's punishment for the ice tray story?"

"She confiscated my pencils and my drawing paper . For a week !" Darry nodded silently. If there was something that James had in common with his uncle Pony,it was his adoration for drawing. He could spend hours drawing and if it wasn't on paper, the walls of his room and some other rooms in the house served as support. Sue was very subtle to make sure that the little rascal doesn't start again this joke.

Back in the waiting room, Darry filed James in a chair and sat down next to him. The little boy was calm and swung his feet in space when suddenly he said :

"Daddy ? Um ... Mommy vomits all over in the doctor's ? Right ? "

"Yes ... And then ?"

"But ... she is a great person ."

"A great person may be sick and shout his lunch like a little child could, James" Darry said, amused to see his expression of disgust. " Wait a minute, you! he smiled . Can you remember me what you did the other day at school, huh ?" The cheeks of the little boy began to blush when he could remember :

"Uh ... As Mommy ! Across Miss Valance's beautiful shoes! She was angry! Really a lot !" Darry nodded and began to tickle the belly of the child, their laughter to both echoed in the empty waiting room.

"Mr Curtis?" a young nurse called smiling at the scene. The two jumped almost see her suddenly appeared. "You can come, your wife is waiting for you!" She enjoined to follow. Darry grabbed and James placed him on his hip before to follow the young girl. She led him to the same examination room where he had left Sue . He found her sitting comfortably, her legs vasted on the table. Her beautiful face showed a smile when she saw him enter and it seemed to Darry that she had found color. He put James in her arms and grabbed a stool where he sat, taking her hand while she gave the child a big hug.

"Why has it been so long? he asked, without to hide his concern. All is alright ? "Sue put her hand to his anxious face and stroked it tenderly .

"The doctor wanted to give me a blood test, she said in a soft voice. He thinks I can be a lack of vitamin. But nothing serious, don't worry! Dr. Douglas was simply called for an emergency...and say he made me wait too ." She smiled in this enchanting way all her own, but Darry couldn't help but be worried . If everything was alrigth, Dr. Douglas wouldn't ask this blood test. He felt the anxiety gradually build his stomach, but tried to hide it.

"I'm fine, Darrel, she said again. It's a little overstrain, that's all ." She gently rubbed the back of the little boy snuggled against her . "You're not fooling anyone, Darrell Shayne Curtis . I see that you are worry. " He kissed the back of her sweet hand and forced a smile.

"We have your results, Sue! Dr. Douglas threw entering sharply into the room. He consulted the results of the analysis very seriously." So ... let's see ... you have some vitamin deficiency ... but that is not the reason for your discomfort . " Darry tensed at his last words, and quickly turned his gaze to his wife and felt clearly a sudden concern in her emerald eyes.

"What ... what I have, doctor ?" She asked in a tone so frail that even James sat up for to look at her. Dr. Douglas noticed her increasing distress and decided not to prolong the suspense any longer.

"Nothing serious, Sue, don't worry ... You're just pregnant ," he said the last part with a smile. Darry and Sue took counsel glance .

"What?" Was all that could come out Darry.

"You did a good job, Darrel ! " the doctor exclaimed, laughing after his surprise. Darry ran his hand through his hair and looked down to try to hide his embarrassment.

"Are you sure, doctor ? Sue asked at her turn. I mean, there can't be mistake ?" Dr. Douglas nodded his benevolent air and thrown to James who listened adults, opening his questioning eyes:

"So ... James, you're gonna have a little brother or sister ! Are you happy?" The little boy looked from both parents and then turned to the doctor shrugged, visibly wondering what he was talking,then his eyes brightened when he exclaimed: " Mommy has a baby in her belly ! As the mommy of my buddy Ricky ?" He moved to his knees on the empty spot on the side of the table and put his hand on the belly of Sue. Darry smiled seeing him do. He remembered doing the same thing twice .

"But ... Doctor, Sue insisted, it isn't possible . I ... I would've necessarily realize... ."

"Not necessarily ,the doctor said. I have seen similar cases ! But everything fits,your nausea, the way you were tired ".

"I had nausea only once ," Sue cut, still incredulous.

"Well ... you risky have more now... You are pregnant, Sue! Believe me! You will soon have another little rascal at home ! "

"And, uh ... how ... how long ... uh ? Darry stammered, feeling like an idiot.

"Uh ...,said Dr. Douglas take a look at the analysis. According to the results, nearly three months ... to be exact, about ten weeks . " Darry and Sue looked exchanging a discreet but heard smile.

Ten weeks, that corresponded to a very special evening. A warm evening of June. The one of their seventh wedding anniversary. Darry had returned at home earlier. He broked through the screen door and the porsh's steps four by four. A delicious smell perfumed the whole house, the roast beef and small fried potatoes which only Sue had the recipe. The table was beautifully set for two with beautiful plates, some flowers and some candles. A song by Bob Dylan,the favorite singer of Sue, was playing on the record player, Knockin On Heaven Doors. Darry had put his tool belt and was about to greet someone at home, when he heard a noise in the kitchen. And that's where he saw her, just busy behind her kitchen, she hummed the tune played by the record player,in her long skirt in pale blue ruffles, her light white cotton crepe smoked blouse who discovered her shoulders slightly, her although braided hair, her bare feet, her ankle bracelet ... it seemed Darry to have had a divine vision. He approached her,put his arms around her waist and kissed her silky neck. Surprised, she had turned against him being cuddled and gave him an enchanting smile, then, wrapping her arms around his neck, she had brought to a sensual and captivating look. He leaned toward her, kissed her passionately, then a quick gesture, lifted her in his arms, and as they have not ceased to kiss more passionately again, he had brought her to their room. The next morning, when Soda, who took care of James for the evening, had brought the the little boy at home, he found the melted candles, burned food and a turntable in a vacuum. In the kitchen, Darry,shirtless, wearing only jeans, preparing a hearty breakfast tray he was about tocarry up to the room. His smile and triumphant said long to Soda when he gantly reproached him for not keep James a few more hours... .

Sue turned to the little boy kneeling next to her who had completely given up listening to the conversation to focus on one of the pink wood beads buttons of her waistcoat was almost rambled, and applied to the triturated between his little fingers trying to give the last thread. Her eyes were dreamy and distant when she whispered softly,"So ... it's true ?"

" Absolutely ! Dr. Douglas grinned. Congratulations!"

Darry nodded in thanks, and a proud smile appears on his lips, then he turned to Sue, and realized she had trouble trying not to burst into tears, while tears flowed already her beautiful face. "Oh, honey ..." he said, rising from the stool to slide on the small space on the left, wrappingher with his arms and kiss her tenderly on the forehead, breathing in the floral scent of her hair.

"I'm sorry, she apologized confused by swallowing her tears. It's just that ...I didn't thought that...I...that we would have the chance to live again such happiness ." Darry smiled fondly. Him, too, didn't think it . He always knew Sue wanted children, a swarm, as she said . When James was born, he was the miraculous treasure she loved dearly. Their happiness was perfect, even if they had come to accept that James would be a unique child . "By himself, he moves as much energy than ten," he often said. But he didn't always realize that Sue, her, would one day become pregnant again.

"You're sad, Mommy ?" James asked with his little voice.

"Oh no,sweetheart," she whispered, wiping her tears.

"Why are you crying, then ?" She grabbed the little boy under the arms and lifted him to put him against her chest.

"It's because I'm happy!" She told him, stroking his shoulders, while he looked at her thoughtfully.

"Well ...! Dr. Douglas threw smiling at this beautiful family portrait. I wouldn't break the magic, but ... it's late ... and my wife has to wait an hour for me to go to theater ... So here are my instructions: Sue, I wish that we will keep you tonight . "She was protested when he stopped by raising his hand. "No need to talk ... You are in perfect health, except that little lack of vitamins, but you will agree with me that a good night rest not hurt you. We will take you to a room ... So, yes, we are not the Ritz, but you'll be able to relax without hassle ." He cast a discreet glance at James, still snuggled against her .

"But, doctor ..." she began before Darry interrupted at his turn.

"He's right, darling, he said . Think it isn't only you who needs rest, but the baby too ..."

"But how do you ?"

"Don't worry! the doctor exclaimed. I'm sure Darrel will be able to manage ! Right ?" Darry nodded with a confident air.

"But,and tomorrow ? she worried then . It will be staurday,and you work,and James ."

"No Mommy ! James exclaimed with a cute smile . Daddy said taht tomorrow heisn't working ! We go to that park to play football...That's great,huh ?" Darry smiled at his son noticed to grateful look of Sue . She was visibly happy that he decided to spend time with the little boy .

"You'll be wise,James ? Dr Douglas asked,cleary in hurry to go home. The little boy nodded vigorously while Darry grabbed him and leaned him foreward . "Good night,Mommy !" he exclaimed giving her a loud kiss on the cheeck. Sue tickled his nose,then Darry put the little boy on his hip and sat on the edge of the table,he leaned over and kissed her softly . "I love you,darling,"he said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and stoked his neck softly . "Me too,"she whispered,holding back tears with difficulty . But her efforts not deceived Darry ."Hey...,he said wiping her cheecks with his thumb . No more tears now,um...It's wonderful...! "

Sue nodded. "Yes, I know ... I can't help myself ." Darry kissed her again, one last time, to see that Dr. Douglas was impatient.

"Rest well, he said gently, and don't worry about us ! We manage, eh, James !"

"Yes," the little boy exclaimed clinging to his father's arms as he passed the door. "See you tomorrow, Mommy, I love you!" Sue smiled and blew him a kiss before they disappear.

Darry was driving his truck through the streets of Tulsa that began to be illuminated. He felt dazed by the latest events. Who knew this morning when he was, like every day ,went to work that the day will end up with such a happy way. And that he had trembled when they heard that Dr. Douglas asked for Sue a blood test ! Now the image of her beautiful and sweet face both excited and delighted, never left his mind. Like her, he is fully forward to this new and already eager to tell his brothers and friends. Calm was quiet in the cab of the truck. The radio played softly and James was eerily quiet, looking thoughtfully through the illuminated signs and street lights along the road. Suddenly, the little boy turned to him and asked timidly :

"Daddy ? Mommy was sick because of the baby, so ..." Darry smiled and gave him a quick glance before replying : " If you ask me, buddy, Mommy would said it was rather due to the child . "

"Thanks to him ? Hmm . I don't understand ." James had crossed his arms and swinging his little legs along the seat, thinking about all this with a pensive pout .

"You'll understand when you'll be older,"Darry assured him staying focused on the road."Say me, are you hungry?" The little boy nodded vigorously. "Well ... But as Mommy couldn't do the shopping ..." his words made James rethink to his enormous stupidity of the afternoon at the supermarket, he grimaced embarrassed : "Come one...it's good, little man. I know where we're going to dinner ." He headed for the exit of the city.

"Look Daddy ! James exclaimed suddenly. This is the singer of Mommy ! "On the radio Bob Dylan sang The time they are changin. Darry turned the volume and James and him sang together until he parked the truck in a half-deserted parking . A neon sign flashing yellow on the letters StEvie's Dinner & Garage. Darry dismounted and grabbed his son by the waist to him deposited on the ground. He slammed the truck door and joined James who was trying to push the door to the entire input strength of his little arms. When Darry easily pushed with one hand, the little boy rushed inside. Only two truck driver quietly dined at the bar while a little girl with blond braids wearing jeans and a long sleeve baseball tee-shirt was installed at one of the tables, notebooks and books spread out before her, she was chewing a pen dreamily when James ran to her and gave her a big hug.

"Hi, Debbie! Darry launched cheerfully. Your parents are there ?"

"Yeah! She replied, trying to prevent James pilfer a few leaves. Mama must be in the kitchen, dad is in the process of repairing the sink leaking. Again !" She finished her sentence with a mischievous smile, rolling her brown eyes.

"Darry? a young blond woman exclaimed surprise, as she approached a glass of milk in hand. What are you doing here together ?" She put the glass on the table between books and pens of the young girl. She seemed surprised to find him there with James at this time of night.

"It's a long story ..."

"Hey, baby! You cut off the supply of water this time, I hope ..." a muffled voice could come to them from the kitchen.

"Oh no !" the young woman rushed into the kitchen kind of explosion and a strong splashing sound followed by angry voices shouting, "Holy shit !"

Darry and children had followed the young woman in the kitchen, now flooded. She was holding a towel to the man sitting on the soaked ground.

"Looks like you and do-it-yourself will always be two, huh, Steve!" Darry couldn't help launch, causing laughter of children. Steve stood up and pulled his shirt soaked to quickly donned a T-shirt that his wife handed him.

"You can laugh! I was about to find the leak of this damned machine! If someone didn't forget to turn off the water! " He threw a false glare to his wife. "How to say ... Thanks for everything, Evie ... "

"Oh, come on, don't complain, you won't need to take a shower tonight !" She said with a charming smile by giving him a towel.

"Hmm ... I have to take this as a proposal?" He asked, grabbing her waist.

"Hem ... ahem ..." Debbie cleared her throat hampered by the demonstrative attitude of her parents.

"What ...?" Steve asked.

"Oh ... nothing ... just a little quiet ," the young girl said, pointing a finger at James. Embarrassed Evie quickly pulled away from his reach, while Darry refrained from laughing. Steve might be now a responsible adult ,with Evie, they always looked like the couple of young teenagers who have eyes only for each other at the time when his brother did the same with a some Sandy.

"Hey, cowboy! Steve exclaimed, opening his arms to James hastened to jump in . I don't see you, kid ! And you, Miss, you don't have homework to finish ...?" The young girl sighed loudly before turning on her heel to the room. "Why are you here at this time, both of them, anyway?" James laughed.

"Aunt Evie said the same thing!"

"Ah ... yes, Steve smiled to his wife. Well, that's because Aunt Evie and I still think the same things..." He started to tickle the little boy squirming and laughing in his arms. Watch them made Darry rethink the day when Steve had come to him with a grave look displayed on his face . It was unusual to see him stand like this at home, because the nights Soda working DX, he spent his evenings usually with Evie. Steve then sitting, and after some hesitation, had taught him Evie had just discovered she was pregnant. Steve was very in love with her, but he was assumed doubts and didn't see father of a child at only eighteen . But he was afraid of losing her if he rejected this baby. Darry was touched that he come to him for advice, but he knew that Steve wouldn't turn his father. He then tried to advise him how his parents would have done . By dangled him the positive and negative points and comparing it with what he really wanted. He also shared with him his own experience like what,sometimes, certain responsibilities fall on us and we have to deal as best we can. He had confide him never, even in the most difficult moments, looked back his choice to watch over his brothers. He then opened Steve's eyes to what he had in fact already decided when Evie had taught her pregnancy. A few days later, he asked her to marry. They lived for a time with the father of Steve, but after the birth of Debbie,they moved into the apartment of Evie's aunt, above her roadside restaurant . Evie worked with her aunt, who eventually gave her the reins when she decided to retire and return to Michigan where she was from. The business wasn't very successful, but enough to keep them alive. Steve,him, had made his decision to reopen the garage of the late husband of the old lady. He was still working on the DX, initially, the time to equip the garage who opened in 1969. Then Steve was sent to Vietnam, where he had returned slightly injured. On his return, with Evie, they decided to change the sign of their trade by naming after their names who gave the StEvie dinner and garage. They were far from rich, of course, but enough,and Debbie who grew brought them the best joy in the world.

"Stop ! Stop ! Stop! Uncle Steve! James gasped, laughing while Steve tickled furiously maintaining the size upside down. I'm going to be sick! I will wet me !"

"Oh no ! Steve yelled stop immediately. Not that ! I have the entire fleet! Here, I give you him ..." he said, throw him in the arms of Evie, who caught laughing.

"I tricked you!" James exclaimed triumphantly from his small arms around the neck of the young woman.

"Yeah ... Yeah, you lose nothing by waiting,kid !Wait a minute, you'll see ..." Steve replied in a tone of mock threatening.

"So where is Sue? Do you leave her at home, or what ?" Evie asked in turn.

"Yeah ! Steve guessed. She will definitely ask you to go for a walk to calm the little monster ..."

"Well ... actually ..." Darry hesitated, knowing that Sue wanted to be present to announce the happy event to come. But James was ahead by stating in the most natural way. "No, Mommy stayed with the doctor ...". In the same spirit, the couple turned to the little boy who was focused on the necklace of pearls of the young woman, that he rolled between his fingers, imagining they could do wonderful ball once detached from the other of. He didn't payed attention to them while they were keen to understand the meaning of his sentence.

"How "with the doctor " ? Evie asked, immediately worried. "She isn't sick ?" Darry saw her pale of this idea, for Steve, he looked with a terribly anxious face. Without knowing it, the little boy seemed to have dropped a bomb on the mood.

"No, no ..., he said. Don't worry ..."

"Yes, Daddy ! James again exclaimed . Mommy threw up all over in the doctor's room ..." He turned his adorable mischievous face toward Evie now looking at him quizzically. "But that wasn't the fault of mommy ,he tried to explain to her seriously. This is because of the baby, or uh ... thanks to him ... It's that...eh,Daddy ?" Darry had closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. This child was so unpredictable, it was better not to give him a secret! He sighed, watching his son who looked so proud of his explanation, and prevented from challenging smile.

"Oh ... my ... God," Evie placed her free hand over her mouth, her eyes already shining with emotion .

" No ! It's true ? Steve jumped. Darry ran his hand through his hair and couldn't hold back any longer his smile when he said:" It's true ..." Evie left out a great shout of joy rushing towards him to kiss him, "It is wonderful ! she said. Oh, I'm so happy for both of you !"

"Superman has struck again! Steve said tapping Darry on the shoulder. Congratulations, man !" He shook his hand warmly. "Hey, you're not going to have tears in eyes, now ..." Darry felt an emotion he couldn't explain seize him. Maybe that was to announce the news to their friends made it more real and he suddenly thought back to the moved happiness of Sue. He quickly wiped his eyes almost wet with his thumb and shook his head, hoping to recover. Evie looked at him with a happy smile and Steve shook his shoulder. "It's great, Dar ," he said sincerely.

"I explained well ... eh, Daddy ?"

"Yeah, buddy ! Darry responded by gently pinching his cheek. But ... remind me never to tell you a secret ..." Steve laughed when the little boy shrugged nonchalantly. "Who else knows "? Evie asked, moving James on her hip.

"The new dates just two hours! Darry said. Although we have a faster runner than lightning ..." He gave a knowing look to James "You're the first ! ... But please , say nothing. Sue comes home tomorrow afternoon, I'm sure she wants to break the new by herself ."

"What new ?" Steve asked, taking a surprised look and blinking of the eye showing that he had received the message.

"Okay," Evie smiled gently squeezing his arm.

"Hey! James said, smiling. If I'm faster than lightning, I'm Superman, too, so ..." A burst of laughter followed when a voice came from behind the door opening.

"Hey, I'm all alone here or what? Customers expect to pay the bill !" Debbie looked at them like they all went crazy.

"I come, baby !" Evie launched in catching her breath.

"But ... what is going on here ?"

"Nothing, Miss, Steve responded. And your homework?"

"They are made ! And maybe I should work as a cashier at last ..." Steve rolled his eyes, this kid and her distributes promise to do him see all the colors in a few years !

"Daddy, I'm hungry ,James said of his small voice. We have to eat ..."

"That's right, buddy ," Darry could remember scratching his head.

"Go,come with me,my heart, Evie said. We'll not starve you ! Let's see what we can find you ..."

"And for Daddy ?"

"Of course, Evie smiled. For both ."

"So ! Debbie was getting impatient. Mama, customers will leave without paying !"

"First we will calm this grumpy ,she whispered to the little boy's ears before turning him to the side and take him into the room making different aircraft noise.

"Hey, Superman! Steve launched from the refrigerator. A small beer to celebrate ... there is no new ?"

"Yeah ! Darry answered. I wouldn't say no ." He pulls the beer bottle that Steve had thrown.

"At that "no news" Steve declared, raising his bottle and shock with one of Darry who drank a drink.

"So ... How do you feel ?" Steve asked, smiling. The small cheerful voice of James rang in the middle of the room discution with Evie and Debbie.

"We can't better ! Darry sighed happily. I thought ...maybe we have a barbecue,sunday . Sue must rest, so like that,she "won't require cooking and ... it will be an opportunity to bring us all ... "

"Who will be there ?" Steve asked, taking a last sip.

"Oh ... I don't know ... I have to go through Two Bits, and I know that Pony had an important appointment to work on Monday so,and ... Soda." Steve quickly moved near the sink to throw his empty bottle, pressed his hands on the titanium board.

"Steve, it's been over three years now ! Don't you think it's time to forgive and forget ?"

Steve shook his head bitterly lookong the darkness of the window in front of him.

"You are both stupid ," Darry sighed in defeat.

"Maybe ,Steve replied. It's like that."

"Daddy !" James ran through the door and threw himself into his father's legs. " You come eat with me ? Aunt Evie said there are chicken and chips ! Even pie for dessert ... Yum ! " He slipped his hand in his and tried to take him with him . Darry took one last sorry look to Steve before exclaiming :

"It's making my mouth water, buddy ! Here we go !"

"Darry ! Steve suddenly did. Uh ... We ... We will try to come to your barbecue ... if we released here ..." Darry shook his head understanding and was guided by the little boy.

The street was very quiet when Darry parked the truck in front of the screen. Only one could hear the barking of a distant dog of a home in the neighborhood. Some things don't change much, he thought, reminding another certain night in September where he had parked the truck in the same place and heard, he could have sworn, almost the same barking. He turned to James, who was lying on the seat beside him, his little body doesn't even covering it completely. He smiled softly when he saw that the little boy had fallen asleep with his thumb in his mouth, him who wanted so often look older than his age. Darry down and closed his front door very gently before turn of the old vehicle to carefully open the passenger. He seized as gently as possible the sleeping body of his son that he laid on his chest, supporting him with one arm and closed the door. He pushed open the screen door with his free hand and did his way quietly to the house . James was light as a feather compared to pony when he had brought him asleep inside, after returning from the hospital twelve years earlier. He progressed in the dark places and took the child in his room that was once one of his brothers. A multitude of toys littered the floor, so he had to be careful not to trip. He gently put James in his cozy little bed, turned on the bedside lamp and then got busy take his shoes and undid the clips of his overalls that he pulled out of him and his stripped sweater, taking care not to wake up him. The little urchin, exhausted, was almost asleep before finishing his second piece of pie. He had been relatively quiet all evening. Perhaps the sequence of events of the day had hampered his desire to get into trouble. But it should not count. Darry then searched pajamas in the drawer of his dresser and dug up a white printed with motifs of cars he slid him. He grabbed the stuffed dog loved by the little boy and nestled in his arms while he covered him with his blue duvet. He placed a tender kiss on his little sleepy head ,and gently left the room .

He could do this routine to put his son in bed with eyes closed,even if James didn't usually sleep before several stories. But he had too often failed this time lately and had almost forgotten how it could be rewarding.

Darry looked at his watch, almost eleven o'clock already. James would probably be up at dawn to ensure that he keep his promise to take him to play football in the park. He had to take the day with Mr. Berckley, that wouldn't be a problem, so make James have breakfast before the small tornado rushes out. Sue came home in the afternoon, he would go shopping before going to look for her . At least he was sure that James wouldn't repeat his attempt to climb the shelves ! Think about that day until finally complete, he decided to go to bed immediately, shower will wait tomorrow. He reached his room which was very different from the time when he occupied it as a single, Sue's imprint was everywhere, and he quickly changed into pajama pants and a T-shirt. Passing near the dresser, his dirty clothes in hand, he lingered in front of the photographs that sit in the middle of jewelry and others Sue's hair barrettes. Their wedding photo, where she was so beautiful and magical in her long white linen robe and lace and white rose wreath in her hair, and him in an elegant suit he had rented, others of both in clothes of every day with each other, the number pictures of James as a tiny baby with two of them, or make faces in the arms of one of his brothers, Pony in his uniform of graduating from high school, some of him with Soda and Pony, one of the three with their parents... . Darry swept his gaze on the frames thinking with a smile that would soon be added to those of the baby. Then he lingered on a framework which over time was found behind the others. He dropped left his piles of clothes and took it . Photography, slightly yellowed, represented their gang in full force, it certainly goes back a few months before the death of his parents and was taken by his mother. Darry looked at each face one by one and lingered on his. He was then taken to be the same thought he had made in front of the mirror in the hospital bathroom. In the image apparead a reckless and proud nineteen boy who wanted to become a football star at the university, who felt able to charm anyone cheerleader Soc, who didn't think the least responsibilities . And today, for the world, he wouldn't trade his place beside Sue, James and the unborn baby. His father used to say that life sometimes make us borrow surprising paths, the paths on which we never imagined that we would one day, but she knows that they are the path we must borrowed . Darry shook his head slightly as if to show his father that he was right. Then he looked at the six other boys with him in the photo. He thought back to Steve, who at that time would certainly didn't imagined married to his childhood sweetheart and father of a young girl with a strong character! And Pony, Soda and Two Bits, would they have imagined with this life that was theirs today? And Johnny? And Dallas? Which way would they have chosen to follow, if their lives had been stolen so young ?

Darry was lost in his thought when the door to his room opened slowly, revealing James holding his stuffed dog by the ear and an old bear under his arm. The little boy, his very messy hair, looking thoughtfully at him without a word when he finally noticed him.

"James,Darry said laying the framework, it's late, buddy! Why did you get up ?"

"I had to pee ..." the little boy explained .

"Oh ... Well,do you want me to put you to bed ?" Darry opened the door to let him pass, but James didn't move.

"You ... What is the matter, little man?"

"Um ... I ... I wanted to ask you something ..."

"What ?"

"Um ... I ... I wanted to know if you are sad that Mommy isn't with you for the night ". Darry smiled at the initiative of his son. Of course, being in his room without Sue gave him a slight pinch. The only time they had been separated since their marriage was during the few days she spent in the maternity ward after the birth of James.

"Well , Darry ran his hand through his hair. Yes, it's true that I'll miss Mommy tonight, he smiled at the child, so calm and serious in front of him and looked up. Would want you sleep with me ?" he asked casually.

"No, no ... but ... uh ... I brought this for you ..." And he handed him the old teddy bear.

"Oh...Oh...I see! Thanks, buddy , he said, tapping gently on his shoulder. I'm sure to have a good night with uh ..."

"Cliff ," James ended.

"With Cliff ! Darry said. Well, then, you don't want me to take you to bed ? No ... You are old enough to go alone, right?" James nodded with a confident air. "Well , Darry kissed him on the head. So good night, buddy!" He sat down and turned his back to not show his smile and walked to his bed, the plush in hand. Of course, James wanted to sleep with him, the plush that had brought him was a pretext ! The little boy always wanted to act as if he was older than his age, when he was dying to jump into the bed of his parents and snuggle comfortably. And in his child's mind, he certainly intended, not to "lose face" that the request comes from Darry.

"Ah ! Darry was still communicating with the bear. We will have sweet dreams, eh, Cliff ?" He threw the teddy bear on the bed and sat down to take off his socks, he looked up to see that James was still standing there waiting.

"Hey ... you're still here ?" he asked, teasing. The little boy looked at him with his big blue eyes tired, a little pout on his face.

"Come on ! Darry then launched by opening up arms. Come here, buddy !" James's adorable face broke into a big smile when he rushed to him. Darry caught him at arms length and swung him into the bed, his little head down in the pillow to the sweet smell of Sue.

"Ah ... I'm glad you are agree to sleep with me, buddy! Darry exclaimed up the white soft duvet off his shoulders and placing a hand on each side of his son. You know what for ? " James shook his head and pulled his stuffed dog from under the blanket. "Because ..., Darry grabbed the wrinkled old teddy bear. Cliff is very nice, but ... he lacks a bit of conversation...and more...he snores..." The little boy laughed when Darry pretended to imitate the old teddy bear's snoring .

"Daddy ?" he asked, suddenly regaining his composure.

"Yeah ?"

"Um...When you said that we will play football in the park tomorrow... ."

"Yeah ."

"It was for real ? Uh ... you ... you aren't going to work ? Promise ? "

"Sure, buddy,"Darry replied, confused that the little boy could doubt his word, he felt pierced through his pleading eyes placed on him. " Sworn ... I promise !" James gave him a reassuring smile. "My poor little man, Darry sighed tenderly stroking his head . I didn't spend much time with you lately, huh ?" James didn't respond, but his lips twisted into a grimace and he nodded slowly ." Well ... I'll catch me ..." He put his finger on the soft cheek of his son and added : "I promise ".

"I love you, Daddy ," the little boy said in an adorable smile, his voice wandering in sleep.

"Me too, I love you, buddy. Really really really hard !" Darry said moved leaning and kissing him on the cheek."Well , he said, pushing the old teddy bear in his arms. Try to prevent snoring Cliff while I go to close the door ."

Then he went along the corridor, Darry smiled at the small voice of his son seek out to the old teddy bear.

"Don't worry, Cliff. Daddy snores louder than you ..." Darry went to the living room to close the door. He remembered that he had always used to leave it open for that one of the guys of the gang can come find refuge in the house, but since last Christmas, when him and Sue find James in the early morning outdoor in search of Santa Clause's footprints, the door was closed during the night.

The room was very quiet when he returned. He pushed the switch to turn off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness and slipped under the blanket, taking care not to arouse James. He looked at the child who had fallen asleep on his back, an arm around each of the two teddy bears. He couldn't explain the love and pride he felt every time he laid eyes on the little mischievous boy. He was one of the finest achievements of his life. He felt terribly lucky to have had him with this beautiful and wonderful wife, his fairy, the love of his life. And happiness would soon again be filled by the birth of this baby who going on in their lives as a second miracle. Darry again looked at the picture of the band. Who could know that this kids who have been called Greasers would be where they are today? Nearly thirteen years after this photo was taken, capturing their youth in the picture, they have come a long way ! Some roads were bumpy and yet be certainly. But some battles were worth, he was well placed to know, because without all he had had crossed,without the trials and responsibilities placed in his path, he may not wouldn't be here today. He would always be like that young guy who dreamed of a golden life, but tasteless.

James sighed blissfully and tipped his little head warm bearing against his chest. Darry gently put an arm around the little boy snuggled against him. He smiled when he saw him so peaceful and also slowly drag in a deep sleep... .