"Now Ponyboy, the first thing I want to establish is that this is a safe environment. There are no wrong responses or wrong topics to discuss."
The fifteen year old boy just stared towards the one window in the tiny room. That was a funny way to start the session. It seemed like no one else believed in that idea. What he believed was wrong. That's what got him there in the first place, right?
"That being said, sometimes I think it's best to let my patients decide where they would like to start. You can pick a topic to focus on today. You can say whatever is on your mind right now. You can describe the feelings you have right now, whatever they may be." Ponyboy switched from looking out the window to the rug on the floor. An oval shaped rug with daises all over. It appeared to try and brighten the dull color of the carpet. "Is there anything you would like to focus on and talk about first?"
The woman asking the question was Dr. Angelo. She was a therapist Darry, Ponyboy's oldest brother, had found for him. Darry wanted Pony to talk to someone to try and make some sense out of what has happened, since he wouldn't tell Darry much. Why should he tell Darry or anyone anything though? They all just considered Ponyboy crazy. A mental case at most.
Ponyboy put his focus back out the window. He didn't want to bat an eye at the clock and try to estimate how much time was left.
"Your brothers just want to figure out what happened. It seems your parent's death last year caused some unusual happenings at the home and in your life," Dr. Angelo explained, "And not just depression, like most would assume would happen. This event went on for months."
"Apparently I'm just crazy," Pony smirked back. Dr. Angelo really didn't have to sugarcoat it.
"Is that what Darry said?"
Pony shrugged, "He obviously thinks that's what happened. Soda even thinks that. So I don't know what there could be to discuss."
"Well, you don't think you're crazy, correct?" Dr. Angelo asked.
Ponyboy shook his head.
Dr. Angelo, "There is that to talk about. Why do you disagree with your brothers?"
The hour went by with little effort, thus little accomplishment. Ponyboy just didn't see the point in arguing what everyone has already established of him at this point. Dr. Angelo told Pony she would call Darry to discuss the appointment.
"Maybe next time we can have one of your brothers join us," Dr. Angelo mentioned as they stepped outside, "That way I can help you say what you want to say to them. How does that sound?"
Ponyboy shrugged. He saw Sodapop sitting in Darry's truck. Honestly, he would've rathered walk than be around either of them right now.
Dr. Angelo waved at Soda, "Do you want me to tell Soda about today?"
Ponyboy just walked away and got into his brother's truck.
"How did it go?" Soda asked as Dr. Angelo walked back inside the building. No response. Pony just put his head against the window and stared. "Pony don't do that to me. You can talk to me." Nothing.
"Pony I can't stand you being silent at me all the time now. And I think you know that."
More silence.
A few minutes passed when Soda suddenly slammed his hands onto the steering wheel in frustration. Pony didn't even shake though.
"Damnit Ponyboy!" He yelled, "You could tell me anything. You always could, and you always have!"
"Maybe you shouldn't have taken Darry's side then," Ponyboy muttered.
"Shut up!" Soda pointed at Pony with a shaky finger, "You shut it! This is not about taking sides! This is far more serious than taking sides of a stupid argument! I just want you to get help damnit! That's what we both want for you. I know you don't believe that, but yes both me and Darry want you to get help."
"You didn't listen to me at all!" Pony finally fired back, "I spoke, but you blew it all off. You didn't try explaining anything to Darry, you just agreed with him right on the spot! You didn't listen to me at all!"
Soda fought back tears as he looked out his window. He was silent for a moment as he took some breaths. It was just getting hard. Too hard. He felt his relationship with his little brother fading.
Soda wanted answers. He wanted his parents back. He wanted his normal life back.
Once Soda felt composed, he finally spoke. "I did, Pony. You know damn well I did listen to you. I always have and always will. That doesn't mean I chose Darry over you, it just means after hearing what you said and..." Soda paused as he swallowed back more tears and started up the truck, "I just believe you need help too. Who knows, maybe we all do. But something seriously happened to you after mom and dad died. We need to fix it."