We hadn't been able to see the body. They'd told us that it was too full of bullet holes. How could the cops think a 16 year old needed that many bullets to die? I kick at the dirt beside the grave cursing. How could Dallas be so fucking stupid? I hadn't seen him in a few years, but the Dallas I remembered sure as hell wouldn't have killed himself over some stupid kid.
"Little shit." Memphis throws down a pack of smokes at the grave, "Not that you deserve um." He frowns turning to leave, then grabs my neck hard, "You ever do something that stupid I'll... hell. Just don't fucking do it. Understand?" I nod, relieved when he releases pressure. Ever since Memphis got the news of Dallas' death he'd been a loose cannon and I wasn't trying to get my ass beat. Dallas had been 14 when Ma sent him to live with Dad, she had her hands full with Memphis and once Dallas started getting in trouble she decided one of them had to go.
"Let's get out of here." I wanted to forget all about this stupid town full of hicks and I wanted Memphis to go back to being the uncaring bastard I knew he was. Earlier at the funeral I knew he was close to tears and I didn't like it one bit. I liked certain constants in my life and Memphis being a dick was one of those constants.
"We ain't headed back to New York yet."
"Why not?"
"Ain't you curious at all what Dallas' been up to?"
"He's dead either way. What does it matter what he's been up to?" I frown at Memphis and he scowls smacking me. We'd arrived last night at our Dad's house and it was pretty awkward, considering we hadn't seen him in 9 years. He's left 5 minutes after we got there and had shown up to the funeral shit faced. I wasn't looking forward to spending any more time than we already had with him.
"Feel free to walk your ass home. I ain't leaving yet."
"Fine. Can we at least get something to eat? I'm starving."
"If it'll get you to shut up." He growls and we make our way to the first diner we see in silence. There are a few kids leaning up against their cars outside, but most of the booths inside are empty. I recognize a group of kids as having been at Dally's funeral. Memphis must notice them too because he makes towards them locking eyes.
"Memphis." One of them nods indicating we should sit down. I tilt my head confused but follow suit as my brother sits down.
"This is Raleigh. Raleigh this is Darry, Soda, Pony, Steve, and Two-Bit." I wasn't entirely sure how Memphis knew all these people but I smile and nod at them.
"Shit occasion for seeing you again, but we're glad you're here." Darry addresses my brother shaking his head.
"How do you know these people?" I ask Memphis starting to feel left out.
"Came and visited Dallas last year for his birthday."
"But you were in prison."
"I got out early."
"Why didn't you bring me?"
"Didn't want any little sisters following us around." The hurt must show on my face because he adds, "Dallas was pretty sour I didn't bring you though." He ruffles my hair then starts reminiscing with Dallas' friends about his past visit. I don't have much to add to the conversation so I sit there stewing on the fact Memphis got to see Dallas one last time before he died and I didn't. Then I remembered the constants and was glad Memphis was holding true.
"We're heading over the Bucks later if you guys want to join." The prospect of getting out the house excites me and I look up.
"Sure. Just gotta drop this one off." He motions to me and I frown.
"Come on, Memphis, I wanna go."
"No." He shoots me a glare and I know to keep quiet.
"We'll meet you there then. Remember where it is?"
"Yea." Memphis pushes me out of the booth and we head to the car.
"Just let me go with you Memphis." I finally spit out once the doors close and he starts up the engine.
"You're too young. I'm not bringing my tag along little sister to a bar."
"I don't want to stay by myself with Dad. I don't even know him."
"What are you scared?" Memphis laughs.
"It's not fair." He doesn't even respond to me just stops out in front of Dad's house and waits for me to get out. I half expect him to tell me to get back in when I finally step out, but he just speeds off. I watch him drive off until the tail lights are gone.
"You're Dallas' sister right?" I jump at the voice and ready myself to run when I see the hood that's come to stand beside me.
" ." I stutter and he grins.
"Curly Shepard." He extends a hand and I relax a bit taking it.
"Raleigh."
"What are you up to tonight?"
I shrug, "My brother ditched me." I motion to the car that has long since driven off, "So hanging out with the old man I guess." I cast my direction to the house where Dad is sitting on the couch in the dark with just the blue light of the television surrounding him.
"I'm heading to a party. Want to go?" Memphis would be pissed. He didn't exactly tell me I couldn't go anywhere though – just that I couldn't go with him. So I smirk and answer,
"Sure." Grinning Curly puts his arm around me and leads me down the street.