The next morning, I woke up early to Pepsi crying loudly. I groaned and rolled over, nearly rolling off the bed in the process. Greaser whined, because he did actually fall off the bed in my haste to make it to my crying daughter. I stumbled over Tuffy, the kitten, and nearly kicked her across the room trying to get her out from under my feet. Normally she slept with Mary or Michelle, but obvious, everyone wanted my attention that morning.
"Shh, Pep, I'm coming," I called, rushing down the hall. When I reached her room, I saw her sitting up, tears streaming down her face. Darry made it to the door the same time I did, but moved aside as soon as he saw me. I sat down on her bed, pulling her into my arms.
"Now what's got you all worked up, little lady?" I asked gently, rocking her back and forth.
"I had a dream!" she wailed, burying her face into my chest.
"What kinda dream?" I asked softly.
"A bad one!" she cried, shaking something fierce.
"Baby girl, it's alright, nothin's gonna hurt you," I cooed.
"Not me, mama, Daddy!" she wailed. I sighed and looked over at Darry, who saw the pained look in my eyes. We'd all had dreams like that.
"Baby, daddy's coming home Monday, bright and early in the morning," I coaxed. "Daddy's alright, sweetheart," I promised. In a way, it seemed odd to me that my daughter could even dream anything about her father. She had never met him before, only heard stories and saw pictures. We'd spent hours putting together a photo album of Soda after Cola died. We'd done the same for Johnny, Dally, Tommy, Tyler, my mom and dad, Martha and Darrel, even of my grandparents and Soda's too. I didn't want her growing up wishing she had known them.
"Hey, Scout, why don't you go get Ponyboy and Mary up and get a nice big piece of cake?" Darry suggested. Scout was his nickname for her, ever since she was born. Pepsi simply shook her head, her tiny hands gripping tightly at my shirt.
"Hey, Pepsi, why don't we go sit in the living room and look at the photo album? How's that sound?" I suggested since I knew I wasn't going to be getting anymore sleep.
"I want daddy," she sniffled. I smiled into her hair.
"I want daddy too. Daddy'll be home the day after tomorrow, real early in the morning. Today, pretty baby, we're going to clean up the house and make it real nice for him and uncle Steve when they come home, and we'll even give Greaser a nice bath, and maybe even try and get Tuffy into the tub too to get that frosting off her back, how's that sound? Then we'll make a real special dinner and eat over at Uncle Darry's and come home and watch movies until we all fall asleep. Then tomorrow, we'll go to Church like we did a few weeks ago, and when we come home, we'll go down to the river and have a nice picnic, and then, it'll be time for bed, and when you wake up, we'll be on our way to the train station to pick up daddy. How's that sound?" I knew I lost her after the first sentence, but saying it out loud, made it feel so real. So perfect.
Pepsi sniffled, then looked up at me with those big, sad eyes.
"Before we clean, can we see Cola?" my heart broke. She rarely talked about her brother, let alone asked to visit him. Normally, I was the only one who wanted to go down to the cemetery.
"Sure, baby girl, if that's what you want to do," I said, kissing the top of her head as she nodded.
"I wanna see gram and gramps too," she said. I had to scramble to remember which set of parents we gave what names to. When I realized she was talking about Soda's parents, my heart melted.
"Alright, princess, whatever you want," I said, throwing a look at Darry. He nodded and sat down on the bed, taking Pepsi into his lap.
"I'll get you dressed as soon as I take a shower, okay Peppy? Hows' that sound?" I said, stretching. I was exhausted, but my daughter's demands were simple enough to fill. I heard Pony and Mary stirring in the living room, and after Pepsi nodded, I walked out to tell them the plan.
"Get dressed. Mar, make some eggs or something while I'm in the shower," I instructed as I picked up Tuffy, trying to pick the frosting out of her fur.
"Why? We going somewhere? I thought we were cleaning today?" she asked, confused.
"We are, after we visit Cola and gram and gramps. Wake up Michelle too, obviously, I have to bring her along, and she likes talking to Ty and mama, so we might as well make it a thing," I said, setting the kitten down on Pony's lap. "Unless you two want to stay home and watch her?"
"I wouldn't mind seeing Mom and Dad," Pony said. It didn't surprise me. Occasionally, he'd come with me when I visited the cemetery, so he could pick the weeds off of his parents graves, or put roses down, sometimes he'd sit with me when I talked to Dally or Johnny.
"And I'd like to see Mama," Mary chimed. "It's been too long."
"It really has, hasn't it?" I said softly. "In that case, I've got dibs on the shower first, but you two are more than welcome to run in back and get a shower over there. I'm taking a wild guess that Darry's gonna use my shower after, so the hot water will be out by the time we're both done," I added. "But Mary, if you go, bring Mickey with you. I hate having Darry try to keep her entertained along with Pepsi."
"Sure, sis. But hey, if we're going down to the cemetery, can we hit the diner on the way back? I need to pick up my check, since I'm taking off this weekend," Mary asked. "Plus, Meme and Pedro want to give you a little something, I couldn't help but give them the good news last night."
"Pedro still works there? I thought after the place was sold, him and Meme were fired?" I asked, surprised at the news.
"They weren't fired, exactly, but Pedro and Meme still come in every day for their coffee and sandwiches. Besides, they love knowing how Peppy is doing. That little girl has a fan club, and she's barely old enough to talk full sentences yet," Mary said with a smile. "Oh, by the way, we're out of grease, so if you're planning on putting your hair up, you'll have to go 'round back and borrow Pony's," she added.
"How are we out already?" I asked. I normally kept a spare jar of hair grease in the medicine cabinet, because unlike most of our habits, we were still greasers, and even though we were girls, we still had to use it to tame our curls. Especially Mary, whose hair is more wild than half the guys I grew up with. She hates wearing it up, but in order to wear it down, she had to put grease on each curl to keep them in place.
"I had to use the last of it last night, plus, Two-Bit used a whole lot of it last time he showered here," Mary laughed. "I can bring the jar over after we're done?"
"Do that, so I can get Peppy dressed. Oh, and Mickey needs her hair pulled back, since we're cleaning today. So either you do her hair, or at least brush it out before you bring her back, alright?" I said, laughing softly as I turned Greaser out into the yard. He barked happily, chasing after the birds that were perched on the clothes line.
"Sure thing. You need me to bring anything else over?" she asked.
"Nope. Just have breakfast on the table before I'm out of the shower," I reminded her as she was as ran down the hall to wake up Michelle.
I shook my head and flipped on the radio, turning the volume up as loud as I dared, hoping to add some happiness into the house. God knows we'd been lacking it.
As soon as I realized the song on the radio, I burst out laughing. Celebration Day, a more recent Led Zeppelin song blared over the speakers.
I ran into Pepsi's bedroom and pulled her into my arms, still only clad in Soda's work shirt.
"What're you doing?" Darry asked as I skidded down the hall.
"C'mon!" I laughed, swaying my hips in tune to the music. I spun Pepsi in my arms, knocking into the end table in the process.
"You're crazy!" Pony laughed, joining in.
As soon as the song ended, I paused to catch my breath. Pepsi was beaming brightly, her nightmare quickly forgotten. When Black Sabbath's Evil Woman began, I couldn't help but laugh at the irony.
"I never realized how much I loved modern music," I laughed loudly over the music, trying to keep Pepsi from sliding down my leg.
Darry laughed loudly, while Pony and Mary mouthed the words, totally out of time. Greaser ran between our legs, nearly knocking us over in the process, while Tuffy simply stared at us from her spot on top of the bookshelf like we were all insane.
After the song ended, I skidded to a stop, turning it down to a more civil volume.
"Okay, okay, that was very much needed," I laughed, looking at Michelle, who gave me a very sleepy, very angry look.
"You're all nuts!" she grumbled, slamming the bathroom door behind her.
"Hey, shower's mine!" I hollered, before laughing again. "See? We need Soda around here. When was the last time we did something completely stupid just for kicks?"
"True that!" Mary laughed, flopping down on the couch. "I'll take Peppy, since I'm gonna just wait to shower till we get back."
"Uh-uh, you're not going to use a shower as an excuse not to clean," I scolded.
"No, I'm not," she laughed. "I just want to spend a little time with Peppy, before everyone swoons over her," she added with a huge grin. "C'mon, you know the second you take her out, everyone's gonna want to hold her and swoon and make her feel like a little movie star."
"Well she is a little movie star, or she can be, if that's what she chooses to do with her life," I laughed. "Though I'd much rather she go off to college and do something a little more productive than that." I winked. "Like her all too smart Aunt and Uncles!"
"Har de har har har," Mary grumbled. "Hey, instead of eggs, why don't we just warm up the left overs? This way we can kill two birds with one stone?"
"Fine, but I expect breakfast on the table by the time I'm out of the shower, now get your butts up," I laughed. Pepsi smiled brightly, her eyes dancing just as her father's had.
I quickly made my way back to my bedroom and pulled out a pair of jeans and one of Soda's old flannels. I had taken to wearing his shirts a few months back, when I realized mine were no more than tattered pieces of cloth. I quickly remembered to grab my shampoo, since in this house hold, shampoo was the one thing everyone seemed to just grab for. Seeing how I used a slightly more expensive shampoo, because my curls had a bad habit of knotting up when wet, I didn't like people using it all up before I even got a chance to use it once.
"Let the dog back outside," I called over my shoulder before closing the door behind me.
I showered quickly, and by the time my hair was at least semi manageable, I could smell left over chili and hot dogs floating through the house. I smiled to myself, thrilled at how easy everything was that morning.
We all ate quickly, probably because no one really wanted to start cleaning, but we all knew the sooner we got the day started, the better.
By the time everyone was dressed, showered and ready to leave, it was already 10 and the sun was shining brightly outside. I scooped up Pepsi and tossed the keys to the truck to Mary.
"You're letting me drive the truck?" She asked skeptically.
"Well seeing how the truck only seats three at the most, why not? You, Pony and Mickey can sit up front, the rest of us can fit in back," I shrugged.
"You're taking Peppy in the back?" she asked, eyes widening.
"Dude, chill. Pepsi's not leaving my lap for a second and outta all of us, you're the smoothest driver," I laughed. "Besides, it's a nice morning, may as well enjoy a little fresh air while we're out."
"If you say so," Mary said, shaking her hair. "Oh, hey, I meant to ask you something."
"Sup?"
"Why's mama's wedding rings out of the jewelry box? Dad's watch is missing too," she said carefully.
"No reason," I said quickly.
"You ain't thinkin' of pawning them off, are you?" she asked me, her tone changing.
"Mar, we need the money. We're too far in debt right now," I sighed.
"So you're gon' just go off and pawn mama's stuff without even talking to me first?" she practically yelled.
"Why does it even matter?" Michelle asked. "It's not like they're here to wear 'em. 'Sides, we need to get rid of some of their junk anyhow."
"Michelle," I warned. She gave me a dirty look.
"I don't even know why we're wasting our time going down to the damn cemetery anyhow. It's not like we ever come back in a good mood!" she practically hollered. "I'm tired of actin' like this is one big happy family when it ain't!"
"Michelle, don't you take that tone young lady, or you'll be in your room for a week!" I snapped.
"Who cares? It ain't like I ever do nothing no how!" she screamed. She stomped to her room, slamming the door behind her loudly. "I ain't goin' either!"
"Michelle, sorry to tell you this little lady, but you don't get to call the shots around here," I said, coming up to her door. "Now you bring your scrawny self out here this instance."
"You aren't my mother! Stop acting like you are!" she screamed. She threw something at the door, causing me to take a step back.
I shook my head, pissed off by her sudden outburst. She was only 8 years old for God's sake, she had no reason to be acting like a teenage drama queen.
"I'll stay behind," Mary said gently. "I don't mind."
"No, she can't be thinkin' she can get away with talking to us like that," I sighed, sitting down on the arm of the recliner. "You were never like that when you were younger."
"That's because when mama and daddy died, I was old enough to comprehend it. Remember, Jo, she was only Pepsi's age when daddy died, and only a baby when mama was killed. She didn't get to know them like we did. Besides, Soda's leaving got her as upset as the rest of us, maybe even more so. She was real close to him after mama died, don't forget. Soda was the best at getting her to sleep and keeping her smiling," Mary said gently. "I'll stay, honest, I don't mind much. Just swing by when you're done and let me get my check."
"Mar, no, you take everyone down. I should stay. It ain't fair to have you cleaning up my messes for me," I sighed, shaking my head again.
"It's not up for discussion. Shoo, all of you, before I physically move you from this house," Mary said with a good natured laugh. "When you get back, I'll already have a load of laundry on the line and another in the wash. Might even be able to get a few of these stains outta the carpet," she smiled. "Take Greaser with you. You know he likes riding in the bed of the truck with you."
"Mar, have I ever told ya how proud I am to have you as my little sister?" I said as I hugged her tight. "Thanks for being such a good sport."
"You raised us right, Jo-Anna Beth, you made us who we are today. Well, maybe not today, but still, you did good. Now go on, 'fore I make Darry carry your butt out," she laughed. "I'll see you when you get back," she said to Pony as she tossed the keys to him. "Try not to kill any of 'em!"
"Hey!" he laughed.
All was right, for once. It seemed like our house…our family, was finally beginning to come together. Deep in my heart, I knew Michelle's outburst just had to do with her missing Sodapop. Shoot, we had all gone off from time to time, because we missed his happy-go-lucky self.
As we all piled into the truck, we were quiet, lost in our own thoughts. Somewhere along the line, we were all thinking the same thing. All thinking how glad we were that our Sopapop was coming home.
It was about damn time too!
A/n- I forgot to put this at the end of the very first chapter, so I'll do it now. For those of you who haven't read "Ain't So Easy" you're a little bit behind on some of the details. I'll fill you in on the important factors real fast. :)
Jo-Anna Beth "Jo" - The Narrator; a lifelong friend of the Curtis family, Soda's most recent girlfriend, who found out she was pregnant only days before Soda announced that he was drafted to fight in the Vietnam war, along with Steve.
Michelle "Mickey/Mickey Mouse" - Jo's youngest sister, who was only 4 when "Ain't So Easy" took place. She is currently 8, going on 9 years old.
Mary - Jo's younger sister/Michelle's older sister. Currently 18 years old and has been dating Ponyboy since the end of "Ain't So Easy"; Currently enrolled in a local Community College with Ponyboy.
Martha and Darrel Curtis "Gram and Gramps" - The Curtis' parents.
Nikole and Eric Cedar "Nana and Pops/Mama and Daddy or Dad" - Jo, Mary, and Michelle's parents. Both deceased.
Tyler Cedar - The oldest Cedar child. Died prior to "Ain't So Easy"
Thomas "Tommy" - Younger brother of Tyler and Jo, older brother to Mary and Michelle - died in the Vietnam war in the beginning of "Ain't So Easy"
Cola Shaynne Curtis "Cole" - Twin brother of Pepsi; died prior to "It Ain't Over Till It's Over"; death explained in later chapters; son of Sodapop and Jo.
Pepsi Nikole Curtis "Peppy/Scout" - Twin sister of Cola
I think that pretty much brings everyone up to speed on the original characters, all of which play huge roles in the later chapters. The main point of view with stay on Jo, as she watches her "will be" husband and his best friend (Soda and Steve, in case that wasn't obvious ;)) struggle with adapting to normal life after what they'd both been through during the Vietnam War.
I just figured, in case anyone didn't want to read the first story, that they should at least be able to follow along with some of the original characters in this one. :) Thanks to everyone who has already read these first two chapters! I'm really enjoying being able to twist a few character's personalities for a change. I promise, this isn't going to be your typical "Vietnam War" story. Seeing how I'm actually putting a lot of research into the conditions and what not, I hope it paints a picture for all of you! All suggestions are always welcomed, along with critics and general reviews!
Again, I thank you!
~ Kayy