Chapter 2

Authors note, Hey guys, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. I'm sorry for the long wait for this, but it has not, and will not be abandoned. Happy holidays, and again enjoy.

Geez, I hadn't had a headache this bad since my dad once threw a beer bottle at my head. Sitting in Pony boys kitchen I watched as Soda whipped up breakfast. He cast me worried looks from time to time, no doubt because I was slumped against the table halfway asleep.

Pony boy was sitting next to me drinking some orange juice and reading one of his books. Glancing at the title I was stunned to find him reading Romeo and Juliette, I recalled having to read it for school the previous year. I also remember getting only a D- on the book report we had to do on it.

I had to do extra credit stuff to bring my grade up in that class, and even others. I was barely able to keep from being held back that year. I turned my head away shrugging off the memory, and saw Darry come stomping in. He held something out to me with a frown, "How ya feeling Johnny?" Grasping the object, I was happy to find it was a bottle of Tylenol.

Twisting the cap off I shook four pills out, popping them in my mouth and washing them down with a glass of water. I gave a quick thumbs up to Darry, laying my head back on the table. Darry asked some more questions about last night, but I had already told them most everything I could.

Darry checked my face before he left, but I knew I would be alright. Just had a heck of a headache along with some bruises, but nothing that wouldn't heal. Soda soon had breakfast done, sliding plates filled with bacon, eggs and toast on the table. We all quickly ate, and I glanced at the clock.

It was half past nine, and I thanked god that it was Saturday and I didn't have school. Soda went out soon after, leaving the dishes to Pony boy and me. Pony boy protested when I started helping him, but I brushed off his concern. The pills and food had helped, and I was getting some energy back.

I hung with Pony for a while, before leaving wanting to clean up and shower. I was extra alert as I walked home, just because it was in the middle of the day didn't mean you were safe from being jumped. And I was pretty sure that those Socs were going to be looking for me. I had knocked that one pretty good, I was positive he was now sporting a broken nose.

I glanced around nervously, oh yeah they were probably upset. I made it home with no problems, and after showering I grabbed the first-aid kit that was under the sink. Pulling the rubbing alcohol out, I began cleaning the various cuts I had received last night. I grimaced as the searing liquid spread like fire.

Placing everything back I then went to my room, falling onto my bed. I had only planned on closing my eyes for just a second, but I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was falling. Yelping, I thumped on the floor, unable to catch myself and hitting my head against the wall on the way down.

I grunted as my head felt like it just exploded, the headache from before coming back full force. "Get your lazy butt up boy! What do you think this is, nap time?" A voice screamed at me. I was yanked up by my collar, but my knees buckled sending me straight back to the floor.

I was able to catch myself this time, pushing myself to my knees, my vision blurred a bit as I tried to understand what was going on. A kick on the seat of my pants nearly toppled me to the ground again, and I understood what was happening as the voice yelled a curse at me. My parents were home.

Another kick, this time to my left thigh forced me to the floor. "Get up and get your chores done, you idiot!" A hand slammed down on my shoulder twisting me around, and then pulling me up. I stumbled, trying hard to get my balance and ignoring the harsh pounding in my skull. My father stood in front of me, his eyes bloodshot and clearly reeking of booze.

He even had vomit stained across his shirt and the corner of his mouth. He took a heavy swig from the whiskey bottle in his hand, before he laughed. "Ya get into some sort of fight boy? Looks like you lost." He snickered before gulping down more of the whiskey.

Then his mouth turned down into a frown, "Get them chores done boy, or I'll beat the other side of your face to match the other." I turned my head down, walking quickly past him and grabbing the garbage to take it out. My mother sat on our couch, smoking something that wasn't a cigarette and cackling at something on the television.

I scowled, feeling bitterness rise within me. She was no Mother, I didn't know what she was. But surely she couldn't be a mother, as she was lacking all the things a mother should be. She glanced up and looked at me, almost as if she could hear my thoughts. Her smile turned into a smirk, "Do the dishes Johnny. Mommy doesn't feel well, oh and your on your own for dinner. We already ate."

She had turned back to the TV before she had even finished talking to me. She must have seen my face, must have seen the damage done to me. And still she didn't care, didn't even want to know. Burning hate filled me, and I rigidly finished my chores in anger. When I finished I didn't even bother looking in the fridge, I knew what was in there.

The same bottle of ketchup, bag of rotten grapes, bottles of booze, and the expired milk that had been in there since last week. Maybe I could catch Pony and his brothers eating dinner, and they would invite me to join. I left without saying goodbye, not that they would have noticed either way. And it was better to not draw attention to myself anyway. I didn't need anymore bruises.

It wasn't dark yet, but I still felt paranoid. I looked over my shoulder several times, but I made it to Pony boys with no problems. Just as I was at the door, someone called my name from behind me. Turning I saw, Two bit swaggering up, followed by Soda. "Hey guys" I muttered waving my hand. Soda grinned while Two bit wagged his fingers in a silly display.

Soda asked me how I was doing as we went inside, knocking my arm with his fist gently. I replied I was fine and as soon as we had went inside I was knocked over by the heavenly scent of fried chicken. My stomach growled as it suddenly released I hadn't fed it since breakfast. Soda led us into the kitchen where Pony seemed to be finishing setting the table.

Darry invited Two bit and me to stay for dinner quickly, and soon I found myself sitting at the table. Darry said grace, then we all began to dig in. I looked around the table watching as a laughing Soda tossed a few peas at Pony boy, who threw a spoonful of potatoes back at him.

Darry scolded them both but I saw he was hiding a smile. Two bit let out a loud laugh at the whole display and I looked back at my food. Taking a bite of chicken, I thought, this is what home must feel like. I let a wide grin stretch across my face, and with a chuckle I sent a few peas at Two bits face myself.