1Chapter 2: Driving in thoughts

I'm still driving with Cassie in the back seat from the doctor's office and the Pharmacy. I don't know...Everything is going through my mind. When I mean everything, I mean everything:

Johnny, Dallas, how Darry is doing, Soda, Cassie; how will they react? Just, EVERYTHING.

We're home, I realized as I parked the home.

" Baby, we're home," I shook Cassie gently and she opened her blue eyes.

" Dada?" she asked. I smiled and picked her up.

" C' mon, doll, let's get you ready for dinner and bed..." I said and clicked opened the door to our apartment.

I gave her some Cherios and then some warm milk for bed. Picking up the phone, I dialed 904-2785 and heard the voice of Miranda.

" Hello?" she asked.

" Hey Miranda," I replied.

" Oh, hey Ponyboy, what time should I come over?" Miranda asked.

" Now if you want..." I reasoned.

" Okay, I'll come," she said and we both hung up. I walked over to my stove and put it on and took a pot. I made spaghetti with marinara sauce. I strained the spaghetti, put it on plates and set the table.

KNOCK KNOCK

I walked and looked through the little hole to make sure it was Miranda, it was so I opened up and smiled.

" Come on in, hope you like spaghetti and Marinara sauce?" I asked.

" well, you know it's my favorite! I come at least every week!" she teased.

" So... What was up with the whole ' hello Mr. Curtis'? Mr. Curtis was my father or in a small case, my oldest brother, not me," I teased back.

" I didn't want my boss to think anything since she was there, but I'm sure you didn't notice Mr. Dreamer," she whispered.

I grinned as I sat her down on my lap on the couch.

" That's me, Mr. Dreamer! But you know what I dream every time I see you?" I asked (still whispered).

" What?" Miranda inhaled sharply.

" This..." I kissed her softly and she did the same. Then I did somewhat hungrily, asking permission to enter, she obliged and let me slip and explore my tongue through her mouth.

When we pulled apart almost 2 minutes later, taking sharp breathes, we both grinned.

" Lets go eat," I exclaimed and led her to her seat.

" This is amazing! So, what did you want to ask me?" she asked.

" Thanks; I wanted to know if you wanted to go out in two weeks?"

" Oh, sure, I'd love to go out but why so far away?" Miranda asked.

" Because I graduate this week and next week, I'll be with my friends and family from ba-" the ringing from the phone interrupts me.

" Sorry, hold on," she nods and smiles.

" Hello?" I asked.

" Ponyboy?" a gruff voice asks.

" Yes?"

" Wow, you sound older! It's Darry!" I was really surprised.

" Hey Darry! How is everything?" I asked.

" Well, that's why I'm calling, you see, I know you are graduating Thursday and we'll see you but we were wonderin' if you could come back cause Soda was shot in the leg last night..." I was shocked...

" Sh- SHOT? Why didn't you call me last night?" I asked.

" We didn't want to wake you, I mean, it was 12 AM!" he sounded real tired..

" Sorry Darry, I'm just shocked is all.. I'll be there late tonight or tomorrow, okay?"

" It's okay, thanks for doing this kiddo," he exclaimed. Then I thought of something...

" SHIT! Do you mind if I bring someone along?" I asked.

" Sure, I don't mind! Oh yea, watch your mouth," he scolded and I chuckled.

" Bye..."

"Miranda, I am so sorry but that was my oldest brother, Darry and he asked if I could head back to Tulsa cause my other brother was shot last night.. I have to pack for Cassie and I..."

" Its ok Ponyboy, I definitely understand, I'm going to leave... Call me when you make it there!" she said. I nodded and went to pack.