Just a bit of a fluffy chapter before things pick up.
Sunlight shone on Pony's face before hastily covering his eyes under a layer of blankets. But it was no good. Past few nights have been filled with tossin' and turning. He slipped into a pair of faded jeans and a fresh shirt and headed down stairs. The house was filled with the usual chatter. The chatter of teenage boys.
"Ladies are drawn to me like flies to honey." He heard Two-Bit proclaim proudly.
"Or flies to shit," quipped Steve. The living room was bursting with laughter as Pony made his way to the room.
"There he is, sleepy kid?" Asked Darry as he pulled his work shirt over his head.
"Slept kinda crummy. No big deal," Ponyboy said itching the back of his neck.
"Sure did toss and turn. Too busy dreaming about some girl I bet," winked Soda Pop.
Two-Bit wiggled his eyebrows as he looked up to Pony Boy. "Any one we know?" He said with a voice dripping with implications.
"Shut up," he said before retreating to the kitchen. He couldn't deny his interest. It was just too damn early for this. He absentmindedly rummaged through the fridge before pulling out milk. Soda strolled into the kitchen and pulled a glass from the cupboard.
"Here ya go Pone," he said placing it on the table. Pony quietly poured the milk as Soda beamed down at him smugly.
"You never did tell me how it went," Soda Pop asked with a smile.
"It went well enough. She seems real nice. How'd you know I-"
"Well, you've been mooning around here the past few days. I figured she might have something to do with it. Unless you're some Casanova and I don't know," Soda winked. "You should invite them to the party tonight."
"Johnny called last night. Should be coming by sometime today. Think they'll go if I do?"
Soda drummed his fingers on the table. "I mean, after a few days at home… I'm sure even a visit to the dentist sounds fun right about now."
Ponyboy sighed with relief. "Think the party will get too rowdy?"
"It'll be a good time. Probably won't get TOO out of hand. Then again, it'll be out at the lake. Could get a little rough." Soda said lightly shoving himself out of the chair.
There was a light rapping at the door followed by a stampede of footsteps.
Johnny and June. It had to be.
Pony self consciously smoothed his hair back before making his way out to the living room.
The group of teenage boys swarmed her. She was clad in her signature jacket over a sundress. They bombarding her with handshakes and hugs. That's the thing about the gang. There wasn't anyone that was shy, apart from Johnny. Ponyboy hung back locked eyes with Johnny.
Johnny glanced back at his sister before heading over to Ponyboy.
"How's it been at home?" Ponyboy blurted out. He may have been day dreaming about her pretty face these past few days. However, it was their home situation that kept him up at night. He didn't doubt Johnny would fight tooth and nail to keep her safe. But the likes of Ralph Cade, would worry any person with even half a brain.
"Gone all right, I suppose," Johnny said quietly. "As alright as it can get. Parents have been at their nonsense. Fighting. You know."
Ponyboys eyes fell on her as she laughed at some joke Two-Bit made. Two-Bit's chest swelled up with pride at her laughter. Pony shook his head and smiled. "Yeah, I know. You guys alright though?"
Johnny lit up a Winston and inhaled deeply. "Yeah, we've been fine. Dad's been wanting to keep her close and in the house. It's different," he said carefully.
"That's weird," Ponyboy said as he furrowed his brows. He dug in his own pocket for his pack of cigarettes.
"He's probably not used to having a teenage girl under his thumb I guess,"
Before Pony could reply, June slung an arm around Johnny's shoulder and sighed.
"What's this I hear about a party?"
Ponyboy coughed and straightened up. "Yeah uh, there's a party out at the lake. It's fixing to be a good time. You up for it?"
"Up for it?" She smirked and shook her head. "You worried I'm too delicate for the likes of you guys?" she said gently socking his shoulder.
Ponyboy laughed despite himself.
Johnny shook his head and nudged her. "Pony here's a downright thug."
"So I've heard. Two-Bit over there said something about some cute baby pictures hidden around here. Sounds down right incriminating to me." His stunned face sent her off into a fit of laughter.
"Note to self: Kill Two-Bit," Pony muttered.
"But really, I'd love to go. It'll be nice to get out. Especially in this gorgeous weather," she said glancing out the window. "As long as you're up for it.." she said as she leaned against her brother.
"Sounds good to me," he said taking another drag of his cigarette.
"Johnny Cakes! You and Baby Cade coming tonight?" Steve called across the room.
"Yeah, were in," Johnny said casually.
"Are you all gonna call me Baby Cade now?" June blurted outloud.
"Afraid so kiddo," Soda said as he was buttoning up his shirt. He winked at Ponyboy as he clapped Steve on the shoulder. The boys headed out the door and off the DX Station.
"Baby Cade," she sighed as she shook her head.
"Could be worse," Johnny smirked. "They could always call you Johnny Cakes."