Despite Sodapop wanting Laura and Ponyboy to stay at the house until he got back, they decided to go back to Ruth's house, as Cole was starting to get fussy.

"Are you sure?" Two-Bit asked, following them to the front door. "We can put him in the other room."

"I really wish we could, but he sleeps best in his crib," Ponyboy explained apologetically. He bounced a fussy Cole on his hip. "We'll come back for dinner, though."

Two-Bit looked disappointed but nodded anyways. "That works."

Laura gave Two-Bit a hug.

"Cole really likes you," Laura smiled as she stepped back. "So we're definitely coming back."

"It's nice to see you," Two-Bit admitted as he leaned on the doorframe. Ponyboy was now putting Cole into his car seat.

"It's nice to see you too," Laura grinned.

Laura got into the car, and Two-Bit watched them drive away from the house.


"Hey, Laura!"

Laura looked up from her book to see Ponyboy jogging over towards her, plopping his backpack onto the ground.

"Laura, so my mom invited a lady and her kids over for dinner, and Soda and I are allowed to bring a friend!" Ponyboy explained rapidly. "Wanna come?"

Laura looked troubled. "I don't know… Mom's been really sad after Philip went back to Dad's house."

"Pleeeease!" Ponyboy begged, sitting next to her. "All you have to do is eat dinner. After that, we can go down to the park!"

Laura sighed. "Fine. But you owe me."

"Thanks!" Ponyboy beamed. "Meet me at the park at six o'clock, okay?"

Ponyboy took off out of the library, leaving Laura wondering what her best friend was getting her into.

True to her word. Laura met Ponyboy at the park at six o'clock.

"Thank's again for coming!" Ponyboy grinned gratefully. "I was gonna ask Johnny, but he's at his grandma's house."

"Do you even know the people coming over?" Laura asked him curiously.

"Nope," Ponyboy answered. "I think the lady's a single mom, though. She moved in a couple blocks down with her two kids."

"I hope they're nice," Laura nervously said.

"Trust me, Laur, nobody is as mean as Steve," Ponyboy assured her, making her laugh.

"You're probably right," Laura grinned.

When they reached the Curtis house, another car was pulled up in front of it. Ponyboy led Laura up the steps to the house that Laura was very familiar with by now.

When they entered the house, the first thing they saw was Soda and Steve wrestling in front of the TV, while a very annoyed Darry tried to actually watch the screen. Not wanting to start anything, Ponyboy grabbed Laura's wrist, dragging her into the kitchen.

Mrs. Curtis stood next to the stove stirring a pot of sauce, while a woman sat at the table flanked with a boy who looked around sixteen and a girl that looked ten.

"Laura!" Mrs. Curtis smiled, giving the young girl a hug. "It's great to see you, love!"

"Thank's for having me," Laura responded with a blush.

"Laura, Ponyboy, this is Ms. Matthews and her kids, Keith and Susan," Mrs. Curtis introduced the people at the table.

Ponyboy and Laura waved awkwardly. Susan seemed uninterested, but Keith gave them a grin. Laura wondered why he wasn't messing around with Soda and Steve.

The family ate dinner when Mr. Curtis came home, which was basically Soda and Steve playing with their food, Darry and Mr. Curtis telling them to knock it off, Mrs. Curtis asking Ms. Matthew's questions, and Ponyboy and Laura whispering about the book they were reading in class.

"Thank you for dinner," Laura thanked Mrs. Curtis, just like her mother had taught her.

"You're welcome, darling," Mrs. Curtis smiled kindly. Laura loved Mr. and Mrs. Curtis. Unlike her mother these days, they were kind and cared about her well-being.

Soon, everybody was hanging out in the living room. Well, except for Soda and Steve, who had shut themselves in Soda's room.

"Ponyboy," Laura whispered to her friend, who turned to look at her. "I should go."

"Laura, dear, is Phillip coming to pick you up?" Mrs. Curtis asked, overhearing what Laura said to Ponyboy.

Laura's face dropped. "No ma'am, he went back to our dad's house last week."
"Darrell, do you mind driving Laura home?" Mrs. Curtis asked her husband.

"I can walk her," Keith piped up. "I don't mind."

"Are you sure?" Mrs. Curtis asked. "I would be very grateful."

Keith stood up. "No problem. I'll be right back."

"Mom, can I go with them?" Ponyboy asked. Laura hopped Mrs. Curtis would say yes, as she didn't want to walk with Keith alone.

Mrs. Curtis sighed. "Alright, Pony, but make sure Keith stays with you the entire time."

Ponyboy said thank you before following Keith and I out the door.

"How old are you two?" Keith asked when they were by themselves.

"We're twelve," Ponyboy said, a bit embarrassed by his age.

Keith just nodded. "Cool. Susan's only ten, but she's really mean, I've gotta say. You guys look a lot nicer than her."

"Phillip was mean when he was ten," Laura said of her older brother.

"But you were only five," Ponyboy laughed, nudging her. "You don't remember exactly."

"I'm sixteen," Keith shared.

"You'll probably be over a lot," Ponyboy predicted. "Mom seems to like your family a lot."

"Your mom likes everyone!" Laura giggled. "Even you, surprisingly."
"Hey!" Ponyboy narrowed his eyes, but they both knew Laura was only playing.

Soon, they had reached Laura's house.

"Bye, Laura!" Ponyboy waved as Laura skipped up the steps. "See you at school!"


Just like Ponyboy predicted, they saw a lot more of Two-Bit, and he was greatly affected when Mr. and Mrs. Curtis died.

Laura just hoped this trip wasn't the last time they saw Two-Bit Matthews.

When they got back to Ruth's house, Cole was ready for his nap. Ruth served them brownies after they put Cole to bed.

"How was it?" Ruth asked the couple.

"Well, we didn't see everyone. We got there right when Sodapop and Steve were leaving for work, so we just hung out with Two-Bit for the day." Ponyboy informed Ruth.

Ruth nodded. "Are you going over for dinner?"

"Yes," Laura confirmed.

"And is Cole going with you?" Ruth raised her eyebrows.

Laura sighed. "Mom, you can't just spoil him!"

"Well, I'm sorry that I want to spend time with my grandson, who, by the way, I didn't know existed until yesterday!" Ruth scowled.

Laura closed her mouth, guilt on her and Pony's faces.

"I'm sorry… " Ruth shook her head, clearly still upset. "I… Phillip hasn't visited since you were twelve and I just hoped you would be around more."

"Mom…" Laura sighed, sharing a look with Ponyboy. "He can stay here."

Ruth's face brightened. "Really?"

"Yeah, Mom. Get to know your grandchild. Everyone at dinner will have seen him anyways, and we'll take him over to their house tomorrow," Laura compromised.

"Cole really wants his grandma to take him for ice cream," Ponyboy added with a smile.

Ruth rushed upstairs to put on different clothes, beaming at the thought of being trusted with her grandchild.

"Wow," Laura said as her mother disappeared.

"She's right," Ponyboy admitted. "We need to let her spend more time with Cole."

Laura nodded. "We do. And we will."


Sorry about the long wait! Let me know what you think! Cheerio!