"Stop it!" Cherry said as the guy pulled Pony to his feet.

Pony had never faced odds like this. He was hoping someone would intervene. Either way, he had to protect Cherry.

"Hey, whats going on here?!"

Tim, Curly, and Dally walked forward and the guy lets go of Pony. He was relieved because though he'd hoped someone would intervene he didn't think they actually would. Cherry was relieved as well that they arrived when they did.

"Will get yall later Greasers!"

They walked out the door and Cherry touched his shoulder.

"Pony are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I thought that was gonna get ugly.

"Thankfully it didn't," Curly said slapping him on the shoulder.

"Dal thank ya as always. Tim and Curly thank you guys too. I appreciate it."

"No problem. We gotta take care of those kiddos parents."

"We are very grateful," Cherry said.

"Was it about the kids again?" Dally asked pulling out a cancer stick.

"Yep."

"Well lucky we were here."

After that little incident, they headed back to the house to tell everyone else what happened.

"Thank you guys for being there when you were,"Darry said as he turned to look briefly at Pony.

He'd had both girls in his lap ever since he'd arrived home. It seemed this had scared him more than anything ever had.

"Yeah we don't usually stop in there but we saw a Soc car and something just told us to go in there."

"We're all really glad ya did," Soda voiced.

Cherry stayed back allowing Pony to have his moments with the kids. She was so grateful nothing worse had happened. The children's father was thinking the exact same thing. It wasn't about him anymore. Something could have happened to both their parents tonight. He couldn't allow that.

"This ain't nothing to joke about anymore. These guys are serious," Steve remarked ruffling Andreas hair before moving to Isobel.

"This is getting out a hand. Somethings gotta be done," Soda said looking at everyone.

"None of us can afford to be by ourselves but especially Pony and Cherry."

"Okay, so anytime yall go anywhere let us know."

They didn't realize Darry's suggestion was taken completely serious. Just the very next day Cherry was on a shopping trip. Pony was at work while the kids stayed with Darry. This left Cherry to be accompanied to the store by Dallas and Twobit. Possibly the two worst people she could ever go shopping with. Were that not bad enough Tim and Curly Sheperd just happened to be in the store. Then they just happened to want to tag along. She attempted to ignore them as she pushed the shopping cart ahead.

"Did ya have to get the noisiest cart in the whole store?" Curly complained.

Yes, it was annoyingly squeaky. However, that was nowhere near as annoying as the four Greasers currently with her.

"No one asked you to follow me," Cherry said looking straight ahead.

"If I didn't know any better I'd think ya didn't like our company," Twobit chuckled.

"Oh, whatever gave you that idea?"

She was beyond sarcastic as she tried to go over her written list of everything she needed.

"Twobit would you stop putting stuff in the buggy?!"

"Come on Cherry I'm trying to help you shop!"

"My kids don't need sugary cereal and they definitely don't need beer!"

"No that was for me. And they need some sugar."

"I think you've had enough beer Twobit. If you haven't noticed all thats in my buggy is sweets and they need something healthy to eat."

"Yer awful moody today Cherry."

"I wonder why."

She spent the next two minutes taking things out Twobit had slipped in. They were not on her list and she wasn't buying them. She sighed loudly hearing the guys talk about some Soc girls opposite them on the aisle.

"Can you not learn to talk decent?"

"Cher we're Socs. No, we can't."

"Oh what an excuse. I'm sure you could."

"Is that why the kids trying to ban alcohol when the girls are over?"

"Yes, Dally that would be a good idea in case they drink some by accident."

The guys had long gotten used to her snipping back at them. Aside from Twobit the other three weren't used to having women talk to them like that. Specifically Soc girls. He was tough but Curly tried to respect girls as much as he could. Tim and Dally weren't above reacting negatively against women. Secretly Cherry was now off limits to both of them.

They let her get away with it for a few reasons. She really was almost like one of them. She was Pony's girl or would be. Most importantly she was a mother. They'd never admit it aloud. Those kids helped them show a softer side neither of them knew they had. Not that they were willing to give up their reputations by any means.

Cherry could hear their boots stomping behind her. Honestly, she felt like a mother to the four of them. Couldn't they go look through the store or something? No, actually she was happy they were staying right with her. Who knew what trouble they could get in if they didn't? Luckily they didn't particularly enjoy being here and really couldn't wait to leave. She was grateful they were doing this but it could really test her nerves.

"A little alcohol never hurt no one," Curly said.

"Yeah because two-year-olds should be drinking alcohol."

"Ya take mothering to seriously," Darry sighed.

"Oh really?"

"Dal kind of has a point."

She turned around in surprise as Tim rarely spoke to her directly.

"What do you mean?"

There was no way she could let this moment pass without hearing what he had to say.

"Ya have been responsible for the kids for so long. Now its gotten even worse with the recent events. Don't forget to just relax every now and then. I think you're too stressed."

She wasn't aware he'd been paying attention to her but that was an interesting thought.

"Maybe your right."

"Ow!" Curly said as a load of cans fell on the floor breaking.

Twobits loud laughter erupted along with Curlys. Dally smirked while Tim glared. Cherry as well found none of this funny. There was glass everywhere and an angry employee approached them. Cherry had to apoligize while they continued to snigger from behind her. She was currently really glad she had girls and not boys. Presumably, no one could be as bad as these two.

When she finally made it to the checkout line she noticed everyone else looking cautiously at the four guys behind her. Maybe she'd be scared too if she didn't know how annoying and obnoxious they all were. Imagine if one of them was the kid's fathers. She involuntarily shivered deciding she wouldn't wish that cruel fate upon anyone. She smiled at the woman behind the counter who glared back.

"Young lady your with all four of those hoodlums."

"Thats offensive," Curly replied.

"Oh, I'm not with any of them. Your right about them being hoodlums."

The woman looked down in disgust as she rang her purchases up.

"Would you like to explain this?"

The woman held up a half-eaten bag of chips.

"Really?" She asked looking behind her.

"I got hungry. Your paying for em anyway," Dally shrugged.

She rolled her eyes and turned back around to face the woman.

"Do you not feed them?"

"I don't anymore and from now on they are feeding themselves."

She was way beyond having conversations with this woman. Best case scenario she left these four greasers behind and headed home on her own.

"Thats mean," Twobit whined.

"Twobit I said no cereal!" She yelled throwing the box at Twobit roughly.

Normally calm and collected these guys had exhausted her nerves.

"Just ring us up!" She yelled angrily at the woman.

Everyone was staring at her and she couldn't care less. She normally wasn't this rude but then she normally wasn't having to deal with four overgrown children. She'd take her two any day. The annoyed cashier piled up her items into bags. She seemed just as eager for them to leave. The redhead turned to the guys.

"I don't know what the four of you are doing just standing there. After I've had to deal with you all day you're grabbing all this stuff."

To her surprise, every one of them grabbed a bag and loaded it into her car. The stingray no longer as nice looking as it once was remained one of the few things she got to keep from her formal life. Once the guys were all in the car they headed off toward the Curtis house. Tim sat beside her but most annoying was Curly who was wedged in the back blocking her view of the rearview mirror. She'd warned him he'd be paying if she got into a wreck.

"No smoking in my car or it will smell," she said not bothering to hide her annoyance. It had been brewing all day as it was.

"Dang girl yer in a bad mood," Twobit said.

"I wonder why?"

"I have a feeling ya don't like us," Curly said.

"Whatever gave you that idea?"

"Just admit you love us," Dally smirked

"I am debating that."

"Ya know you and the kid have me thinking."

"Pony?" She asked looking over at Tim briefly.

"Yeah him. I've been thinking about this kid business. Never thought it was for me with that snot-nosed kid back there."

Curly snorted in response.

"It might not be so bad to have em with a nice girl."

"Really? Thats an interesting thing to say," She remarked.

"Boring. Can I drive?"

"No Twobit."

"How about me?"

"No Dally I'm driving and thats it."

The car went over a hump and the fire seemed to pop and Cherry forced the car to a stop.

"Good job Red." Dally sneered.

"Shut up."

The guys got out to survey the damage as Cherry sighed putting her forehead against the wheel.

"Yep, ya run into some glass and now ya got a flat. Curly's going up ahead to a payphone to let Soda's boss come get it and were walking up to the DX," Twobit explained poking his head into her rolled down window.

"Great. Now half the groceries I just got are going to be ruined."

"Maybe not."

"We will have to take them with us."

"Ya want us to haul all them groceries down the road?"

"Thats what I said."

"There's tons of stuff. We will have our hands full."

"You shouldn't have put so much in the buggy then."

"Everyone queen Soc here says we gotta help carry groceries!"

Once Curly returned they all filled their hands with groceries. Twobit reached out tripping Curly and causing the entire back to fall with cans spilling everywhere. Everyone laughed except Cherry who was so not amused right now.

"I hate you all," she said going to retrieve the cans.

She never thought she could hate someone but was fast deciding it with these four.

"Hates a strong word Cher," Dally smirked.

"Once again just shut up."

As they walked up the winding hills it just seemed to get hotter and hotter.

"Ya know how ya said ya hated us? I think we hate you too."

She fought the urge to throw her bag at Twobit. Ponyboy and the others were waiting outside when they arrived. Pony quickly grabbed the heavy bags from Cherry and led the others inside to keep the groceries cool. As she watched the others pile her groceries up she started to feel really bad for how she'd behaved earlier. Even if she still thought she was justified in her annoyance.

"Thank you all for helping me with my groceries and bringing them all in here. I appreciate it."

"Awww!" Twobit exclaimed after a moment.

"Always helping women in need," Curly said nodding.

"I appreciate the help too," Pony smiled. "Cher I thought you were not getting the girls that type of cereal?"

"Thank your friend Twobit," she glared.

"Mann," Dally chuckled as he and Tim started smoking.

"What?"

"I've said it once I'll say it again. She has ya whipped."

"Whatever," Pony said shaking his head.

"Hey Dally, Twobit you ever think about working?" Cherry asked.

"Nope I steal what I need and win it at billiards and rodeos, " Dally explained.

"Same," Tim answered.

"I just don't like the idea of work," Twobit said shrugging.

"Maybe you should think about it," she suggested.

"Maybe," Tim allowed.

"Hey Cherry."

"Yeah?" She asked looking at Soda curiously.

"Have ya heard from Marcia?"

"She called today and will probably visit again today actually. Why?"

"Oh, no reason."

He turned away and Steve chuckled.

"I think someone has a crush," he whispered.

She turned to Pony hoping he could confirm that for her.

"I did talk to him about maybe taking her out but he said it wasn't the right time."

"She did seem a little upset the other day. Maybe thats why" she said thoughtfully.

"He should just man up and date her," Curly said shrugging.

"What do you know about being a man?" Tim asked.

"Lot more than you think," he replied.

Cherry watched as Steve and Soda went out to help work on the car leaving Pony in charge of the register.

"I really think I should be out there," Pony said frowning.

"You offered and someones got to watch the register," she offered comfortingly.

"Yeah, its just I feel like I should since I guess I feel a little responsible for ya like...

"Like what?"

"Like yer my g-

"Excuse me I'm ready to pay!" An annoyed man sounded.

They hadn't even noticed him coming into the shop let alone standing there. He gave Cherry an apologetic smile as he went to ring the man up. Johnny walked in ready to start his shift. He gave Cherry a nod and waved.

"Have a flat?" He asked her.

"Sure did. They're getting it patched up though."

"Johnny, did ya walk here?" Pony asked.

"Nah got a ride from Darry. He's taking the kids to the park."

"He is such a good uncle," she smiled broadly.

"I think he spoils em," Pony chuckled.

"Thats what ya do with kids," Johnny said going in the back room.

"So Pony what did ya want to say?"

"Oh, nothing."

She was about to protest when Soda came in announcing her car was fixed.

"Oh great now I can head back. I really want to see the girls but I suppose I could rest a little before they arrive."

"Are ya taking everything back to your house?" Twobit asked eyeing some of the things he picked out sitting on the counter.

"No worries Twobit. Everything you picked out will stay at the Curtis house. I was planning on leaving some stuff there any way for when the girls stay."

"Cher are ya gonna stay till I get off? Well, no nevermind I know ya got stuff to do," Pony frowned feeling sorry he'd asked.

"Oh Pony I'd love to but I got to pay the rent today before its late. The landlord won't be appreciative if I miss it."

"It's alright I understand."

"I will see you tomorrow hopefully."

She walked over hugging him briefly before going to grab her things and head outside. The guys quickly walked over helping her get the things in the car.

"You guys don't all have to go back with me its fine."

"Ya sure?" Curly asked.

"Its fine I'll' go with her," Twobit offered.

"My hero," she responded.

"Well, what do ya say we go hunt some action?" Dally asked turning to Tim and Curly.

"I'm all for it," Curly agreed and Tim nodded.

"Oh boy," Pony remarked.

Cherry said a final goodbye and Twobit flipped everyone off before they headed out in the car.

"Finally I get to ride shotgun," Twobit announced lounging back in the seat.

"Try not to break anything," Cherry joked.

"I'll do my best though last time was your fault."

"Okay fine ya got me there."

It was nice to finally manage a chuckle and smile after the day she had.

"So whats up with you and the kid?"

"Nothing we are just doing the best we can to take care of our kids."

"Yeah, ya got kids so there might be some funny feelings in your stomachs?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Ya know. Hav ya caught the love bug?"

"The love bug?"

"Well have ya or not?"

"Pony and I haven't even had time to think about that."

"Well ya better soon. Ya already had a date then ended quit oddly."

"I'm starting to think thats my life story. Anyway, Pony and I haven't really had time to think about much of anything. Just going along with the motions I guess."

She pulled out of the parking lot as they sat in silence.

"I wanna see the kid happy ya know?" He said breaking the silence.

"Believe me I know you do. You're a good friend. I want him to be happy too. I just don't know that I'm the answer to that."

"Course ya are. Know how happy you've made him since coming back into his life with the kids?"

"Thats just the kids. I love them and they've changed my life as well. Kids do that."

"Yeah, they do for sure. But don't ya get it? Ya gave him a family."

"Yes, but he already has a family. His brothers and you guys."

"What ya did was different. Ya gave him something no one else could."

"He could get that from someone else."

"I don't think he could. I mean more kids sure. But they just couldn't do it the same way. Yer special for him. To all of us. Wow, shouldn't talk that way. Don't usually get so personal."

"Yeah its giving me the willy's."

Twobit cocked an eyebrow and shook his head.

"Cherry ya give me way more than the willy's."

They headed back to the house and got the groceries in the refrigerator. The redhead felt beyond tired. That bed was calling to her and once everything was put away she went to bed and was asleep in minutes. Twobit chuckled as he grabbed some chocolate cake and sat down to watch Mickey Mouse. Looking like they were all staying for dinner again tonight.

Short chapters I know but I hope you'll really enjoy these updates! Though it may appear I have forgotten you that is not the case. I look forward to being able to share with you what has been going on in this story. I have much more I can't wait for you to read! I would love to be able to bring updates for my other Outsiders stories very soon. Stay tuned and much love!