Hi guys! I didn't get many reviews but I hope you're enjoying the story so far…..this chapter jumps forward so I can jump back. Sorry, if you didn't like the beginning but, it all has a purpose and I'm excited to finish writing this story. Soda, Soda, hmmmmmm… Also, sorry for the short chapter but the coronavirus is causing some issues. Stay safe out there everyone :)
Soda's heart was breaking as he heard Ponyboy sobbing and he gently pushed the door open. Pony's hair was dripping wet and he had his white towel still wrapped around his waist. His hands covered his face and his brown damp hair stuck to his forehead, dripping water. "Awe honey," Soda sat next to Pony pulling him into a side hug, "I'm sorry, I must have scared you something awful by putting the hose in your face. I'm sorry honey, I just wasn't think'en you know." Soda couldn't take the fact he had hurt Pony and he sniffled as he began to cry himself.
This caused Pony to stop crying immediately as he was horrified that he had caused Soda to cry. He looked up at his older brother, "Oh Soda, don't cry, it's okay. I just got scared is all." Soda nodded his head and wiped away his tears. "I'm sorry Pony and if you want to, you can come to the Dingo with the guys and me tonight. Maybe it'll cheer you on up and I'm sure Darry wouldn't mind." Ponyboy smiled and Soda knew he was forgiven. He hadn't really invited Pony out these days because he had homework and track but maybe he could convince Darry to let him go just this once.
"Alright, well get dressed and I'll tell Darry the plan. He also said he wants to see your homework and has lunch made up for you." Soda got up and he was happy to see that Pony felt better. He was smiling and whistling a little tune to himself while he got dressed and Soda was satisfied, he was okay. As Soda left the room closing the door, he cringed knowing that he has to talk to Darry about letting Pony out on a school night. As he walked into the kitchen all his self-confidence was washed away as Darry set a sandwich on the table for Pony.
"Ummm, hey Darry," Darry looked up smiling at Soda, his skin was glowing red. "How'd the talk go Pepsi?" Soda sat at the kitchen table and Darry joined him sitting across from him. "It went real good, I told him I was sorry and even invited him to come to the Dingo tonight. I think it'll really help him keep his mind off bad memories." Soda rushed out never losing his grin. "No." Darrys voice was stern and Soda started pouting. "Come on Darry, he ain't a little kid anymore. We were going out at 15 to the Dingo and letting loose a little."
Darry stood up and went to the kitchen sink, his back to Soda. He turned on the water washing the few dishes in the sink, "Yeah we were Soda, but that's when Momma and Dad were still here, and we have new rules now. There's no going out on school nights and I'm not going to change those rules buddy so you can feel less guilty about what happened with Pony." Darrys voice was still stern and unrelenting. Soda stood up and was about to yell at Darry, but Pony came into the kitchen getting a cold Pepsi from the fridge. He could feel the tension in the kitchen and quietly sat down at the table.
Darry dried his hands and turned back around looking at his two kid brothers. It was his day off and everyone was miserable because of the heat, so he took a deep breath in, "So Pone, Soda tells me you'd like to go with the guys to the Dingo?" he kept his voice on an even keel. Pony looked up from his sandwich his eyes shining and hopeful. Normally Darry would shoot the idea down immediately, but then he got to thinking he'd like to be home alone for once. Just to relax and have it quiet for a few hours, even though he felt selfish for wanting that.
"Yes Darry, I'd like to go if that's okay with you? I know it's a school night, but I brought you my homework. It's all done and tomorrow I don't have track practice, so if I go tonight, I won't be too tired to not go to track." Pony debated. Darry couldn't help but smile at Pony's excitement. He knew that Soda must have felt real guilty to have to deal with Steve's complain'en about Pony being a tag along.
"Well listen here you two, he can go but," Soda started grinning like a crazy fool and Pony laughed looking at his brothers' excitement. "It comes out of your hide Soda if this don't go as planned. No drinking, no drugs, no kidding ya'll." Darry stuck his finger into Sodas' chest, so he knew to take him seriously. He turned to Pony who stared at the scene in front of him, "Eat your lunch Ponyboy, then go get ready to go. I want y'all back here by 9 p.m. Pony has school in the morning. Soda looked down disappointed because his curfew was usually midnight, but he decided at least Darry was letting him take Pony.
12 a.m.
"Shhhh…..Pony hush up!" Soda whispered annoyed as he walked his kid brother to the fence. He asked Steve to drop them off a house down so Darry wouldn't hear his noisy car. He hadn't taken into account though how drunk Pony really was. His baby brother was babbling about a girl he had met and how he thought he was in love. As Soda turned to close the gate Pony loudly whispered how his girl deserved roses and before Soda could stop him, Pony reached into their Mommas planted garden, "Ahhhhhhhh, Soda!" Pony screamed out.
Soda turned seeing Pony's hand bleeding red all over his blue jeans and his brother was crying loud enough to wake the dead. Soda approached Pony's slowly, "Shhhh, kiddo, it'll be okay please be quiet. Do you want Darry to hear us?! Lord almighty what did you do?" Soda took off his outer flannel wrapping it around Pony's hand and just as he calmed him down, he heard the screen door slam. "What in all tarnation is going on out here?" It was Darrys angry growl and Pony looked up with so much sadness it softened Darry up a little. "Dahhry, I…. picked Mommas red roses and they bit meeeeh." Pony's words stumbled and he started sobbing.
Darry walked down the porch steps and knew Pony was drunk. He looked down at Pony's bleeding hand and wiped the kids' tears directing him towards the house. "It's okay kiddo let's get you cleaned up. You gotta use your head buddy, there are thorns on them roses stems." Soda was surprised Darry was so calm towards Pony and followed quietly behind them. As they entered the house, he saw a blanket on the armchair and that the lights were still on. He knew Darry was waiting up for them and then he saw it…. resting on the arm of the chair. There was his Daddy's old brown leather belt and he paused staring at it….