A Picture Can Say a Thousand Words.

Disclaimer: Well considering no part of my name is either S, E, or Hinton I think it's safe to automatically assume that I do not own the Outsiders. It is safe to say however that I own the plot (because I do) and any future characters that are unknown.

A/N. Thanks for the reviews.
Here's a thanks to everyone who's reviewed the story so far.
* BSBnACcHick
* Angel02
*VanillaSky
*Karlei Shaynner
*Antigone
*twobitsgreaserbabi
*Carly
*TimeTravller
*Aaliyah-Charity
* the two no name reviewers.
I think that's everyone. Just like in the first two chaps this will be in Darry's POV, but that's soon to change. This fic is slightly based on the song "Kryptonite" by Three Doors Down, Recognize anything? I advise that you listen to the song, as it is a very cool song and also kind of adds to the mood of this story. Thanks for reading and if you have any questions just ask in a review.

*Darry's POV*
* Where chapter two left off*

I continued to stare at the ceiling fan until my vision started to blur. The room swam in and out of focus and I was barely able to control my vision.
"He's tripping out," I heard a voice call faintly, as if from a memory.
I knew it was something that happened in my past, but I know I'm not the person they were talking about. At least I think I know. Wouldn't I remember something like that? I did go to a few parties when I was in high school and things happen, but still.
" Well if I did do any drugs I guess they fried my brain," I muttered.
I shook my head and rubbed my fists into my eyes.
" I'm going to have to give Pony and Soda the "no drugs talk" soon," I thought.
" Or should I give them the " being safe with the opposite sex talk"?"
There were so many lectures to give on different things, and I couldn't keep track. I think Mom and Dad had a handbook they used, but I still haven't found it. I wish I could though. It'd be a big help.
" I wonder how long it'll be until someone comes inside?" I mused out loud.
Oh great, I'm talking to myself. I am starved for some true companionship. I need to get some friends that I can hang out with and talk to on the weekends. Or maybe I could find a support group, " Young Teenage Authority Figures Anonymous."
" Maybe I could go find something to do," I suggested to the ceiling fan.
It didn't answer me back. I wasn't expecting it to. Not really anyway.......
I got up from the couch and looked around the living room. There were a few things that could use some straightening so I rolled back my sleeves, ok so I had on a T-shirt, and straightened the room.
Then I walked into the hallway which consisted of my bedroom, Pony and Soda's room, the spare bedroom, bathroom, a couple of closets, and the small area we used for the laundry. First I peered inside Pony and Soda's room. Pony's bed was pretty neatly made except for the fact that his covers were pulled back, and most of his part of the room was cleaned up. On Soda's side, the bed looked made but I could tell the sheets were bunched up and there were some clothes on the floor. Not bad overall.
" I'll have to remind them to clean up when they get home," I muttered to myself.
Then I walked into the bathroom. It wasn't too bad considering it's used by three young guys and their friends.
" Ok, I cleaned the bathroom last week, it's Soda's turn now,"
I left the bathroom and walked to the laundry space. There were some clothes to be washed, sorted, and put away.
" Pony's turn,"
I looked up and down the hallway once more and then walked into the kitchen. There were some dishes in the sink and the table and counters could use a quick scrub.
" I guess this is my job then,"
I went to the sink and found the dish soap and sponge. I picked up a bowl, poured some soap over it, and started to wash it. Ah yes, the luxurious life of one who lives on the East side.
The front door opened and as usual I didn't bother asking who was there. That's the kind of thing that's going to get us all killed if the house is ever broken into, but I'm not going to worry about that now. That's scheduled to be worried about on Tuesday. Just kidding, sort of.
" Well, well, well this is something to see," I heard someone say.
"Hey Dally," I called.
I heard footsteps and then Dally was in front of me. He propped his elbows up on the counter and looked at me with a small smile on his face.
" Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, huh Darry?" he asked me smirking.
I sighed.
" Dally, don't push me, I'm not in the mood," I told him.
He frowned and looked at the sink. I could tell he was bursting inside with some comment, but he didn't say it. Then he spoke in a softer tone than I have ever heard him use before.
" It's umm almost the tenth isn't it?" he asked softly.
He seemed uncomfortable and I knew the exact reason why. The tenth was the day our parent's died in a car crash. Also the day that I lost a part of myself. Maybe even more than I'll ever know.
"Yeah, it is," I answered him without looking at him.
" How 're Pony and Soda taking it?" he asked me then examined the back of his left hand.
" Pretty well considering it's only the first year," I answered truthfully.
" Ok, I just noticed that they seemed a little quiet lately," he told me.
Why did Dally notice that and I didn't? I'm getting rusty.
" Did they seem upset?" I asked him.
He shook his light blonde hair from his face.
" No just looked like they were thinking,"
" They looked a little sad though," he added.
" This is hard on them," I said
" Hey it's not so tuff on you either Darry. They were your parents too," he said.
" I know, but I'm responsible for Soda and Pony so their well being comes first," I said.
He seemed to be considering this statement. At least as much considering as Dallas Winston was capable of.
He finally spoke a few minutes later.
" That's true, but they still were your parents too," he said and went outside to smoke.
Yes, they were my parents too, but there was something different about how I felt about the anniversary of their death. It hit me harder than anyone, even Pony and Soda. It sounds crazy but I lost a lot more than they did that night. I left the kitchen and went to my bedroom. When I got there I walked to my dresser and opened the top drawer. Under multiple pairs of socks and underwear were some photos. I rummaged around until I found the two that I was looking for.
The first one was a picture of a short girl with short black hair and sparkling hazel eyes. Her name was Liana and I used to think she was my soul mate. I still think that, but things are different now. I put my fingers to my lips, and then pressed my fingers to the photograph. Carefully, I reopened the drawer and set Liana's picture back in it.
" Love you," I murmured.
With the other photo in my hand, I went into the living room.
I sat back down on the couch and looked at the picture in my hands. It was taken about two years ago. On Pony's twelfth birthday to be exact. We were all standing in front of the house with big smiles on our faces. Mom had her arms around Pony and Soda. Dad and I stood together, looking more like brothers than father and son.
" I think you'd be proud of how well we've stayed together," I told the picture.
" It hasn't be the greatest, but I think we've done pretty good so far,"
I stared at the picture some more and traced my family with my fingertips.
I wasn't sure how I was going to help my brothers deal with our parent's death. There wasn't anyone to help me deal with my grief. I knew I could be open about our parents, but there were some things that I had to be silent about.

A/N. I'm not really sure why, but I really enjoyed writing this chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Keep reading fics. I know there wasn't a lot of dialogue but I liked they way it turned out.

Fyremoon