A/N - Please bear with me. There's a lot of the familiar story to get
through, but it's vital to setting up the family for the aftermath.
Chapter 2
Soda's P.O.V.
I hated those dirty rotten Socs. Why do they have to go around hurtin' little kids? I know Pony's not a little kid anymore, but I can't help but think of him that way. He'll always be my baby brother, even though he's gonna be taller than me soon.
After chasing, but not catching the bastards, I headed back to Pony, Darry, and Steph to see what happened. Pony looked pretty shaken. He was pale and shaky, and I could tell he was trying not to cry. He's pretty tough when he wants to be. As I dropped down beside him, I noticed he had a cut on his neck that was bleeding.
"You got cut up a little, huh, Ponyboy?"
I don't think he had noticed it. I pulled out a handkerchief and held it up to his head to stop the bleeding. When I showed him the blood, he got a little bit paler than he already was. He was really fighting back the tears now. I looked over to Steph and noticed that even she was a little shaky. "Easy guys - they're gone. No one's gonna get hurt anymore."
I wondered why it had spooked Pony so much. Yeah, getting' jumped ain't no picnic, but he's never one to back down easily. He doesn't go looking for fights, but he's scrappy. I do think he wouldn't ever fight if he could help it, though.
Pony's quite the dreamer. I can't tell you how many times a day I find him lost in his thoughts. Either that or he has his nose stuck in a book. I don't know how he can stand to do that much reading. That would bore me to death. He's sure different from the rest of our gang. Pony has a chance to make it in this world. He's brainy and sometimes I think he really likes school. I still haven't figured that one out. Being a greaser really bugs him. He doesn't want to live in this neighborhood forever. I think he'll get out as soon as he finishes school. Hopefully, he'll go on to college. I know that would make Darry prouder than a peacock. Personally, I kinda like our neighborhood and I'm proud to be a greaser.
The rest of the gang came running back to the four of us. Dally, Two-Bit, Johnny, and my best friend - Steve. They all sat down with us and Dally pulled out a cigarette to pass around. I noticed that Johnny had taken the spot next to Stephi. Johnny was the gang's pet, everyone's kid brother. He and Stephi had started seeing each other a few months ago, and maybe that's partly why - she's the pet too. Ever since Stephi had helped take care of him after he got beat by the Socs, they had begun to see each other in a new light. Of course, both claimed it was nothing serious, but I could see otherwise. Darry, Pony, and I were not real happy about it at first, but I convinced them that dating Johnny was much better than dating some guy we didn't know so well, some guy that wouldn't treat her right. Darry still wasn't sure about their relationship. He didn't let them have much time alone - if they wanted to go to a movie, somehow he always got Pony to go with, or Two-Bit to drive them or something. Stephi was pretty open with me about her feelings for Johnny, although she threatened me with months of her dish duties if I even breathed one word about it to Darry.
Darry started picking on Ponyboy about walking home from the movie alone. I just can't stand it when he does that. He just so wants Pony to succeed, that he pushes and pushes and usually ends up pushing too far. Ponyboy doesn't see this - he just sees Darry picking on him and no one else. "Leave my kid brother alone, you hear. So he likes to go to the movies - it ain't his fault the Socs like to jump us. Carrying a blade just would have gotten him cut up even worse. And, didn't you tell him that you'd skin him if you did catch him carrying a blade to school? He went to the movie straight from school."
That got Darry to lay off. The guys started discussing plans for the next night. I had a double date with Sandy and Steve and his girlfriend, Evie, lined up. Boy, that Sandy - what a girl. I was truly happy with her. I had been dating Sandy for about a year. She stuck with me through Mom and Dad's death and the aftershock without ever batting an eye. I was planning on marrying her someday. I was also planning on telling her that tomorrow night. I was a little bit nervous about it, but I was also sure that she felt the same way.
Pony asked if he and Stephi could go to the Nightly Double with Dally that night. "I don't know," Darry said, looking at the two of them. "After what happened today."
"Come on Darry, it's not a school night, and you and Soda won't be home anyway," Stephi pleaded.
"Yeah, I guess so."
Later that same night.
I put Darry to sleep giving him a backrub. He needed it. He had been working some extra shifts lately, and wasn't getting enough sleep. I was sleepy myself, and decided to go to bed. Pony was still doing homework, so I hollered over to him to hurry up and shut the light off.
I took a peek in Stephi's room before going to our room. She was sleeping peacefully now, but she had had a rough evening. She was kind of shaken up about Pony being jumped, then she got into a big fight with Darry - that rarely happens. Darry had been chewing Ponyboy out for getting jumped. She overheard and tried to get Darry to understand that it wasn't his fault that he got jumped. He kept harping on Ponyboy, and Stephi finally went off on Darry for just about everything she could think of - always yelling at Pony, not letting her do anything, and treating her like a china doll that would break at any time. Then she ran into her bedroom and slammed the door. I heard her crying in there and tried to talk to her. She told me that she just wanted to be alone for a while. She must have cried herself to sleep, because the next time I went in there, she was already out.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ponyboy's P.O.V. - the next day
It was a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon. The air was crisp and clear. The trees had just begun to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. Stephi, Johnny and I were hanging out on the front porch, jawin' about anything we could think of. The three of us felt comfortable together; it was about the only time Johnny and I spoke up much in front of anyone else. We were having a good time, and almost forgot that we were meeting the gang at the football game that afternoon.
We started walking towards the high school football field, laughing, horsing around, and having a good time, when Johnny decided Stephi should ride on his shoulders. Johnny bent over and Stephi climbed on, laughing the whole time. I took one look at the two of them, and had to laugh in spite of myself. "You know Johnny, you better put her down before Darry sees you. No telling what he'll do to you if he catches her up there."
"Oh Pony," Stephi exclaimed. "Come over here."
I walked up just in front of them. "What?"
She just laughed, leaned over, and gave me a kiss on the top of my head. She kissed the top of Johnny's head, too. "Darry has no right to tell me that I can or cannot ride on Johnny's shoulders. He is smothering me lately, and I really don't care what he would say right now." She paused, then pointed, "Hey, look. It's Soda and Steve."
We were in front of the school by now. Steve and Soda had gone over earlier, to play touch football with some friends of theirs on the empty lot next to the school. Their game had just broken up, and most of the guys were headed over to the high school game, which was about to start. Soda and Steve had seen us coming; they waited by the gate for us.
"Hey y'all," Stephi said. "Who won the game?"
A very haggard-looking Steve smiled, "We did. Steph, what are you doing up there?"
"Why walk when you can ride?" she laughed. "We're just goofin' around."
"You know," Soda replied, "Darry will put a hole in your head if you drop her, Johnny."
"Yeah," he said. "Pony said something too."
"Big whoop-de-dang-doo," Stephi said. "Darry just needs to calm his little old self down a couple of notches."
Everyone laughed, but Soda and I gave each other a knowing look. We all headed over to the bleachers to meet the rest of the gang, and found Darry standing by the steps, talking to an old friend from high school. He glanced over, saw Stephi, and immediately glared and began, "Johnny Cade, put her down this instant."
"Aw, Darry," Stephi began, but he cut her off, walking around behind her and helping her down.
"Put her down."
"Darry, you're no fun," she pouted. "We were just playing around."
"That's exactly how someone gets hurt," he retorted.
Stephi just scowled at him, grabbed Johnny's hand, and pulled him away, towards the bleachers. We all followed, exchanging glances, but with no one saying anything. We watched the game, and had a great time, although Stephi ignored Darry for the rest of the afternoon.
A/N - Thanks to all reviewers. Hopefully I didn't miss any of you, and if I did - I'm sorry!
Anonymous 1st reviewer - Yup, they have been totally overdone to death. Call it writer's block. After reading stories on this website for months on end (my puppy will testify to that) - I felt I had to share something back. This was easier because I wrote most of it years and years ago (way before the internet). The meat of my story happens after the familiar events of the book, and that's when Stephi loses it. The first several chapters just set her up for the eventual end. And yep - if you're going to read the next chapter, there is love. Pretty soon, he'll be out of the story, though, which, once again, is needed for future plot. I have to say; it was easier to make her the brunt of all my future plot twists, because she wasn't one of my beloved, original characters. I hope I didn't give anything away. Thanks for the first review.
Pony's Girl - Thanks - that was very nice of you. I hope you like the rest of it!
DallysGirl4Life - Me either. I like reading anything I can on this book. Thanks for the review.
Archive - Thanks for the spelling/grammar comment. I tried - it makes it much easier to read this way. Any bad grammar hopefully just comes as part of the greaser's dialect. I did the Mary Sue test already - she was pretty borderline. Especially after the next chapter! But, as I said in the comment to Anonymous above - the background is needed for later story. I couldn't bear to "hurt" any of the "real" Curtis siblings. I hope you keep reading. Don't worry, though - no copulating for her (not all the way, anyway - LOL).
Karlei - Thanks for the good review. I needed it today!
Amy - Thanks! And you're right - it is kinda icky. I hadn't thought about it that way. I think I was at a loss for words (happens more than I care to admit). I must been thinking about botox that day (
Summer - Thanks for the lovely review. You made my night.
Chapter 2
Soda's P.O.V.
I hated those dirty rotten Socs. Why do they have to go around hurtin' little kids? I know Pony's not a little kid anymore, but I can't help but think of him that way. He'll always be my baby brother, even though he's gonna be taller than me soon.
After chasing, but not catching the bastards, I headed back to Pony, Darry, and Steph to see what happened. Pony looked pretty shaken. He was pale and shaky, and I could tell he was trying not to cry. He's pretty tough when he wants to be. As I dropped down beside him, I noticed he had a cut on his neck that was bleeding.
"You got cut up a little, huh, Ponyboy?"
I don't think he had noticed it. I pulled out a handkerchief and held it up to his head to stop the bleeding. When I showed him the blood, he got a little bit paler than he already was. He was really fighting back the tears now. I looked over to Steph and noticed that even she was a little shaky. "Easy guys - they're gone. No one's gonna get hurt anymore."
I wondered why it had spooked Pony so much. Yeah, getting' jumped ain't no picnic, but he's never one to back down easily. He doesn't go looking for fights, but he's scrappy. I do think he wouldn't ever fight if he could help it, though.
Pony's quite the dreamer. I can't tell you how many times a day I find him lost in his thoughts. Either that or he has his nose stuck in a book. I don't know how he can stand to do that much reading. That would bore me to death. He's sure different from the rest of our gang. Pony has a chance to make it in this world. He's brainy and sometimes I think he really likes school. I still haven't figured that one out. Being a greaser really bugs him. He doesn't want to live in this neighborhood forever. I think he'll get out as soon as he finishes school. Hopefully, he'll go on to college. I know that would make Darry prouder than a peacock. Personally, I kinda like our neighborhood and I'm proud to be a greaser.
The rest of the gang came running back to the four of us. Dally, Two-Bit, Johnny, and my best friend - Steve. They all sat down with us and Dally pulled out a cigarette to pass around. I noticed that Johnny had taken the spot next to Stephi. Johnny was the gang's pet, everyone's kid brother. He and Stephi had started seeing each other a few months ago, and maybe that's partly why - she's the pet too. Ever since Stephi had helped take care of him after he got beat by the Socs, they had begun to see each other in a new light. Of course, both claimed it was nothing serious, but I could see otherwise. Darry, Pony, and I were not real happy about it at first, but I convinced them that dating Johnny was much better than dating some guy we didn't know so well, some guy that wouldn't treat her right. Darry still wasn't sure about their relationship. He didn't let them have much time alone - if they wanted to go to a movie, somehow he always got Pony to go with, or Two-Bit to drive them or something. Stephi was pretty open with me about her feelings for Johnny, although she threatened me with months of her dish duties if I even breathed one word about it to Darry.
Darry started picking on Ponyboy about walking home from the movie alone. I just can't stand it when he does that. He just so wants Pony to succeed, that he pushes and pushes and usually ends up pushing too far. Ponyboy doesn't see this - he just sees Darry picking on him and no one else. "Leave my kid brother alone, you hear. So he likes to go to the movies - it ain't his fault the Socs like to jump us. Carrying a blade just would have gotten him cut up even worse. And, didn't you tell him that you'd skin him if you did catch him carrying a blade to school? He went to the movie straight from school."
That got Darry to lay off. The guys started discussing plans for the next night. I had a double date with Sandy and Steve and his girlfriend, Evie, lined up. Boy, that Sandy - what a girl. I was truly happy with her. I had been dating Sandy for about a year. She stuck with me through Mom and Dad's death and the aftershock without ever batting an eye. I was planning on marrying her someday. I was also planning on telling her that tomorrow night. I was a little bit nervous about it, but I was also sure that she felt the same way.
Pony asked if he and Stephi could go to the Nightly Double with Dally that night. "I don't know," Darry said, looking at the two of them. "After what happened today."
"Come on Darry, it's not a school night, and you and Soda won't be home anyway," Stephi pleaded.
"Yeah, I guess so."
Later that same night.
I put Darry to sleep giving him a backrub. He needed it. He had been working some extra shifts lately, and wasn't getting enough sleep. I was sleepy myself, and decided to go to bed. Pony was still doing homework, so I hollered over to him to hurry up and shut the light off.
I took a peek in Stephi's room before going to our room. She was sleeping peacefully now, but she had had a rough evening. She was kind of shaken up about Pony being jumped, then she got into a big fight with Darry - that rarely happens. Darry had been chewing Ponyboy out for getting jumped. She overheard and tried to get Darry to understand that it wasn't his fault that he got jumped. He kept harping on Ponyboy, and Stephi finally went off on Darry for just about everything she could think of - always yelling at Pony, not letting her do anything, and treating her like a china doll that would break at any time. Then she ran into her bedroom and slammed the door. I heard her crying in there and tried to talk to her. She told me that she just wanted to be alone for a while. She must have cried herself to sleep, because the next time I went in there, she was already out.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ponyboy's P.O.V. - the next day
It was a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon. The air was crisp and clear. The trees had just begun to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. Stephi, Johnny and I were hanging out on the front porch, jawin' about anything we could think of. The three of us felt comfortable together; it was about the only time Johnny and I spoke up much in front of anyone else. We were having a good time, and almost forgot that we were meeting the gang at the football game that afternoon.
We started walking towards the high school football field, laughing, horsing around, and having a good time, when Johnny decided Stephi should ride on his shoulders. Johnny bent over and Stephi climbed on, laughing the whole time. I took one look at the two of them, and had to laugh in spite of myself. "You know Johnny, you better put her down before Darry sees you. No telling what he'll do to you if he catches her up there."
"Oh Pony," Stephi exclaimed. "Come over here."
I walked up just in front of them. "What?"
She just laughed, leaned over, and gave me a kiss on the top of my head. She kissed the top of Johnny's head, too. "Darry has no right to tell me that I can or cannot ride on Johnny's shoulders. He is smothering me lately, and I really don't care what he would say right now." She paused, then pointed, "Hey, look. It's Soda and Steve."
We were in front of the school by now. Steve and Soda had gone over earlier, to play touch football with some friends of theirs on the empty lot next to the school. Their game had just broken up, and most of the guys were headed over to the high school game, which was about to start. Soda and Steve had seen us coming; they waited by the gate for us.
"Hey y'all," Stephi said. "Who won the game?"
A very haggard-looking Steve smiled, "We did. Steph, what are you doing up there?"
"Why walk when you can ride?" she laughed. "We're just goofin' around."
"You know," Soda replied, "Darry will put a hole in your head if you drop her, Johnny."
"Yeah," he said. "Pony said something too."
"Big whoop-de-dang-doo," Stephi said. "Darry just needs to calm his little old self down a couple of notches."
Everyone laughed, but Soda and I gave each other a knowing look. We all headed over to the bleachers to meet the rest of the gang, and found Darry standing by the steps, talking to an old friend from high school. He glanced over, saw Stephi, and immediately glared and began, "Johnny Cade, put her down this instant."
"Aw, Darry," Stephi began, but he cut her off, walking around behind her and helping her down.
"Put her down."
"Darry, you're no fun," she pouted. "We were just playing around."
"That's exactly how someone gets hurt," he retorted.
Stephi just scowled at him, grabbed Johnny's hand, and pulled him away, towards the bleachers. We all followed, exchanging glances, but with no one saying anything. We watched the game, and had a great time, although Stephi ignored Darry for the rest of the afternoon.
A/N - Thanks to all reviewers. Hopefully I didn't miss any of you, and if I did - I'm sorry!
Anonymous 1st reviewer - Yup, they have been totally overdone to death. Call it writer's block. After reading stories on this website for months on end (my puppy will testify to that) - I felt I had to share something back. This was easier because I wrote most of it years and years ago (way before the internet). The meat of my story happens after the familiar events of the book, and that's when Stephi loses it. The first several chapters just set her up for the eventual end. And yep - if you're going to read the next chapter, there is love. Pretty soon, he'll be out of the story, though, which, once again, is needed for future plot. I have to say; it was easier to make her the brunt of all my future plot twists, because she wasn't one of my beloved, original characters. I hope I didn't give anything away. Thanks for the first review.
Pony's Girl - Thanks - that was very nice of you. I hope you like the rest of it!
DallysGirl4Life - Me either. I like reading anything I can on this book. Thanks for the review.
Archive - Thanks for the spelling/grammar comment. I tried - it makes it much easier to read this way. Any bad grammar hopefully just comes as part of the greaser's dialect. I did the Mary Sue test already - she was pretty borderline. Especially after the next chapter! But, as I said in the comment to Anonymous above - the background is needed for later story. I couldn't bear to "hurt" any of the "real" Curtis siblings. I hope you keep reading. Don't worry, though - no copulating for her (not all the way, anyway - LOL).
Karlei - Thanks for the good review. I needed it today!
Amy - Thanks! And you're right - it is kinda icky. I hadn't thought about it that way. I think I was at a loss for words (happens more than I care to admit). I must been thinking about botox that day (
Summer - Thanks for the lovely review. You made my night.