~~~~~~~~~~Author's note~~~~~~~~~~~
oOo thank ya'll so much for reviewing me ^-^ it's so nice of you!!! Erm.I'm sorry I don't update very often **bites lip guiltily** heehee Imma work harder now since it's summer vaca!!! Yay!!! Well Uhm I know some of you wanted to know if Two-bit and Steve would be joining the Curtis's soon and the answer is...**drum roll please..**
Eventually
eheh, I know, they're coming in a little later ^_- I promise! Ohohohoho, okie dokie get ready for another long chapter!! (well sorta.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pony's POV
It was dark when I entered the hospital with Darry.
"You know.Pony, you don't have to come see me." Dr. Brawning had her eyes closed. I let out a relieved sigh.. she looked okay.
Suddenly she switched off the radio that had been playing classical music. Her eyes shot open and she rose in bed with minor difficulty. Darry helped her sit up, supporting her gently.
Soundlessly she held out one shaking soft white hand, beckoning to me. I took it, held the cool palm to my cheek.
"You're mending, aren't you?" She asked suspiciously, her eyes roaming my face. I was taller than her when she was sitting down like that-all doll like- in that starched hospital bed.
I wanted to tell her I didn't know what she meant- but that would be a lie.
"The bad's gone now, ain't it? Pony.." I realized with horror that there were tears in her voice.
Her eyes were dry but I could feel warmth and pride radiate from her like a sun. Bright and strong.
She was sitting there, her heart crying with happiness for me and all I could do was watch her.
"Oh heavens Curtis. I know what you're thinking." The words were from Dr. B but her tone was gentle and soft, "My accident was what it was: an accident. Don't go blaming yourself and starting this crap all over again"
Did she already know me so well?
Darry was watching me, amusement written plainly on his features. He stared to frown but decided against it. Instead he smiled gently, hooking his thumbs in his pockets. I always knew Autumn brought out the best in my brother. I nodded slowly.
"We're friends, aren't we?" Autumn asked me, sweeping her thick coils of dark hair to the side.
I nodded again, looking down at my shoes. Laughter and impatience danced in Autumn's eyes. It was a funny combination. One I'm sure only she was capable of.
"Well if we're friends then, will you just come here?!" Dr. Brawning growled.
I looked quickly at Darry who shrugged and jerked his head in Dr. Brawning's direction.
What was she up to..?
She tugged at my hand which still held her's, "Don't make me ask you again."
That was enough to scare me into doing whatever she wanted me to so I went up close to her and waited for her to say something.
But she didn't say anything at all. Before I knew it I was locked in her arms. The warm scent of flowers enveloped me. She pressed her forehead to mine and whispered, "You did me proud today Ponyboy. Just go and see what you dream about now." Then she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me close.
I bent over her bed, boy, she really was a small lady when you got down to it. She felt awfully fragile as I whispered back, "Thanks Doc."
Autumn's POV
Ponyboy kissed my cheek and then my forehead. He thanked me and his brothers.then me again. It went on and on.
To my chargrin I lay back and well...fell plumb asleep. I'm sorry to say but I not as strong a used to be. And well I can only have sort stints of this mushiness before I just konk out.
Don't think I'm not an emotional person or anything because I am. Just not everyday.
Then, something happened. Not just any something either. My boyfriend came to visit me. Ok, I'm not saying that I was in love or anything...Tim Shephard is just my boyfriend.
That's right, Tim Shephard.
My eyes snapped open when I heard the door open and shut.
"Hey baby." I felt Tim peck me on the cheek. He smelled like hair grease and motorcycle oil.
"Don't" I turned my face away from him, "You know I don't like that."
Darry, Pony and Soda were absent from the room.
"What landed you in this dump?" He swaggered into the whitewashed room and spotted the flowers that the Curtis's had given me.
"You know right well" I glared at him.
He looked up at m, eyes glowing, "Don't you get all riled up now. There's alotta cameras out there that need to know certain stuff..And the way I see it is, I got sumthin worth tellin'. Like why you're layin there in that bed for instance."
Fear laced my pale features, "Tim, don't."
"I will." He smiled toothily at me, just to taunt me.
"Please. Not my secret. I'm already your girlfriend, what else do you want from me?" I demanded.
He silenced me with a pointed look at my body, covered only by a hospital gown. Instantly I felt naked and pulled the sheet over myself quickly.
"Think about it." The hood said, and was out the door. I ran my hands around the ivory white skin of my stomach then closed my eyes. I tried to mentally protect myself from the danger of Tim Shepherd.
That evening Darry drove me home, to his home, that is.
"Soda said he wanted to see you." Was his only explanation, "seems like he's up to something if you ask me."
I only grinned at him mischievously.
"I wanted to thank you, for what you did for Ponyboy. I don't think he would have ever forgiven himself if it wasn't for you." Darry took my hand and squeezed gently.
I smiled warmly at him, if only tim could've been like Darry: sweet, loving, kind. "It wasn't me." I told him, "I just gave you the cemetery idea. But Pony, he's a sensitive one.It's almost as if he was stronger than he looked, all along."
Darry laughed because he'd been thinking the same thing. Then we were at his house sitting in the drive way. It was quiet outside and the sun was slowly setting.
I felt my heart speed up, my palms began to sweat horribly- the way they did when I was nervous.
Darryl's rested lightly on my back and I laughed into the silence. But nothing was funny..except the awkward silence.
"Let's go in then." I cracked open my door but didn't get out.
"Wait, there's something I want to tell you, Autumn." The man sitting next to me beckoned.
"Hm..?" I asked, turning warily back to face him. His blue eyes were enchanting, drawing me in like a bee to honey.
"I.." He started. But it was if all reason had left him and suddenly he kissed me. On the lips.
For a few seconds, I kissed him back but it was wrong of me to lead him on that way. He was pure and beautifully sweet..and I wanted more...so much more. Captivating and dazzling were his eyes as they filled my vision, threatening to lift me- spirit, heart and soul- away from the earth.
But I didn't myself away. I'm not like a delicate flower that can be pulled lightly from the ground. I'm an oak- strong and firmly rooted to reality.
"This is wrong." I pulled away from Darry, "stop."
He backed off instantly apologizing, "I'm sorry, Autumn. I didn't mean-
"I know. It's...okay." I looked away from him, from his mouth, and climbed out of the car to meet Ponyboy Curtis.
I knew Darry would follow in time. What the hell is wrong with you, Autumn? One part of me growled angrily. He's in love with you and you care for Darry too!
But an image of Tim flashed in my mind, he knew my secret- I couldn't let all go, just like that. No, I would wait...if Darry truly had feelings for me he could wait.
Despite the strong inner monologue I was having me knees shook and I bit my tongue so that I couldn't feel the other pain in my body- So that I couldn't feel the many daggers in my heart.
Pony's POV
I jumped about 5 feet in the air when everyone jumped out at me. When you live in this part of town you don't trust many dark places. In fact, you don't trust much of anything. Which is probably why the only people I could count on were my friends.
"Happy Birthday!" Two-bit, Steve and Soda pounced on me, hollering like wild Indians and blowing those birthday horns at me. Through all the hands pounding and ruffling my hair I managed to make out two shapes in the background.
Autumn was leaning against Darry, smiling serenely and my brother was trying his best to pretend he didn't notice the sweet smell of her hair. Vaguely they reminded me of mom and dad- watching from a distance like that.
Two-bit shoved the cake Autumn had made at me, "You'll get a face full of it if you can't blow 'em all out." The slick talking greaser had a slight drawl in his voice and gestured at the 16 candles.
I grinned.
Darry ruffled my hair, "We made it, Ponyboy." And I smiled, we **had** made it.
"Howcome no one invited me to this party?" Tim Shepherd sauntered in without knocking.
Tim's visits weren't very often so I spun to look at Darry.
"Shepherd." Soda nodded at him, "What d'ya want?"
He looked confused and with a shake of his head he responded, "I'm here fr my broad."
Eyes swirled around to land on Autumn. The doctor was standing slightly in front of Darry. She looked meek and docile..even the sparks in here amber green eyes had faded dully.
"What?" I asked Tim, but he had his gaze focused on Autumn.
"She ain't yours." Darry lips were pressed together in a tight line and there was a dangerous edge to his voice.
"Ain't your's, neither." Tim sclowed at Darry his scarred face darkening.
"You're mine, now aren't you baby?" The hood stepped up to Autumn.
I sat down, puzzled. What would Autumn want to belong to a hood like Tim Shepherd.
She turned away from him as he triend to get his lips on her and I watched her hands tighten themselves around her waist. For once, She hadn't said a word. Tim's hands were wandering over her beautiful body, he chest, her back, her waist....lower.
"Stoppit." She kept her gaze down but anger and sadness echoed in her voice.
But Tim didn't stop, on went his mouth - hungry for her flesh.
The hood sucked on her neck and his voice was heavy with passion when he began, "Don't pretend Autu-
But Tim never finished his sentence. Darry just about knocked Shepherd's block off.
Why didn't Doctor B just push Tim away. She didn't belong to him. I turned away, disgusted.
"Stop!" Autumn's voice rang out while Soda, Steve and Two bit tried to pull the fighting greasers apart.
"Tim, Darry, Stop fighting dammit all!"
tim pushed Soda off him, anger flashing in his eyes. His lip was split and blood coursed from his nose.
Darry face was cold, unreadable and his eyes were two pieces of solid ice.
"Get over here!!" Tim yelled at Autumn so loud she jumped. For a second, the doctor looked at Darry, sorrow in her eyes, "I'm Sorry." she whispered. But she couldn't say any more. Tim grabbed her arms and hauled her from the house. And..the sad thing was.she let him do it. She let him!
Who was Doctor Autumn Brawning? Who was she * really *?
oOo thank ya'll so much for reviewing me ^-^ it's so nice of you!!! Erm.I'm sorry I don't update very often **bites lip guiltily** heehee Imma work harder now since it's summer vaca!!! Yay!!! Well Uhm I know some of you wanted to know if Two-bit and Steve would be joining the Curtis's soon and the answer is...**drum roll please..**
Eventually
eheh, I know, they're coming in a little later ^_- I promise! Ohohohoho, okie dokie get ready for another long chapter!! (well sorta.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pony's POV
It was dark when I entered the hospital with Darry.
"You know.Pony, you don't have to come see me." Dr. Brawning had her eyes closed. I let out a relieved sigh.. she looked okay.
Suddenly she switched off the radio that had been playing classical music. Her eyes shot open and she rose in bed with minor difficulty. Darry helped her sit up, supporting her gently.
Soundlessly she held out one shaking soft white hand, beckoning to me. I took it, held the cool palm to my cheek.
"You're mending, aren't you?" She asked suspiciously, her eyes roaming my face. I was taller than her when she was sitting down like that-all doll like- in that starched hospital bed.
I wanted to tell her I didn't know what she meant- but that would be a lie.
"The bad's gone now, ain't it? Pony.." I realized with horror that there were tears in her voice.
Her eyes were dry but I could feel warmth and pride radiate from her like a sun. Bright and strong.
She was sitting there, her heart crying with happiness for me and all I could do was watch her.
"Oh heavens Curtis. I know what you're thinking." The words were from Dr. B but her tone was gentle and soft, "My accident was what it was: an accident. Don't go blaming yourself and starting this crap all over again"
Did she already know me so well?
Darry was watching me, amusement written plainly on his features. He stared to frown but decided against it. Instead he smiled gently, hooking his thumbs in his pockets. I always knew Autumn brought out the best in my brother. I nodded slowly.
"We're friends, aren't we?" Autumn asked me, sweeping her thick coils of dark hair to the side.
I nodded again, looking down at my shoes. Laughter and impatience danced in Autumn's eyes. It was a funny combination. One I'm sure only she was capable of.
"Well if we're friends then, will you just come here?!" Dr. Brawning growled.
I looked quickly at Darry who shrugged and jerked his head in Dr. Brawning's direction.
What was she up to..?
She tugged at my hand which still held her's, "Don't make me ask you again."
That was enough to scare me into doing whatever she wanted me to so I went up close to her and waited for her to say something.
But she didn't say anything at all. Before I knew it I was locked in her arms. The warm scent of flowers enveloped me. She pressed her forehead to mine and whispered, "You did me proud today Ponyboy. Just go and see what you dream about now." Then she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me close.
I bent over her bed, boy, she really was a small lady when you got down to it. She felt awfully fragile as I whispered back, "Thanks Doc."
Autumn's POV
Ponyboy kissed my cheek and then my forehead. He thanked me and his brothers.then me again. It went on and on.
To my chargrin I lay back and well...fell plumb asleep. I'm sorry to say but I not as strong a used to be. And well I can only have sort stints of this mushiness before I just konk out.
Don't think I'm not an emotional person or anything because I am. Just not everyday.
Then, something happened. Not just any something either. My boyfriend came to visit me. Ok, I'm not saying that I was in love or anything...Tim Shephard is just my boyfriend.
That's right, Tim Shephard.
My eyes snapped open when I heard the door open and shut.
"Hey baby." I felt Tim peck me on the cheek. He smelled like hair grease and motorcycle oil.
"Don't" I turned my face away from him, "You know I don't like that."
Darry, Pony and Soda were absent from the room.
"What landed you in this dump?" He swaggered into the whitewashed room and spotted the flowers that the Curtis's had given me.
"You know right well" I glared at him.
He looked up at m, eyes glowing, "Don't you get all riled up now. There's alotta cameras out there that need to know certain stuff..And the way I see it is, I got sumthin worth tellin'. Like why you're layin there in that bed for instance."
Fear laced my pale features, "Tim, don't."
"I will." He smiled toothily at me, just to taunt me.
"Please. Not my secret. I'm already your girlfriend, what else do you want from me?" I demanded.
He silenced me with a pointed look at my body, covered only by a hospital gown. Instantly I felt naked and pulled the sheet over myself quickly.
"Think about it." The hood said, and was out the door. I ran my hands around the ivory white skin of my stomach then closed my eyes. I tried to mentally protect myself from the danger of Tim Shepherd.
That evening Darry drove me home, to his home, that is.
"Soda said he wanted to see you." Was his only explanation, "seems like he's up to something if you ask me."
I only grinned at him mischievously.
"I wanted to thank you, for what you did for Ponyboy. I don't think he would have ever forgiven himself if it wasn't for you." Darry took my hand and squeezed gently.
I smiled warmly at him, if only tim could've been like Darry: sweet, loving, kind. "It wasn't me." I told him, "I just gave you the cemetery idea. But Pony, he's a sensitive one.It's almost as if he was stronger than he looked, all along."
Darry laughed because he'd been thinking the same thing. Then we were at his house sitting in the drive way. It was quiet outside and the sun was slowly setting.
I felt my heart speed up, my palms began to sweat horribly- the way they did when I was nervous.
Darryl's rested lightly on my back and I laughed into the silence. But nothing was funny..except the awkward silence.
"Let's go in then." I cracked open my door but didn't get out.
"Wait, there's something I want to tell you, Autumn." The man sitting next to me beckoned.
"Hm..?" I asked, turning warily back to face him. His blue eyes were enchanting, drawing me in like a bee to honey.
"I.." He started. But it was if all reason had left him and suddenly he kissed me. On the lips.
For a few seconds, I kissed him back but it was wrong of me to lead him on that way. He was pure and beautifully sweet..and I wanted more...so much more. Captivating and dazzling were his eyes as they filled my vision, threatening to lift me- spirit, heart and soul- away from the earth.
But I didn't myself away. I'm not like a delicate flower that can be pulled lightly from the ground. I'm an oak- strong and firmly rooted to reality.
"This is wrong." I pulled away from Darry, "stop."
He backed off instantly apologizing, "I'm sorry, Autumn. I didn't mean-
"I know. It's...okay." I looked away from him, from his mouth, and climbed out of the car to meet Ponyboy Curtis.
I knew Darry would follow in time. What the hell is wrong with you, Autumn? One part of me growled angrily. He's in love with you and you care for Darry too!
But an image of Tim flashed in my mind, he knew my secret- I couldn't let all go, just like that. No, I would wait...if Darry truly had feelings for me he could wait.
Despite the strong inner monologue I was having me knees shook and I bit my tongue so that I couldn't feel the other pain in my body- So that I couldn't feel the many daggers in my heart.
Pony's POV
I jumped about 5 feet in the air when everyone jumped out at me. When you live in this part of town you don't trust many dark places. In fact, you don't trust much of anything. Which is probably why the only people I could count on were my friends.
"Happy Birthday!" Two-bit, Steve and Soda pounced on me, hollering like wild Indians and blowing those birthday horns at me. Through all the hands pounding and ruffling my hair I managed to make out two shapes in the background.
Autumn was leaning against Darry, smiling serenely and my brother was trying his best to pretend he didn't notice the sweet smell of her hair. Vaguely they reminded me of mom and dad- watching from a distance like that.
Two-bit shoved the cake Autumn had made at me, "You'll get a face full of it if you can't blow 'em all out." The slick talking greaser had a slight drawl in his voice and gestured at the 16 candles.
I grinned.
Darry ruffled my hair, "We made it, Ponyboy." And I smiled, we **had** made it.
"Howcome no one invited me to this party?" Tim Shepherd sauntered in without knocking.
Tim's visits weren't very often so I spun to look at Darry.
"Shepherd." Soda nodded at him, "What d'ya want?"
He looked confused and with a shake of his head he responded, "I'm here fr my broad."
Eyes swirled around to land on Autumn. The doctor was standing slightly in front of Darry. She looked meek and docile..even the sparks in here amber green eyes had faded dully.
"What?" I asked Tim, but he had his gaze focused on Autumn.
"She ain't yours." Darry lips were pressed together in a tight line and there was a dangerous edge to his voice.
"Ain't your's, neither." Tim sclowed at Darry his scarred face darkening.
"You're mine, now aren't you baby?" The hood stepped up to Autumn.
I sat down, puzzled. What would Autumn want to belong to a hood like Tim Shepherd.
She turned away from him as he triend to get his lips on her and I watched her hands tighten themselves around her waist. For once, She hadn't said a word. Tim's hands were wandering over her beautiful body, he chest, her back, her waist....lower.
"Stoppit." She kept her gaze down but anger and sadness echoed in her voice.
But Tim didn't stop, on went his mouth - hungry for her flesh.
The hood sucked on her neck and his voice was heavy with passion when he began, "Don't pretend Autu-
But Tim never finished his sentence. Darry just about knocked Shepherd's block off.
Why didn't Doctor B just push Tim away. She didn't belong to him. I turned away, disgusted.
"Stop!" Autumn's voice rang out while Soda, Steve and Two bit tried to pull the fighting greasers apart.
"Tim, Darry, Stop fighting dammit all!"
tim pushed Soda off him, anger flashing in his eyes. His lip was split and blood coursed from his nose.
Darry face was cold, unreadable and his eyes were two pieces of solid ice.
"Get over here!!" Tim yelled at Autumn so loud she jumped. For a second, the doctor looked at Darry, sorrow in her eyes, "I'm Sorry." she whispered. But she couldn't say any more. Tim grabbed her arms and hauled her from the house. And..the sad thing was.she let him do it. She let him!
Who was Doctor Autumn Brawning? Who was she * really *?