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Chapter 6
(Skye's POV)
Where was the damn front door?
There had to be a door somewhere around here. I mean, I know I came in one, and everyone else too, but it was nowhere to be seen. Then again it doesn't help that I'm a little on the short side and can't see over very many people's heads. Everything is going against me tonight. I'm serious. If only you knew what was going on.
I pushed the kitchen door open to go in the living room. Of all places it was most logical. Did I even know what that meant? Oh well, I at least knew it was a good place to look.
Looking over everyone's heads, and glancing behind me to make sure he wasn't following me, I managed to spot someone I actually knew. It was a relief to see a familiar face that I knew wouldn't judge me if I asked him for a ride home so early in the night. Anyone else would laugh me off and ask what I was smoking these days.
I walked in what would be a casual manner to the far corner of the room where he was at. In reality I was practically running. It was sort of creeping me out to be there, but I didn't want to look stupid. "Dallas!" I called over the music as I reached him. "Yo, Dallas. Let's go."
"Hmm?" He turned around to see who was talking to him. "Oh, hi, Skye. Whatcha doing here?"
"Um..Duh. It's a party, stupid," I said as obviously as possible. What else would I be doing here - that he would know of. "Hey, let's get out of here, okay?"
"Uh, I don't think so. I just got here, and I ain't leaving. I've got business to take care of."
I stared at him blankly. "Dally, who ever she is, if she really wants you she can wait like fifteen minutes, 'kay? I need to go home, now." He should learn to listen to me every once in awhile. Maybe that way he'd be clued in on more things.
"Whhhhy?"
"Because, I want to leave. You got a car right?"
"Psh. No. Not unless I go steal one I ain't." He looked thoroughly confused and I sort of felt bad. But not too much because right then I was feeling more self pity for myself.
"C'mon, Dal. Be a bud. Walk me home."
He nearly started to laugh at this point. It was clear he thought I had lost my mind. "I guess I could. I didn't think you felt that way. And man, I'm a little too old for you, sweetheart."
I backhanded his arm at that. This wasn't any joking matter. Couldn't he tell?
"Fine! Is it really that important?"
I gave him the look. You know, the look. If he had to ask that, shouldn't it have been obvious that it was? "Dally..please?"
He looked between me and his smoking buds and thought for a moment. Man, I swear all of them were smoking like two inch cigars or something. I've never seen that much smoke come from one cigarette before. It was actually kind of gross. Finally he it looked as though he had come to a concussion of some kind and turned around, motioning for me to come around to his other side. I did it quickly, just to get things moving faster.
"Who is it?"
"What?"
"Whose the kid that's bothering you?"
"Dally, I never said anyone was bothering me. Do you think I'd leave over one lousy person?"
".Yes?"
He got the look again. What? It's not like I could say it out loud or anything. I had a rep to keep. Besides, I didn't want to look a like immature little kid in front of his friends. That blond guy was kind of cute.
"Okay, but wait a minute. I'm not done here," he said at last. It was about time, too. I don't think I could've stood it any longer. His stupidity I mean. So I stood next to him while he talked to his friends and I tried to remain calm and look like I belong standing there with them. Hey, I can hang out with an older crowd. I do it all the time, right? I mean, I sort of do. Well, they weren't always older.and they aren't . well. just any ordinary people..oh, never mind.
I was bouncing up and down on the balls of my feet impatiently for what felt like forever. I knew it was probably only ten minutes or so, but it felt much longer. I knew without a doubt that nothing would happen if he was with me, so I felt better, but not enough. It was really quite unnerving being in the same house with people like the ones I was avoiding. Or trying to anyway.
There he was, on the other side of the room staring at me like he was pissed off. Yeah, well so was I.. Okay, so I was more scared then mad, but anger was definitely in me that night.
"Dally," I whispered very, very quietly, while linking both my arms around his forearm. Apparently he wasn't expecting me to be so jumpy. I told him I wanted to go. He shouldn't be surprised at a time like this.
I could feel him glance down at me, although I never took my eyes off the predator across the room. I knew Dally thought I was insane, but frankly, I didn't give a damn. Stupid Pony and his movies. I could tell he was hesitant about what he was going to say next, but he knew it was urgent enough to me to make a bee line out of there.
"Hey, man. I'll see you later. I gotta get going."
"Dallas, what's the big hurry? You ain't got nothin' better to do than to be here and you know, Cindy's looking pretty hot over there."
"I know." Was all he said and then we left.
`~``~``~`~``~``~`
(Darry's POV)
Pony and Skye were late. They were both missing curfew again. It wasn't surprising that Skye was late, but Pony usually came home on time, at least on school nights. Lucky me, I didn't have much time to worry over it.
I sat crouched in the bathroom behind Reesa. She had been sick in there for a while before I finally came in to check on her. She didn't want me there, but I wasn't going to leave her alone, not after what happened that morning. Every time I left her alone something seemed to happen.
Reesa had finally stopped throwing up, and she leaned back against me. She didn't seem to care that I was there anymore, instead she acted like it was a blessing to have me there. She breathed deep, closing her eyes in relief.
I brushed her hair out of her face, pulling her head back so I could see her face. She groaned a bit as she tried to pull away and sit up. But she was still shaking slightly, and when I pulled her back, she relaxed again.
"Give it a few minutes." I said.
I heard the door open, and called out, "Pony? That you?"
"Nope, its me.and Skye."
"Oh. Rees, I'm gonna go. You okay?"
"Yup." She said, moving to lean on the wall instead of me.
I walked out into the living room to find Skye and Dal on the couch.
"What's up? You two just happen to walk in at the same time or something?"
"Yup." Skye replied in a bored tone.
"Sure, whatever. Uh, you look tired Skye, go to bed.
She stood up casually like she didn't care either way about anything and walked into her room, shutting the door quietly after her.
What is this? Every night she comes home.in a very different mood. Last night she was punching her sister, and now she agrees to go to bed. Weird.
I looked at Dally, "So, where was she?"
"With me."
"And where were you?"
"At a party."
"At Buck's?"
"Nope."
"Good. Uh, was the party bad or something?"
"It could have been good."
"So why'd you leave?"
"It wasn't willingly on my part, I was kind of forced to leave."
"By who?"
"Skye."
"Why?"
"I don't know, she just wanted to leave and she couldn't walk home by her lonesome, so here I am."
"Oh, well.Thanks."
"Sure." He shrugged his shoulders, "I think I'm gonna crash here tonight."
"Go ahead. I ain't gonna get no sleep."
He got up and walked into my room, leaving the light off and closing the door.
I went back in with Reesa, just to make sure everything was alright. Then I went and sat in the front room, waiting now for Pony. He had better get home soon, I thought.
The next thing I knew, I heard the door slam and then Steve's voice rang through the house as the guys walked in. Steve, Soda, and Two-Bit had left earlier to go catch some girls or something. I was surprised they were back, I thought I wouldn't see them until tomorrow.
As I looked up, I saw that Soda wasn't with them. Weird.
"Where's Soda?"
"Uh, not here.Hey, we been lookin for ya, Darry."
"Well, I've been here the whole time."
"Ya, we know."
".Alright. What you want?"
"Uh...well, we don't really want anything. Its just.um, we have, we.uh, we have news for ya." Steve finally got out.
"What?"
"Well, you see.we were in the liquor store, and we usually don't go there cause you cant get nothing good, but anyway we were there, cause we were and.and we saw something, really, really disturbing. I mean, it was just, um.yeah. So, um.we were there, right? And these kids walk in and - " Two- Bit babbled on.
"What are you getting at? Spit it out." I said a little impatiently.
"So these kids walk in and -"
"Two-Bit! What?"
"Pony was with 'em and, he kinda.a, Steve you want to take it from here?"
"Nope. You started this and I'm stayin out of it." Steve backed up a little, holding his hands up as he said it.
"Well, ah.okay. So Pony was with 'em and, but we left after that."
"And you came here to tell me that Pony was at a liquor store? What's your point, he's been before I'm sure. What's your point?"
"Well. We didn't exactly leave after we first saw him, we were hanging in the parking lot, talking to some hoods, when the.a, well, the - Steve, why do I have to tell him?"
"'Cause. I told you when we were coming over here that I wasn't goin to tell him. I don't want my ass getting kicked and dried out on the line tonight."
Two-Bit looked down, playing with his hands.
I looked from Two-Bit to Steve and back, "What is going to get me so upset that I would kill you? What's going on?!?"
"Well, the fuzz came and, uh, and took Pony." Two-Bit finished the last three words so fast that I almost didn't make them out.
"What?"
"You heard me." he cleared his throat.
"Huh? What did you say?" I heard Reesa stumble out of the bathroom, asking what was going on in a half daze. It was going to be a long night.
"Nothing, Reesa." I said.
Pony was arrested? What the hell?
"So, where's Soda again?"
"He went down to the station." Steve lined off smoothly, "Rees? Holy shit."
I guess he saw how bad she looked, that's what I thought when I first went into the bathroom to. I guess that's why I didn't dare leave. I hoped she looked worse than she really was.
It was silent for a few seconds. I needed to go down there, to bail Pony. Hopefully the charges would be dropped. Yeah, right.
I went into my room, switching on the light and finding a shirt to change into. I had almost forgotten that Dal was in there, but frankly I didn't care. I called from my room, "Hey, Steve?"
"Yeah?"
He came to the door, poking his head in.
"Hey, you got to go anywhere?"
"Uh.nope."
"Good, stay here with Rees. Just.don't leave until I get home again, 'kay?"
"Yup. Sure thing, Darry."
I walked out of my room, grabbing my keys and wallet off the end table in the front room, and snatching my jacket off the coat hanger.
As I pulled on my jacket I heard, "Darry? Darry, where ya goin?"
It was Reesa, her voice almost pleading me not to go.
"I'm going to get Pony is all." I said flatly.
But as I walked out the door, I heard Reesa say, "Darry. Darry, but.I don't feel good. You cant, I.Darry."
She was freakin me out now. I thought she didn't need my help, but apparently things had changed. The thing that worried me was that when she got that tone, it meant she was sick, real sick.
I turned around, walking back into the house, I had to offer her something at this point. I went over to her, she was leaning against the wall in the hallway facing me. I placed my hand on her shoulder, and she looked up. "Baby, I know you don't feel good, but I'm sorry, I gotta go. This is very important. Okay? I don't have time to explain, but Steve will. He's gonna stay with you. I'll be back in a while. Alright?"
Her eyes were glassy and her cheeks red with fever. She was probably dellerious, again. I guess her fever went back up.
"Uh-hum." Reesa finally got out.
"Okay, bye."
I turned around, again walking out the door, and letting the screen slam shut behind me. I was almost to the truck when I heard the door open and the slam closed. I looked up at the porch, seeing Two-Bit running towards me.
"Wait up."
"What now?" I asked a little impatiently.
"I'm coming."
"No you ain't. We don't need the whole frickin family and neighborhood down there. It'll be hard enough as it is to get them to release him to me, let alone with you there."
By this time, I was in the truck, and had turned the engine over so it was running. I tried to get out of the drive before Two-Bit made it in, but was unsuccessful. He jumped in, and I couldn't do a thing after that. What? Was I supposed to push him out while driving? Shit. It was going to be a long night.
`~``~``~`~``~``~`
(Reesa's POV)
Darry left, leaving me standing there, my legs shaking under me. I let myself slide down the wall, so I was scrunched on the floor. I didn't have the energy or care to keep myself standing. Why did he have to leave? I wondered this in a half daze, not paying attention to anything, just staring straight ahead.
"Reesa?"
I heard it, but I didn't pay attention, I didn't care. It seemed far off to me anyway, so it was easy to ignore. That is until a hand flashed in front of my eyes and somehow ended up on my forehead.
"Rees? Girlie, c'mon, talk to me."
Steve? Oh, yeah Darry said he was staying. Where did Darry go again? I couldn't keep anything straight in my head, and the world was so far away. Nothing mattered.
The hand moved to my cheek, then back to my forehead. What the heck? Then another hand came up on the other side.
"Rees."
I tried to look around to find Steve in my vision, but I didn't feel like I had moved any. I felt so weird, bad almost, but different. I was there, but my vision filled in and out with black spots, and I felt.weird. I had never felt like that before. Okay, so before that day.
I finally saw his face, but it startled me because I didn't have to move my head or anything to see him, he was just suddenly there.
"Steve?" I got out.
"Yeah, you okay?"
"I'm cold."
"Alright, c'mere."
Steve pulled me up and I clung to him as my legs tried to give out on me and my head spun uncontrolably. Oh, I hated that. I hated having to need the help, I hated the feeling, the weakness.
"Whoa."
We paused a second as I tried to get control again, not that I had had it any time during that day.
"Lets go."
Steve half dragged, half led me over to the sofa. He laid me down, and went to get a blanket.
I was shivering like nothing else, it was so cold. How did it get so cold? Steve came over, putting the blanket over me. I curled up in it like it was a cacoon. It felt so good, but I was still cold.
"Steve?"
"Yeah?"
"More."
"Huh?"
"Cold."
"Your still cold?"
"Uh-huh."
He looked at me kinda weird, but went to get another blanket. A few minutes after that, I was real warm, although nothing else had really improved.
"Better, girlie?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah." I said looking up to Steve. He was sitting on the arm of the sofa at the top of my head. I didn't understand why he was there and not on the chair on the other side of the room, it was more comfortable, but whatever made him happy.
He laughed at my reaction, rubbing my back in a few circles.
I sat for a few minutes and then remembered Darry and Soda.
"Hey, Steve. Where'd everyone go?"
"Oh, yeah, that. Well, Darry went to get Pony is all, hopefully he wont be gone long."
"Pony?"
"Yup. He got into a little trouble."
"Oh. Soda?"
"He's with Darry. Don't worry. Everything's fine." He sighed, letting his head rest back on the wall.
"Aren't you cold?" I asked a little confused. If I was so cold, why wasn't he?
"Nope."
"Why am I?"
"'Cause your sick. You've got a fever, girlie."
"Oh." My eyes started to fall closed. I wanted to stay awake, but I couldn't keep them open anymore.
`~``~``~`~``~``~`
(Soda's POV)
The ride home was silent. You could have heard a pin in the cab of that truck had it not been for the engine rumbling. I wasn't about to break the silence. I knew Darry was upset. He knew that Pony didn't really do it, but Darry was still mad. If nothing else, he had had a hell of a day, with Reesa and now Pony. Not to mention financial crap. I knew nothing about it, I just gave my money to Darry and he took care of it, but I knew he would worry over it.
"Darry? Listen, I di-"
"Pony, shut it."
"But-"
"I know! Just be quiet."
It fell silent again. Darry was trying real hard to not start yelling. He was mad, but he knew yelling at Pony wouldn't do any good. It was something he had learned after Pony ran away last year. He had hit Pony when he came home real late one night. Pony said that he fell asleep in the lot with Johnny, and Darry freaked. He left that night and didn't come back for a week. That was a little extreme, but we all learned something. At least nothing else came of it, the police hadn't gotten involved. Dally said he was fine, and we had to listen because we couldn't call the police, so we trusted him.
"Really, Dar-"
"Pony. I already told you, I believe what you said. Just shut the hell up. I'm not in the mood."
Pony looked out the window, avoiding any gaze that might come. I was sitting in the middle of Darry and Pony, separating them. I knew that Darry wouldn't do anything irrational, but this was still better. I mean, he had picked me up at the station a few years ago. It was a long time ago, after mom and dad died and things were tight. He was real pissed, but he handled it better than I thought he might.
We reached the house, pulling in to the drive while Two-Bit jumped out the back. He seemed to think the show was over because he went into the house pretty fast. Then again, maybe he was just hungry, no one ever knew with Two-Bit.
Darry turned off the car and slowly got out. Pony didn't seem like he wanted to move, I guess he didn't know what to do.
"Hey, Pony. Lets go." I said, nudging him.
He opened the door, sliding out off the seat nonchalntly. I couldn't blame him, I wouldn't be to excited about anything if I were in his shoes at the time, who would be? I slid out after him, shutting the truck door with a loud reverbirating noise.
I followed Pony over to the side walk, putting my hand on his shoulder. He glanced back at me, but broke the connection as he walked a little quick towards Darry.
"Darry?-"
"Pon-"
"No! Just here me out, will ya? Then I'll be done, just hear me out."
Darry turned, clamping his jaw but he didn't say anything to protest.
"I'm real sorry. I didn't do it, I was just standing there and.anyway, I learned my lesson. Can we let it go now?"
"Let it go? Pony.do you know how much money I have spent today alone? Pony, what happened? Huh? You just decided that going into a liquor store with Curly was okay? That he actually had the money to be in there? Did it not cross your mind that he would steel the goods? I mean, c'mon, Pony, you were asking to be arrested." This whole time, Darry was yelling, I swear he woke the whole neighborhood. He had finally burst. I knew he couldn't hold it for forever, especially if Pony kept bringing it up. Maybe Pony needed to be yelled at to feel better, maybe he would rather be yelled at then deal with the silence. I know, I hated the silence.
"Darry, I said I was sorry. I know it was stupid, and it wont happen again. I don't know what I was thinking, I just."
"Pony, you were drinking, then you go into a liquor store with Curly of all people, and you thought that that wouldn't get you into trouble? Pony, you were drunk. That is all there is to it. Now you know what being drunk means, that's why I don't want you drinking. Just.get in the house and go to bed." Now Darry's voice was even, almost calm. He was still angry and his tone told that to us, but he was trying to get a point across. You know if he goes from yelling to talking that quick, that he means what he says.
Pony looked to the ground and walked into the house silently. He knew that the conversation was over, at least for that night. I stood outside in the night air with Darry. I didn't want to push it, but we had to talk. Pony couldn't have Darry mad at him for a long time, it would be bad. He would go back to thinking the way he thought before he ran away with Johnny. We couldn't do that again.
"Darry.you okay?"
"Yeah." He said with a sigh, "I just don't know where he comes off doing this. What did I do wrong? He's smarter than that, he knows what Curly does. I don't know."
I stood there silently trying to search for an answer I didn't have. I don't know squat about taking care of teens, hell, I am one.
"Do.do you think he's looking for attention? I mean, I never thought it from him, but Rees went through that, and Skye is now. Is he?"
The last part seemed to be almost to himself, but I knew he wanted my answer to that question.
"I don't know Darry. Maybe its just that between Rees being sick the last few days and Skye being all over the place all the time, maybe Pony just needed to get away from it all. I used to go get drunk just to get away. I learned it didn't do no good, but that was something I had to learn on my own. Ya know? Wait and see, don't jump on him yet. Alright?"
"Yeah, but if he tells you anything I need to know, you had better tell me. Ya hear?"
"Sure thing."
I started walking up to the house, know full well that Darry would come when he was ready. He probably wanted a little time alone. But to my surprise, he fell into step behind me and followed me straight into the house.
In the front room, Two-Bit sat chowing down on the last of the chocolate cake. Okay, more like the entire cake. Anyway, other than the sound of Two- Bit chomping away, the house was quiet when we walked in. It was real odd, but I guess everyone went to bed. Pony was in the bathroom, cause the door was cracked open, the light was on, and the water was running.
I went and plopped down in the big chair. I was facing Darry now, not that that had been my intention, and Darry's face looked almost worried. I thought we were over that. Guess not.
"Steve?" Darry yelled through the house.
"Darry?.Darry, c'mere." He sounded a little worried to. I didn't know why, but, okay.
Darry walked into the bathroom, letting the door open all the way this time. I looked in to see a body slumped on the floor, and Steve half holding the body tiredly. He seemed to be a little relieved that Darry was there now.
Darry crouched to the floor and reached his hand out, "How long.?"
"A.awhile."
Darry looked up to Steve. When I saw this, I went over to the door way. What was going on? Then I saw it. No wonder Steve sounded worried.
"It was only a little after you left, twenty minutes or so?"
"So an hour and a half?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
Darry reached forward, touching Rees's forehead for the thousandth time that day. He didn't react to it much, but I could tell she was hot.
"Reesa?"
"Uh." Reesa's eyes started darting around, but she didn't seem to see much.
"I didn't know what to do. I tried to put a cold rag on her forehead, but she kept taking it off." Steve voiced softly.
"Its okay, Steve." Darry said, not looking away from Rees, "Did you check her fever?"
"I couldn't find the ther--thing." He said. I stiffled a laugh and I saw the muscles on the side of Darry's face relax a little.
"Soda?"
"You want it?"
"Yeah."
I left the bathroom, going into Rees's room to find the thermometer. Darry would probably have it in there because he only went in every twenty minutes that afternoon to check on her.
I walked into the dark room, not wanting to wake Skye. She gets real mad if you do, so I left the light off, and the door open. My foot hit.something in there, and I tumbled to the floor, trying to not let off some curses. Freak! Their room was a war zone.
"What happened?" Steve called.
"Nothing." I called back, hoping it wouldn't wake Skye. Then I got up and fumbled through the darkness over to the bed side table. Feeling around, I finally found the stupid thermometer.
I came back out and shut the door quietly but quickly. She hadn't woken yet, and I didn't want her to anytime soon.
I stepped back into the doorway of the bathroom, and handed Darry the thermometer. He took it, and tried to give it to Reesa. She didn't like it much; she tossed her head back and forth and tried to move her arms to get Darry out of her face.
"No, Darry. No.not that.no." she kept repeating. He reached forward, gently but firmly gripping her chin, and stuck the thing into her mouth.
"Calm down. It'll only take a few seconds."
She stopped fighting so much, but she really didn't like it.
Finally Darry took it out of her mouth, looking at the reading. I couldn't see it or his face from where I was at, so I didn't know what it was. Darry reached up and dropped the thermometer into the sink.
He leaned forward more, and took hold of Reesa, pulling her to him. She mumbled a little, but once he had her closer to him, she relaxed. He pulled her up so she was mostly resting on his torso area. Then he leaned back, letting her rest there for a minute.
I moved to the other side of Darry so I was facing him, that way he could get her out of there easier. She was pale again, and she had brought her body up enough to look like she was curled in an unraveling ball. She gripped his shirt in her fists, her head looking downwards. She lifted it a little, and Darry put is arm around her shoulders.
"Your okay, babe." He said, looking down to her slightly.
"Darry?" Again, this voice was almost foreign to me. It was to weak to be Rees. "Darry, I don't feel to good."
"I know, honey. Are you ready to go out into the front room?"
She tried to sit up, I guess to stand, but didn't make it far. Darry laughed at her a little, "Whoa, wait up. Let me help you, okay?"
Darry basically picked her up by her torso as she tried to get her footing under her. Yeah, that didn't work to well, but he did manage to get her a few steps out of the bathroom before she completely gave out.
"Two-Bit, move."
Two-Bit didn't blink an eye, he just scooted to the floor and got out of Darry's way.
Darry picked Reesa up all the way this time and took her over to the sofa, laying her down. He had expected her to pass out, but he had to give her the satisfaction first.
"Steve?"
Steve came out of the bathroom, and looked at Darry.
"Go get some ice or something. Soda, go make sure Pony's alright. 'kay?"
"Yup."
I went into my room and saw Pony out on our bed. He had at least gotten his clothes off, except his briefs and he was conked out. I laughed, another sight I will always love to see.
I walked back out into the front room to see Darry sitting tiredly by Reesa. She was out cold, but I guessed that was better at that point.
"Darry, everything okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. I knew it would be a long night."
"Can I do anything?"
"Go to bed, Soda. You got to go to work tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah." I walked into my room, closing the door behind me.
Chapter 6
(Skye's POV)
Where was the damn front door?
There had to be a door somewhere around here. I mean, I know I came in one, and everyone else too, but it was nowhere to be seen. Then again it doesn't help that I'm a little on the short side and can't see over very many people's heads. Everything is going against me tonight. I'm serious. If only you knew what was going on.
I pushed the kitchen door open to go in the living room. Of all places it was most logical. Did I even know what that meant? Oh well, I at least knew it was a good place to look.
Looking over everyone's heads, and glancing behind me to make sure he wasn't following me, I managed to spot someone I actually knew. It was a relief to see a familiar face that I knew wouldn't judge me if I asked him for a ride home so early in the night. Anyone else would laugh me off and ask what I was smoking these days.
I walked in what would be a casual manner to the far corner of the room where he was at. In reality I was practically running. It was sort of creeping me out to be there, but I didn't want to look stupid. "Dallas!" I called over the music as I reached him. "Yo, Dallas. Let's go."
"Hmm?" He turned around to see who was talking to him. "Oh, hi, Skye. Whatcha doing here?"
"Um..Duh. It's a party, stupid," I said as obviously as possible. What else would I be doing here - that he would know of. "Hey, let's get out of here, okay?"
"Uh, I don't think so. I just got here, and I ain't leaving. I've got business to take care of."
I stared at him blankly. "Dally, who ever she is, if she really wants you she can wait like fifteen minutes, 'kay? I need to go home, now." He should learn to listen to me every once in awhile. Maybe that way he'd be clued in on more things.
"Whhhhy?"
"Because, I want to leave. You got a car right?"
"Psh. No. Not unless I go steal one I ain't." He looked thoroughly confused and I sort of felt bad. But not too much because right then I was feeling more self pity for myself.
"C'mon, Dal. Be a bud. Walk me home."
He nearly started to laugh at this point. It was clear he thought I had lost my mind. "I guess I could. I didn't think you felt that way. And man, I'm a little too old for you, sweetheart."
I backhanded his arm at that. This wasn't any joking matter. Couldn't he tell?
"Fine! Is it really that important?"
I gave him the look. You know, the look. If he had to ask that, shouldn't it have been obvious that it was? "Dally..please?"
He looked between me and his smoking buds and thought for a moment. Man, I swear all of them were smoking like two inch cigars or something. I've never seen that much smoke come from one cigarette before. It was actually kind of gross. Finally he it looked as though he had come to a concussion of some kind and turned around, motioning for me to come around to his other side. I did it quickly, just to get things moving faster.
"Who is it?"
"What?"
"Whose the kid that's bothering you?"
"Dally, I never said anyone was bothering me. Do you think I'd leave over one lousy person?"
".Yes?"
He got the look again. What? It's not like I could say it out loud or anything. I had a rep to keep. Besides, I didn't want to look a like immature little kid in front of his friends. That blond guy was kind of cute.
"Okay, but wait a minute. I'm not done here," he said at last. It was about time, too. I don't think I could've stood it any longer. His stupidity I mean. So I stood next to him while he talked to his friends and I tried to remain calm and look like I belong standing there with them. Hey, I can hang out with an older crowd. I do it all the time, right? I mean, I sort of do. Well, they weren't always older.and they aren't . well. just any ordinary people..oh, never mind.
I was bouncing up and down on the balls of my feet impatiently for what felt like forever. I knew it was probably only ten minutes or so, but it felt much longer. I knew without a doubt that nothing would happen if he was with me, so I felt better, but not enough. It was really quite unnerving being in the same house with people like the ones I was avoiding. Or trying to anyway.
There he was, on the other side of the room staring at me like he was pissed off. Yeah, well so was I.. Okay, so I was more scared then mad, but anger was definitely in me that night.
"Dally," I whispered very, very quietly, while linking both my arms around his forearm. Apparently he wasn't expecting me to be so jumpy. I told him I wanted to go. He shouldn't be surprised at a time like this.
I could feel him glance down at me, although I never took my eyes off the predator across the room. I knew Dally thought I was insane, but frankly, I didn't give a damn. Stupid Pony and his movies. I could tell he was hesitant about what he was going to say next, but he knew it was urgent enough to me to make a bee line out of there.
"Hey, man. I'll see you later. I gotta get going."
"Dallas, what's the big hurry? You ain't got nothin' better to do than to be here and you know, Cindy's looking pretty hot over there."
"I know." Was all he said and then we left.
`~``~``~`~``~``~`
(Darry's POV)
Pony and Skye were late. They were both missing curfew again. It wasn't surprising that Skye was late, but Pony usually came home on time, at least on school nights. Lucky me, I didn't have much time to worry over it.
I sat crouched in the bathroom behind Reesa. She had been sick in there for a while before I finally came in to check on her. She didn't want me there, but I wasn't going to leave her alone, not after what happened that morning. Every time I left her alone something seemed to happen.
Reesa had finally stopped throwing up, and she leaned back against me. She didn't seem to care that I was there anymore, instead she acted like it was a blessing to have me there. She breathed deep, closing her eyes in relief.
I brushed her hair out of her face, pulling her head back so I could see her face. She groaned a bit as she tried to pull away and sit up. But she was still shaking slightly, and when I pulled her back, she relaxed again.
"Give it a few minutes." I said.
I heard the door open, and called out, "Pony? That you?"
"Nope, its me.and Skye."
"Oh. Rees, I'm gonna go. You okay?"
"Yup." She said, moving to lean on the wall instead of me.
I walked out into the living room to find Skye and Dal on the couch.
"What's up? You two just happen to walk in at the same time or something?"
"Yup." Skye replied in a bored tone.
"Sure, whatever. Uh, you look tired Skye, go to bed.
She stood up casually like she didn't care either way about anything and walked into her room, shutting the door quietly after her.
What is this? Every night she comes home.in a very different mood. Last night she was punching her sister, and now she agrees to go to bed. Weird.
I looked at Dally, "So, where was she?"
"With me."
"And where were you?"
"At a party."
"At Buck's?"
"Nope."
"Good. Uh, was the party bad or something?"
"It could have been good."
"So why'd you leave?"
"It wasn't willingly on my part, I was kind of forced to leave."
"By who?"
"Skye."
"Why?"
"I don't know, she just wanted to leave and she couldn't walk home by her lonesome, so here I am."
"Oh, well.Thanks."
"Sure." He shrugged his shoulders, "I think I'm gonna crash here tonight."
"Go ahead. I ain't gonna get no sleep."
He got up and walked into my room, leaving the light off and closing the door.
I went back in with Reesa, just to make sure everything was alright. Then I went and sat in the front room, waiting now for Pony. He had better get home soon, I thought.
The next thing I knew, I heard the door slam and then Steve's voice rang through the house as the guys walked in. Steve, Soda, and Two-Bit had left earlier to go catch some girls or something. I was surprised they were back, I thought I wouldn't see them until tomorrow.
As I looked up, I saw that Soda wasn't with them. Weird.
"Where's Soda?"
"Uh, not here.Hey, we been lookin for ya, Darry."
"Well, I've been here the whole time."
"Ya, we know."
".Alright. What you want?"
"Uh...well, we don't really want anything. Its just.um, we have, we.uh, we have news for ya." Steve finally got out.
"What?"
"Well, you see.we were in the liquor store, and we usually don't go there cause you cant get nothing good, but anyway we were there, cause we were and.and we saw something, really, really disturbing. I mean, it was just, um.yeah. So, um.we were there, right? And these kids walk in and - " Two- Bit babbled on.
"What are you getting at? Spit it out." I said a little impatiently.
"So these kids walk in and -"
"Two-Bit! What?"
"Pony was with 'em and, he kinda.a, Steve you want to take it from here?"
"Nope. You started this and I'm stayin out of it." Steve backed up a little, holding his hands up as he said it.
"Well, ah.okay. So Pony was with 'em and, but we left after that."
"And you came here to tell me that Pony was at a liquor store? What's your point, he's been before I'm sure. What's your point?"
"Well. We didn't exactly leave after we first saw him, we were hanging in the parking lot, talking to some hoods, when the.a, well, the - Steve, why do I have to tell him?"
"'Cause. I told you when we were coming over here that I wasn't goin to tell him. I don't want my ass getting kicked and dried out on the line tonight."
Two-Bit looked down, playing with his hands.
I looked from Two-Bit to Steve and back, "What is going to get me so upset that I would kill you? What's going on?!?"
"Well, the fuzz came and, uh, and took Pony." Two-Bit finished the last three words so fast that I almost didn't make them out.
"What?"
"You heard me." he cleared his throat.
"Huh? What did you say?" I heard Reesa stumble out of the bathroom, asking what was going on in a half daze. It was going to be a long night.
"Nothing, Reesa." I said.
Pony was arrested? What the hell?
"So, where's Soda again?"
"He went down to the station." Steve lined off smoothly, "Rees? Holy shit."
I guess he saw how bad she looked, that's what I thought when I first went into the bathroom to. I guess that's why I didn't dare leave. I hoped she looked worse than she really was.
It was silent for a few seconds. I needed to go down there, to bail Pony. Hopefully the charges would be dropped. Yeah, right.
I went into my room, switching on the light and finding a shirt to change into. I had almost forgotten that Dal was in there, but frankly I didn't care. I called from my room, "Hey, Steve?"
"Yeah?"
He came to the door, poking his head in.
"Hey, you got to go anywhere?"
"Uh.nope."
"Good, stay here with Rees. Just.don't leave until I get home again, 'kay?"
"Yup. Sure thing, Darry."
I walked out of my room, grabbing my keys and wallet off the end table in the front room, and snatching my jacket off the coat hanger.
As I pulled on my jacket I heard, "Darry? Darry, where ya goin?"
It was Reesa, her voice almost pleading me not to go.
"I'm going to get Pony is all." I said flatly.
But as I walked out the door, I heard Reesa say, "Darry. Darry, but.I don't feel good. You cant, I.Darry."
She was freakin me out now. I thought she didn't need my help, but apparently things had changed. The thing that worried me was that when she got that tone, it meant she was sick, real sick.
I turned around, walking back into the house, I had to offer her something at this point. I went over to her, she was leaning against the wall in the hallway facing me. I placed my hand on her shoulder, and she looked up. "Baby, I know you don't feel good, but I'm sorry, I gotta go. This is very important. Okay? I don't have time to explain, but Steve will. He's gonna stay with you. I'll be back in a while. Alright?"
Her eyes were glassy and her cheeks red with fever. She was probably dellerious, again. I guess her fever went back up.
"Uh-hum." Reesa finally got out.
"Okay, bye."
I turned around, again walking out the door, and letting the screen slam shut behind me. I was almost to the truck when I heard the door open and the slam closed. I looked up at the porch, seeing Two-Bit running towards me.
"Wait up."
"What now?" I asked a little impatiently.
"I'm coming."
"No you ain't. We don't need the whole frickin family and neighborhood down there. It'll be hard enough as it is to get them to release him to me, let alone with you there."
By this time, I was in the truck, and had turned the engine over so it was running. I tried to get out of the drive before Two-Bit made it in, but was unsuccessful. He jumped in, and I couldn't do a thing after that. What? Was I supposed to push him out while driving? Shit. It was going to be a long night.
`~``~``~`~``~``~`
(Reesa's POV)
Darry left, leaving me standing there, my legs shaking under me. I let myself slide down the wall, so I was scrunched on the floor. I didn't have the energy or care to keep myself standing. Why did he have to leave? I wondered this in a half daze, not paying attention to anything, just staring straight ahead.
"Reesa?"
I heard it, but I didn't pay attention, I didn't care. It seemed far off to me anyway, so it was easy to ignore. That is until a hand flashed in front of my eyes and somehow ended up on my forehead.
"Rees? Girlie, c'mon, talk to me."
Steve? Oh, yeah Darry said he was staying. Where did Darry go again? I couldn't keep anything straight in my head, and the world was so far away. Nothing mattered.
The hand moved to my cheek, then back to my forehead. What the heck? Then another hand came up on the other side.
"Rees."
I tried to look around to find Steve in my vision, but I didn't feel like I had moved any. I felt so weird, bad almost, but different. I was there, but my vision filled in and out with black spots, and I felt.weird. I had never felt like that before. Okay, so before that day.
I finally saw his face, but it startled me because I didn't have to move my head or anything to see him, he was just suddenly there.
"Steve?" I got out.
"Yeah, you okay?"
"I'm cold."
"Alright, c'mere."
Steve pulled me up and I clung to him as my legs tried to give out on me and my head spun uncontrolably. Oh, I hated that. I hated having to need the help, I hated the feeling, the weakness.
"Whoa."
We paused a second as I tried to get control again, not that I had had it any time during that day.
"Lets go."
Steve half dragged, half led me over to the sofa. He laid me down, and went to get a blanket.
I was shivering like nothing else, it was so cold. How did it get so cold? Steve came over, putting the blanket over me. I curled up in it like it was a cacoon. It felt so good, but I was still cold.
"Steve?"
"Yeah?"
"More."
"Huh?"
"Cold."
"Your still cold?"
"Uh-huh."
He looked at me kinda weird, but went to get another blanket. A few minutes after that, I was real warm, although nothing else had really improved.
"Better, girlie?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah." I said looking up to Steve. He was sitting on the arm of the sofa at the top of my head. I didn't understand why he was there and not on the chair on the other side of the room, it was more comfortable, but whatever made him happy.
He laughed at my reaction, rubbing my back in a few circles.
I sat for a few minutes and then remembered Darry and Soda.
"Hey, Steve. Where'd everyone go?"
"Oh, yeah, that. Well, Darry went to get Pony is all, hopefully he wont be gone long."
"Pony?"
"Yup. He got into a little trouble."
"Oh. Soda?"
"He's with Darry. Don't worry. Everything's fine." He sighed, letting his head rest back on the wall.
"Aren't you cold?" I asked a little confused. If I was so cold, why wasn't he?
"Nope."
"Why am I?"
"'Cause your sick. You've got a fever, girlie."
"Oh." My eyes started to fall closed. I wanted to stay awake, but I couldn't keep them open anymore.
`~``~``~`~``~``~`
(Soda's POV)
The ride home was silent. You could have heard a pin in the cab of that truck had it not been for the engine rumbling. I wasn't about to break the silence. I knew Darry was upset. He knew that Pony didn't really do it, but Darry was still mad. If nothing else, he had had a hell of a day, with Reesa and now Pony. Not to mention financial crap. I knew nothing about it, I just gave my money to Darry and he took care of it, but I knew he would worry over it.
"Darry? Listen, I di-"
"Pony, shut it."
"But-"
"I know! Just be quiet."
It fell silent again. Darry was trying real hard to not start yelling. He was mad, but he knew yelling at Pony wouldn't do any good. It was something he had learned after Pony ran away last year. He had hit Pony when he came home real late one night. Pony said that he fell asleep in the lot with Johnny, and Darry freaked. He left that night and didn't come back for a week. That was a little extreme, but we all learned something. At least nothing else came of it, the police hadn't gotten involved. Dally said he was fine, and we had to listen because we couldn't call the police, so we trusted him.
"Really, Dar-"
"Pony. I already told you, I believe what you said. Just shut the hell up. I'm not in the mood."
Pony looked out the window, avoiding any gaze that might come. I was sitting in the middle of Darry and Pony, separating them. I knew that Darry wouldn't do anything irrational, but this was still better. I mean, he had picked me up at the station a few years ago. It was a long time ago, after mom and dad died and things were tight. He was real pissed, but he handled it better than I thought he might.
We reached the house, pulling in to the drive while Two-Bit jumped out the back. He seemed to think the show was over because he went into the house pretty fast. Then again, maybe he was just hungry, no one ever knew with Two-Bit.
Darry turned off the car and slowly got out. Pony didn't seem like he wanted to move, I guess he didn't know what to do.
"Hey, Pony. Lets go." I said, nudging him.
He opened the door, sliding out off the seat nonchalntly. I couldn't blame him, I wouldn't be to excited about anything if I were in his shoes at the time, who would be? I slid out after him, shutting the truck door with a loud reverbirating noise.
I followed Pony over to the side walk, putting my hand on his shoulder. He glanced back at me, but broke the connection as he walked a little quick towards Darry.
"Darry?-"
"Pon-"
"No! Just here me out, will ya? Then I'll be done, just hear me out."
Darry turned, clamping his jaw but he didn't say anything to protest.
"I'm real sorry. I didn't do it, I was just standing there and.anyway, I learned my lesson. Can we let it go now?"
"Let it go? Pony.do you know how much money I have spent today alone? Pony, what happened? Huh? You just decided that going into a liquor store with Curly was okay? That he actually had the money to be in there? Did it not cross your mind that he would steel the goods? I mean, c'mon, Pony, you were asking to be arrested." This whole time, Darry was yelling, I swear he woke the whole neighborhood. He had finally burst. I knew he couldn't hold it for forever, especially if Pony kept bringing it up. Maybe Pony needed to be yelled at to feel better, maybe he would rather be yelled at then deal with the silence. I know, I hated the silence.
"Darry, I said I was sorry. I know it was stupid, and it wont happen again. I don't know what I was thinking, I just."
"Pony, you were drinking, then you go into a liquor store with Curly of all people, and you thought that that wouldn't get you into trouble? Pony, you were drunk. That is all there is to it. Now you know what being drunk means, that's why I don't want you drinking. Just.get in the house and go to bed." Now Darry's voice was even, almost calm. He was still angry and his tone told that to us, but he was trying to get a point across. You know if he goes from yelling to talking that quick, that he means what he says.
Pony looked to the ground and walked into the house silently. He knew that the conversation was over, at least for that night. I stood outside in the night air with Darry. I didn't want to push it, but we had to talk. Pony couldn't have Darry mad at him for a long time, it would be bad. He would go back to thinking the way he thought before he ran away with Johnny. We couldn't do that again.
"Darry.you okay?"
"Yeah." He said with a sigh, "I just don't know where he comes off doing this. What did I do wrong? He's smarter than that, he knows what Curly does. I don't know."
I stood there silently trying to search for an answer I didn't have. I don't know squat about taking care of teens, hell, I am one.
"Do.do you think he's looking for attention? I mean, I never thought it from him, but Rees went through that, and Skye is now. Is he?"
The last part seemed to be almost to himself, but I knew he wanted my answer to that question.
"I don't know Darry. Maybe its just that between Rees being sick the last few days and Skye being all over the place all the time, maybe Pony just needed to get away from it all. I used to go get drunk just to get away. I learned it didn't do no good, but that was something I had to learn on my own. Ya know? Wait and see, don't jump on him yet. Alright?"
"Yeah, but if he tells you anything I need to know, you had better tell me. Ya hear?"
"Sure thing."
I started walking up to the house, know full well that Darry would come when he was ready. He probably wanted a little time alone. But to my surprise, he fell into step behind me and followed me straight into the house.
In the front room, Two-Bit sat chowing down on the last of the chocolate cake. Okay, more like the entire cake. Anyway, other than the sound of Two- Bit chomping away, the house was quiet when we walked in. It was real odd, but I guess everyone went to bed. Pony was in the bathroom, cause the door was cracked open, the light was on, and the water was running.
I went and plopped down in the big chair. I was facing Darry now, not that that had been my intention, and Darry's face looked almost worried. I thought we were over that. Guess not.
"Steve?" Darry yelled through the house.
"Darry?.Darry, c'mere." He sounded a little worried to. I didn't know why, but, okay.
Darry walked into the bathroom, letting the door open all the way this time. I looked in to see a body slumped on the floor, and Steve half holding the body tiredly. He seemed to be a little relieved that Darry was there now.
Darry crouched to the floor and reached his hand out, "How long.?"
"A.awhile."
Darry looked up to Steve. When I saw this, I went over to the door way. What was going on? Then I saw it. No wonder Steve sounded worried.
"It was only a little after you left, twenty minutes or so?"
"So an hour and a half?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
Darry reached forward, touching Rees's forehead for the thousandth time that day. He didn't react to it much, but I could tell she was hot.
"Reesa?"
"Uh." Reesa's eyes started darting around, but she didn't seem to see much.
"I didn't know what to do. I tried to put a cold rag on her forehead, but she kept taking it off." Steve voiced softly.
"Its okay, Steve." Darry said, not looking away from Rees, "Did you check her fever?"
"I couldn't find the ther--thing." He said. I stiffled a laugh and I saw the muscles on the side of Darry's face relax a little.
"Soda?"
"You want it?"
"Yeah."
I left the bathroom, going into Rees's room to find the thermometer. Darry would probably have it in there because he only went in every twenty minutes that afternoon to check on her.
I walked into the dark room, not wanting to wake Skye. She gets real mad if you do, so I left the light off, and the door open. My foot hit.something in there, and I tumbled to the floor, trying to not let off some curses. Freak! Their room was a war zone.
"What happened?" Steve called.
"Nothing." I called back, hoping it wouldn't wake Skye. Then I got up and fumbled through the darkness over to the bed side table. Feeling around, I finally found the stupid thermometer.
I came back out and shut the door quietly but quickly. She hadn't woken yet, and I didn't want her to anytime soon.
I stepped back into the doorway of the bathroom, and handed Darry the thermometer. He took it, and tried to give it to Reesa. She didn't like it much; she tossed her head back and forth and tried to move her arms to get Darry out of her face.
"No, Darry. No.not that.no." she kept repeating. He reached forward, gently but firmly gripping her chin, and stuck the thing into her mouth.
"Calm down. It'll only take a few seconds."
She stopped fighting so much, but she really didn't like it.
Finally Darry took it out of her mouth, looking at the reading. I couldn't see it or his face from where I was at, so I didn't know what it was. Darry reached up and dropped the thermometer into the sink.
He leaned forward more, and took hold of Reesa, pulling her to him. She mumbled a little, but once he had her closer to him, she relaxed. He pulled her up so she was mostly resting on his torso area. Then he leaned back, letting her rest there for a minute.
I moved to the other side of Darry so I was facing him, that way he could get her out of there easier. She was pale again, and she had brought her body up enough to look like she was curled in an unraveling ball. She gripped his shirt in her fists, her head looking downwards. She lifted it a little, and Darry put is arm around her shoulders.
"Your okay, babe." He said, looking down to her slightly.
"Darry?" Again, this voice was almost foreign to me. It was to weak to be Rees. "Darry, I don't feel to good."
"I know, honey. Are you ready to go out into the front room?"
She tried to sit up, I guess to stand, but didn't make it far. Darry laughed at her a little, "Whoa, wait up. Let me help you, okay?"
Darry basically picked her up by her torso as she tried to get her footing under her. Yeah, that didn't work to well, but he did manage to get her a few steps out of the bathroom before she completely gave out.
"Two-Bit, move."
Two-Bit didn't blink an eye, he just scooted to the floor and got out of Darry's way.
Darry picked Reesa up all the way this time and took her over to the sofa, laying her down. He had expected her to pass out, but he had to give her the satisfaction first.
"Steve?"
Steve came out of the bathroom, and looked at Darry.
"Go get some ice or something. Soda, go make sure Pony's alright. 'kay?"
"Yup."
I went into my room and saw Pony out on our bed. He had at least gotten his clothes off, except his briefs and he was conked out. I laughed, another sight I will always love to see.
I walked back out into the front room to see Darry sitting tiredly by Reesa. She was out cold, but I guessed that was better at that point.
"Darry, everything okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. I knew it would be a long night."
"Can I do anything?"
"Go to bed, Soda. You got to go to work tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah." I walked into my room, closing the door behind me.