Okay. I was kinda nervous about writing this chapter. Just to let you know, when I said 'the next coming week, I meant that Danny's birthday was this week. In other words, this means Danny's birthday is today. Sorry if I confused you. Also, if anyone's ever seen the "That Was Then, This is Now" movie, let me know if it was any good. I read about it and I think Christopher Cain (the director) flipped the point of views. Enjoy.
Chapter 5: Biggest Birthday Surprise
Someone was shaking Danny as he was sleeping that Friday morning. He opened his eyes to see his mom and dad standing over him smiling.
"Happy birthday!" they shouted.
Danny smiled, it was finally here. He sat up and asked,
"Where are my presents?"
"Not yet," said his mom laughing. "Get ready for school. Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean you can relax all day."
"Aw, man."
"Oh, yeah. Ride home with your cousins. We're all celebrating over there."
Danny got up and put his clothes on. He walked downstairs and when he reached the kitchen his parents served him chocolate cake with icing, just like he expected. As he finished his breakfast, he heard a honk outside and that meant Steve was here. Danny said goodbye to his parents and ran out of the door. He jumped off the porch and got into Steve's car.
"Hey birthday kid," greeted Steve and Danny just smiled.
"Get anything yet?" asked Keith.
"Not yet."
"You're supposed to get them when you get to our house," pointed out Rachel as Steve drove towards the school.
"What'd you get me?" asked Danny eyeing Rachel.
"Nunya!" yelled Rachel.
"What about you Houston? Jack?"
Houston and Jack just turned their head as if to not know what their cousin was talking about.
"C'mon," pleaded Danny. "I'll act surprised."
Still no luck.
When Danny reached the school, Maria greeted him with a hug.
"Happy birthday!"
"What'd you get me."
"You have to wait until I get to your uncles' house."
"It won't hurt if you tell me now."
"It'll ruin the surprise!"
"Aw, c'mon."
"Not telling"
"Dang."
That day went slow for Danny. He couldn't wait until he reached the end of school. A couple of greasers he knew said happy birthday to him. Ever since he got shot, he was known as the 'Dallas Winston' of this generation. Danny didn't see how he could be Dally though. From what he heard, Dallas was one tough and tuff guy. He finally reached his last class, biology. His knee was shaking every three in minutes in that class. He couldn't concentrate at all. Finally, the bell rang. Danny was the first one out of the door. He almost forgot about Maria.
"Hey! I know you're excited, but you could at least wait for me!" he said laughing.
"Sorry," said Danny smiling.
Danny rushed his girlfriend to his and her locker and outside.
"I'll see you at your uncles' house," started Rachel. "My parents will be there too. Don't act too wild."
"Okay. See you later on."
Danny ran to Two-Bit's car. He was the first one into the car. He literally jumped into the car.
"Whoa, now. I know you're excited but damn."
"Sorry."
Houston came next. Danny looked out of the window and saw Keith, Rachel and Jack taking their time walking towards the car.
"What are you doing? C'mon!" shouted Danny with his head out of the window.
The three teenagers just laughed and got into the car.
"I think you're gonna like my present," said Two-Bit smiling.
"What is it?" asked Danny.
"You'll get it in a minute."
Danny did get it in a couple of minutes. Two-Bit was speeding around town, taking his hands off the wheel and scaring the heck out of the passengers in the car. Well, except Keith. He was too busy laughing. He was just like his uncle.
They reached the Curtis house still living. Danny was the first one out of the car. He almost pushed Houston onto the ground getting out of the vehicle. Two-Bit had barely even stopped the car.
Danny ran in and was greeted by,
"Happy Birthday!"
His parents, Ponyboy, Cathy, Sodapop and Steve were all standing in the living room. When everyone else got inside, Cathy served everyone a birthday dinner. And for desert, they had chocolate cake with extra icing. Pretty soon, Maria and her parents showed up to the party, but only her mother came. Her mother was real down to earth and enjoyed hanging out with the Curtis family. Finally, they gave Danny his presents.
His parents gave him a brand new stereo. His old one could only play cassettes but this one had cassettes and CD's. Ponyboy and Cathy gave him 100.00, Ponyboy saved from his book. Houston and Rachel got him a couple of CD's, Jack and Soda gave him a orange football jersey. Orange was Danny's favorite color. Steve gave Danny a movie called "Jerry Maguire" and Danny already experienced Two-Bit's present. Maria gave Danny a dog tag and on it said:
Danny CurtisToughest Ever
ATL to TulsaThey spent the rest of the day talking and hanging out. Then the adults had a surprise for everyone. Ponyboy, Cathy, and Soda said they would spend the weekend at Trix's house and the teenagers could have the Curtis house for themselves. What made it even better was that Maria could even stay over. Her mother was real cool. That night, it was 10:50 p.m. and everyone was walking "Jerry Maguire". Danny went back to the back of the house to pick up his CD's and look at the pictures. He went into his old room and looked around. It hadn't really changed. As he was picking up his CD's, he heard a tap. He froze.
What the heck was that. The tap rang through his ear and looked at the window. He froze again. He couldn't believe who was tapping on the window. It was Alex.
