I feel that this is going to be another hit. Dean already knocked Louis and Defending Your Side off the top. Will Soda and Steve do it?

Chapter 3: Family

Sodapop and Ponyboy were dropped off again. As they walked to the school, Soda asked Pony,

"Have you made any new friends?"

"Some."

Soda nodded his head. Steve was the first person he really liked hanging out with. He didn't know why. He didn't think much in that young little head of his. Soda walked to his classroom and sat down next to Steve.

"Hey Steve."

"Hey Sodapop."

"Hey. I was thinking. Maybe I can come by your house sometime."

"My house?"

"Yeah. Would it be okay?"

"Um. Only if your mom can drop us off at my house. I walk home because my dad has to work."

"Okay. I'll ask her after school."

That day after school, Steve and Sodapop were playing football with a couple of other kids. The quarterback passed it to Soda. Soda jumped in the air and caught the ball. Darry told him to do that when someone looks like they're going to block you. Soda ran for the line

Another kid was running for Soda and was going to knock him. Steve came and blocked the kid's path. The kid ran right into Steve and fell on the ground. Soda ran and made the touchdown. Luckily, none of the teachers saw this little block.

"Thanks," said Soda walking to Steve.

Steve nodded and smiled. He liked Soda. He was so exciting.

After school, Sodapop, Ponyboy and Steve were waiting for Mrs. Curtis to come by. As soon as she pulled up, Soda ran to her door.

"Hey mom. Can I go over Steve's house?"

"I guess so. Be back by seven for dinner," she said while Ponyboy climbed in.

"Okay. Can you take us over there?"

"Sure. Where do you live Steve?"

Steve told her the directions as he climbed in the back with Sodapop. She dropped the two off at his house.

"If no one home, then how do we get in?" asked Soda.

"Hold on," said Steve.

They walked around to the side of the house, Steve lifted up a window and it was no easy task. Soda helped him out.

"Thanks."

The two climbed in and Steve put his book bag down on the floor. Soda looked around the room. It was kind of like his, except a little dustier. He shared a room with Ponyboy and he is a little neat. His room is clean only because his mom walks in and cleans it.

"Is this your room?" asked Soda.

"Yes."

"Who's this?" asked Soda picking up a picture off of Steve's dresser.

"Oh. Um. Th-that's my mom."

"Where is she?"

"She's…gone."

Soda looked at Steve. He was surprised. Steve never did mention his family. Soda was always talking about his parents.

"D-did she die?" asked Soda with concern in his face.

"No. She left one day."

"Oh. What about your dad."

"We don't talk about it."

Soda then realized that not every parent was good. He had never met a mean parent in his life.

The two dropped the conversation, and decided to watch television. After a while, Soda had to leave so he could get home. He walked outside to see the Ford truck pulling up. Soda climbed in and sat in the passenger seat.

"Did you have fun?" asked Mr. Curtis.

"Hm. Yeah. We had fun."

That night, when the Curtis family was having dinner, Mrs. Curtis noticed Sodapop not being bright like he usually is.

"Sodapop. What's wrong?" she asked.

Everyone turned their heads to Soda. He didn't notice for a quick second.

"Oh. Nothing's wrong."

"Are you sure? Did something happen at Steve's?"

"No. I said we had fun."

"Alright."

Soda then decided he would finish eating to not look suspicious. He just kind of felt sorry for Steve. Soda didn't know what he would do if he didn't have his mom.