A/N: Hey peoples, we are back again! Before I go on, a little note to y'all. IN this chapter, Pony seems to be really happy and care-free I guess, but he's really not. He's more numb than anything. He doesn't miss home yet, he's not really all that upset yet. I guess the situation hasn't really fully hit him yet, it will, be patient. But I'm telling you, this is how it worked out, and you wouldn't have an update if it wasn't this way, so deal. Okay, that's done, enjoy!
Review responses:
SummerU: Nah, you took a wrong turn. Now, go back the way you came.
Captain Cookie! Guy who only spells when he wants to: HAHA, babe, you're not meant to like Joe, but if you do, we can deal with that. Well, the mushiness is over for a while -- a long while, we think -- so don't worry about that. We know what you like and don't like and we're trying to be careful You know, we bet that you make a lot of people pissed off with your "Ponybrat" but we personally love it. It's so fun to say, even if we don't agree. Ponybrat... Ponybrat... it has a cool ring to it. Unlike Lenny that just sounds odd. Lol. Speaking of which... I hear that the baby has a new name? I wanna hear this. Allison doesn't remember what it was and I'm going crazy because supposedly it still has the name Lenny in it. Duck Duck Goose is WAAAAAAAAAY out of the question. I refuse to do that one. Lol. That would be just cruel, like Courteney Arquette who named her baby Coco...sheesh...some people. Jk. Oh and on a side note, we're both really sorry about the Flames.
It killed my morning when I found out and all I could think about for a whole five minutes while I read the newspaper articles was about how sad you'd be about it Anyway... Glad to know you're still reading -- and I"m going to make a quick plug and say that I think you might actually enjoy the latest chapter of Rock Bottom because Pony has some bad luck with...well... someone who you'd probably end up liking, lol. Yeah so... Missed both of you while I was gone... Allison got to talk to you...so she doens't miss you...but you know...lol, jk. I'm rambling now. Bye Stud.
Tensleep: Thanks! Man, she had fun with that airplane part. And shoot, did you think we would send Pony to a mean family or something? I couldn't do that, not in this story at least. Although, I think that's what people were expecting and wanting. HAHA, we love to be different and piss certain people off. Everything I do is controversial; I'm just keeping with tradition here. Anyway, thanks and enjoy!
MissLKid: That wasn't mean, we are much worse when we are mean., but sorry if it came off that way. We meant in no way to be anything close to mean. You are a great reviewer and we appreciate that you always read. Thanks!
Sodapop02: LOL. We didn't want mean people in the story, its tragic enough in my view, but I know what its like to send a loved one to war. HAHA, I guess you have to wait and see about Joe. And about showing some of Soda and Darry, I've already started it, we will show them here and there...but don't expect too much. Keep reading!
sodipop5: HAHA, thanks. Its all good, you can hate war, I see at ie and place for it, even though its sad and all. You sound like a German, the way you hate it so much. Well, thanks a ton.
Skye Renegarde: HAHA, Thanks. Glad to hear that you like it.
Oblivious Misconception: Thanks a ton! We had no idea how that chapter would go, and your opinion means a ton to us. I feel much better about this now. Yeah, Joe is a bit cocky, huh? Just you wait.... Yeah, private school is going to be an interesting ride for Pony. But you'll just have to wait and see where that takes him.
LB Shayne: You read five chapter into the story to say that? That's at least 25 pages, if not more of reading; Sad, I must say. And I don't think that Pony would be more upset. He's numb. We didn't ever show the part where he would break down, we are good enough writers to KNOW that we can't do that justice. I must say, you are quick to judge. How do you know that the characters will take over? The whole thing is about interaction between Pony and them, that's not taking over. And newsflash, every story is about interaction. Also, there is No way we could legally put this up on a general fiction site. If a story has one character from any given publication, it IS fan fiction and must be noted as such. I don't want to get sued, I'm poor enough thank you.
Catherine Ace: Haha. You smell trouble too? Everyone seems to around Joe, in the story and out. I'm happy you like the foster family. They are quite endearing, huh? Darry and Soda will be coming up in a few chapters, don't you worry. Thanks.
ShyXshortieXbabe: Well, it was more of an introductory chapter to the Briggs. Feelings might get int eh way, and besides that, Pony didn't really know what to think, he was just there. Describing things. Sometimes that's the way a person thinks. I'm sure glad you like them, they are an awesome family. Thanks and Read on!
On with the story!
I woke with the sun that morning, only slightly refreshed but unable to sleep any longer. At first opening my eyes, I was confused, but then remembered the night before. I felt so out of place, so miserable and lonely right then. The ceiling was that of another's, the bed unfit for my body, the comforters a different color, the life a different sound.
It was about six thirty when I looked at the clock. I felt uneasy then. I had had dreams of Soda and Darry, the gang, everyone I wanted to be around, wanted to see right then. I dreamt of them all getting killed, all in odd, tragic ways. I dreamt of every funeral, every service, ever burial, and every call and letter. It was the worst nightmare since the unexplainable ones, but this one was almost worse because I remembered it.
I knew that morning that I wouldn't fit in here, on a ranch, in a private school, in a place where greasers didn't exist and socs were unheard of but everywhere at the same time. I was a soc now, what would the guys think of it? How was I going to explain it to them? I mean, sure Darry and Soda would understand, but the rest the gang wouldn't. Steve would hate me even more, pick on me, and Two-bit would laugh and ask how much I hated it. At least Two-bit would stick around and talk to me, or so I hoped.
I got up and grabbed the towel that they had given me the night before to go shower. I picked out my best looking shirt and pants and carried them across the hall to the bathroom. The house was already bustling, but everyone was downstairs, which I was grateful for right then. I didn't want them to see me as a zombie just yet.
I took a quick shower, and after greasing my hair with some grease Darry had made sure to put in for me, I went downstairs. Luckily, as I had hoped, Joe and the oldest boy was gone to school already and the other two kids were in the tub that was in the bathroom right off the kitchen. I thought it was weird that they had a bathroom right there, but it worked out nicely right then.
Melanie came out form the bathroom, leaving the door partially open so she could hear the kids, "Good morning Ponyboy!" boy was she perky. I almost hoped she was only that perky in the morning. It was worse than Soda when he was real happy, which is saying a lot. I was happy she was so happy, don't get me wrong, but it was seven in the morning, for heavens sake.
"Morning." I said, looking around the kitchen and then out the French doors that led to the ranch in the back. It was such a nicely kept place, green grass, and brown dirt separated nicely by sharp barriers. There were flowers all along the crisp dirt paths, and everything was in good keep. There was a yard area before the 'ranch' began. It had a nice large area that was all grass and even a nicely covered pool on one side. It was all fenced off and adorned with flowers and play equipment for the kids. The fences were all white, and bars further out all green, the horses had a separate area of their own, and the big barn was stained a natural red wood. It was beautiful, the most well kept, sharp ranch and yard I had ever seen in my life.
"How did you sleep? Well, I hope."
"I slept great. Thanks." I was half lying, I would have to get used to the bed before I slept great, so it would be a while, but I would live. The dream didn't help either, but everything was fine. I would have to find a library and start reading before I went to bed so I didn't have nightmares. The doctor had said I would grow out of them, and I had to an extent, but they still came back every once in a while.
"Would you like some breakfast?"
Oh. I looked away form the huge yard and garden back to Melanie. I wasn't used to having someone else cooking for me, at least in the morning. Darry had switched to having us all make our own breakfast, he went to work a little earlier now than before. I wondered if it was just a thing for special occasions like it was at my house or a regular thing, but it didn't matter. I would find out soon enough, and I wouldn't turn it down in the mean time.
"Sure, that would be great."
I went over and sat at the huge rectangular table they had, and looked around the kitchen more. It sure was big; like the size of our kitchen, dining room, and front room all put together. It was amazing to me.
"What do you like?" She must have seen my puzzled look because she started naming off available choices real fast, "Eggs? Bacon? Biscuits and gravy? Pancakes? Waffles? Sausage? Toast?"
I thought over it a minute, hoping it wouldn't be too much like ordering food when I asked for what I wanted. I wanted things to go as good as she did.
"Um...eggs and bacon sounds real good. I love eggs, and I haven't had bacon since...yesterday." I started blushing at myself, my stupidity.I couldn't believe I had just said that. . But we didn't normally have bacon around our house, "I mean, we don't normally have bacon around our house, its too expensive...so, that would be great."
Melanie was laughing too, but it was a friendly laugh, she thought it was cute. The only problem with that was that I didn't want to be cute. My first day there and I was already blowing my reputation.
"Okay, easy enough. What kind of eggs?"
At least I didn't have to think about that one, "Sunny side up if you can."
She smiled warmly, "Jack likes them that way too." She set to work them, checking on the kids, and staying quiet a few moments longer before beginning a new, more awkward subject of conversation.
"So, you live with you brother then?" I knew she only wanted to know a little more about me, and now was the time to spill my guts, I was hoping I could do it to everyone who would ask at the same time, but I knew it wouldn't happen. I didn't mind it much actually, and I was happy to be doing a little more than just small talk.
"Yeah. Darry. He's twenty-two now. Been taking care of me and Soda since...for a few years now."
She nodded, "Soda, you said? Is that his real name?"
I chuckled, "My dad was sure an original person. My brothers real name is Sodapop, but we call him Soda for short. Darry's real name is Darrell, Darry for short."
"I'll bet your teachers never forget you two." She laughed a bit," I think its cute."
There she goes with that cute stuff again, I thought. But despite the bad choice of words on her part, I grinned ruefully, "Nope, everyone in Tulsa knows who we are." I left out the part about being hunted down for murder on purpose, but that was at least half the reason why everyone knew who we all were in Tulsa. I didn't think Melanie would take news like that very well. So far they thought I was a great kid, and I planned to keep it that way, as long as I had a choice. At least, I think they didn't know about that.
By the time Melanie had fixed breakfast for me, the kids were starting to scream at each other n the tub. She handed me the plate of perfectly cooked eggs and bacon along with some toast with jam on it, and left the room for her kids quickly.
I was feeling much more comfortable then. This family was actually really cool so far. Joe seemed overly cocky and rude, but the kids seemed to be pretty well behaved and quiet so far. Melanie, although trying a bit too hard the night before, was starting to come around. I was warming up to her slowly, but she seemed nice enough. She was the hardest to get used to, mostly because she was like a mom. I hadn't had a mom in so long, it was awkward, but not as awkward as it would get later on in the day.
Just as Melanie walked away to get the kids, Jack came in the French doors behind me. He took his shoes off and set them nicely by the side of the doors and stepped in, taking off his jacket and throwing it over a chair at the table. It was obvious he had been out working for a while by the looks of his clothes and muddy boots.
"Morning." He grinned at me. His smile reminded me of Soda, and made my heart ache.
"Morning, Mr. Briggs." I said when I swallowed my mouthful of food.
"Please, its Jack." He walked over to the oven and pulled out a hot plate of food, then shut it off and came to sit his plate down in the seat next to me on the table. He started walking away again, back into the kitchen.
"I see Melanie got to you already, Sshe's amazing, how she takes care of the kids and everything else at the same time. Hey, do you want something to drink? Coffee, milk, water?"
He looked up to me after pouring himself a mug of coffee.
"Sure...Milk is good." I said.
He got out a glass and brought me the milk, "So how did you sleep? The kids didn't wake you up did they?"
"Nah. I slept just great."
Jack nodded, pleased at my lie, that he obviously bought. Was it only Darry and Soda and the gang that I couldn't lie to? I was sure hoping so. That could be really nice.
We ate in silence then, that is until Melanie came back into the kitchen about ten minutes later.
"Whats the plan for today, babe?" Jack asked before he took a bite of his biscuits.
"Well, I need to take Ponyboy into town to get some new clothes and you should show he around. Preston is going to a birthday party over at the Ritten's place in a few hours and I told Hannah that I would bake my famous funnel cake to take to the miles social tonight."
"That's great, honey. You going to make an extra cake for us? Pony has to try it."
I gave him a weird look, "Its really good," he said to me.
"If there is any left I will bring it home."
Jack playfully glared at her. "Well, I guess that means you are taking Kaytee so that we men can have a good time here at the house."
She laughed at him, "I don't think so."
He smirked back, "I do. We boys have a lot to...catch up on." He looked my way, giving her a hint.
"We'll see." She grinned at Jacks antics. They seemed so fit together, it was amazing to me. I tried to imagine Darry being like that with anyone, but couldn't to save my life. Darry was too hard to do that, but all the same, I sure missed him and Soda. It had only been a night.
Melanie left the room, and Jack turned to me, "So, baking isn't my kind of thing, I assume you agree?"
I shrugged. I really didn't mind it much, it was better than cleaning. Besides, there was always a treat for your work, "That depends on the alternative." I replied, grinning despite myself.
"Well, how does a tour of the place sound? We can ride the horses, and show you around."
I nodded my head, "Id say that's better than baking." I took my last bite and Jack showed me what they did with the dishes when they were dirty. He said Melanie insisted that the dishes be rinsed and staked nicely by the sink. She did dishes with the kids and him every night after dinner.
Then we went on the "tour" of the ranch and dude ranch. It was fun. It was ten times larger than I had originally thought, even from looking out the windows. It was amazing and beautiful. Really, I loved it. I just wished the whole time that Soda was there with me. He would be in heaven at the Briggs' ranch. I felt bad that he would soon be on a train to go do rigorous training and then off to the wild jungles of heat in the eastern hemisphere of the globe. It wasn't fair, not to send Soda; he couldn't kill anyone, he couldn't.
Review responses:
SummerU: Nah, you took a wrong turn. Now, go back the way you came.
Captain Cookie! Guy who only spells when he wants to: HAHA, babe, you're not meant to like Joe, but if you do, we can deal with that. Well, the mushiness is over for a while -- a long while, we think -- so don't worry about that. We know what you like and don't like and we're trying to be careful You know, we bet that you make a lot of people pissed off with your "Ponybrat" but we personally love it. It's so fun to say, even if we don't agree. Ponybrat... Ponybrat... it has a cool ring to it. Unlike Lenny that just sounds odd. Lol. Speaking of which... I hear that the baby has a new name? I wanna hear this. Allison doesn't remember what it was and I'm going crazy because supposedly it still has the name Lenny in it. Duck Duck Goose is WAAAAAAAAAY out of the question. I refuse to do that one. Lol. That would be just cruel, like Courteney Arquette who named her baby Coco...sheesh...some people. Jk. Oh and on a side note, we're both really sorry about the Flames.
It killed my morning when I found out and all I could think about for a whole five minutes while I read the newspaper articles was about how sad you'd be about it Anyway... Glad to know you're still reading -- and I"m going to make a quick plug and say that I think you might actually enjoy the latest chapter of Rock Bottom because Pony has some bad luck with...well... someone who you'd probably end up liking, lol. Yeah so... Missed both of you while I was gone... Allison got to talk to you...so she doens't miss you...but you know...lol, jk. I'm rambling now. Bye Stud.
Tensleep: Thanks! Man, she had fun with that airplane part. And shoot, did you think we would send Pony to a mean family or something? I couldn't do that, not in this story at least. Although, I think that's what people were expecting and wanting. HAHA, we love to be different and piss certain people off. Everything I do is controversial; I'm just keeping with tradition here. Anyway, thanks and enjoy!
MissLKid: That wasn't mean, we are much worse when we are mean., but sorry if it came off that way. We meant in no way to be anything close to mean. You are a great reviewer and we appreciate that you always read. Thanks!
Sodapop02: LOL. We didn't want mean people in the story, its tragic enough in my view, but I know what its like to send a loved one to war. HAHA, I guess you have to wait and see about Joe. And about showing some of Soda and Darry, I've already started it, we will show them here and there...but don't expect too much. Keep reading!
sodipop5: HAHA, thanks. Its all good, you can hate war, I see at ie and place for it, even though its sad and all. You sound like a German, the way you hate it so much. Well, thanks a ton.
Skye Renegarde: HAHA, Thanks. Glad to hear that you like it.
Oblivious Misconception: Thanks a ton! We had no idea how that chapter would go, and your opinion means a ton to us. I feel much better about this now. Yeah, Joe is a bit cocky, huh? Just you wait.... Yeah, private school is going to be an interesting ride for Pony. But you'll just have to wait and see where that takes him.
LB Shayne: You read five chapter into the story to say that? That's at least 25 pages, if not more of reading; Sad, I must say. And I don't think that Pony would be more upset. He's numb. We didn't ever show the part where he would break down, we are good enough writers to KNOW that we can't do that justice. I must say, you are quick to judge. How do you know that the characters will take over? The whole thing is about interaction between Pony and them, that's not taking over. And newsflash, every story is about interaction. Also, there is No way we could legally put this up on a general fiction site. If a story has one character from any given publication, it IS fan fiction and must be noted as such. I don't want to get sued, I'm poor enough thank you.
Catherine Ace: Haha. You smell trouble too? Everyone seems to around Joe, in the story and out. I'm happy you like the foster family. They are quite endearing, huh? Darry and Soda will be coming up in a few chapters, don't you worry. Thanks.
ShyXshortieXbabe: Well, it was more of an introductory chapter to the Briggs. Feelings might get int eh way, and besides that, Pony didn't really know what to think, he was just there. Describing things. Sometimes that's the way a person thinks. I'm sure glad you like them, they are an awesome family. Thanks and Read on!
On with the story!
I woke with the sun that morning, only slightly refreshed but unable to sleep any longer. At first opening my eyes, I was confused, but then remembered the night before. I felt so out of place, so miserable and lonely right then. The ceiling was that of another's, the bed unfit for my body, the comforters a different color, the life a different sound.
It was about six thirty when I looked at the clock. I felt uneasy then. I had had dreams of Soda and Darry, the gang, everyone I wanted to be around, wanted to see right then. I dreamt of them all getting killed, all in odd, tragic ways. I dreamt of every funeral, every service, ever burial, and every call and letter. It was the worst nightmare since the unexplainable ones, but this one was almost worse because I remembered it.
I knew that morning that I wouldn't fit in here, on a ranch, in a private school, in a place where greasers didn't exist and socs were unheard of but everywhere at the same time. I was a soc now, what would the guys think of it? How was I going to explain it to them? I mean, sure Darry and Soda would understand, but the rest the gang wouldn't. Steve would hate me even more, pick on me, and Two-bit would laugh and ask how much I hated it. At least Two-bit would stick around and talk to me, or so I hoped.
I got up and grabbed the towel that they had given me the night before to go shower. I picked out my best looking shirt and pants and carried them across the hall to the bathroom. The house was already bustling, but everyone was downstairs, which I was grateful for right then. I didn't want them to see me as a zombie just yet.
I took a quick shower, and after greasing my hair with some grease Darry had made sure to put in for me, I went downstairs. Luckily, as I had hoped, Joe and the oldest boy was gone to school already and the other two kids were in the tub that was in the bathroom right off the kitchen. I thought it was weird that they had a bathroom right there, but it worked out nicely right then.
Melanie came out form the bathroom, leaving the door partially open so she could hear the kids, "Good morning Ponyboy!" boy was she perky. I almost hoped she was only that perky in the morning. It was worse than Soda when he was real happy, which is saying a lot. I was happy she was so happy, don't get me wrong, but it was seven in the morning, for heavens sake.
"Morning." I said, looking around the kitchen and then out the French doors that led to the ranch in the back. It was such a nicely kept place, green grass, and brown dirt separated nicely by sharp barriers. There were flowers all along the crisp dirt paths, and everything was in good keep. There was a yard area before the 'ranch' began. It had a nice large area that was all grass and even a nicely covered pool on one side. It was all fenced off and adorned with flowers and play equipment for the kids. The fences were all white, and bars further out all green, the horses had a separate area of their own, and the big barn was stained a natural red wood. It was beautiful, the most well kept, sharp ranch and yard I had ever seen in my life.
"How did you sleep? Well, I hope."
"I slept great. Thanks." I was half lying, I would have to get used to the bed before I slept great, so it would be a while, but I would live. The dream didn't help either, but everything was fine. I would have to find a library and start reading before I went to bed so I didn't have nightmares. The doctor had said I would grow out of them, and I had to an extent, but they still came back every once in a while.
"Would you like some breakfast?"
Oh. I looked away form the huge yard and garden back to Melanie. I wasn't used to having someone else cooking for me, at least in the morning. Darry had switched to having us all make our own breakfast, he went to work a little earlier now than before. I wondered if it was just a thing for special occasions like it was at my house or a regular thing, but it didn't matter. I would find out soon enough, and I wouldn't turn it down in the mean time.
"Sure, that would be great."
I went over and sat at the huge rectangular table they had, and looked around the kitchen more. It sure was big; like the size of our kitchen, dining room, and front room all put together. It was amazing to me.
"What do you like?" She must have seen my puzzled look because she started naming off available choices real fast, "Eggs? Bacon? Biscuits and gravy? Pancakes? Waffles? Sausage? Toast?"
I thought over it a minute, hoping it wouldn't be too much like ordering food when I asked for what I wanted. I wanted things to go as good as she did.
"Um...eggs and bacon sounds real good. I love eggs, and I haven't had bacon since...yesterday." I started blushing at myself, my stupidity.I couldn't believe I had just said that. . But we didn't normally have bacon around our house, "I mean, we don't normally have bacon around our house, its too expensive...so, that would be great."
Melanie was laughing too, but it was a friendly laugh, she thought it was cute. The only problem with that was that I didn't want to be cute. My first day there and I was already blowing my reputation.
"Okay, easy enough. What kind of eggs?"
At least I didn't have to think about that one, "Sunny side up if you can."
She smiled warmly, "Jack likes them that way too." She set to work them, checking on the kids, and staying quiet a few moments longer before beginning a new, more awkward subject of conversation.
"So, you live with you brother then?" I knew she only wanted to know a little more about me, and now was the time to spill my guts, I was hoping I could do it to everyone who would ask at the same time, but I knew it wouldn't happen. I didn't mind it much actually, and I was happy to be doing a little more than just small talk.
"Yeah. Darry. He's twenty-two now. Been taking care of me and Soda since...for a few years now."
She nodded, "Soda, you said? Is that his real name?"
I chuckled, "My dad was sure an original person. My brothers real name is Sodapop, but we call him Soda for short. Darry's real name is Darrell, Darry for short."
"I'll bet your teachers never forget you two." She laughed a bit," I think its cute."
There she goes with that cute stuff again, I thought. But despite the bad choice of words on her part, I grinned ruefully, "Nope, everyone in Tulsa knows who we are." I left out the part about being hunted down for murder on purpose, but that was at least half the reason why everyone knew who we all were in Tulsa. I didn't think Melanie would take news like that very well. So far they thought I was a great kid, and I planned to keep it that way, as long as I had a choice. At least, I think they didn't know about that.
By the time Melanie had fixed breakfast for me, the kids were starting to scream at each other n the tub. She handed me the plate of perfectly cooked eggs and bacon along with some toast with jam on it, and left the room for her kids quickly.
I was feeling much more comfortable then. This family was actually really cool so far. Joe seemed overly cocky and rude, but the kids seemed to be pretty well behaved and quiet so far. Melanie, although trying a bit too hard the night before, was starting to come around. I was warming up to her slowly, but she seemed nice enough. She was the hardest to get used to, mostly because she was like a mom. I hadn't had a mom in so long, it was awkward, but not as awkward as it would get later on in the day.
Just as Melanie walked away to get the kids, Jack came in the French doors behind me. He took his shoes off and set them nicely by the side of the doors and stepped in, taking off his jacket and throwing it over a chair at the table. It was obvious he had been out working for a while by the looks of his clothes and muddy boots.
"Morning." He grinned at me. His smile reminded me of Soda, and made my heart ache.
"Morning, Mr. Briggs." I said when I swallowed my mouthful of food.
"Please, its Jack." He walked over to the oven and pulled out a hot plate of food, then shut it off and came to sit his plate down in the seat next to me on the table. He started walking away again, back into the kitchen.
"I see Melanie got to you already, Sshe's amazing, how she takes care of the kids and everything else at the same time. Hey, do you want something to drink? Coffee, milk, water?"
He looked up to me after pouring himself a mug of coffee.
"Sure...Milk is good." I said.
He got out a glass and brought me the milk, "So how did you sleep? The kids didn't wake you up did they?"
"Nah. I slept just great."
Jack nodded, pleased at my lie, that he obviously bought. Was it only Darry and Soda and the gang that I couldn't lie to? I was sure hoping so. That could be really nice.
We ate in silence then, that is until Melanie came back into the kitchen about ten minutes later.
"Whats the plan for today, babe?" Jack asked before he took a bite of his biscuits.
"Well, I need to take Ponyboy into town to get some new clothes and you should show he around. Preston is going to a birthday party over at the Ritten's place in a few hours and I told Hannah that I would bake my famous funnel cake to take to the miles social tonight."
"That's great, honey. You going to make an extra cake for us? Pony has to try it."
I gave him a weird look, "Its really good," he said to me.
"If there is any left I will bring it home."
Jack playfully glared at her. "Well, I guess that means you are taking Kaytee so that we men can have a good time here at the house."
She laughed at him, "I don't think so."
He smirked back, "I do. We boys have a lot to...catch up on." He looked my way, giving her a hint.
"We'll see." She grinned at Jacks antics. They seemed so fit together, it was amazing to me. I tried to imagine Darry being like that with anyone, but couldn't to save my life. Darry was too hard to do that, but all the same, I sure missed him and Soda. It had only been a night.
Melanie left the room, and Jack turned to me, "So, baking isn't my kind of thing, I assume you agree?"
I shrugged. I really didn't mind it much, it was better than cleaning. Besides, there was always a treat for your work, "That depends on the alternative." I replied, grinning despite myself.
"Well, how does a tour of the place sound? We can ride the horses, and show you around."
I nodded my head, "Id say that's better than baking." I took my last bite and Jack showed me what they did with the dishes when they were dirty. He said Melanie insisted that the dishes be rinsed and staked nicely by the sink. She did dishes with the kids and him every night after dinner.
Then we went on the "tour" of the ranch and dude ranch. It was fun. It was ten times larger than I had originally thought, even from looking out the windows. It was amazing and beautiful. Really, I loved it. I just wished the whole time that Soda was there with me. He would be in heaven at the Briggs' ranch. I felt bad that he would soon be on a train to go do rigorous training and then off to the wild jungles of heat in the eastern hemisphere of the globe. It wasn't fair, not to send Soda; he couldn't kill anyone, he couldn't.