A/n: Well, well, well, what do we have here? ... Another chapter? ... I think
so! You guys are making this so wonderful for me. You all rock like nothing
else. I don't think I've ever gotten such a great response from readers at
ffn since... well, since they took the real persons section out. And even
then I can't remember what I had for what stories. I just know that right
now this is what I'm concerned about and I am quite pleased by the reaction
I've been getting.
I should mention in here that I have NOTHING against Hispanics and neither does Ponyboy. If it sounds like he's making racial comments – he's not. He's just in an extremely pissed, confused mood and he's not being his normal self. So, yeah, just thought I'd say something so I don't get people hounding on me.
Dedication: Hmmm...who should I give this to...? ... I know! I'm dedicating this one to Anon who I seriously mistook for something that she wasn't and whom I'm hoping got my email and isn't still angry with me. This is for you, babe!
(Again, review responses are located at the bottom.)
Enjoy! I love you like a fat kid loves cake!
Chapter Four
My face was red where her hand had struck sharply. That was the last thing I expected to happen, although with how my week had been going, I shouldn't have been surprised. Heat started to rise off it and it smarted. Wide-eyed, I reached up and felt it gingerly while she backed up smugly and crossed her arms across her chest. I wasn't sure if it was only me, but the noise level seemed to drop an octave and I could hear one of Angela's friends cussing me out in a soft voice. What the hell? Where had all that come from? I licked in the inside of my cheek lightly and felt the slightest trace of blood where my tooth and scraped the side of my mouth.
"Hey, man." A kid I didn't know came up from my side and shoved me to the left. "What's wrong wich you?" He had a strong South American accent although he didn't look all that Hispanic to me. I recognize him, but I couldn't place his face. I couldn't place anyone that I knew anymore now as I scanned the room and saw a few people staring. I knew them, but I didn't. Confusion was taking over everything. I couldn't keep my mind straight. I was in such shock. "What the hell you doin' comin' all up in here treatin' her like that? Ain't no one gonna touch Angela! And especially not chyou, man."
I held up my hands and backed up. "Hey! I didn't touch her. She's the one who hit me. I ain't done nothing..."
"Yeah?" he challenged me. "Is that what she'll say? I don't know, man, all I saw was you up in her face."
"Ask her," I repeated. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked around. It was Two-Bit.
"What's goin' on?" he asked. God, Two-Bit sure found a nice place to drop in. If I hadn't left him behind... I'd have to thank him later. In the meantime, I'd take advantage of his presence and regain a little more of that self-confidence that somehow left when things took another turn.
"Yeah, I don't know," I said. I served the kid with the coldest stare I could muster. I shouldn't say that he's a kid. For all I know, he's older than me. He looked old enough to be. Anyway, he was a prick and in something he wasn't meant to be a part of . "But I want to know what the hell's it is."
Angela stepped forward and started in on me again. "You got Elizabeth knocked up!" She pointed at my face and I jerked my head back a little to avoid the long fingernail. I never understood the long nails. How do they not break? "What the hell is she supposed to do now? Huh? You know her mother threw her out?"
"Yeah, but –"
"It's a good thing she's got Jimmy," she growled. Was she friends with Libby? How did she know all this? "I'd watch my back if I were you. I might not know much about him, but from what I've heard he's a mean ol' bastard. My dad hated him the second he met him. And that's saying a lot."
Yeah, that made no sense whatsoever. Who cared what her dad thought? He wasn't my problem. By the sound of it, the only person I had to worry about was this Jimmy guy. I knew I was going to have to face him at sometime or another. With a sister like that, he's bound to hunt me down like a hound dog. I just hoped that when that day came I wouldn't be alone. The last thing I wanted to do was face the older brother of some chick who's convinced I've knocked her up.
"Hey," Two-Bit stepped in, "Pony says he didn't do it, he didn't do it. What business is it of yours anyway?" He was being as polite as he could. He was usually nicer to girls that he ever was to guys, and although that wasn't saying a whole lot, it made a difference.
Angela's mouth gaped and she looked surprised beyond anything. "Are you fuckin' kidding me? Libby is my step-sister, dipshit. I think it's all my business. Don't go telling me it ain't. What do you have to do with anything? I don't see you branded with the God forbidden Curtis name."
"She's your what?" I broke in before Two-Bit could answer. This was all news to me. "Step-sister? Since when?!"
"Since my pops left," she sneered. "All right? You don't think my pops wanted to marry again? Shoot, Pony, he's been married for over five years now. Are you that oughta the loop?"
Like I'm supposed to know? I don't care enough about the Shepards to give a shit. All I knew was that Libby never knew her father. That's all I've ever gotten out of her about that. Of course I knew her mom remarried, but I never asked about him. Was I supposed to? Who was I to push any? What's her private life is hers and she doesn't have to share it if she doesn't want to. Besides, she didn't know everything about me herself. Obviously no one does.
"No, I just –"
"Get on with it, man!" the gangly Hispanic greaser snapped. "What the hell do you want wit her?"
"Who? Libby?"
"No! Angela. She ain't never done nothin' to you, don't you dare come near her." He advanced towards me and I got the strange impression that he was more than a friend of hers. He was crazy, either way. He had some screwed up notion in his head that was completely wrong. That's messed up.
"Dax!" Angela grabbed at his arm. So, that was his name. Dax. Man, I never thought I'd be glad to have my name over someone else's. "Stay out of it! Tim won't be wanting you to fight him anyway." Her eyes were wide as if to pass on some sort of silent message. That's when it dawned on me who he was. He was one of Tim's rookies. I had seen him a few times before when we've bummed around with the Shepard's gang. He was a newbie, I could tell. Now that I knew that, he did look only about fifteen or so. I could take him if I had to. I wouldn't if I could help it, though. He was part of an allied gang. I'd get killed if I did anything to ruin that.
Dax shrugged her off and pushed his way back to her friends a few feet behind her. I noticed then that he was the only guy there with them. Was he supposed to be a ladies man or something? He sure didn't fit the part. I watched as he put his arm around the girl who had tried to cuss me out and saw him whisper in her ear. He thought he was such a clever bastard. He sure was wrong. What the heck was he doing trying to start a fight with no back ups? An idiot could tell you that was a stupid move. What did that make him? A fool? He kissed the girl on the cheek and flipped me off before turning and fighting his way through the crowd. I lost sight of him and turned my attention back to Angela.
"Is that what you were planning on happening?" I asked her. She had her hand on her hip and readjusted the strap of her purse with the other. She looked like she was finished. "You brought the greenie along to beat the shit out of me and got cold feet?" I shook my head. She was definitely a Shepard. Little to no brains. And that was saying a lot when you set her up next to Curly. Tim was all right, but Curly and Angela are definitely two in the same. One wonders how that poor family was landed with those two.
She only spit at my feet and turned around with her hair swinging over her shoulders. She thought she was so hot. All I have to say is it depends on who you're talking to, because that kind of behavior wasn't even close to what I find attractive. "You'd better watch it, Ponyboy. You ain't safe no more."
"Hey, missy," Two-Bit started. "You let Jimmy know we're ready take –"
I pulled him back by the arm. What was he saying?! I wasn't ready to take anyone on. I'd avoid it for as long as I could. Hell, I'd rather avoid it all together or at least pretend I don't know it's coming. What was he trying to do? Start a massacre?
"Two-Bit!" I hissed when he stopped and Angela and her friends continued to retreat into the crowd. "Damn it! What are you trying to do?"
"Shoot, kid," he turned on me as we ourselves started to leave, "that guy has any beefs, he can take it up with me. You ain't in this alone."
"Yeah, tell that to him!"
"Oh, he'll know. He'll find out soon enough." He was so proud of himself and I'm not sure I could be any less thrilled. His idea of a good time, or sticking up for me, or whatever it was, wasn't too intriguing to me. I guess the fact that he was willing to back me was a definite up, but he's only going to make it worse. Before it might've just been me getting the shit kicked out of me by some over-aged greaser, but now who knows what'll happen? He just basically invited Rave to rumble with us. He was going to drag the whole neighborhood into this if he could.
"Yo! Ponybitch!" Dax was waiting outside of Milo's when we exited the place. I should've known he'd be out here. It only made sense. I wish I knew now why I left the house in the first place. This night was anything but relaxing. "You know I don't like no one messing with my girls."
"Yeah? Tell that to them, fucker." Shoot, two could play this game. I made to open the passengers door of Two-Bit's car when I felt something sharp hit me on the back of the head. I grabbed the spot that was hit and looked at the object that had fallen to the ground. The little shit had thrown a crushed pop can at me! What a crock. I spun around and watched as he bent down to pick up a piece of broken pipe. He was ready to fight me then and there.
Before I had the chance to do anything, Two-Bit was in his face with his switch. I knew he had no intentions of using it, but the fact that he brought it out...you knew he was serious. Dax took a brave swing at him but Two-Bit ducked out of the way and brought in his other hand to punch him. Dax fell back against the building wall, regained his composure after a few seconds pause, and dove at him. By that time, Two-Bit had put his switch away and had access to both his hands. This was going to get messy.
"Two-Bit!" I ran back over there to try and stop him. He was at least twice the size of the kid and could whip him badly if he really wanted to. As much as I could care less about Dax, he really didn't have a fair chance. Two-Bit had been serious when he told me he'd help out. The only problem was that he was fighting the wrong battle. "Two-Bit, don't –"
Dax socked me in the gut and I nearly doubled over. That was it. I wasn't stopping it anymore. He wanted me to fight, I wasn't going to back down now. I took a hard uppercut to his jaw and he stumbled back with that and another blow from Two-Bit. Before becoming blind with all my pent up rage, I saw a trickle of blood leak out his mouth and he gasped for breath before I gave him some more of what he asked for.
If he had planned on making Tim proud of him for coming off the better in a fight, he had picked the wrong people to tango with.
I didn't want to hurt him too bad though. Like I said, he was an immature fool who also happened to be part of an allied gang – for how much longer, I'm not sure, but as for the time being, he was. That and I despised fighting above all else. As soon as he collapsed to the ground, I pulled Two-Bit back. Time to run. The Ribbon was swarming with the fuzz and there was no way that had went unseen. I sure wasn't proud of it myself, and there wasn't any way I'd risk getting jailed for it if I could help it.
Dax rolled over and got ready to stand back up, but instead he kneeled on all fours with his head resting on this fists. Really – time to go.
"Let's get out of here, Two-Bit," I said and we simultaneously sped back to his car. The sooner we left, the better. I didn't need a confrontation with the cops to add to my life. Not now. Hopefully not ever.
"Damn, kid," Two-Bit said through gritted teeth as he peeled out onto the street. "You weren't going to just take that, were you? He was out to get you!"
"Yeah, you don't think I noticed?" I sighed and looked out the window at the darkened sky to the surrounding cop cars that weren't moving. I was grateful for that then, but at other times it made me angry that most of the cops on The Ribbon bummed around and hung out as if they weren't on duty. So much crap wouldn't happen if people didn't know they could get away with it. But, there were always those certain fuzz who did care enough to stick their noses into others business. It was them I worried about on nights like this.
"Anyway, if that doesn't get him to shut up, I don't know what will. Pity he's one of Tim's, hmm?" He switched on the radio and found a rock station and kept it there.
"Right."
I slumped in my seat and stared out at the bright lights in front of us. That knotted feeling was returning to my stomach and it wasn't all from Dax either. Who knew that so much could come out of one lie? It hadn't even been a week and look what I've gotten into. For all I knew, Tim would actually be angry about the Dax incident and not to mention Libby. If he were her step-sister...damn. I could only hope that there was some rivalry there, so he didn't care, and that Angela just happened to like her new family. It was a mean thing to wish for, but if it kept me out of more trouble... And then there was Jimmy, Angela, Steve, school, and God knows who or what else. Wouldn't it be nice to just fall asleep and realize this was all a dream? If life were only so simple.
"Don't tell Darry?" I asked.
"Course not, kid," he answered. "Wouldn't dream of it."
~*~
Hahaha. Thanks for reading. PLEASE review. You know how much I love those. If you have any flames, kiss my ass. Send them anyway. Am I challenging those who are too disgusted? I think I am... But, anyway, reviews are a wonderous thing. Later dudes.
Review Responses for those who care!:
DaNNi BaBezZz: Yeah, Angela isn't the nicest of girls. She does whatever she pleases because she's Shepard and...well...she's Angela, she just is that way. She thinks she's too cool for her own good. Yeah, I could've made Darry more stubborn, but people were so ready to throw a fit I thought I better mend somethings and quick. Hopefully this one doesn't leave you as confused. Thanks!
Tensleep making a quick one: Aww, you just tell Jake where he can go, yourself! What a prick. I'm glad this helped you and I'm sorry if I made you late for school. I've had days like that. But you know...it's never fun to go back after Spring/Easter Break. (EEEEK! Mine just started on Wednesday!!) Hopefully it wasn't too bad and if it was, maybe this helped you. It's about time I help you. You and your family do plenty for me, you might not realize it, but you do. Of course, family is family and I love y'all. So, you liked the hangout? Yeah, I had to come up with something. I didn't want to use one of the old ones like people (and I) usually do, so I made up a new one. Well, if Jhon happens to read this one, I'm not so sure he'll hopes will have been met. Pony doesn't exactly get the crap kicked out of him. Sorry. Lol.
Rock: just like you...only better: We've really had a few trying weeks haven't we? It's such a wonderful thing that writing exists. It's such a relief (more for you than for me) and I don't know what we'd do without it. Well, actually I do. You'd go psycho (jk) and I'd...well... I'm not sure what I'd do, still. Anyway, thanks for reading and making my job easier. Hopefully I do the same thing for you. I wish I could say that I did, but I don't know that that holds true on all grounds. So...my final words on all matters – something that explains everything about the world: Know boys, know pain. No boys, no pain. Thank you and goodnight.
CrazyLilDreamer: Haha, thanks, babe. I had fun with the little bitch. Pony didn't deserve it at all, but so much for fairness, right? He hasn't been getting much of that.
Bandit-Gurl42: Sorry, I didn't realize I hadn't reviewed before. My bad. Anyway, yeah, Angela isn't the most likable person out there, especially in this fic. She's a true blue brat and there's not much we can do to change that.
CiCi: Yeah, I never plan where I end. It just happens, but I like it that way. I can't promise there won't be more cliffhangers or anything. It all depends. This is random, but I have to tell you. As I write this, I keep getting the hand-clap song in my head, "CiCi, oh playmate! Come out and play with me! And bring your dollies three!..." You don't htat one? Anyway, later!
taste of fire: I'm glad I could help you with your Angela question! Actually, That Was Then, This is Now isn't a sequel, but it DOES have an appearance from Pony in there. It's pretty sweet. But yeah, Angela is a royal pain in the ass.
Oblivious Misconception: Yeah, I think we'd all like to see Pony slap her back, but... he's Ponyboy. Lol. Yeah, I have to say that I can't stand her at all. She cracks me up, though. She's a hoot in a cruel, bitchy way.
shyXshortieXbabe: Sorry. I had to leave it there. I couldn't help myself. I hope this satisfied your want for more.
Fyre: Do you speak French? I know a tad... nothing that would be exactly appropriate, though, you know? I mean, if I really wanted to, I could tell someone to go to their room because my friends are here (Harry Potter movie I did with my friends for their French class), that they have a nice butt, or (in a sexual way – sad, I know) that I want to spank them, etc... Anyway, I was VERY tempted to say that Pony was bitch slapped myself, but I didn't, lol. Nice to know someone was thinking on the same wave length as me.
Two-BitGortez: Thanks, hun. Glad to know you're still reading!
griffins95: Haha, I'm not sure there is anyone who likes Angela, and if anyone reading this does, I'm not sure they'll like her in here. We'll just have to see. Yup, Pony is 17. Of course being boy crazy and all, he's got a nice chiseled bod. Haha. Guys are great...well, most of them... okay some of them are worthy, but... I'll shut up now. Thanks for reading!
Hood: Oh yeah! Poor Pony is right. Hardly anyone is cutting him any slack these days. But, things will get better. They always do.
sulfer101: You nailed it! Yeah, it seems that people like the term 'Psycho girl.' I love it, lol. It fits wonderfully, and I could care less what people call her. Bitch, brat, psycho girl, or whatnot.
Anon: Are we cool now? Yes? No? I'm very pleased that you are still reading. Maybe I should make clear my definition of a flame: A review that says nothing positive and doesn't leave any constructive criticism and leaves me feeling like shit. I don't mind them all that much, really, but a flame is a flame, and they never make anyone feel good. That's why I mistook what you said as one. Thanks for still reading after my nasty comment. You're awesome!
Sodapop02: Yeah? You think people review more with cliffhangers?...*taps chin*...hmmmm... Jk. I can't promise anything really. Everything that happens is as much of a shock to as the next person.
pirategirl143: I love to do RRs! All your reviews make me feel so good, I just have to thank people! I love you for reading this. Yup, Angela sure had a reason, to her justification, to slap Pony, but he didn't deserve it at all. Poor kid is taking so much abuse... ( Time to make Ponyboy happy again!
I should mention in here that I have NOTHING against Hispanics and neither does Ponyboy. If it sounds like he's making racial comments – he's not. He's just in an extremely pissed, confused mood and he's not being his normal self. So, yeah, just thought I'd say something so I don't get people hounding on me.
Dedication: Hmmm...who should I give this to...? ... I know! I'm dedicating this one to Anon who I seriously mistook for something that she wasn't and whom I'm hoping got my email and isn't still angry with me. This is for you, babe!
(Again, review responses are located at the bottom.)
Enjoy! I love you like a fat kid loves cake!
Chapter Four
My face was red where her hand had struck sharply. That was the last thing I expected to happen, although with how my week had been going, I shouldn't have been surprised. Heat started to rise off it and it smarted. Wide-eyed, I reached up and felt it gingerly while she backed up smugly and crossed her arms across her chest. I wasn't sure if it was only me, but the noise level seemed to drop an octave and I could hear one of Angela's friends cussing me out in a soft voice. What the hell? Where had all that come from? I licked in the inside of my cheek lightly and felt the slightest trace of blood where my tooth and scraped the side of my mouth.
"Hey, man." A kid I didn't know came up from my side and shoved me to the left. "What's wrong wich you?" He had a strong South American accent although he didn't look all that Hispanic to me. I recognize him, but I couldn't place his face. I couldn't place anyone that I knew anymore now as I scanned the room and saw a few people staring. I knew them, but I didn't. Confusion was taking over everything. I couldn't keep my mind straight. I was in such shock. "What the hell you doin' comin' all up in here treatin' her like that? Ain't no one gonna touch Angela! And especially not chyou, man."
I held up my hands and backed up. "Hey! I didn't touch her. She's the one who hit me. I ain't done nothing..."
"Yeah?" he challenged me. "Is that what she'll say? I don't know, man, all I saw was you up in her face."
"Ask her," I repeated. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked around. It was Two-Bit.
"What's goin' on?" he asked. God, Two-Bit sure found a nice place to drop in. If I hadn't left him behind... I'd have to thank him later. In the meantime, I'd take advantage of his presence and regain a little more of that self-confidence that somehow left when things took another turn.
"Yeah, I don't know," I said. I served the kid with the coldest stare I could muster. I shouldn't say that he's a kid. For all I know, he's older than me. He looked old enough to be. Anyway, he was a prick and in something he wasn't meant to be a part of . "But I want to know what the hell's it is."
Angela stepped forward and started in on me again. "You got Elizabeth knocked up!" She pointed at my face and I jerked my head back a little to avoid the long fingernail. I never understood the long nails. How do they not break? "What the hell is she supposed to do now? Huh? You know her mother threw her out?"
"Yeah, but –"
"It's a good thing she's got Jimmy," she growled. Was she friends with Libby? How did she know all this? "I'd watch my back if I were you. I might not know much about him, but from what I've heard he's a mean ol' bastard. My dad hated him the second he met him. And that's saying a lot."
Yeah, that made no sense whatsoever. Who cared what her dad thought? He wasn't my problem. By the sound of it, the only person I had to worry about was this Jimmy guy. I knew I was going to have to face him at sometime or another. With a sister like that, he's bound to hunt me down like a hound dog. I just hoped that when that day came I wouldn't be alone. The last thing I wanted to do was face the older brother of some chick who's convinced I've knocked her up.
"Hey," Two-Bit stepped in, "Pony says he didn't do it, he didn't do it. What business is it of yours anyway?" He was being as polite as he could. He was usually nicer to girls that he ever was to guys, and although that wasn't saying a whole lot, it made a difference.
Angela's mouth gaped and she looked surprised beyond anything. "Are you fuckin' kidding me? Libby is my step-sister, dipshit. I think it's all my business. Don't go telling me it ain't. What do you have to do with anything? I don't see you branded with the God forbidden Curtis name."
"She's your what?" I broke in before Two-Bit could answer. This was all news to me. "Step-sister? Since when?!"
"Since my pops left," she sneered. "All right? You don't think my pops wanted to marry again? Shoot, Pony, he's been married for over five years now. Are you that oughta the loop?"
Like I'm supposed to know? I don't care enough about the Shepards to give a shit. All I knew was that Libby never knew her father. That's all I've ever gotten out of her about that. Of course I knew her mom remarried, but I never asked about him. Was I supposed to? Who was I to push any? What's her private life is hers and she doesn't have to share it if she doesn't want to. Besides, she didn't know everything about me herself. Obviously no one does.
"No, I just –"
"Get on with it, man!" the gangly Hispanic greaser snapped. "What the hell do you want wit her?"
"Who? Libby?"
"No! Angela. She ain't never done nothin' to you, don't you dare come near her." He advanced towards me and I got the strange impression that he was more than a friend of hers. He was crazy, either way. He had some screwed up notion in his head that was completely wrong. That's messed up.
"Dax!" Angela grabbed at his arm. So, that was his name. Dax. Man, I never thought I'd be glad to have my name over someone else's. "Stay out of it! Tim won't be wanting you to fight him anyway." Her eyes were wide as if to pass on some sort of silent message. That's when it dawned on me who he was. He was one of Tim's rookies. I had seen him a few times before when we've bummed around with the Shepard's gang. He was a newbie, I could tell. Now that I knew that, he did look only about fifteen or so. I could take him if I had to. I wouldn't if I could help it, though. He was part of an allied gang. I'd get killed if I did anything to ruin that.
Dax shrugged her off and pushed his way back to her friends a few feet behind her. I noticed then that he was the only guy there with them. Was he supposed to be a ladies man or something? He sure didn't fit the part. I watched as he put his arm around the girl who had tried to cuss me out and saw him whisper in her ear. He thought he was such a clever bastard. He sure was wrong. What the heck was he doing trying to start a fight with no back ups? An idiot could tell you that was a stupid move. What did that make him? A fool? He kissed the girl on the cheek and flipped me off before turning and fighting his way through the crowd. I lost sight of him and turned my attention back to Angela.
"Is that what you were planning on happening?" I asked her. She had her hand on her hip and readjusted the strap of her purse with the other. She looked like she was finished. "You brought the greenie along to beat the shit out of me and got cold feet?" I shook my head. She was definitely a Shepard. Little to no brains. And that was saying a lot when you set her up next to Curly. Tim was all right, but Curly and Angela are definitely two in the same. One wonders how that poor family was landed with those two.
She only spit at my feet and turned around with her hair swinging over her shoulders. She thought she was so hot. All I have to say is it depends on who you're talking to, because that kind of behavior wasn't even close to what I find attractive. "You'd better watch it, Ponyboy. You ain't safe no more."
"Hey, missy," Two-Bit started. "You let Jimmy know we're ready take –"
I pulled him back by the arm. What was he saying?! I wasn't ready to take anyone on. I'd avoid it for as long as I could. Hell, I'd rather avoid it all together or at least pretend I don't know it's coming. What was he trying to do? Start a massacre?
"Two-Bit!" I hissed when he stopped and Angela and her friends continued to retreat into the crowd. "Damn it! What are you trying to do?"
"Shoot, kid," he turned on me as we ourselves started to leave, "that guy has any beefs, he can take it up with me. You ain't in this alone."
"Yeah, tell that to him!"
"Oh, he'll know. He'll find out soon enough." He was so proud of himself and I'm not sure I could be any less thrilled. His idea of a good time, or sticking up for me, or whatever it was, wasn't too intriguing to me. I guess the fact that he was willing to back me was a definite up, but he's only going to make it worse. Before it might've just been me getting the shit kicked out of me by some over-aged greaser, but now who knows what'll happen? He just basically invited Rave to rumble with us. He was going to drag the whole neighborhood into this if he could.
"Yo! Ponybitch!" Dax was waiting outside of Milo's when we exited the place. I should've known he'd be out here. It only made sense. I wish I knew now why I left the house in the first place. This night was anything but relaxing. "You know I don't like no one messing with my girls."
"Yeah? Tell that to them, fucker." Shoot, two could play this game. I made to open the passengers door of Two-Bit's car when I felt something sharp hit me on the back of the head. I grabbed the spot that was hit and looked at the object that had fallen to the ground. The little shit had thrown a crushed pop can at me! What a crock. I spun around and watched as he bent down to pick up a piece of broken pipe. He was ready to fight me then and there.
Before I had the chance to do anything, Two-Bit was in his face with his switch. I knew he had no intentions of using it, but the fact that he brought it out...you knew he was serious. Dax took a brave swing at him but Two-Bit ducked out of the way and brought in his other hand to punch him. Dax fell back against the building wall, regained his composure after a few seconds pause, and dove at him. By that time, Two-Bit had put his switch away and had access to both his hands. This was going to get messy.
"Two-Bit!" I ran back over there to try and stop him. He was at least twice the size of the kid and could whip him badly if he really wanted to. As much as I could care less about Dax, he really didn't have a fair chance. Two-Bit had been serious when he told me he'd help out. The only problem was that he was fighting the wrong battle. "Two-Bit, don't –"
Dax socked me in the gut and I nearly doubled over. That was it. I wasn't stopping it anymore. He wanted me to fight, I wasn't going to back down now. I took a hard uppercut to his jaw and he stumbled back with that and another blow from Two-Bit. Before becoming blind with all my pent up rage, I saw a trickle of blood leak out his mouth and he gasped for breath before I gave him some more of what he asked for.
If he had planned on making Tim proud of him for coming off the better in a fight, he had picked the wrong people to tango with.
I didn't want to hurt him too bad though. Like I said, he was an immature fool who also happened to be part of an allied gang – for how much longer, I'm not sure, but as for the time being, he was. That and I despised fighting above all else. As soon as he collapsed to the ground, I pulled Two-Bit back. Time to run. The Ribbon was swarming with the fuzz and there was no way that had went unseen. I sure wasn't proud of it myself, and there wasn't any way I'd risk getting jailed for it if I could help it.
Dax rolled over and got ready to stand back up, but instead he kneeled on all fours with his head resting on this fists. Really – time to go.
"Let's get out of here, Two-Bit," I said and we simultaneously sped back to his car. The sooner we left, the better. I didn't need a confrontation with the cops to add to my life. Not now. Hopefully not ever.
"Damn, kid," Two-Bit said through gritted teeth as he peeled out onto the street. "You weren't going to just take that, were you? He was out to get you!"
"Yeah, you don't think I noticed?" I sighed and looked out the window at the darkened sky to the surrounding cop cars that weren't moving. I was grateful for that then, but at other times it made me angry that most of the cops on The Ribbon bummed around and hung out as if they weren't on duty. So much crap wouldn't happen if people didn't know they could get away with it. But, there were always those certain fuzz who did care enough to stick their noses into others business. It was them I worried about on nights like this.
"Anyway, if that doesn't get him to shut up, I don't know what will. Pity he's one of Tim's, hmm?" He switched on the radio and found a rock station and kept it there.
"Right."
I slumped in my seat and stared out at the bright lights in front of us. That knotted feeling was returning to my stomach and it wasn't all from Dax either. Who knew that so much could come out of one lie? It hadn't even been a week and look what I've gotten into. For all I knew, Tim would actually be angry about the Dax incident and not to mention Libby. If he were her step-sister...damn. I could only hope that there was some rivalry there, so he didn't care, and that Angela just happened to like her new family. It was a mean thing to wish for, but if it kept me out of more trouble... And then there was Jimmy, Angela, Steve, school, and God knows who or what else. Wouldn't it be nice to just fall asleep and realize this was all a dream? If life were only so simple.
"Don't tell Darry?" I asked.
"Course not, kid," he answered. "Wouldn't dream of it."
~*~
Hahaha. Thanks for reading. PLEASE review. You know how much I love those. If you have any flames, kiss my ass. Send them anyway. Am I challenging those who are too disgusted? I think I am... But, anyway, reviews are a wonderous thing. Later dudes.
Review Responses for those who care!:
DaNNi BaBezZz: Yeah, Angela isn't the nicest of girls. She does whatever she pleases because she's Shepard and...well...she's Angela, she just is that way. She thinks she's too cool for her own good. Yeah, I could've made Darry more stubborn, but people were so ready to throw a fit I thought I better mend somethings and quick. Hopefully this one doesn't leave you as confused. Thanks!
Tensleep making a quick one: Aww, you just tell Jake where he can go, yourself! What a prick. I'm glad this helped you and I'm sorry if I made you late for school. I've had days like that. But you know...it's never fun to go back after Spring/Easter Break. (EEEEK! Mine just started on Wednesday!!) Hopefully it wasn't too bad and if it was, maybe this helped you. It's about time I help you. You and your family do plenty for me, you might not realize it, but you do. Of course, family is family and I love y'all. So, you liked the hangout? Yeah, I had to come up with something. I didn't want to use one of the old ones like people (and I) usually do, so I made up a new one. Well, if Jhon happens to read this one, I'm not so sure he'll hopes will have been met. Pony doesn't exactly get the crap kicked out of him. Sorry. Lol.
Rock: just like you...only better: We've really had a few trying weeks haven't we? It's such a wonderful thing that writing exists. It's such a relief (more for you than for me) and I don't know what we'd do without it. Well, actually I do. You'd go psycho (jk) and I'd...well... I'm not sure what I'd do, still. Anyway, thanks for reading and making my job easier. Hopefully I do the same thing for you. I wish I could say that I did, but I don't know that that holds true on all grounds. So...my final words on all matters – something that explains everything about the world: Know boys, know pain. No boys, no pain. Thank you and goodnight.
CrazyLilDreamer: Haha, thanks, babe. I had fun with the little bitch. Pony didn't deserve it at all, but so much for fairness, right? He hasn't been getting much of that.
Bandit-Gurl42: Sorry, I didn't realize I hadn't reviewed before. My bad. Anyway, yeah, Angela isn't the most likable person out there, especially in this fic. She's a true blue brat and there's not much we can do to change that.
CiCi: Yeah, I never plan where I end. It just happens, but I like it that way. I can't promise there won't be more cliffhangers or anything. It all depends. This is random, but I have to tell you. As I write this, I keep getting the hand-clap song in my head, "CiCi, oh playmate! Come out and play with me! And bring your dollies three!..." You don't htat one? Anyway, later!
taste of fire: I'm glad I could help you with your Angela question! Actually, That Was Then, This is Now isn't a sequel, but it DOES have an appearance from Pony in there. It's pretty sweet. But yeah, Angela is a royal pain in the ass.
Oblivious Misconception: Yeah, I think we'd all like to see Pony slap her back, but... he's Ponyboy. Lol. Yeah, I have to say that I can't stand her at all. She cracks me up, though. She's a hoot in a cruel, bitchy way.
shyXshortieXbabe: Sorry. I had to leave it there. I couldn't help myself. I hope this satisfied your want for more.
Fyre: Do you speak French? I know a tad... nothing that would be exactly appropriate, though, you know? I mean, if I really wanted to, I could tell someone to go to their room because my friends are here (Harry Potter movie I did with my friends for their French class), that they have a nice butt, or (in a sexual way – sad, I know) that I want to spank them, etc... Anyway, I was VERY tempted to say that Pony was bitch slapped myself, but I didn't, lol. Nice to know someone was thinking on the same wave length as me.
Two-BitGortez: Thanks, hun. Glad to know you're still reading!
griffins95: Haha, I'm not sure there is anyone who likes Angela, and if anyone reading this does, I'm not sure they'll like her in here. We'll just have to see. Yup, Pony is 17. Of course being boy crazy and all, he's got a nice chiseled bod. Haha. Guys are great...well, most of them... okay some of them are worthy, but... I'll shut up now. Thanks for reading!
Hood: Oh yeah! Poor Pony is right. Hardly anyone is cutting him any slack these days. But, things will get better. They always do.
sulfer101: You nailed it! Yeah, it seems that people like the term 'Psycho girl.' I love it, lol. It fits wonderfully, and I could care less what people call her. Bitch, brat, psycho girl, or whatnot.
Anon: Are we cool now? Yes? No? I'm very pleased that you are still reading. Maybe I should make clear my definition of a flame: A review that says nothing positive and doesn't leave any constructive criticism and leaves me feeling like shit. I don't mind them all that much, really, but a flame is a flame, and they never make anyone feel good. That's why I mistook what you said as one. Thanks for still reading after my nasty comment. You're awesome!
Sodapop02: Yeah? You think people review more with cliffhangers?...*taps chin*...hmmmm... Jk. I can't promise anything really. Everything that happens is as much of a shock to as the next person.
pirategirl143: I love to do RRs! All your reviews make me feel so good, I just have to thank people! I love you for reading this. Yup, Angela sure had a reason, to her justification, to slap Pony, but he didn't deserve it at all. Poor kid is taking so much abuse... ( Time to make Ponyboy happy again!