A/n: Hey guys, how's it checkin'? You know, I ought to tell you that this
chapter would've been up a few days sooner if it hadn't been for Spring
Break and my brother John and a few other mishaps throughout the week.
Oddly enough, the fact that it was Spring Break is what put off the actual
writing of this for a few days, when in the beginning I was planning on
writing several chapters DURING the break so that I wouldn't have to worry
about coming across writers block and not having anything to give those of
you who are reading this. But that so rarely happens for me (although when
it does it DOES), so y'all don't have much to worry about. And with my
brother... yeah, I use his computer to update and that is putting this off
yet another day, because the day I decided to put it up, he decided the
computer was working too slowly for him so he took it in – late in the day,
as my luck would have it. That was on Monday. Tuesday he still didn't have
the computer back because they found some viruses on it and they had to
work on it until really late that night. So, he wouldn't let me on period.
But, as my luck would have it, it didn't matter because the disk that I had
this saved on was in some random computer at school. I left it on accident.
And stupidly enough, I didn't make a back up copy. Then on Wednesday I
found the disk but I forgot it AGAIN in ANOTHER computer. And on Thursday I
took what I like to call a 'Mental Health Day', or in other words... I didn't
go to school. Luckily for me, the disk was still in that computer and I got
it today (Friday). Now I'm going to put it up before I don't something else
inept.
Anyway, some of you will be pleased to know that this chapter is two pages longer than the last one, and three pages longer than the one before... Basically it's the longest chapter I've done so far, but not the longest you can anticipate, by far. I was just quiet proud of myself to get it so big, lol.
Well... Enjoy! And remember that review responses are found at the bottom of the chapter. Thanks guys.
Chapter Five
The next day, Soda decided he would take me to school. I was grateful for that. It was usually Darry who took me, but as cool Darry was and all, I enjoyed being with Soda more. It was the short times together, like this, that gave us a chance to talk and that was always nice. Talk between Darry and I had been strained for awhile, and it wasn't doing either of us any good to stick ourselves in a situation where we had to talk. Besides, there was no one better to talk to than Soda. I used to feel the same way about Johnny, but since his death I've had to find other means of communicating my thoughts and feelings to an actual living, breathing outlet. Soda was a good listener and he always told you straight out what he thought. He didn't beat around the bush or fluff things up nor did he tell you what to do about your problems. He gave suggestions and advice, but he never flat out said that you should do what he thought was best.
"You think you'll be okay?" he asked as he pulled up in front of Will Rodgers High and he turned off the engine. I took that to mean I wasn't getting out yet. That was fine by me. Curly Shepard was standing outside the double doors with two of his gang members. They were laughing over something, but that didn't settle my nerves at all. I was going to have to find another entrance. There was no way I'd risk another encounter with one of them. So what if they were in good moods? I didn't want to make them any happier.
"Yeah..." I faked like I thought he was crazy. It was a lot easier than telling the truth. That's for sure. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know. You're too jumpy." Was I? I hadn't noticed. Sense the sarcasm here. Maybe I was being a little too mean, but I wasn't in the best of moods when I woke up this morning, and it that hasn't changed much since. "You need to relax. I'm sure whatever happens, you'll be just fine."
"Yeah? How do you know? You've never had to do this." He never had any girl accuse him of such a thing. And he never went to school scared, I'm sure of it. If he had, there shouldn't have been a reason worth sweating over. Not one I could think of anyway. People liked him too much to want on his bad side. It was hard to venture over there, but it was definitely possible. In the short time that he went to school, I know I never heard him voice any concern about going. If anything he was confident about whatever it was he had to face. Maybe he kept it all inside, but Steve would've known, one way or another. And he isn't one to stay shut up.
"Because. People like you, Pony. You've got a lot of friends. Just stick by them." And exactly how many of them would still be my friends after this? So far it looked as though anyone who knew Libby well enough, all thought the same thing. I just hope I had enough of a say in the situation to change a few minds to my side of the story. But I had been gone for a few days. Word spreads fast in high school. Opinions are formed even faster. With only one side known for several days and the other person was suddenly gone, people start to think crazy things. Soda knew that, but I wasn't going to remind him and let him think I was worried.
"I know." I pushed the door open. He was going to be late for work if he didn't get going. And I didn't need something else hanging over my head.
"Wait." He stopped me. I stayed sitting and I turned to face him. "You know my work number, right?"
"I have it written down somewhere, yeah. Why?"
He shrugged. "In case you want to come home early or something." He started the car back up. "Not that I think you would. But if you do..."
"Okay." I wasn't sure what to say to that. He knew I was scared and I knew that he thought I had every right to be. But Soda was good at telling white- lies to make you feel better. Although, white-lie or not, right now it didn't change anything. I'm not sure anything that anyone said could tame the aching in my stomach. Now, I wasn't set on proving him wrong by lasting the whole day. I didn't care about that. The only reason I wouldn't take him up on his offer is because I had to prove to everyone else I could do it. I had to prove it to myself. No one would drive me as far as to go home. Not now. I may have been chicken in the first place to come, but that was going to change. Thank the Lord for facades. "Bye."
"See you later, bud."
I slammed the door shut and he peeled out of there. I had to chuckle as he roared down the street. He was showing off again, but who was I to stop him? Let him have his moment of fun. Besides, he was going to be late for work as it was. We had a late start this morning.
"Yo! Curtis!" I heard someone call my name as I walked around to the side of the school. I didn't stop but I turned my head slightly to see if I knew who it was or not and whether or not I was up to talking to them. I breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out to be Robbie Thickens, one of my best buds. I was looking forward to talking to him. I knew he'd believe me over Libby. He couldn't stand her. They never hit it off. She hung on him too much for his liking and he pushed her away like he was allergic. It was amusing to me, but I knew he hated it above most things. He came running towards me now.
"God, Rob," I laughed as he stopped next to me. "You scared the hell out of me. Whatcha doin' using my last name anyway? You know I only get called that when I'm in trouble with someone." It was true. Most people found my first name too amusing to not use it. It was only when they were or meant business that they called me Curtis.
He stared at me as if I were insane. "I hate your name," he said he so simply I had to laugh again. "I don't see why I can't call you Curtis. It sounds better than Ponyboy. You have to admit it..." I shrugged and smiled. What would I do without Rob?
He was on the shorter side, a head or so shorter than me. I was an even six feet tall and still growing. He barely grazed the level of shorter girls our age and hadn't grown a half an inch in three years. It didn't bother him any. I'm not sure he even realized that most guys used him as an armrest. And if he did, it didn't bother him either. Nothing much got to Robbie. He was easy going as Soda, almost as funny as Two-Bit, with the temper of Steve. Maybe that's why I got along with him so well. I was already surrounded with people just like him and I preferred his type to buddy around with. He wasn't the most scholastically motivated person I knew, by far, but he did all right. He cared enough to make sure he passed all his classes with a C+ or better. He was going to be a disc jockey when he got out of high school, or so he said, so he wasn't concerned with college in the least. He came from a family where he was the only boy. He was the youngest with three older sisters, none who lived at home anymore. That's where he always said he got his charm from. He knew what it took to keep girls happy, and what not to say when they were upset. If that held true, that he was babe magnet because he had so many sisters, I was sure hoping that didn't mean much going against me.
We walked for a few minutes in silence. I knew why he wasn't saying anything. It was hard to keep him shut up, regularly, but if something was really playing at his mind, he clamed up until he was ready to say anything. I never pushed him either. It wasn't until we got to the locker we shared that he started to speak again.
"I heard about Libby." That was yet another one of his characteristics. He was up front. I found myself friends with many people like that. Did I like to hear the blunt truth all the time? "And I know you wouldn't ever sleep with that bitch. Hell, I don't know why so many think you would."
I swayed on my feet. The moment I had been waiting for had finally been brought up. Good thing it was with Robbie and not some jerk who had to throw in his thoughts. I had built myself up for it, and I was still ready to take on whatever shit people might want to throw my way. I knew it wasn't uncommon for this sort of thing to go down in our school – unwanted pregnancy and deadbeat fathers – but there were always certain people who were ready to slap you around for it. This was something I wanted to discuss with Robbie. I wanted to know what he thought I should do. But the foremost thing on my mind had been brought up in that little speech of his and I wanted to know more.
"Everyone thinks so?"
"Well...not everyone, but a lot, yeah." He stared at his reflection in the mirror he had put up in the locker. He ran his tongue over his teeth and took a comb out of his back pocket. "Don't worry about it, though. They could care less."
"Oh yeah?" I was interested to hear this.
"Yup," he said slowly while he ran the comb carefully through his hair. You have to give it up to the guy who has managed to multitask, even if it was simply so.
"What have people been saying?"
"Oh, you know. The usual." Meaning that there was mainly gossip between girls about Libby and me and how we'll end up married in less than two months, or something along those lines. "But mostly people are shocked."
"That I won't take responsibility?" I threw my math book in the bottom of the locker and searched for my Ancient History textbook. It surprised me how calm Rob was taking this all. I was happy for that. I didn't need another person flipping out on me. He could take it as smoothly as he pleased.
"That and that your actually hooked with her."
"Oh God." There wasn't anything else to say. He knew what I meant. He felt he same way, just to a much larger degree. See, I had actually been able to stand Libby and took her to that dance. He thought I was out of my mind to even consider doing that, because he sure never would. Now I was finding myself headed down the same path he was on. I needed to talk to Libby, although I didn't want to, before I decided to take back my word about being willing to help her find out who the real father was. She was crazy herself, but I knew better than to leave her completely helpless.
"Tell me about it..." he sighed and closed the locker. "We've still got ten minutes. You want to tell me about it?"
Somehow, my once twenty minute story got condensed into an under ten minutes story. The more I told it, the more details I left out. They didn't seem important in the scheme of things, and with the attention span that Robbie had, I knew I couldn't drag it out. He wanted information fast, not with a bunch of fancy details thrown in. Amazingly enough, he sat still through the duration of it and only started to ask questions after I was done.
"Who the hell is Dax?" he asked.
"Pfff," I breathed. "Who cares? He's one of the Shepard's, that's all I know."
"He sounds like a twit to me." He stood up as the five minute bell rang, warning us to get to class immediately.
"You have no idea." I shook my head. I wondered if he went to our school or if he was even in school anymore. I doubted it. Most of that gang were dropouts. Curly wasn't, only just, because his mother dropped him off at school everyday and picked him up afterwards. It was either that or being sent off to live with his grandmother in Wisconsin. He stuck with school and home instead. He had dropped out at one point, but she made him start back up as soon as she found out. They had a good mom. I don't know where they went wrong.
"Stupid and a prick," he laughed. "I can't believe he actually took you both on. Is he crazy?"
"He has to...be..." my voice trailed off as I spotted Libby standing down the hall talking to some girlfriends of hers. I hadn't seen her since she stormed out of my house and she nearly torn the transmission out of her brother's car as she left. I knew I would see her at some point during the day, but I hadn't prepped myself enough to see her so soon.
"Ignore her, man," Robbie hissed in my ear and started to pull me up the staircase. "She's not worth your time anymore. Never was...bitch..."
"I know, just wait a second." I stopped and eyed her more closely. She hadn't seen me yet, due to all the commotion in the halls, but I wanted to get a good look at her before I lost sight of her, now that I had it. Sadly enough, I found myself eyeing her stomach and saw nothing different about it. I tried to remember how long it took before a girl's pregnancy was visible. But I couldn't. She didn't look it yet, but I wondered when she would. She claimed she was a month and a half along, but I really wanted to know. Ideas started to formulate themselves in my mind, but there wasn't anything I could do about them quite yet. I had to go to first period. "All right. Let's go."
"Shoot, man. Forget her. She's not worth it. I'm telling you." He swaggered next to me as we rushed into Mr. Granger's classroom before the tardy bell rang.
"Hurry along," Granger snapped at us and a few other kids coming in. "We don't have all day. We've got a lengthy lecture ahead of us. No more dawdling, am I clear? No late comers. I won't tolerate it anymore. Not this year. Not when I'm..." His rambling was drowned out as the late bell rang. "Settle down everyone!"
This was going to be a long day.
---
A long day was an understatement. By the time first period was half way over, I had gotten three notes, signed anonymously, all telling me I was the scum of the earth – that I belonged among the fire and brimstone of hell. Before I had time to decide whether or not to laugh over them or to get mad, Rob stole them from me and started a paper fight in the classroom. It lasted a total of three minutes with paper, pencils, various lunch food items, and Granger's chalk being thrown about. One girl screamed when some punk slammed her with a spit wad the size of a nickel on the side of her head, and another one when some idiot spit their chewed up gum out in midair. She had to take a pair of scissors to the bathroom to cut it out, as it was stuck in the middle layer of her hair. Mr. Granger kicked Rob and me out as soon as he got the class settled back down. He was fed up and told us to go to the principal's office. We didn't go.
By the time lunch started I had run into four or five Socs who thought it would be funny to taunt me. I happened to be alone at those times, so I didn't do anything about it. If even one person had been with me, I might have said something back, but I wasn't dumb enough to do that alone. They may have all been one on one confrontations, but that didn't make a difference to me. I figured that if they were brave enough to approach me on their own, they could probably hold their own as well. One kid was a freshman who I couldn't help but laugh at. He was shorter than Rob and he was nearly round as he was tall. Apparently he knew Libby's little sister who was still in junior high or something and he had a few words to say about what he had heard. How the hell he even knew I was me, I don't know. But, even with his sneering and jarring, I couldn't take him seriously with the glop of jelly on the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, man," Rob showed up at the locker after lunch had started for five minutes. He was on time. "Where is everyone?" He scanned the area around us.
That's what I'd like to know. Everyday, depending on the day, four or five of us got together and went to lunch. We usually went to The DX or to Will's Pit Stop, but it didn't look like it would be happening today. Quint, who was our ride, didn't show up along with everyone else. I knew why they hadn't, and I wished I wasn't so aware of myself. It wasn't much of an ego booster when your friends ditch you because of a girl. At least I know now who my real friends were, right? Of course, that didn't help my mood any and I was far from okay with it, but I was man enough to take it. I had learned long ago to not get too attached to people. You only get hurt when you do.
"I reckon they went without us. Sorry, man." I slammed the locker door shut and walked across the hall to a set of greaser benches. They didn't belong to anyone in particular. Just greasers. It wasn't a bad thing, we marked them and no one else came close to considering them as a resting place. They were just ours.
"Shoot, Pon, you ain't got nothin' to be sorry about. It's them losers who ought to be sorry." He sat down next to me and opened his backpack. He pulled out a sack lunch, one that his mom always packed for him, and pulled out a couple of turkey sandwiches. "You want one?" He held one out to me. It did look good...
I shrugged and took it, not caring really one way or another. It looked tasty, but I lost whatever appetite I had earlier. Those guys were supposed to be my friends. I always knew that Libby had them wrapped around her little finger, but then again, she had a lot of guys after her. The boys would climb Mount Everest for her. They were that infatuated. I was now trying to decide, without being able to see or talk to them, if they were more mad over the fact that I /I to her first or that she was now knocked up and I was to blame. Either way, you'd think friends would come before girls. Shoot, there were plenty of girls, but how many best buds do you got?
I unwrapped the sandwich and took a big bite out of it anyway. "Thanks, man."
"Damn it, Curtis," Rob shook his head. "How many times do I gotta tell you to lay off the politeness? You ain't gonna get no where if ya go around saying please and thank you to everyone. Ain't no Soc or grease gonna take that from no one."
That was such an ironic statement. I had no clue what to think about it. I mean, he was right. I was right, but so was he. Having so-called manners wouldn't help me now. Not that anything would, but people would think I was a pansy if I keep on saying it whenever I should. Especially around those who I don't want it to slip out in front of.
"Right," I said and shrugged. Listening to him was probably my best opinion at the time being. Sadly enough, he was more street smart than me, living more in the Shepards region of town, and he was more aware and conscience of this stuff than I was.
"Oh hell, no," Rob whispered as he looked over my shoulder.
"What?" I whipped around and suddenly wishing I hadn't. Jett, another one of Libby's brothers was walking our way with a couple of goons in tow. He was younger than me – that's for sure – a freshman I'm assuming, but that didn't mean a whole lot around our parts. "Shit."
"Let's beat it out of here." Robbie stood up.
I chuckled slightly. "Too late for that one." Jett looked ready to kill.
"Why? You ain't got nothing to prove, Curtis. Let's leave," he beckoned me on. "Unless you /I to fight..."
"Huuuuuh..."
Did I?
~*~
A/n: Hmmm... Is Pony going to fight or be a good boy and leave it alone? Hmmmm....
Until next time... Adios!
Review Responses:
Tensleep: Never read a Hispanic guy before? Gay? LOL! Wow. Didn't mean for that to happen, but if it helps to add to his...oddness... all the better, right? (A/n: TO ANYONE: I don't hate gays) Tsk, tsk... Jhon made you late for school? Damn kid. Jk. Jake just needs to learn to chill, but I guess we all have days were we snap. Girls more than guys, but hey. Yeah, first day back...man a live, it killed me. Sadly enough, the school isn't what killed me. It was just... I dunno. It would've been so much better if it had been summer break and NO ONE had school! That was one heck of an IM, huh? That made me laugh so hard. At almost all times there were six of us on at once... using two computers. Isn't that hilarious? Troy seems cool. Too bad I couldn't get to know him better. You guys talk about him all the time and he just seemed really nice. I mean, and shoot, he fed the dogs for you guys! What a friend!! Lol, say hey to Jhon, or if he's reading this by some random chance, and that I missed being able to talk to him. Sadly enough, Monday killed me. But, I loved hearing all about your dream, Tens *wink*. That was SO cool! Love you both. You're my favorites.
just like you...only better: Touch my kids and die. I mean, not that I have much control over that, but I'm sure my hubby will have a few things to say. He'll interfere and protect them. He'd get his hiney kicked if he didn't... Anyhoo, thanks for reading and reviewing as always. Not that you didn't already read...well.../I this over the phone, but at least you're still reviewing! And there's about a page more that you didn't hear so... yeah. Enjoy!
DaNNi BaBezZz: I knew the Libby and Angela being related thing would cause a few raised eyebrows, but I went ahead and did it anyway, because it's going to play a place in the story. Haha, yeah, Dax is yet another idiot, but he's gotta be, lol. Thanks for the review! I loved it!
Two-BitGortez: Thanks for the review! I loved to see more insight from you. It really made me smile. I loved it.
Oblivious Misconception: Wow! You really think that Pony is still the same? That is seriously one of the best compliments I have received so far. Thanks babe, you're awesome. Pony will get to see better things, don't you worry. Of course that all depends on how 'bright' of things you're wanting it to be, it may or may not be exactly what you're expecting. But there will be happiness for him.
ShyXshortieXbabe: Haha! Faithful readers are my favorite! I love ya girl. You really make me happy with your fun reviews. I always look forward to hearing from you.
Eclipsed: You're so cool. I love that you're okay with Angela and the Shepards being related to Libby. I was afraid that people wouldn't like that. But most people see okay, huh? I hope you enjoy this chapter!
ImOnlyAGirl: Nice! I love that you reviewed! They all count to me. Everyone is special and I can't wait to hear from you again.
Ale Was Here: Thanks girl! You rock! Can't wait to hear what you think about this chappie.
griffins95: Soap opera? Sweet. Haha. I hate soap operas, but I like that you find it okay. Yeah, Dax is an ass-munch and a git, but what are you gonna do? Lol. Soda is in here! I hope you like this. I know he wasn't in much before or even a ton with this one, but Soda is DEFINITELY playing a mega role, don't you worry. I love that you took the time to do that review despite how little time you had. You're awesome.
pirategirl143: Lol, I hope I'm not disappointing you too much that Pony isn't all the way peachy in this chapter. Good times will come, just give them time.
Fyre: Hehe, were you at school reading this? Or just avoiding homework? Reviews from school are hilarious, especially when people are avoiding their teachers gaze... Anyway, thanks as always, you're so cool.
steves-girl: A new reviewer! Sweet deal! Thanks for reading, I'm glad you like it.
CiCi: Never heard the song before? Ah, damn. It's a good one! Well, the first verse anyway. After that it goes downhill in creativeness and morality, but hey, whatcha gonna do about that? Hehe, yeah, Pony did let loose, and he had a little bit of fun with that. I think he feels more bad than happy, but hey, he's a greaser. He enjoys the little scuffles.
Anon: Hallelujah! We cool. Hehe. Thanks babe, you're awesome. I'm sooooo glad you're still reading. I love ya and your reviews. They crack me up.
Sodapo02: The first reviewer! Man, you guys always have a special place in my heart. Especially since you're is the first I got to see about this one and man, I loved it! You think Pon's being ganged up on now? Just you wait, ma dear.
A/n: Later guys!
Anyway, some of you will be pleased to know that this chapter is two pages longer than the last one, and three pages longer than the one before... Basically it's the longest chapter I've done so far, but not the longest you can anticipate, by far. I was just quiet proud of myself to get it so big, lol.
Well... Enjoy! And remember that review responses are found at the bottom of the chapter. Thanks guys.
Chapter Five
The next day, Soda decided he would take me to school. I was grateful for that. It was usually Darry who took me, but as cool Darry was and all, I enjoyed being with Soda more. It was the short times together, like this, that gave us a chance to talk and that was always nice. Talk between Darry and I had been strained for awhile, and it wasn't doing either of us any good to stick ourselves in a situation where we had to talk. Besides, there was no one better to talk to than Soda. I used to feel the same way about Johnny, but since his death I've had to find other means of communicating my thoughts and feelings to an actual living, breathing outlet. Soda was a good listener and he always told you straight out what he thought. He didn't beat around the bush or fluff things up nor did he tell you what to do about your problems. He gave suggestions and advice, but he never flat out said that you should do what he thought was best.
"You think you'll be okay?" he asked as he pulled up in front of Will Rodgers High and he turned off the engine. I took that to mean I wasn't getting out yet. That was fine by me. Curly Shepard was standing outside the double doors with two of his gang members. They were laughing over something, but that didn't settle my nerves at all. I was going to have to find another entrance. There was no way I'd risk another encounter with one of them. So what if they were in good moods? I didn't want to make them any happier.
"Yeah..." I faked like I thought he was crazy. It was a lot easier than telling the truth. That's for sure. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know. You're too jumpy." Was I? I hadn't noticed. Sense the sarcasm here. Maybe I was being a little too mean, but I wasn't in the best of moods when I woke up this morning, and it that hasn't changed much since. "You need to relax. I'm sure whatever happens, you'll be just fine."
"Yeah? How do you know? You've never had to do this." He never had any girl accuse him of such a thing. And he never went to school scared, I'm sure of it. If he had, there shouldn't have been a reason worth sweating over. Not one I could think of anyway. People liked him too much to want on his bad side. It was hard to venture over there, but it was definitely possible. In the short time that he went to school, I know I never heard him voice any concern about going. If anything he was confident about whatever it was he had to face. Maybe he kept it all inside, but Steve would've known, one way or another. And he isn't one to stay shut up.
"Because. People like you, Pony. You've got a lot of friends. Just stick by them." And exactly how many of them would still be my friends after this? So far it looked as though anyone who knew Libby well enough, all thought the same thing. I just hope I had enough of a say in the situation to change a few minds to my side of the story. But I had been gone for a few days. Word spreads fast in high school. Opinions are formed even faster. With only one side known for several days and the other person was suddenly gone, people start to think crazy things. Soda knew that, but I wasn't going to remind him and let him think I was worried.
"I know." I pushed the door open. He was going to be late for work if he didn't get going. And I didn't need something else hanging over my head.
"Wait." He stopped me. I stayed sitting and I turned to face him. "You know my work number, right?"
"I have it written down somewhere, yeah. Why?"
He shrugged. "In case you want to come home early or something." He started the car back up. "Not that I think you would. But if you do..."
"Okay." I wasn't sure what to say to that. He knew I was scared and I knew that he thought I had every right to be. But Soda was good at telling white- lies to make you feel better. Although, white-lie or not, right now it didn't change anything. I'm not sure anything that anyone said could tame the aching in my stomach. Now, I wasn't set on proving him wrong by lasting the whole day. I didn't care about that. The only reason I wouldn't take him up on his offer is because I had to prove to everyone else I could do it. I had to prove it to myself. No one would drive me as far as to go home. Not now. I may have been chicken in the first place to come, but that was going to change. Thank the Lord for facades. "Bye."
"See you later, bud."
I slammed the door shut and he peeled out of there. I had to chuckle as he roared down the street. He was showing off again, but who was I to stop him? Let him have his moment of fun. Besides, he was going to be late for work as it was. We had a late start this morning.
"Yo! Curtis!" I heard someone call my name as I walked around to the side of the school. I didn't stop but I turned my head slightly to see if I knew who it was or not and whether or not I was up to talking to them. I breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out to be Robbie Thickens, one of my best buds. I was looking forward to talking to him. I knew he'd believe me over Libby. He couldn't stand her. They never hit it off. She hung on him too much for his liking and he pushed her away like he was allergic. It was amusing to me, but I knew he hated it above most things. He came running towards me now.
"God, Rob," I laughed as he stopped next to me. "You scared the hell out of me. Whatcha doin' using my last name anyway? You know I only get called that when I'm in trouble with someone." It was true. Most people found my first name too amusing to not use it. It was only when they were or meant business that they called me Curtis.
He stared at me as if I were insane. "I hate your name," he said he so simply I had to laugh again. "I don't see why I can't call you Curtis. It sounds better than Ponyboy. You have to admit it..." I shrugged and smiled. What would I do without Rob?
He was on the shorter side, a head or so shorter than me. I was an even six feet tall and still growing. He barely grazed the level of shorter girls our age and hadn't grown a half an inch in three years. It didn't bother him any. I'm not sure he even realized that most guys used him as an armrest. And if he did, it didn't bother him either. Nothing much got to Robbie. He was easy going as Soda, almost as funny as Two-Bit, with the temper of Steve. Maybe that's why I got along with him so well. I was already surrounded with people just like him and I preferred his type to buddy around with. He wasn't the most scholastically motivated person I knew, by far, but he did all right. He cared enough to make sure he passed all his classes with a C+ or better. He was going to be a disc jockey when he got out of high school, or so he said, so he wasn't concerned with college in the least. He came from a family where he was the only boy. He was the youngest with three older sisters, none who lived at home anymore. That's where he always said he got his charm from. He knew what it took to keep girls happy, and what not to say when they were upset. If that held true, that he was babe magnet because he had so many sisters, I was sure hoping that didn't mean much going against me.
We walked for a few minutes in silence. I knew why he wasn't saying anything. It was hard to keep him shut up, regularly, but if something was really playing at his mind, he clamed up until he was ready to say anything. I never pushed him either. It wasn't until we got to the locker we shared that he started to speak again.
"I heard about Libby." That was yet another one of his characteristics. He was up front. I found myself friends with many people like that. Did I like to hear the blunt truth all the time? "And I know you wouldn't ever sleep with that bitch. Hell, I don't know why so many think you would."
I swayed on my feet. The moment I had been waiting for had finally been brought up. Good thing it was with Robbie and not some jerk who had to throw in his thoughts. I had built myself up for it, and I was still ready to take on whatever shit people might want to throw my way. I knew it wasn't uncommon for this sort of thing to go down in our school – unwanted pregnancy and deadbeat fathers – but there were always certain people who were ready to slap you around for it. This was something I wanted to discuss with Robbie. I wanted to know what he thought I should do. But the foremost thing on my mind had been brought up in that little speech of his and I wanted to know more.
"Everyone thinks so?"
"Well...not everyone, but a lot, yeah." He stared at his reflection in the mirror he had put up in the locker. He ran his tongue over his teeth and took a comb out of his back pocket. "Don't worry about it, though. They could care less."
"Oh yeah?" I was interested to hear this.
"Yup," he said slowly while he ran the comb carefully through his hair. You have to give it up to the guy who has managed to multitask, even if it was simply so.
"What have people been saying?"
"Oh, you know. The usual." Meaning that there was mainly gossip between girls about Libby and me and how we'll end up married in less than two months, or something along those lines. "But mostly people are shocked."
"That I won't take responsibility?" I threw my math book in the bottom of the locker and searched for my Ancient History textbook. It surprised me how calm Rob was taking this all. I was happy for that. I didn't need another person flipping out on me. He could take it as smoothly as he pleased.
"That and that your actually hooked with her."
"Oh God." There wasn't anything else to say. He knew what I meant. He felt he same way, just to a much larger degree. See, I had actually been able to stand Libby and took her to that dance. He thought I was out of my mind to even consider doing that, because he sure never would. Now I was finding myself headed down the same path he was on. I needed to talk to Libby, although I didn't want to, before I decided to take back my word about being willing to help her find out who the real father was. She was crazy herself, but I knew better than to leave her completely helpless.
"Tell me about it..." he sighed and closed the locker. "We've still got ten minutes. You want to tell me about it?"
Somehow, my once twenty minute story got condensed into an under ten minutes story. The more I told it, the more details I left out. They didn't seem important in the scheme of things, and with the attention span that Robbie had, I knew I couldn't drag it out. He wanted information fast, not with a bunch of fancy details thrown in. Amazingly enough, he sat still through the duration of it and only started to ask questions after I was done.
"Who the hell is Dax?" he asked.
"Pfff," I breathed. "Who cares? He's one of the Shepard's, that's all I know."
"He sounds like a twit to me." He stood up as the five minute bell rang, warning us to get to class immediately.
"You have no idea." I shook my head. I wondered if he went to our school or if he was even in school anymore. I doubted it. Most of that gang were dropouts. Curly wasn't, only just, because his mother dropped him off at school everyday and picked him up afterwards. It was either that or being sent off to live with his grandmother in Wisconsin. He stuck with school and home instead. He had dropped out at one point, but she made him start back up as soon as she found out. They had a good mom. I don't know where they went wrong.
"Stupid and a prick," he laughed. "I can't believe he actually took you both on. Is he crazy?"
"He has to...be..." my voice trailed off as I spotted Libby standing down the hall talking to some girlfriends of hers. I hadn't seen her since she stormed out of my house and she nearly torn the transmission out of her brother's car as she left. I knew I would see her at some point during the day, but I hadn't prepped myself enough to see her so soon.
"Ignore her, man," Robbie hissed in my ear and started to pull me up the staircase. "She's not worth your time anymore. Never was...bitch..."
"I know, just wait a second." I stopped and eyed her more closely. She hadn't seen me yet, due to all the commotion in the halls, but I wanted to get a good look at her before I lost sight of her, now that I had it. Sadly enough, I found myself eyeing her stomach and saw nothing different about it. I tried to remember how long it took before a girl's pregnancy was visible. But I couldn't. She didn't look it yet, but I wondered when she would. She claimed she was a month and a half along, but I really wanted to know. Ideas started to formulate themselves in my mind, but there wasn't anything I could do about them quite yet. I had to go to first period. "All right. Let's go."
"Shoot, man. Forget her. She's not worth it. I'm telling you." He swaggered next to me as we rushed into Mr. Granger's classroom before the tardy bell rang.
"Hurry along," Granger snapped at us and a few other kids coming in. "We don't have all day. We've got a lengthy lecture ahead of us. No more dawdling, am I clear? No late comers. I won't tolerate it anymore. Not this year. Not when I'm..." His rambling was drowned out as the late bell rang. "Settle down everyone!"
This was going to be a long day.
---
A long day was an understatement. By the time first period was half way over, I had gotten three notes, signed anonymously, all telling me I was the scum of the earth – that I belonged among the fire and brimstone of hell. Before I had time to decide whether or not to laugh over them or to get mad, Rob stole them from me and started a paper fight in the classroom. It lasted a total of three minutes with paper, pencils, various lunch food items, and Granger's chalk being thrown about. One girl screamed when some punk slammed her with a spit wad the size of a nickel on the side of her head, and another one when some idiot spit their chewed up gum out in midair. She had to take a pair of scissors to the bathroom to cut it out, as it was stuck in the middle layer of her hair. Mr. Granger kicked Rob and me out as soon as he got the class settled back down. He was fed up and told us to go to the principal's office. We didn't go.
By the time lunch started I had run into four or five Socs who thought it would be funny to taunt me. I happened to be alone at those times, so I didn't do anything about it. If even one person had been with me, I might have said something back, but I wasn't dumb enough to do that alone. They may have all been one on one confrontations, but that didn't make a difference to me. I figured that if they were brave enough to approach me on their own, they could probably hold their own as well. One kid was a freshman who I couldn't help but laugh at. He was shorter than Rob and he was nearly round as he was tall. Apparently he knew Libby's little sister who was still in junior high or something and he had a few words to say about what he had heard. How the hell he even knew I was me, I don't know. But, even with his sneering and jarring, I couldn't take him seriously with the glop of jelly on the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, man," Rob showed up at the locker after lunch had started for five minutes. He was on time. "Where is everyone?" He scanned the area around us.
That's what I'd like to know. Everyday, depending on the day, four or five of us got together and went to lunch. We usually went to The DX or to Will's Pit Stop, but it didn't look like it would be happening today. Quint, who was our ride, didn't show up along with everyone else. I knew why they hadn't, and I wished I wasn't so aware of myself. It wasn't much of an ego booster when your friends ditch you because of a girl. At least I know now who my real friends were, right? Of course, that didn't help my mood any and I was far from okay with it, but I was man enough to take it. I had learned long ago to not get too attached to people. You only get hurt when you do.
"I reckon they went without us. Sorry, man." I slammed the locker door shut and walked across the hall to a set of greaser benches. They didn't belong to anyone in particular. Just greasers. It wasn't a bad thing, we marked them and no one else came close to considering them as a resting place. They were just ours.
"Shoot, Pon, you ain't got nothin' to be sorry about. It's them losers who ought to be sorry." He sat down next to me and opened his backpack. He pulled out a sack lunch, one that his mom always packed for him, and pulled out a couple of turkey sandwiches. "You want one?" He held one out to me. It did look good...
I shrugged and took it, not caring really one way or another. It looked tasty, but I lost whatever appetite I had earlier. Those guys were supposed to be my friends. I always knew that Libby had them wrapped around her little finger, but then again, she had a lot of guys after her. The boys would climb Mount Everest for her. They were that infatuated. I was now trying to decide, without being able to see or talk to them, if they were more mad over the fact that I /I to her first or that she was now knocked up and I was to blame. Either way, you'd think friends would come before girls. Shoot, there were plenty of girls, but how many best buds do you got?
I unwrapped the sandwich and took a big bite out of it anyway. "Thanks, man."
"Damn it, Curtis," Rob shook his head. "How many times do I gotta tell you to lay off the politeness? You ain't gonna get no where if ya go around saying please and thank you to everyone. Ain't no Soc or grease gonna take that from no one."
That was such an ironic statement. I had no clue what to think about it. I mean, he was right. I was right, but so was he. Having so-called manners wouldn't help me now. Not that anything would, but people would think I was a pansy if I keep on saying it whenever I should. Especially around those who I don't want it to slip out in front of.
"Right," I said and shrugged. Listening to him was probably my best opinion at the time being. Sadly enough, he was more street smart than me, living more in the Shepards region of town, and he was more aware and conscience of this stuff than I was.
"Oh hell, no," Rob whispered as he looked over my shoulder.
"What?" I whipped around and suddenly wishing I hadn't. Jett, another one of Libby's brothers was walking our way with a couple of goons in tow. He was younger than me – that's for sure – a freshman I'm assuming, but that didn't mean a whole lot around our parts. "Shit."
"Let's beat it out of here." Robbie stood up.
I chuckled slightly. "Too late for that one." Jett looked ready to kill.
"Why? You ain't got nothing to prove, Curtis. Let's leave," he beckoned me on. "Unless you /I to fight..."
"Huuuuuh..."
Did I?
~*~
A/n: Hmmm... Is Pony going to fight or be a good boy and leave it alone? Hmmmm....
Until next time... Adios!
Review Responses:
Tensleep: Never read a Hispanic guy before? Gay? LOL! Wow. Didn't mean for that to happen, but if it helps to add to his...oddness... all the better, right? (A/n: TO ANYONE: I don't hate gays) Tsk, tsk... Jhon made you late for school? Damn kid. Jk. Jake just needs to learn to chill, but I guess we all have days were we snap. Girls more than guys, but hey. Yeah, first day back...man a live, it killed me. Sadly enough, the school isn't what killed me. It was just... I dunno. It would've been so much better if it had been summer break and NO ONE had school! That was one heck of an IM, huh? That made me laugh so hard. At almost all times there were six of us on at once... using two computers. Isn't that hilarious? Troy seems cool. Too bad I couldn't get to know him better. You guys talk about him all the time and he just seemed really nice. I mean, and shoot, he fed the dogs for you guys! What a friend!! Lol, say hey to Jhon, or if he's reading this by some random chance, and that I missed being able to talk to him. Sadly enough, Monday killed me. But, I loved hearing all about your dream, Tens *wink*. That was SO cool! Love you both. You're my favorites.
just like you...only better: Touch my kids and die. I mean, not that I have much control over that, but I'm sure my hubby will have a few things to say. He'll interfere and protect them. He'd get his hiney kicked if he didn't... Anyhoo, thanks for reading and reviewing as always. Not that you didn't already read...well.../I this over the phone, but at least you're still reviewing! And there's about a page more that you didn't hear so... yeah. Enjoy!
DaNNi BaBezZz: I knew the Libby and Angela being related thing would cause a few raised eyebrows, but I went ahead and did it anyway, because it's going to play a place in the story. Haha, yeah, Dax is yet another idiot, but he's gotta be, lol. Thanks for the review! I loved it!
Two-BitGortez: Thanks for the review! I loved to see more insight from you. It really made me smile. I loved it.
Oblivious Misconception: Wow! You really think that Pony is still the same? That is seriously one of the best compliments I have received so far. Thanks babe, you're awesome. Pony will get to see better things, don't you worry. Of course that all depends on how 'bright' of things you're wanting it to be, it may or may not be exactly what you're expecting. But there will be happiness for him.
ShyXshortieXbabe: Haha! Faithful readers are my favorite! I love ya girl. You really make me happy with your fun reviews. I always look forward to hearing from you.
Eclipsed: You're so cool. I love that you're okay with Angela and the Shepards being related to Libby. I was afraid that people wouldn't like that. But most people see okay, huh? I hope you enjoy this chapter!
ImOnlyAGirl: Nice! I love that you reviewed! They all count to me. Everyone is special and I can't wait to hear from you again.
Ale Was Here: Thanks girl! You rock! Can't wait to hear what you think about this chappie.
griffins95: Soap opera? Sweet. Haha. I hate soap operas, but I like that you find it okay. Yeah, Dax is an ass-munch and a git, but what are you gonna do? Lol. Soda is in here! I hope you like this. I know he wasn't in much before or even a ton with this one, but Soda is DEFINITELY playing a mega role, don't you worry. I love that you took the time to do that review despite how little time you had. You're awesome.
pirategirl143: Lol, I hope I'm not disappointing you too much that Pony isn't all the way peachy in this chapter. Good times will come, just give them time.
Fyre: Hehe, were you at school reading this? Or just avoiding homework? Reviews from school are hilarious, especially when people are avoiding their teachers gaze... Anyway, thanks as always, you're so cool.
steves-girl: A new reviewer! Sweet deal! Thanks for reading, I'm glad you like it.
CiCi: Never heard the song before? Ah, damn. It's a good one! Well, the first verse anyway. After that it goes downhill in creativeness and morality, but hey, whatcha gonna do about that? Hehe, yeah, Pony did let loose, and he had a little bit of fun with that. I think he feels more bad than happy, but hey, he's a greaser. He enjoys the little scuffles.
Anon: Hallelujah! We cool. Hehe. Thanks babe, you're awesome. I'm sooooo glad you're still reading. I love ya and your reviews. They crack me up.
Sodapo02: The first reviewer! Man, you guys always have a special place in my heart. Especially since you're is the first I got to see about this one and man, I loved it! You think Pon's being ganged up on now? Just you wait, ma dear.
A/n: Later guys!