Here is chapter 18 I think I'm only going to have 20 chapters in this story. I should have it done and working on my sequel over the holidays. Well enjoy.

Pony's P.O.V.

"I woke up this morning thanks to Soda coming in pouncing and tickling me silly till I had no choice but to get up. When I had finally woken all the way up I hopped in the shower, changed into jeans and a dark blue shirt, and headed to the kitchen where I was greeted by Darry and Soda. As I sat down Soda ruffled my hair."

"How are you feeling this morning Pony?"

"I'm fine, why?" I asked him.

"Well, it's just that I've never seen you get so mad before. But you know what Steve deserved it." Soda said sternly. Me and Darry just looked at each other I got up and felt Soda's forehead. "Soda are you feeling alright?" I asked shocked at his statement.

"Yeah, I'm feeling fine Pony, why"? He looked towards me waiting for my answer.

"Well, it's just that you and Steve are like two peas in a pod, I've never heard you talk about him like that." I said looking at Soda. He smiled at me and said

"Pony, you are my baby brother and I love you. I know Steve is my best buddy but I also know that he is not your favorite person and you are not his favorite either. I know he gives you crap to put up with, but what he said to you last night was out of line even if it was meant to be a joke. The whole gang knows how you feel about Courtney and you're right she is a lady and should be treated as one. You had every right to say what you did to Steve. I just want you to know I'm not mad at you for it." Soda said before taking a sip of orange juice.

"Thanks a lot Soda that really means so much to me."

"No problem." Little brother he said looking at me and grinning. We started eating again when the phone began to ring and Darry got up to get it.

"Hey Ponyboy, Courtney is on the phone." Darry said smiling as I walked over to the phone. I felt my cheeks redden a little before speaking into the receiver.

"Hello" I said my voice sounded strange even to me I guess I was nervous.

"Hi Ponyboy, how are you?" I heard Courtney's sweet voice and I immediately smiled oh how I loved her voice.

"I'm doing fine. How are you?"

"I'm great, listen Pony I was wondering if you would like to come over to my house tonight for dinner and to finish our project? My parents would like to meet you too. I've told them so much about you." Courtney said. As I was listening to her I was deep in thought and as soon as she said the phrase "My parents would like to meet you." I froze up and was unable to speak for several seconds. Courtney must of knew what I was thinking because she said.

"Oh, Pony you have nothing to worry about my parents are very nice people and I've told them so much about you. They say you seem like a very nice boy and trust me they haven't said that about some of my other friends. So is it okay for you to come over tonight?" Courtney asked.

I suddenly felt relieved. This is one of the many traits I loved about Courtney. She always had a way of making me feel better. She was like Soda but in a girl form. I was quiet for a few minutes and I suddenly heard Courtney over the phone.

"Pony are you there?"

I quickly snapped out of it. "I'm sorry Courtney I'll be able to come over tonight. What time?" I said

"That's great, I'm so happy you can come over, how does 7:00 sound?" Courtney asked I could tell she was happy and I was glad. I loved her being happy.

"Sounds fine to me." I said.

"Great, see you then bye Pony." She said I could tell she was smiling.

"Bye see ya later Courtney." I said smiling as I hung up the phone. I turned around to find Soda and Darry smiling and staring at me. My cheeks were hot again. I forgot they were even there. I don't notice anybody in the room when I'm talking to Courtney, it's like we are in our own little world.

"So, it seems like you had a very good conversation seeing as how your face brightened up when you talk to her and how red it is now. I'd say you are practically glowing from happiness." Soda said laughing. I gave him a glare.

"So what was the conversation about Pony"? Darry asked.

"Well, she just asked me to come over around 7:00 and help finish up the project and stuff. She also wants me to meet her parents." I kinda mumbled the last part but Soda sure heard me.

"Pony, what was that? I don't think I heard that last part clearly did you say you were going to meet her parents tonight?" Soda said smiling at me I knew damn good and well he heard what I said.

"Yes, I'm going to meet her parents tonight." I said now it was Darry's turn to make a joke.

"Wow, Soda our little Pony is sure growing up isn't he Soda? Meeting his girlfriend's parents and everything."

"Yeah I know what you mean Darry. Our little Pony is sure growing up." Soda said pretending to wipe a tear from his cheek. "Why it seems like yesterday he was just a little baby learning to use the potty for the very first time." Soda said laughing.

I gave them both a glaring look. Shut up you guys I'm nervous as hell as it is and you guys are not making it much better." I said.

They both approached me and ruffled my hair which I hated and they knew it. "Take it easy little buddy me and Soda are just teasing you. Everything is going to be alright."

Darry said.

"Yeah Pone, everything will be fine. After work me and Darry will come home and help you get ready just relax." Soda said grinning one of his crazy grins that I had to smile back. Darry looked at us and smiled then glanced at his watch.

"Come on Pepsi Cola we have to be getting to work before we are late." Darry said.

"Okay Darry see ya tonight Pone." Soda said going towards the door but not before he gave my hair one last ruffle. I glared at him again. I hate that when people do that to my hair every morning I get it looking right and then some has to run their hands through it and mess it up. I'm going to have to put lots of extra grease on it the next time I fix it. That will teach people not to mess with it when they get their hands wet.

Darry put an arm on my shoulder "It will be okay Pone you will see. I'll see you tonight to help get you ready okay."

"Okay Darry." I said as I followed him outside. "Bye Pony." Darry said as he walked the truck. "Bye Darry." I said as I watched him get in the truck. Soda waved at me and I waved back as I watched the truck take off down the street. I pulled a cigarette out of my pocket and lit it. God I have never been this nervous in my entire life. My cigarette was shaking for pete sakes. I tried to calm myself it was no use. I had a long day ahead of me. I looked at my watch and realized it wasn't even nine yet. I sighed as I walked back in the house desperately trying to find something to do.

Well hope you guys like this is my Christmas present to you. So Merry Christmas to you 1 day late. Please read and review!