A thousand apologies to all of you loyal readers. Things have been rather hectic for the last few months and I just have been unable to update at all. Please refrain from throwing rotten food and rocks at me... at least not until I finish, lol.

Friday morning- 7:30 AM

I just have a feeling that it's gonna be another lousy day.

"Hey little buddy, what's up? You seem kind of quiet. You sick or something?"

Here I am, sitting in the passenger seat of Darry's truck, on my way to work. Of course, I was rushed into getting ready once again and...

"Nah. I'm just a little upset. I mean, I haven't been able to talk to Pony for like... ever."

... I have, once again, missed my chance to talk to that younger brother of mine.

"You haven't talked to him? I can't really say I've got the chance to sit and chat with him either because of work, but I figured you two would've been able to talk when going to bed."

"Ahh well, Pony's either sleeping or doing that paper, report, essay, whatever it is, and I'm not allowed to bother him if he's working on it. I mean, I just kind of worried. Like, it's almost like Pony's... ya know, floating away or something."

Gah, I can't use words well.

"You think we're losing him?"

See what I mean? Nobody gets what I'm saying... Pony usually does though...

"No, not losing him. I mean, maybe it's just me or something, but he doesn't seem to talk much anymore. I know he's always been kinda quiet and stuff, but... it just seems different this time."

"Well, we had a busy week, you know. I'm sure you'll get a better chance to talk to him now that the weekend is coming."

"True. I'll try again when I get home."

Hopefully that stupid boss jerk doesn't get in the way again... grr...

Friday afternoon- 1:17 PM

Ho hum. Another drag of a day. I've been trying to think of things that I could talk to Pony about. I'm rather embarrassed to say that my list is pretty short.

One. His essay thingie... theme! That's right, it was called a 'theme.' I could ask how that went, if he got it done, when he'll get it back, blah, blah.

Two. Hang out this weekend. We could go to the movie house (even though I can't sit still in those things), The Dingo, Jay's (though I think too many fights happen at these places, and I wouldn't want Pony to get caught in them), play football in the lot (we just need Darry and Pony to be on the same team, but Darry's working so much anymore...) and whatever else comes to mind.

Three. How he's doing in school. Ya know, if he's getting along with other people, if guys are picking on him, grades, stuff like that.

And that's about it. Sad, huh? What kind of brother am I that I can't even come up with decent conversation topics?

Hmm... school should be done in about an hour. So Steve will come by, then we'll work some more, then I can go home and talk to Pony.

I'm still bored though.

Friday afternoon- 4:32 PM

Well, I'm not very bored now. Friday's and Saturday's are always busy later in the day. I dunno why though.

"Soda! Can you pump some gas for me please!"

Ahh, a girl in need calls for my help.

"Certainly. I'd be more than happy to help." I said back, giving her a big smile. Heh, she's smiling back.

I'm so good at this.

Friday evening- 8:03 PM

Woo hoo! We're done!

"Woo ho! We're done!" Well, I have to let Steve know how I feel. I mean, it wouldn't be very nice if I kept all my thoughts to myself.

"All right." He looked around carefully for the stupid boss jerk. "Let's ditch this place."

We started running and didn't stop until the DX was finally out of site.

"We're home free!" I cheered, now running full speed.

"Whoa man, slow down! What's with the rush!" Ahh, Steve's always yelling at me, but he don't mean it all the time. It's just his way of talking.

"I gotta get home before Pony falls asleep."

He gave me a weird look. What?

"Is something bad gonna happen if he falls asleep before you make it home? Like, he'll hog the bed or something?"

Oh, I see. Steve doesn't understand the importance of the situation. Ha ha, listen to my intelligent thoughts!

"Nah, I just haven't been able to talk to him all week, ya know? I just wanna say something to him before he passes out again."

And yes, we're still running.

"Well, gheez. Ya got the weekend to be with him! Now can we please slow down?"

I stopped. He tried to stop, but ended up tripping and almost landing on his face. He was mumbling something but I didn't bother to listen because I knew he was cursing.

Sighing, I plopped down on the curb and leaned back. Steve looked at me strangely, shifting next to me.

"Now what's the deal? You were in a rush and now you don't want to go?"

"Do you think... Pony could be mad at me?"

This actually just came to me now. Is it possible that Pony could be upset with me because I've been getting home late, and that we don't have much time to talk anymore? Could he be thinking what I'm thinking, and just taking it the wrong way?

I worry about these things, you know.

Steve was playing with his curls, tugging on them. "I dunno man, he's your brother, not mine." Then I could've sworn I heard him mumble something like 'thank god'... but I could be wrong.

I didn't say anything. While I do like to express my feelings, I don't like to sound all emotional and stuff. I got a rep to keep, ya know.

Sighing, he stood up. "Look, if you're that worried about it, then go home and talk to him. If he's sleeping, wake him up and force him to talk to you. Tie him to a chair and hold a light in his face for all I care. Just do something so I don't have to hear you whine about this all the time."

Hey now... that was rather mean.

Steve looked at me, as if I just slapped him. "I mean... oh, you know I don't mean it like that. You're just that kind of guy who gets all hung up on something and keeps at it until it fixed or whatever, ya dig?"

Steve is such a good friend.

"Yeah, I dig. Sorry about that." I patted him on the shoulder, grinning.

He shrugged, grinning back. "Nah, it's you. I'd worry if you didn't say anything. Now get out here and go home before I drag ya there." He gave me a slight push from the back, forcing me to walk.

"All right, see ya tomorrow!" I waved, turning back forward to start jogging.. then running until I made it through the front door.

Looking at the clock, I saw that it was about 8:45. Gheez, didn't think the walk took that long... oh well.

"Hey, welcome home. You're actually only an hour late this time. Did something happen?" Darry said, smirking at me. Man, everyone's always picking on me.

"Hmph, for your information, I came to talk to Pony." I crossed my arms, making my best 'back off' look.

He just laughed though. How mean.

"Easy there, cowboy. Pony's in the room. Can't say that he really said anything today though."

Hmm... when Darry worries, then it's usually not that big of a deal. But if he's all freaking out and stuff, then I'd be worried.

I waved, walking down the hall. Our door was closed. Should I or shouldn't I?

Grabbing the handle, I turned it and pushed the door open slowly.

Crap, I knew it.

Does this kid do anything else but sleep!

Poor Soda, he fails once again. But the weekend is finally here for him, so we'll see if he has better luck next time.

I'm not sure if I characterized Steve that well. I wanted to make it seem obvious (to us at least... can't say much for Soda though, lol) that he doesn't like Pony but because he is Soda's friend, he's being... "nice" about it. Is that right? Or am I going all wrong with this?

Ahh, I really you're enjoying this. Please don't hesitate to point out any mistakes and whatnot. I just want to hear your opinions!