Out of The Ball Park

Chapter 3: "Dinner"

Summary:

So, turns out there's a fourth to the Curtis household. She's a little bit different from her older brothers Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy. She's quite literally 'THE' outsider. She kind of struggles to fit into the whole gang, of course by birth she has her place. But never seems to really fit in. She loves her brothers and all of the gang, but she's kind of just a drifter. Read on to follow her journey in fitting into the outsiders.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Outsiders, but I do own my OC's and anything i add to the plot. Other than that, I own nothing.

A/N: As promised, here's the next chapter. Might post again later today, definitely again tomorrow though.

Edit: Making progress. March 10th, 2022


Original Word Count: 1,303 — Edited Word Count: 1,287


A couple hours had passed, Darry arriving home after a tiring double shift, jumping in the shower before greeting anyone he had passed.

Two-bit was sitting on the floor watching Mickey Mouse, Steve and Soda playfully sitting behind him on the couch joking ever so often as they chatted. Dally had his feet kicked up on the dining table, joining in occasionally, letting a few smirks slip loose as he listened. Ponyboy and Johnny, being the only ones not in the house, chose to sit on the porch, talking as they shared some thoughts about Ponyboy's assignment. It was a peaceful Tuesday afternoon as all the loud hustle-and-bustle slowly subsided.

I soon felt the pinch in my stomach, aching for food, as I pushed myself up from my place on the chair. With my palms flat on my knees, I heard the sound of my joints as I looked up to catch the sight of fresh tomatoes sitting on the table. The image immediately pushed a hungry thought of spaghetti into my head, my stomach agreeing loudly with the decision. I chuckled to myself as I headed my way to the kitchen.

"Tomato paste, tomato paste? Tomato paste!" I talked to myself as I looked for the final ingredient and found it quickly. Everything was already on the stove beginning to cook. "Now can opener, can opener?"

"There." I found the tool and quickly broke into the small can of tomato paste before adding it to the fresh spaghetti sauce. Throwing in some seasonings, pouring them from the bowl as I stirred.

Just as Darry exited the bathroom, I put down the last plate and fork.

He licked his lips hungrily as he walked into the kitchen to fetch the pot of spaghetti, everyone waiting as he came out with the pot. Watching Dally set down the heavy dish, I walked over to the front porch, peaking out the door to call Ponyboy and Johnny in. Quickly walking back, Darry patted his hand on the top of my head as I walked by and took his place. I sat down in my normal spot across from Dally, Soda and Steve in the chairs to my right. Everyone was just as hungry, already sitting in their spots and dishing out some hot noodles onto their plate.

Darry was the first to dig in, shoving an abnormally large forkful into his mouth. I smiled at my big brother and began eating myself. Everyone got themselves settled and started joining in by stuffing their faces, full, red sauce covering their mouths.

"Outdid yourself this time Elvie!" Darry said, rubbing his now full stomach. I smiled down at my plate, proud to be complimented by my eldest brother. It's not like Darry never complimented me, because he did! It just means a lot for him to compliment me or something I did when he's the one who works harder than anybody I've ever known. And the fact that he looked like daddy made my heart swell. Daddy would compliment momma and me at any chance he got. Whether he had seen that exact same outfit a hundred times before, he never skipped a beat in telling me how beautiful it looked on me as I sat down for breakfast.

"Thanks." I said and took another bite.

"You really did." Ponyboy followed, sending a kind smile my way as I looked up. Everyone else followed closely after with their compliments of praise and thank yous.

It felt good to be complimented, and with the happy feeling settling in, I stood up to carry my plate to the kitchen. I walked around the table, picking up an empty plate, another knowing tale that it was good. Compared to my brothers and the gang, I was the only one with anything left on my plate. My appetite just wasn't up to par with their immensely large ones.

I eventually had everyone's plates and forks in the sink, picking up Darry's to set on top of mine, the rest of the boys leaving the kitchen after dropping off their dishes. The sink was full, that was sure, but I pulled open the bottom cupboard anyways and snaked my hand under to grab the soap.

Before I could reach across the basin, Sodapop's hand was already flicking on the faucet. He smiled as he pushed me aside with his hip, taking the rag from my hand.

"I can handle the dishes little sister." I didn't complain as he took a dish out, patting his shoulder and kissing his cheek before exiting the kitchen.

Darry was sat in his chair, as usually, and I came up beside him, sitting on the arm of the chair and leaning over his shoulder.

An older episode of 'Gunsmoke' played on the screen. I watched until my eyes were going heavy. The character Kitty's voice brought me back and my eyes opened again. After that I stood up, realizing sleep would have its grip on me sooner than I'd like to admit.

"Goodnight." I spoke out, my voice tired as I yawned. Darry smiled and I leant back down, this time for a hug, earning a kiss on the top of my head as he responded with sweet dreams.

Dally had already headed home, no longer kicked back in his spot. Pony and Johnny already retired inside, most likely chatting in Soda and Pony's room. Everyone else kept their spots, not ready to hit the sack just yet. Enjoying a quiet night around the TV.

With everyone seemingly safe and sound, she waved her goodnight to everyone else.

"Goodnight E."

"'Night."

"Sweet dreams."

And a few other comments were sent as she walked to her room, pulling off her shirt and Jeans to replace them with un-official pajamas.

Wasting no time in plopping down on her bed, she rested her head on her pillow and sighed.

She let time pass her, thoughts flowing by while she paid no mind, just letting them come and go. Her tired muscles relaxing into the mattress, slowly relieving her of the tension created by the world.

A soft knock brought her mind to a focus, only groaning softly at the person behind the door. It opened a smidge, just enough for Ponyboy to peak in and say goodnight.

Elvie lifted her head up just enough to allow her lips to move.

"I love you too." She responded quietly, being dragged into unconsciousness before the door was even closed.

It was now morning, and Elvie balanced herself on her feet. The wall to her right came to her aid as she finally made her way out.

Her shirt was a little ruffled, hair too. The hand on the back of her head started to scratch as she yawned, causing her to realize how dry her throat had gotten over night.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Dally commented mischievously, making her eyes fully open.

Suddenly she became a little self-conscious, 'that's new' thinking to herself before attempting to fix her appearance. Hands rushing to flatten her hair and pull on the hem of her shirt.

Noticing the reaction, he spoke again, "Just kidding Doll." He attempted to settle her uneasiness. However, she stopped trying to fix her looks. She made her way into the bathroom quickly.

She glanced in the mirror and suddenly she could see every flaw. Though she didn't magically change overnight, it felt like she had. Slowly turning her head, cursing the bead-head under her breath. With a uneasy breath she grabbed her brush and went to work, taming her hair with more of a purpose than she normally did. Subconsciously wondering what a particular boy would care about her appearance.


A/N: Just a chill chapter and a little more of revealing emotions. I'm trying to slow start into the next couple of chapters. I feel like building a good background until I can get a good pacing started. Hopefully the rest of the chapters will have a little more to them than the past three. Hope you liked. :o)

-Amory


Edit: 10.03.22