Chapter 6: This is a little more on Sodapop. Just something fun, to keep the story from being all tragic.
"Wake up Ponyboy!" Soda yelled, tackling his brother who was still sound asleep in the big bed. Ponyboy sat up groggily and wiped his eyes.
"I made your favorite! Hard eggs and chocolate cake!" Boy, Soda sure is in a good mood today. Ponyboy thought, still not completely awake. He got up and threw on a pair of jeans, and an old tee shirt. It was hot that morning and he'd probably end up showering and changing anyway. Stepping into the kitcdhen, Dally was smoking a cigarette, looking sleepy.
"Hey Dal..what're you doing here so early?" Dallas grabbed a piece of toast and took a swig of chocolate milk.
"I stayed the night, stupid. You were zonked out though. Pretty out of it lately, huh kid?" It was more of a statement than a question. Ponyboy nodded in response and yawned.
"Mornin' ya'll!" Two-Bit said, walking into the kitchen with Steve. Steve went directly for a piece of cake, like usual.
"Hey, look at this knife I swiped last night," Two-Bit pulled a nine-inch silver engraved butterfly knife out of his back pocket. He flipped it open, knicked his finger, and grinned.
"I'm still tryin' to get used to it, but it's a fine one ain't it?" The gang all agreed, and huddled around, making a fuss of it.
"Let me try to flip it, Two-Bit!" Soda said and took the knife. But Darry walked in and took it from him before he could try.
"Best way for Soda to hurt himself," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. It was true, Sodapop wasn't good with knives or blades. They always ended up breaking or he'd cut himself; or both. But Soda just laughed and punched Darry in the arm playfully. Darry grinned and poured a cup of coffee as Ponyboy started on the dishes. As Dally observed the scene, he found himself smiling. Family was important, and these boys were the closest he'd had to it in a long time. Dally jumped in, drying the dishes and laughing at Two-Bit's latest story about Kathy, his most recent blonde.
"Hey Dallas?" Sodapop asked once they were alone, on the way to the store to get a new pack of cigarettes. Dally looked at him, waiting.
"Why don't you move in?" He asked softly. But after seeing the shocked look on Dally's face, he talked faster.
"You're already like a brother to us. 'Specially Pony. Since I sleep with him, you can have my room. I'm sure Darry won't mind. And the couch will still be open for Steve or whoever else. It won't be a bother one bit, and if you say no, I'll probably ask Steve to anyway. Things with his dad are getting rough." Dally's first thought was to say no, that's crazy. But after hesitating a minute, he said yes. He wasn't sure what changed his mind, but he looked and Soda; who was grinning like no other, and was glad he did.
"Great Dal! We're glad to have you, buddy." Dally half smiled, happy to have a friend like Soda. Especially at a time like this. It was already humid, but the sun came out from behind the clouds, warming Dallas up just a little more. Soda noticed, too. Thanks Johnny, he thought, and almost heard Johnny's faint laugh in the whistling breeze.