Here it is, finally. This is probably some of the worst writing I've done. You have no idea how much I wanted to turn this into a parody... -.- But oh well, because like how the ending... ended up. Thanks, and enjoy!

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CHAPTER FOUR

When I awakened the next morning, I felt as weak as possible. Sodapop was already awake, apparently, because he wasn't next to me. I figured Darry was already at work, so I stumbled into the kitchen. I couldn't believe how tired I was.

As I searched through the icebox for chocolate cake, I noticed Soda was gone. I looked at the clock in awe. 2:00 pm! I couldn't believe I had slept till two in the afternoon. It also made me feel selfish, because I knew Soda and Darry needed the sleep much more than I did.

I finally peeled my eyes off the clock. I weakly pulled the cake from the icebox and sliced 2 heaping pieces. I had them down in under 5 minutes.

I stretched and made my way to the bathroom, so I could shower. It felt weird with the quietness around here.

When I was finished showering, I trudged to the my room, with the towel around my waist. I quickly got dressed, then alertly walked back to the living room. It just felt unnatural with no one around.

For a minute or two, I thought maybe I should go find some company, but, with the Socs obviously being a threat, I decided not too, for I didn't have a switchblade, or any other way of self defense.

I walked all around the house, trying to think of something to do. I'm always home alone, but I guess I was just having a mind blank. I picked up the phone and dialed random numbers, hung up, and did it again. I did that about 20 times, then picked up the clock of the wall and messed up the time. After I got bored of that, I sat in a chair and tried reading. Got bored of that too. It seemed like everything I did was to boring. It's not like my life is filled with action. I finally decided that I needed some fresh air, even if it was risky.

I glanced at the clock. Oh yeah, I messed the time up. Good thing I had my watch on me. It looked like neither Darry nor Sodapop would be home soon, so I cautiously stepped out the front door and down the street.

At every sound, I would flinch and look behind me. It was usually just a bird chirping or a car driving by, but I couldn't be too careful. I walked aimlessly around the vacant lot, glancing at the dry grass.

Suddenly I saw a flash of brown zip past me. What the heck, I thought. My eyes flashed from one thing to the next, and I saw it again. This time I could identify it. Wow, a squirrel. How terrifyingly scary.

I found a nearby tree and plopped down under it. I ripped grass from the ground so that I could draw in the dirt. I took a stick and subconsciously drew a switchblade, a box of movie popcorn, a fountain, a burning candle, then a grave stone. What was with me and flashbacks these days? I scratched out the pictures and stood. By looking at the sky, I could see that it was already 4:30. This day sure was going by fast. But that could've been because I woke up at two in the afternoon.

I decided I wasn't bored anymore, and walked back to the house. To my surprise, Darry was there.

"You're back early," I said cautiously. "Not really… I get back at six every day, don't I?" He answered, confused. My eyes went wide. Six? Wow, this day was going by faster than I thought possible. I sat down on the couch, and looked at Darry. He looked tired. "Darry," I said slowly, "you should go and rest. All you ever do is work. I can make dinner. But only if you want." The second I said that last sentence, I wanted to take it back. I don't mean that I didn't want to help, but I made it sound like I was absolutely terrified of him. Thankfully, he didn't catch the attentiveness in my voice. Darry was giving me an odd, but pleased look. 'Umm…. Sure," He replied. I grinned slightly and stood. As if it was rehearsed, Sodapop walked in. He had his wide grin on his face. "Hey guys. Steve went up to the hospital to see Two-Bit. What's for dinner?" By this time, Darry was sprawled out on the couch. He glanced at me, while I answered, "Umm… What do you want?" He chuckled. "Oh, I get it. Pone is gonna be considerate and make supper. As for your question, t-bone steak, please." We all laughed.

"How about… Baked chicken?" I suggested. Soda replied with a wide smile and, "You know it!"

I smiled back,-mostly because I could see Darry was actually relaxed for once- and strolled to the kitchen. I started making the chicken. Once I had put it in the oven, I walked back to the living room. Darry rubbed his stomach. "How long?" He asked. "About… Thirty minutes."

"Thirty minutes?!" Soda screeched in a joking tone, then punched Darry in the arm.

Darry punched him back, harder, and in an instant they were rolling around on the floor. Soda couldn't quit laughing, so Darry had the greater advantage. But Darry would have had the advantage anyway. When he heard Sodapop yelp and back off, Darry sprang up. He held out an arm and pulled Soda up. He rubbed his head and exclaimed, "Gah, knock me out Darry!" It was obvious he was kidding, but Darry still apologized.

The oven buzzer went off. "Well I guess not 30 minutes then," I laughed and walked to the kitchen. I carefully took the chicken from the oven and set it on the table. Soda was sitting there before I could blink. "Hungry, are we?" Darry said, and we all ate down to eat.

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You like it? Yeah, really corny and s

pontaneous... I can't believe had to look up if you put baked chicken in the oven....