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Chapter 6

It was an hour later when Two-Bit and Ponyboy look at each other. When they turn to me, mouths open their stomachs growl loud enough to wake the dead. Stifling a giggle I stand up and pick up the bowls and rags I'd used earlier. I motion for them all to follow me into the kitchen and put the bowls in the sink, washing them. "What do you guys want for supper?"

Soda shrugs. "I don't care. Steve?"

"Doesn't matter."

"NO odd food colors please." Pony's comment catches my attention. They must have seen my look because Johnny smiles at me. "Soda likes to put food coloring in everything. Green eggs, purple ham, red carrots. Well you get the idea."

I nod with a smile at Soda who is pouting next to a snickering Steve. "I'll make you a deal Soda. If you go get me everything on my grocery list without getting in trouble and have it back here in an hour, I'll let you food color the desert. Deal?"

His face brightens up and he nods quickly. With a laugh I sit down at the table, all of them following as I start making a grocery list. "Okay what do we already have?"

"There's some eggs, bacon, grits, bananas, and beans." Pony says.

I tap the pencil to my chin, before pointing to my jacket on the hook. "Pony, go get the money from my left jacket pocket and bring it to me."

He quickly and quietly does as I asked and I count the money. Forty-two dollars. "Okay how about mashed potatoes, green beans, and chicken casserole?"

The guys eyes grow in size as they all nod enthusiastically. With a laugh I make the semi long list and hand it to Soda along with the money. "Remember, no trouble, everything on the list, and you have one hour starting as soon as you close the door behind you."

"I've got it, I've got it." With that the two friends leave for the store.

Two hours later we are all sitting around the table. Even Darry whose back is fixed. He'd called jis boss and was getting off tomorrow just to be on the safe side, paid absence. Darry had relaxed a lot more after that call. Soda and Steve had gotten back with everything on my list and my change with ten minutes to spare. I'd let Soda color the food, but had helped him in making a picture with it instead of just random blobs of color. He found that great and asked to do it again sometime. He looked so happy that I couldn't say no. I smile as everyone looks at me in silent permission. "Oh just dig in already!"

I laugh as they stuff their faces, hums of appreciation from all of them. Even Dally. Darry turns shocked eyes to me. "This is amazing!"

I smile. "Don't act so surprised. I learned how to cook years ago."

"What is it?" Dally asked across the table, his mouth full.

I glare at him. "Mouth closed when you have food in it Dallas Winston! It's chicken casarole. Like it?"

He nods, food still in his mouth. I nod, smiling. "I'll make it again then."

The rest of the meal was filled with random chatter. I mostly talk to Ponyboy, Steve, Soda, and Johnny. Darry adding a comment here or there. Two-Bit and Dally just stuffed their faces. There was a tiny bit of left overs left that I know will be gone by morning. Wrapping it up, I pull out Soda and I's cottage cheese cake. I smile down at it as I grab more plates and forks and head back to the table, placing the tray in the middle. Two-Bits voice makes me laughs as he yells over the picture. "MICKEY MOUSE!"

I laugh and send Soda a proud smile, which he returns. It's not a perfect picture of Mickey Mouse but Soda had done a great job putting him in the center. Dally looks it over. "Now what's this?"

"Cottage cheese cake. Try it. If you don't like it I'll eat it!"

Everyone laughs and digs in, loving it. Soda and Steve clean up and do dishes since I cooked and everyone settles into their own routine. I go grab my guitar and Johnny's eyes light up from his place next to Dally. "Will you sing Esmeralda? Please?"

I smile and nod. Johnny's question had gained everyone's attention and they all sit around me as I tune my guitar.