It was a wonder the screen door still hung from its hinges the way Two-Bit slammed it open every time he entered the Curtis home. Darry shook his head as the boys clammered into the living room.
"Two-Bit! How many times do I have to tell you? It's the only house we got - be careful!"
"Sorry Dar. It's just that I guess I was anxious to see it for myself. Pony told me and Johnny here that old Dally was sick, but I didn't believe him ... that is 'till now." Two-Bit replied letting out a long, low whistle.
He walked over to the couch where Dallas was resting and took an exaggerated look at the sick greaser.
"Well, will you look at what the cat dragged in?! You look like shit Dal! What did ya do? Ride the Tilt-a-Whirl a few times too many? Or was it the kiddie carousel? Seriously man, I ain't seen someone look this green since the fair came to town!"
Amused by his own sense of humour Two-Bit snickered to himself.
"And what gives anyway? Ain't Dallas Winston too tough to get sick?!..."
Johnny was concerned when Dallas didn't respond. He must be all kinds of sick to let Two-bit get away with razzing him like that. He decided to interrupt the floor show ...
"C'mon Two-Bit lay off him. Bein' sick is bad enough ... Dally doesn't need your stupid jokes adding to his misery."
Ponyboy and Darry shared a look that showed they were surprised to hear Johnny speak up.
Darry showed his approval immediately.
"You heard him Two-Bit ... that's enough... I mean it."
"Aw, lighten up guys I was just playin' around. Dally knows I didn't mean nothin' by it. Don't ya Dal?"
Dallas was trying to summon up the energy to respond with some sarcastic remark, when the screen door opened and slammed shut again.
"We're home!" Soda sang out cheerfully as he and Steve joined the others in the now crowded room.
The two spotted Dally in a heap on the sofa and then everyone started talking at once in response to their confused and questioning looks. Dallas managed a groan as he covered his face with his hands. This was going to be a long night.
Sensing Dally's frustration Darry took over.
"Alright boys listen ... Dallas is sick and he needs to rest. I'm gonna go change the sheets on my bed so he can move into my room away from all you yahoos. In the meantime unless you can think of some way to be helpul, leave Dally alone and for heaven's sakes give him some peace and quiet."
Darry shot them all a stern look, then left to clean up his room.
Taking Darry's words to heart the boys stopped their usual rowdy banter immediately, each one trying to find something they could do to help care for their sick friend.
Soda and Steve went to the kitchen to start on dinner and decided to make chicken noodle soup hoping it was something Dally could manage to eat. Two-bit found an empty, old ice cream pail and brought it to the living room, setting it down on the floor next to the couch so Dally could use it for a sick bowl if the need arose again & while Johnny poured Dally a glass of cold gingerale, Pony went to the bathroom to get a cool, damp washcloth.
Darry came back into the living room a few minutes later to find a scene that looked calm and peaceful. He was impressed with how the boys were tending to Dallas. Johnny was quietly sitting at the end of the sofa with Dally's legs in his lap while Pony was gently placing a cool cloth on his forehead. The comforting smell of chicken soup wafted from the kitchen as Soda, Steve, and Two-Bit began setting placemats and bowls on the dining room table.
Darry's smile spoke volumes as he silently praised his boys - how proud his mom would be if she could see them right now.
Sorry for the delay in updating ... I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please review & let me know what you think!