Sixteen Candles
Chapter 12
Author's Note: I'd like to give a big thank you to only girl on the outside for reviewing! I'd also like to thank fallenwriter2012 for leaving me feedback as well. :)
Three Months Later:
It's the beginning of February, and my relationship with Steve is progressing nicely. At this point, the two of us haven't had any serious problems, and if I'm being completely honest with myself, I'm surprised.
Sure, we've had our arguments here and there, but it's never accumulated to something serious enough that we've stopped talking to each other.
Evie reacted nicely to the news when she found out, but deep inside, I could see part of her die. She put on a nice act, pretending it didn't bother her, and she even told me she was happy for us.
To me, Evie seemed genuine.
At the moment, both of our lives were perfect, and I was hoping and praying and pleading that nothing would ruin this.
XxXxXxX
Thursday morning passes in the same fashion as every other morning; except today, Steve has a little tagalong named Sodapop Curtis.
Steve greets me with a quick kiss like usual, and once he pulls away, Soda begins explaining what the two have decided. "Good mornin', Miss Eileen," he greets, smiling. "Steve and I have somethin' we wanna talk to you 'bout." Soda nudges his best friend, telling him to take over with their proposition.
"Mrs Curtis wants you to come over for dinner tonight." Steve shares, watching me. He accepts my books when I hand them to him, and while I pull off my jacket, I think about the situation they've presented me with.
Am I comfortable enough to have dinner with him and Soda's whole family?
Before I can think twice, I find myself agreeing. Sodapop begins to express that I won't regret the decision I made before hurrying off to find his girlfriend. Even Steve cracks a grin, and once I'm finished at my locker, we head towards my first hour.
Steve even carries my books, and like Soda, he tells me that I won't regret agreeing.
XxXxXxX
Around 4:30, we arrive at the Curtis house. The driveway is empty, and if Soda wasn't sitting on the front porch, I would have assumed that no one is home. "Well," Steve comments, shutting his truck off alongside the curb. "Are you ready to go meet Soda's parents and my gang, Doll Face?" He inquires, setting his hand on my thigh.
"Steve Randle," I say, turning my attention towards him. I shoot him a glare, and in response, he grins. "I don't care if we're together, I don't want to be called that name." He rolls his eyes and shakes his head before opening his door and hopping out.
He opens the door for me and takes my hand, helping me out of his truck. "If I can't call you Doll Face, what am I suppose to call ya?" Steve inquires, shutting the door behind me. Before I have a chance to answer, he turns and starts leading the way towards the Curtis house.
"Good afternoon, you hooligans!" Soda calls, rising to his feet. Steve pushes the old, rickety metal gate open before pushing me through. "I told my mum that you were bringin' Eileen over for supper, and Steve, might I say that you better get her inside fast. Ma's real excited to meet her." Soda pulls his attention away from his best friend and looks at me. "Steve talks 'bout ya all the time, so you're no stranger to our house. My kid brother is even excited to meet ya."
"Okay, Soda, that's enough," Steve grumbles, pushing me towards the door. Sodapop laughs at his reaction, shaking his head slightly. "I don't talk 'bout ya all the time." He continues, holding the wooden, screen door open for me.
I step into the house awkwardly. Steve and Soda trail in behind me and after the door swings shut, Soda announces our presence – mainly my presence. It's more attention than I would like, but I feel flattered that his mom, and brother, appear so eager to meet me. "Mom, Steve and Eileen are here!"
"Soda, bring her into the kitchen!" Mrs Curtis calls back. "I'm busy fixing supper, and I don't want to leave the room." Soda takes the lead, and with Steve following close behind me, I follow Soda into the kitchen.
Standing at the stove is a woman a few inches taller than me and absolutely gorgeous – instantly, I know where Soda gets his good looks. Her blonde hair lays perfectly curled on her shoulders, and when she looks up at me, her warm, brown eyes meet mine, helping me relax a little.
"She's sure a gorgeous one, Steven," Mrs Curtis says. A smile starts to spread across her face, and like her eyes, it's warm and inviting. I can feel a blush creeping into my cheeks, and I'm only vaguely aware that Steve has stepped closer to me, setting his hand on the small of my back. "Hello, Sweetie, I'm Mrs Curtis. I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
"Hi," I mutter back shyly, unintentionally stepping closer to Steve. "I'm Eileen. It's a pleasure to meet you too."
"Supper is almost done, Darling, so in the meantime, make yourself at home."
Soda and Steve pull me out of the kitchen and into the Curtis' front room. "Where are the guys comin' over?" Steve inquires, taking a seat on the couch. Soda claims the chair in line with the front door. Before Soda has a chance to answer, Steve looks towards me. "Pop a squat, Eileen. You look like you're 'bout to run out the door." He pats the space next to him, and with a defeated sigh, I sit down.
"Two-Bit should be on his way with Ponyboy and Johnny, and I ain't too sure 'bout Dally. I think he might be sleepin' off another hangover."
Their conversation fades out, leaving us in, what I consider, an uncomfortable silence.
I feel myself relaxing a little when Mrs Curtis calls Soda to the kitchen. He rises up from his seat and hurries off to his mother, and once he's out of sight, Steve wraps his arm around me. "What's wrong with ya? I ain't never seen you so scared." I merely shrug my shoulders, slowly falling against his body.
"I'm shy, Steve," I answer weakly, laying my head on his shoulder. "I'm not comfortable around all of these people." Steve chuckles a little, running his hand up and down my arm.
"They ain't gonna hurt ya," he shares. "And I'm gonna take a wild guess, and say that Mrs Curtis really likes you. I think she's finally happy to see another girl in the house." I look up at him, trying to contain my confusion.
"What about Sandy? I would imagine that she's over here a lot because of Soda."
"Not really," Steve replies truthfully. "She comes over every once in a great while, but when those two hang out, they usually go out somewhere. They're so far up each other's asses that they're constantly together, but I dunno where they go. They ain't never at her house or here."
"I'm glad we're not like that," I breathe out a sigh of relief. "I don't if I could handle seeing you all the time at my house." Steve rolls his eyes and pushes me away halfheartedly. All I can do is grin in return.
XxXxXxX
Mrs Curtis loiters around in the kitchen, waiting for her husband to get home. In the living room, all six boys – excluding Soda's older brother and Dallas – in Steve's gang have since arrived, and at the moment, a majority of them are screwing around – their idea of stalling to pass the time until Mr Curtis' arrival.
I remain seated on the couch, practicing the rules my mother taught me when I was a little child: "Don't speak unless spoken too" and "Be seen, not heard".
Beside me, two boys who look a bit younger than me appear to be practicing the same rules.
In the center of the floor, Steve is laying beside Two-Bit with the older greaser's head securely locked in a head lock. "Holler uncle, Two-Shit!" Steve commands, tightening his grip.
With as much noise as they're making, I'm surprised Mrs Curtis hasn't yelled at them.
Two-Bit grunts loudly in response. He struggles to break free from Steve's hold. "No!" Two-Bit finally answers, attempting to roll on top of Steve. He shifts positions, causing the elder to fall onto his back in defeat.
While watching them, I finally realize how rough Steve can be, and the amount of energy this boy has is ridiculous.
After torturing him for a few minutes, Steve releases Two-Bit. His eyes widen happily, and he crawls away from my boyfriend, gasping for air. Steve meets my eyes wearing a huge grin on his face.
Next to me, one of the boys stands up. He shoves his hands into the pockets of his jean jacket before hurrying off down the hall. Once he's out of the way, the other boy is revealed, and despite the loud chaos going on around him, he's fully engrossed in a book.
Call of the Wild, to be exact.
"That book made me cry," I comment, hoping he heard me. "I could never imagine treating animals in such a way." He dog-ears a page and smiles weakly.
"I have to read it for school," he shares, looking towards me. "Despite the abuse and stuff, it's a pretty good book." I nod my head in agreement. "So, you're the new girl Steve continuously brags about?"
"I hope so," I say, trying to ignore the blush rising in my cheeks. "If there's another girl, I'm going to have to have a serious talk with him." With each passing second, I find myself starting to relax. "My name's Eileen." His eyes widen.
"Trust me, I know who you are. I swear, every damn second, Steve makes a comment about you. My names Ponyboy." I start to grin ignoring his comment about Steve all together.
"I like it," I announce. "I like how unique it is like Soda's." The tips of his ear redden, and he bows his head. From my angle, it looks as if he's biting back a grin.
By this time, the other boy returns. Ponyboy looks up at him with a smile on his face. "This here's Johnny Cade. He don't talk too much. Johnny, this is Steve's girl, Eileen."
"Hi, nice to meet you." Johnny greets quietly, turning his attention towards the ground. I find myself starting to smile; if I'm being completely honest, I find it a little cute how quiet Johnny is.
The front door squeaks open, and like everyone else, I turn my attention towards the door, looking at the two men that just entered the house. If I didn't know any better, I'd say the two were twins. "Hello, Boys," The taller one greets, looking around the front room. Once his eyes settle on me, his eyebrow raises slightly in confusion. "Well, hello, Darling. I'm sorry. I didn't see you there." Soda presses his back up against one of the two chairs.
"Dad, this is Steve's girl, Eileen. Eileen, this is my dad and older brother, Darry." They both greet me before walking together to the kitchen; no doubt to greet Mrs Curtis.
Once they're out of sight, everyone continues doing what they were prior to Mrs Curtis and Darry's arrival.
XxXxXxX
Mrs Curtis' sweet voice calls into the front room, announcing that supper is done and is ready to be served. Upon hearing this news, all seven boys jump up before running into the kitchen – except Steve. He hangs back, waiting for me with a smile on his face. "How're ya doin'?" He inquires, slinging his arm around my shoulder.
"I feel better than earlier," I answer, following his lead to the table. "I'm getting along great with Soda's younger brother. He's really cool." Steve rolls his eyes.
"If you insist." He mutters bitterly.
I'm taken aback by his comment, and before I have time to dwell on whatever he meant by it, we've reached the table. All of the boys were kind enough to leave two open seats next to each other, and seeing as how they're the only seats left, Steve and I silently claim them.
On my left is, none other than, Ponyboy.
Steve takes my plate and gathers food for me. On the other side, squished in between Soda and Johnny, Two-Bit is grinning like nothing I've ever seen, and I'm fully aware that he wants to tease Steve for his chivalry.
Next to his dad, Darry eyes me, chewing his food slowly. His gaze periodically switches to Steve, and once his food is swallowed, he opens his mouth to speak. "So, how'd a pretty girl like you end up with a hood like Steve?" Darry asks teasingly. He looks me straight in the eyes, possessing absolutely no emotion.
I can feel myself starting to get beyond nervous all over again, and I'm not too sure I'll be able to answer without making a fool of myself.
"I don't know, really," I begin, accepting my plate from Steve. "He's in a few of my classes, and one day, he decided to start sitting by me, and it's all gone downhill since then." Steve rolls his eyes at my joke, but I manage to get Darry, Ponyboy, Soda and Two-Bit to grin, so I'll take it.
Even Mr and Mrs Curtis chuckle quietly at my comment.
"I'm kidding," I smile, setting my hand on his back. He doesn't look my way; instead, he continues filling his plate with food. "Steve's a good guy, and I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world." Mrs Curtis stares at us, unsuccessfully holding back a grin.
Dinner with the Curtis family remains rather uneventful. Everyone, aside from Soda and Steve, ask me questions, trying to get a feel for me, and once dinner is over, the group heads into the front room to hang out for a bit.
Mrs Curtis is left alone with clearing the table and dishes, and I feel obligated to help her, but once I start stacking plates, she playfully scolds me and tells me she'll be fine. Then, with a smile on her face, she sends me back to Steve's side.
Around 8:00, Steve says good-bye to his friends, and after they return the farewell, to not only Steve but me as well, we head out.
"I'd say they really like ya." Steve grins, pulling the gate open. I find myself starting to smile, but when the thought of him meeting my family crosses my mind, I suddenly feel sick.
There is no way that it's going to end well.
XxXxXxX
My parents seem more than happy with the idea of finally meeting this mystery boy I've been "hanging out" with since the beginning of the year – basically. I fake a smile, pretending that I'm just as excited as them.
Deep inside, I'm not; in fact, I fear the moment Steve arrives at our house.
Mom and Dad are still unaware that we've been a couple for the last three months; they're also oblivious to the fact that my boyfriend is a greaser – a greaser they haven't heard good things about.
Imogene was in the kitchen when I asked my parents, and once I put my inquiry forward, her dark brown eyes widened, and she looks at me, shooting me a look as if to say: are you sure you're doing the right thing?
Mom looked more than happy with my invitation and agreed almost immediately. As for Dad, he was a little more apprehensive with the idea – a clear sign that his little girl is growing up – but after throwing him my infamous puppy dog eyes, he caved.
Once I got their permission, I raced off to call Steve – being extra careful not to let him name slip out during our conversation.
He was set to arrive at 5:30, and with each passing minute, I grew more nauseous.
Steve was to arrive any minute, and after this little stunt, I was surely going to get grounded until I'm only enough to emancipate.
It's nearly 5:40, and Steve still isn't here. My stomach grows weaker with each passing moment, and if he doesn't show up soon, my nerves are going to eat me alive.
I take a seat on the couch, watching out the front window. Seconds later, Imogene emerges from within the depths of the hallway, and silently claims the seat beside me. "You look like you've seen a ghost," she comments. "Are you okay?" My oldest sibling throws her arm around my shoulder, waiting for my response.
I sigh heavily.
"I don't think so, Imogene," I answer, keeping my attention fixed on the road. "Our parents are about to meet a boy I'm not even suppose to associate with, and on top of figuring out I disobeyed them, they're going to learn I have a boyfriend." I shake my head slowly, burying my face in my hands. "I feel like I'm going to throw up." I mutter. My words catch on the palms of my hands, and it probably sounds like I'm speaking nonsense.
"I'll be right by your side if you want," she offers, setting her hand on my back. "I'll tell them that I've met him before, and that he's a cool." In the midst of our conversation, the door bell rings. Mom shouts to open the door, and after swallowing the nervous vomit climbing up my throat, I comply with her request.
"Hey," Steve greets, showing off a little grin. He leans forward, pressing a simple kiss to my cheek, and when he pulls back, he holds his arm up – displaying a bouquet of flower of various colors. "I, uh, bought your mum some flowers. I ain't sure if it'll help the, um, situation or not." I offer him a weak smile in return for his friendly gesture.
"Eileen, is this that boy you mentioned?" Mom calls again. I step out of his way, allowing him entrance into my house – the first time he's been in my house with my parents' acknowledgement.
"Steve, you remember my sister, Imogene," I lock arms with him while reintroducing him to my older sister. "Imogene, you obviously remember Steve." She raises her hand to wave at him, and appearing more relaxed then the last time they met, he returns her greeting.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Steve Randle."
"Likewise, Imogene."
"Well, Eileen, bring the boy in here. I want to see him!" Mom adds, growing impatient at my poor attempt of stalling. I sigh again, pulling Steve next to me as we leave the front room and enter the kitchen.
Inside the kitchen, Mom is wiping her hands off with the towel, and to my surprise, the smile on her face doesn't falter once she sees him. "Mom, this is Steven Randle."
"Good evenin', Ms Beasley," Steve greets, following beside me as we step farther into the kitchen. He thrust his arm forward, showing off the display of flowers he bought for her. "I brought you some flowers."
Her mouth drops in awe, and I know Steve just scored some brownie points. If my mom has a sweet spot for anything, it's flowers. If my siblings, Dad and I would let her, she'd be a major flower hoarder, and if she was on her own, that's exactly what would become of her.
"Oh, Steven," she begins breathlessly. "My heavens, these are absolutely beautiful." She reaches forward, accepting the bouquet. Steve looks down at me, silently asking for an evaluation of how his acceptance to the family is going. I smile, nodding my head slowly, telling him he's on the right road. "Thank you so much, Sweetie." Mom turns, ready to treat her newly acquired flowers to a big vase of water.
When her back is turned, I rush Steve off to my bedroom.
"I think you've won my mom over," I tell him, shutting the door behind me. Steve takes a seat on my bed, looking towards me, waiting for me to continue. "But you still have to meet my dad and brother, and it's going to be harder to win their acceptance." I lazily make my way over to my bed, plopping down beside Steve. I set my hand on his back, looking up at him happily. "I believe you can do it."
Nearly 20 minutes later, Mom calls the family, and Steve, to dinner. I take a deep breath, willing myself to relax, but no matter how many deep breaths I take, the urge to vomits grows more intense.
Steve stands up from my bed, slipping an arm around my waist. "I think you better relax cause you look like you're gonna hurl." I fall into his side, burying my face in his chest.
"I'm scared this is going to end badly, Steve." He starts leading us towards the door. Reaching for the handle, he sighs quietly.
"I guess we ain't gonna know unless we go out there."
My whole family is already at the table, talking quietly and waiting for our guest and me. "Sorry we took so long." I apologize, stepping towards the table. Steve follows behind me, claiming the seat next to Mom; I get to sit next to Imogene.
Douglas looks up from his plate, and as soon as he recognizes Steve, his eyes narrow angrily. "What're you doing here?" He hisses, squeezing his fork tightly. Mom opens her mouth to scold him, but Dad quickly interject.
"Eileen, do you mind introducing us to your friend?" Dad inquires slowly, eyeing Steve, attempting to get a feel for him.
"Daddy, this is Steven Randle," I share sweetly, giving my father a happy grin. I turn my attention towards Douglas, and once our eyes meet, my happy expression turns to absolutely nothing. "He's a greaser." I deadpan, staring straight into Doug's eyes.
He rolls his eyes, holding back a groan of disgust. "Dad," Douglas whines, throwing his fork down. "I thought you told her to stay away from those hoods?" Dad nods his head slowly.
"Yes, that's true," he agrees, looking at me. "Eileen, I do believe your mother and I told you to stay away from the East side kids." Dad turns his attention back towards Steve. "And I see you clearly disobeyed us." Steve shrinks back in his seat, desperate to get out of the tension filled conversation. I don't doubt he's feeling a little awkward too.
"But Dad, Mom likes him." I whine, hoping my mother gets the hint to help me out. She sets her napkin down neatly on the table, leaning forward.
"Yes, Honey, he does seem like a nice boy." Mom shares, setting her hand on top of Dad's. I bite my lips, trying not to laugh at the fact that Mom wrongly described him as nice. In fact, the term rarely applies to him.
Instead, Douglas voices my inner comments.
"Steve Randle is anything but nice." Douglas scoffs, taking about my boyfriend like he's not even there. He picks his eating utensil back up and glare hatefully at Steve.
"He's nice to me," I stop short, wondering how to continue. Imogene sets her hand on my thigh, reminding me that she's here too, and silently encouraging me to tell my parents we're a couple. Swallowing hard, that's exactly what I do. "He's the best boyfriend I've ever had." Douglas and Dad's heads snap towards us.
"Eileen, I swear to fucking God if you're serious," Douglas growls, tightening his grip on the fork. Mom starts to scold his use of language, but it falls on deaf ears. "If you think I'm going to let you get away with dating a no good hood, you're sadly mistaken."
From the corner of my eye, I can see Steve trying to hold himself back. I can tell Douglas' comments are making him furious, and I know he's trying to refrain from doing anything that'll earn him even more disapproval from my dad.
Instead, he pushes his chair back and rises to his feet abruptly.
"I'm sorry I couldn't stay long, Mrs Beasley, but thanks for dinner anyway." he pushes his chair in gently before turning sharply and leaving the scene silently. When Steve's out of sight, I turn towards my brother, giving him the most hateful look I can muster.
And with as irate as I am now, it's not that hard.
I kick my chair back angrily, rising to my feet and racing after Steve. Behind me, I can hear my dad expressing his thoughts on my greaser, and from the words that actually process successfully in my head, none of it sounds too good.
In other words, my dad and brother are strongly against Steve.
"Steve, wait up." I call, stepping out of the house. He stops short a few feet from his truck and turns angrily.
"What the hell do you want?" He growls, clenching his fists tightly.
"I want to apologize for my asshole brother," I answer, easing up. I step towards him gingerly. "He's an idiot that doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut, but his opinion on you doesn't matter."
"I don't give two shits 'bout him," Steve shares, still visibly furious. "It's your dad. I wanted to earn his approval, but God forbid that should happen." Past his tough exterior, it's finally clear to me.
Steve wants a fatherly figure in his life that actually cares about him. If everything would have gone well tonight, he could've been given that.
Now, it's going to take a lot due to my brother.
"I'm really sorry, Steve." I frown, moving closer. Steve meets me halfway, wrapping his arms around my waist.
"It ain't your fault, Doll Face," He whispers, seemingly more relaxed than moments prior. Although I can't stand the nickname, I let it slide. For once, it doesn't sound as awful as the first time I heard it. "I should probably be headin' off now. I'll see you Monday at school." Steve closes the gap between us, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. It lasts a second or two, but when we separate, I can't help but smile.
He pulls out of my grip, and with a final good-bye, he starts for his truck. I watch him the whole way silently, thinking of ways to get my dad to give Steve another chance. Before he reaches his truck, I call out to him.
"Don't worry, Steve. I'll talk to my dad, and I promise I'll fix it."
Oh, glory. I didn't realize this chapter was as long as it was, but I hope you didn't find it too boring. I promise the next chapter will be more interesting. :) Please review! I would love to hear from you all.
