Chapter 42

The weather turned out not wanting to cooperate for Darry that afternoon. The dark clouds had rolled in by mid-morning, and by lunchtime they had decided to open up and the rain came pouring down. Mr. Day made the crew call it a day right about quarter past twelve. Darry was disappointed, but he knew that as hard as it was raining that it wasn't safe to be up on ladders and the roof. He loaded his truck and headed for home. But when he came upon the DX station he couldn't resist but to stop in. He needed to know what had become of his brother last night and this morning. Darry slammed on his brakes and made a U-turn in the road and headed back to the dirt drive of the DX. When he pulled into the drive he let the truck ideal for a bit so the wipers could remove the rain from his windshield. He was trying to see if he could see Sodapop working through the bay windows of the garage door but he couldn't see anyone. So Darry decided the only way he was gonna find out if Sodapop was inside was to actually go in. Darry tried dodging the raindrops as he ran from his truck to the shop. He could hear music blaring from inside of the bay garage, which was a good sign that Sodapop might indeed be there afterall. But as Darry moved further inside the bay he still couldn't see anyone so he decided to holler so not to startle anyone. "Hello?" Darry called out, but still no answer. He moved around to see that someone was working on a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. Darry could help but take a look inside the old beauty. As he had ducked his head inside Darry heard a voice from behind him.

"Beauty isn't she?" A deep voice rang throughout the garage.

"Yeah, one fine looking car that's for sure." Darry said coming back out from taking a peek inside of the Bel Air.

"If ya looking for Sodapop, he took the tow out, but should be back any minute now." Frank said approaching Darry.

"Yeah, I kinda of was looking for him." Darry admitted but relieve to know that he hadn't flown the coup or anything crazy like that.

"I know it's none of my business Darry but did something happen at home last night?" That was the thing about Frank he was always right to the point and never liked beating around the bush about anything.

"Why ya ask? Is Sodapop slacking on the job or something?" Darry wasn't gonna indulge with too much information before hearing a little more from Frank first.

"Well, I've worked with Sodapop now for a few months and he usually will talk my ear off about anything and everything, but I've also learned that when he's quiet that means something serious is going on with him. And to be honest with ya Darry, I don't think I've heard that kid say more than ten words all day. So I'm figuring something must of happened." Frank stopped what he was doing and looked Darry right in the face. When Darry didn't offer up any more information Frank decided that he would give him the rest of it. "And let's face it, since when is the Kid ever early for work? He was here before I was this morning working on his car."

"Is that right?" Darry asked as he moved away from the Bel Air and over to the work benched where he leaned against it folding his arms across his chest.

"He's working really hard on that thing, Darry. You should be proud of him. He works on it every free second. The kid even works on it during his lunch breaks, and his two fifteen's. Says he needs to get it done so that the family can have another set of wheels to make life easier. He's lucky that Steve is pitching in all his free time too. I think those two can have it done here by the time the kids are out of school." Frank shook his head in amazement of Soda's dedication and hard work. Frank went back around and looked under the hood again. "Damn it, I knew I grabbed the wrong part." Frank took the rag out of his hand and slammed it against the front fender. "Feel free to stick around Darry. Like I said Sodapop shouldn't be too long. I've gotta run out back to get a different part."

"You know Frank I think I'll just head home. No need to tell Sodapop I was here. I'll catch up with him later."

"Ok, Darry. Have a good afternoon. Do ya even know what to do with yourself with the afternoon off?" Frank was kinda joking but really was interested in hearing what Darry had to say. Darry let out a small chuckle before Frank added, "Actual time to yourself there big man. No kids hounding you, total silence in the house. You should take a nap. That's what I would do if I was you."

"You know Frank, that doesn't sound half bad." Darry had the mind to actually go home and do just that. He was working at PB &J's tonight and God knows he didn't get that much sleep last night. "See ya later." Darry waved as he started to head out of the garage. He opened the door and closed it tightly behind him. The rain was still coming down pretty good. He started to dodge them towards his truck when he was opening the door he heard a loud rumbling coming up on the DX. Darry paused and noticed that it was DX tow truck. Darry was having mixed feelings about this now. When he first got here he really was ready to speak to Soda, but as he waited around talking with Frank he kind of was glad that Sodapop wasn't around. But now he needed to make a decision about what to do. He could easily hop in and pull away and forget it until Soda was ready to come home, or he could just face the music and go over and force Soda to talk about last night. As he was getting drenched from the rain he decided that it was his responsibility to handle this situation head on, it's what he came to do after all. Darry slammed the door shut and meet Sodapop getting out of the tow. The two boys stood in the rain looking like two wet pups. Neither one was talking as the cold, hard rain fell on them. "You're getting wet. You best get inside before ya catch a cold." Darry spoke first.

"Yeah, well the same could go for you too." Soda said wiping rain drops off of his face. "At least I have a raincoat on, that's more than you." He added.

"I'll go in, if you'll give me a few minutes of your time to talk." Darry motioned back to his truck. Sodapop knew he had some explaining to do and that was probably the reason why Darry was here in the first place.

Darry could tell that Sodapop was contemplating his next move, and Darry was corrected. Sodapop was trying to weigh his options. If he got in the truck with Darry then that meant Darry would have to make it short and sweet, but if they went inside then who knows how long Darry would carry on. "You're gonna need to make it quick Dar, I need to clean up before the next shift comes on. So why don't you come on in and we can talk while I clean." Sodapop went with this option because he figured he owed Darry that much for bailing last night.

"After you." Darry pointed towards the garage. The two boys trotted over to the garage and Sodapop threw off his raincoat and tossed it on the hook by the door.

"Long time no see there Darrel. I see you found Sodapop. So much for that nap this afternoon huh?" Frank called out as he noticed the two drenched rats.

"This is more important than a nap." He said shyly.

"I'm heading out to the back to clean up Frank. If someone needs service just yell."

"Will do. When you're done out back there let's get that Plymouth Barracuda in off the tow."

"I shouldn't be long Frank." Sodapop started moving towards the back as Darry followed him. They reached the back room which looked like a pigsty to Darry but who was he to judge. He watched Sodapop as he starting sorting through things and when he didn't offer to much conversation Darry knew he would have to be the one to start things.

"So where did you run off to last night?" Darry asked leaning against one of the shelves that had all kind of parts on it.

"Steve's." Sodapop answered in one breath.

"That's what I figured but was surprised to hear that you were here before Frank this morning. Poor guy, you probably gave him a heart attack being here that early." Darry wanted to start off light and easy in to things hoping that they could keep this conversation civil.

"Wanted to get outta there before Steve's old man woke. Plus it gave me time to work on the car." Soda wasn't making much eye contact with Darry but continued to focus on the task at hand, and that was to get things put back where they needed to be.

"I heard. Frank said that you and Steve are making some good progress with it."

"Hope to have it up and running before Sara and Ponyboy are out for the summer. It'll make things easier if we have an extra set of wheels while you're working two jobs." Things were going pretty smoothly until the tone in Soda's voice changed when he added the last few words.

"Soda, you know we need the money. Jesus, Sara's glasses along will probably be an extra forty dollars that we don't have. I need to do everything I can in order to keep you all."

"You should of told me first Dar. I thought we agreed to be in this together." Finally Sodapop stopped what he was doing and made eye contact with Darry.

"We are Soda, but sometimes I'm gonna make decisions on my own without consulting you first." Soda started to interrupt Darry when Darry stopped him by holding his hand up. "Soda we've been over this before, I appreciate all you do, but I'm in charge and I'm gonna make decisions without consulting any of you. And you have already tried to stop me so what use would it of been bringing it up again."

"It's just, what about the kids, Dar? I mean they're gonna hate it, and they'll probably end up killing each other before the summer is over. You heard what Dr. Robinson said about being around more for Sara. And to be honest with you Dar, I don't know how much I can take of them myself. You can't expect me to always drop everything to stay home with them, especially over the summer when Sandy and Steve are free to hang out and stuff."

"I told you yesterday morning that we would sit down as a family and make a schedule, so that it's fair for everyone. I don't expect you to do it all."

"Nor Ponyboy, Dar. You can't expect him either." Sodapop felt that he needed to speak up for his younger brother as well. Things were already tense enough between Pony and Darry and this wouldn't help matters at all.

"Ponyboy was supposed to get a schedule from Dave so that we would have an idea of what everyone's schedule would look like." Darry said feeling like he just kept repeating the same thing over and over again.

"Ok, so what about Sara?" Sodapop stopped and took a seat on the arm of the couch.

"She'll be ok. We'll make sure of that." Darry could see that Soda wasn't buying it by the expression on his face. "She will." Darry watched as Soda spun a belt around his fingers and since he was being quiet Darry thought it would be a good time to bring up what he really came here to talk about. "Seeing we're talking about Sara, I heard quit a story from her this morning. Do you care to inform me of what else went down last night before she caught you and Sandy?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, informed you of what?" Soda said with some edginess.

"I mean that she told me that if I saw you to let you know you're off the hook for taking her to the dance."

Sodapop looked totally shocked. "This is news to me!"

"As it was for me too, she said that she doesn't want to go anymore. Blamed it all on you actually." Darry finally moved from standing against the shelf and sat next to Sodapop on the couch.

"Is this because I forgot her damn milk shake last night? I really did just forget it. She thinks I did it on purpose." Darry couldn't help but smirk remembering Sara telling him that last night before she went to bed, and she was indeed hurt about it but Soda was way off from what was going on here. Sodapop noticed the smirk Darry was wearing and couldn't help but ask why. "Why you got that shitty ass grin on for? It's not like you haven't forgotten shit for her before."

"No, you're right, but I think you're way off base on this one. See Sara and Sandy had a nice talk yesterday and it seems as though Sandy might of mentioned something about looking forward to seeing you all dressed up for the dance and Sara's imagination started working in over drive. Sandy then mentioned that her father was taking her and her sister." Before Darry could even get anymore out Sodapop was slapping himself on the forehead with his palm.

"Say no more Dar, she thinks that I only want to take her because Sandy will be there, right?"

"Bingo, little brother." Darry said smirking again.

"It's not funny Darry. She must be devastated."

"Yeah I think she's hurt by it all." Darry couldn't help but ask, "Soda, it's not true is it? I mean you didn't only offer to take her because Sandy was going did you?" Darry just had to ask the question for Sodapop did seem a little eager to take her in the first place.

"I can't believe you're even asking that Dar. Now I'm offended! I didn't even know Sandy was going until the other day when I told her that I was taking Sara." Sodapop couldn't sit still after hearing this news. He started cleaning again.

"It seems like you two need to talk things over. And by the way Soda, if you talk with her tonight I had a short and sweet version of the birds and bees with her." This time it was Sodapop who was grinning. He couldn't help but imagine what a sight that must have been. "It's not funny! That should of never even been a conversation I needed to have with her at this age."

"Sorry Dar. I really am. I know I screwed up, royally. You have my word that nothing like that is ever gonna happen." Soda still had that grin on his face and finished with, "Well, not in our house anyway." Darry threw a dirty cloth at his brother and grinned.

"I would feel better knowing you weren't doing it at all, but you're in love, so Sara says." Sodapop just shook his head.

"That kid! I swear she's so afraid that I'm gonna love someone more than I love her. But she just doesn't understand it's different."

"Tell me about it, thanks to you and you're hormones little brother I got the privilege of trying to explain that to her this morning."

"I bet that made for good conversation over the bacon and eggs this morning." Soda started sweeping the floor thinking about Darry choking over his food.

"Actually little brother, it wasn't the topic of conversation over breakfast." Darry paused before adding. "You whereabouts were." Soda stopped and leaned against the broom looking at Darry with some suspension. "Don't worry Soda I covered and said that you had to run an errand. I think she bought it, but you'll have some explaining to Ponyboy. He knew early this morning. He woke up with a nightmare and he knew you hadn't been there all night."

"He had a nightmare and I wasn't there, he must have been spooked as hell! Did he get back to sleep?" Soda looked to be on the verge of tears knowing that he wasn't there for Pony last night.

"Yeah he was quit spooked, but I stayed with him until he fell back to sleep. It didn't take too long."

"Good, good." Soda seemed a little relieved that Darry was there for Ponyboy.

"I hate to say it Little Buddy but you're gonna have your work cut out for you when you get home this afternoon. I'm kinda of thankful that I won't be there." Darry got up and slapped his little brother thinking that they were alright again.

"Great." Soda sighed but then noticed Darry's expression. "Don't think I don't see that smirk on ya face, Dar." Darry started walking towards the door of the backroom before turning around to give some more advice to his brother.

"Soda let's make sure it's a quiet night. I want to believe to trust you." Darry paused and looked straight into his brother's eyes. "I need to trust you, so let's try to keep things low key. I think we all need it. And try to work things out with Sara. We both know that she really wants to go to this thing, but she's just being stubborn, you know trying to make a point."

"Hmmm, stubborn huh? Sounds like someone else I know." Soda said returning back to his sweeping duties.

"See ya tonight Kiddo." Darry waved to Sodapop and exit back out to the garage. He waved to Frank. "See ya Frank."

"Bye Darry, still time to get that nap in." Frank said smiling. Darry stepped out into what was just a light mist now and sauntered over to his truck. He felt better about things with him and Sodapop and Darry felt like things were going to be alright. He drove home with just one thought and that was how nice that nap sounded. He moved through the house and picked up some and noticed that it was just before 2:00 and the house was so quiet that a nice nap would be great. He knew that in about two hours or so the house would no longer be quiet so he best take advantage of it now. He threw off his soggy shirt and dirty jeans and crawled into bed with just his boxers. He couldn't believe how fast his eyelids shut and he was out like a light.

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"Soda!" Pony yelled with excitement of seeing his big brother. He ran over to where Soda was cleaning a carburetor and placed his arm around Soda's shoulder.

"Jeez Ponyboy you act like you haven't seen him in days or something. It was just one night for Christ Sakes." Steve hissed at Pony as he clocked in.

"Ignore him Pony. It's good to see you." Soda said putting down the dirty carburetor and taking Ponyboy aside so Steve, Two-Bit or Johnny couldn't hear him. "Hey Pon, sorry about last night. Darry came by this afternoon and told me you had one of those nightmares again. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I just needed to get away for a bit and clear my head and all."

"Ah, it's alright Soda. It wasn't a real bad one or anything. I was just surprised to see that you weren't home that's all." Ponyboy was embarrassed about admitting his nightmare and he was looking down at the hole in his tennis shoe. Sodapop stepped closer and lifter Ponyboy's chin.

"No, Pon, it's not alright. I should have been there for you. It won't happen again. I'll let you know next time if I'm not coming home." Soda playfully slapped Pony on the cheek and the two shared a smile. "Now our sister on the other hand, that one might not be such an easy forgiveness."

"Darry tried to give her some line that you were running an errand, but she didn't buy it. She knew better.

"Of course she didn't buy it." Soda laughed as he pictured Sara's facial expression. He shook the image out of his head and added. "Darry sometimes doesn't give that kid enough credit. She's very intuitive for her age."

"Are ya ready to face her this afternoon?" Pony turned the conversation back to a more serious topic.

"See who, Sandy?" Steve asked jumping around Soda and Pony. "Because boy is she worried. I think Evie and her are gonna swing by here in a bit." Pony couldn't resist himself and just gave the two older boys a roll of the eyes.

Soda didn't miss a beat and playfully slapped Ponyboy upside the head. "Hey!" He yelled.

"Serves you right." Soda chuckled at Pony who was lightly rubbing his head. "What are ya up to this afternoon? Because Darry's home you know, so you might want to make an appearance before he leaves for the warehouse. But if you do, keep it down he might be sleeping." Soda warned.

"Well, he told me to get Sara off the bus today, so I better follow through, or else." Pony didn't get any more out before Sodapop was asking question.

"Why are you getting her? I can do it. It's my job."

"Umm, Soda?" Pony started to say. "He didn't know where you were or what your plans might have been. So he asked me to do it. It's no big deal. It's only another 40 minutes or so. We can hang out here with you guys."

"Yeah, that's fine, I guess." He mumbled as he continued back towards the Plymouth Barracuda.

"Hey, it's Elvis, turn it up!" Two-Bit grabbed the broom that was leaning against the wall and was pretending it was a microphone.. "The Warden threw a party in the county jail…. The prison band was there and they began to wail." Two-Bit was swing his hips and pretending to move just like Elvis as the boys were laughing and throwing rags at him. Sodapop returned back to the Barracuda and was trying not to think about Sara. He wondered how she would react when they saw each other this afternoon. He knew that he needed to take Darry's advice and try to make things right with her, but what was he gonna possible say that would make her forget what happened? But what was more pressing on Soda's mind was how he was gonna change her mind about going to the dance. The boys were being loud and rowdy and just having a good time, harassing each other like always when Two-Bit yelled out. "Hey Boys, it looks like you have company." Soda's head came up so fast that he hit it on the top of the hood of the Barracuda.

"Jesus, Two-Bit." Soda cussed. But as he turned he watched as Sandy and Evie covered their hair with their coats and walked toward the opened bay door.

"Hi there Boys." Evie announced.

A round of hello's and hey's were echoed from the gang. Sodapop instantly wiped his hands of the grease and moved over to Sandy who was standing looking very stunning in a pale pink dress, covered with a white cardigan sweater. "Hi gorgeous." He said placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Hi Soda." She leaned in to give a quick hug as not to touch any of his greasy clothes.

"How was your day?" He asked.

"Boring without you around. I've been thinking about you all day." Sandy slowly bit her lower lip and then added, "And thinking about Sara. Did you get a chance to talk with her Soda?" Soda shook his head from side to side. "Ah, Soda. You need to talk with her. She must be devastated and traumatized, and not to mention scared, and basically anything else that falls in that category." Soda gently pushed Sandy further to the side of the garage so that the other boys couldn't hear their conversation.

"Stop worrying. I bailed last night and spent the night at Steve's, so I haven't seen her since. I'll talk with her tonight; just stop worrying your pretty little head, alright?" Soda swooped at a piece of Sandy's hair that was starting to fall into her face.

"I don't know Soda, the look on her face is stuck in my head. Her eyes, her expression, I can't get it out." Sandy started to turn away from the group when Soda softly grabbed her shoulders and spun her back around, but Sandy resisted and started getting upset. "Soda, I told you that she wasn't sleeping. You should have listened! We could have done it later this week, when it was just us. I feel terrible, and never mind what Sara must be thinking, and what Darry must be thinking about me now? He probably thinks I'm some loose girl now."

"So, Darry's a little pissed, he'll be fine in a few days and so won't Sara. C'mon Sandy, stop worrying." Soda pulled Sandy into a tight hug and she allowed the support. Soda pulled away once he noticed Steve and Evie watching from across the garage. Soda grabbed for Sandy's hand and led her back over to the boys. They casually joined backed into the conversation and relaxed some forgetting that there was work to be done.

"We're heading over to the Dingo for some drinks you guys want to join us after?" Evie called out as her and Sandy were moving back towards the dirt drive.

"Sorry Babe, I'm here until closing." Steve yelled checking the next work order sheet.

"Soda?" Sandy asked sweetly. Even though Soda would love too, he knew that Darry was working at PB &J's tonight which meant he should be home with the kids.

"Sorry, Doll. Darry's working again tonight. I'll try to call you though." Soda hoped that the consolation prize would be better than nothing. Sandy tilted her head to the side and gave Soda a weak smile.

"You better." She warned. Soda being the gentleman that he was walked Sandy out to Evie's car and opened the door for her. The two leaned against the car and Soda softly placed a peck on her cheek. Just as he was moving in to steal another kiss, this time from Sandy's soft pink lips he heard the bus rumbling towards the DX. As he turned he watched as George pulled the bus to the curb.

George had come to a complete stop and was looking in his rearview mirror at a very sad looking girl who was watching out the window. This was unlike Sara he thought. Normally she would pop right up out of her seat and be ready to exit the bus, but not today. George watched intently as the little girl continued to watch out her window at her brother and girlfriend. It wasn't exactly the scene Sara wanted to witness after everything that happened last night. George decided that he best call out to get her attention. "Sara, honey, are you planning on going home tonight?" He called over her shoulder. Sara jumped out of her trans and grabbed at her book bag as she rushed out of the seat and down the aisle.

"Sorry George, I guess I was daydreaming."

"You don't say?" George let out a deep chuckle. "It couldn't be about the dance tomorrow night, now could it?" Sara ducked her head low as she approached George and the top of the stairs.

"No, it's something else." Sara could feel her cheeks starting to get warm.

"Well my granddaughter has done nothing but talk about it nonstop. I'm taking her you know?"

"Oh, I bet you two will have a good time." Sara said trying to get down the stairs.

"Will you save me a dance?" George asked gently stopping her with his hand.

"I'm sorry George, I would, but I am not going afterall." And with that Sara slipped out of George's grip and flew down the stairs of the bus and into the parking lot of the DX. Sodapop had already placed Sandy into the car and was now heading towards Sara. He waved to George and started to approach Sara. Sara lifted her tear filled eyes to see Sodapop was approaching, but she wasn't ready for him yet. As her eyes darted around the parking lot and the DX she noticed that Ponyboy was having a smoke with Two-Bit right outside the bay door of the garage. She knew what her plan was going to be instantly, avoid Sodapop and head right towards Pony and Two-Bit. Soda slowed his pace as he watched his sister zig-zag across the parking lot. She knew better than to run through the parking lot. Darry and Soda had been over this with her a thousand times.

"Sara! Stop running…" Just as Sodapop yelled out his worst fear was just about to happen. Just as Sara was rushing passed the pump aisle a red, white top Camaro came flying in to the pumps. It's like the whole world had just stopped in that split second. All that was heard around the DX at that moment was two things, squealing tires of breaks meeting dirt and rumble and a loud, pitchy scream.