Chapter 49
Darry was relieved to see that Ponyboy was out of the shower for he just needed some time alone and he found since the accident that sometimes this was the only place he could find that time. He hurried in and hoped that Pony saved him some hot water. He turned the faucet on and let the water run for a second, relieved that Pony did in fact leave some. He undressed from the formal ware and threw them in a pile on the floor and jumped in. He let the water run over his tense muscles and started washing. As he stood there rinsing he wished that the water and soap could wash away some of his actions of the night. He would have started with setting Maggie straight from the beginning and not falling into her old traps. He would have tried to spend more time dancing with Sara and lastly he would of never of taken Sara to hang out with the boys at the bowling alley. Then the fight, Claire and her dress would have never gotten ruined. He would have to try to remember to ask Mrs. Matthew's to take a look at it and see if she could mend it. He was hoping that she would be able to because it would mean so much to Sara, and him too. He had felt some of the tension leave his body so he decided to get out. As he was drying himself off he could hear some small conversation between Soda and Pony. Their walls were pretty thin and the boys' room was right next to the bathroom. He listened as the two talked about the fight. Darry hated himself for being involved. He felt like a hypocrite for always being on the boys for fighting and what does he go and do? Well actually Bob did take a swing on him first he thought. Darry finished drying off and threw some briefs on when there was a knock on the door. Darry swung it open to find Sodapop standing there.
"Nice bruise you got there, Dar." Soda said slipping by to get to the toilet. Darry could feel the throb in his chin but hadn't yet dared to check it out in the mirror yet.
"Don't remind me." Darry grumbled while throwing a t-shirt on.
"You best hope that it goes away before Mrs. Roberts shows, whenever that might be." Soda finished taking a wiz and placed the toilet seat down.
"Monday." Soda barely heard Darry, but once he registered it he spun around to look at his brother.
"Monday? It's not gonna be gone before Monday, neither is Sara's wrist." Soda was tired of talking to Darry's back so he gripped his arm to try to get his attention. Darry slowly turned to face a very concern Sodapop. "You've gotta call her back Dar and say something has come up. You and Sara should be in better shape by the end of the week." Darry stood there defeated for he hadn't told Sodapop about any of the conversation that he had with Mrs. Roberts.
"We can't Soda. She's coming Monday and that's that." Just as Darry finished this statement both boys realized who was standing at the bathroom door. Darry didn't have any intentions of telling the kids until the very last minute, but now it looked like it was too late. "Ah, shit. How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." The voice answered back.
"Well, now it looks you know, so two down and now one to go." Darry brushed by Ponyboy who was just standing there with his mouth open.
"But…" Ponyboy stuttered after Darry.
"There's no buts about it guys. She's coming and that's the end of it." Darry moved on out to his chair where we grabbed the mail from today. He started flipping through it when Pony and Soda followed behind him both taking a seat on the couch. There was a small amount of awkwardness in the room, Darry wasn't making any attempt to reassure the boys that it was going to be alright and Soda and Pony just kept eyeing each other. Finally Sodapop spoke up.
"Well is the visit something we should be concerned with or what? I mean the lady must of said something to you Dar." Darry threw down his mail having enough of this conversation.
"Look you two, it's a visit, just like every other visit, so we all need to be here by 4 o'clock sharp and this house needs to be in ship shape. We need to get food in this house and the yard needs mowing. So Ponyboy tomorrow morning before you go to work I need you to mow the lawn. I'll leave work by eleven and come get you and Sara. I'm gonna swing by Billy McGee's house and look over the roof over. Then Sara and I'll go shopping and Soda when you get home tomorrow afternoon you can start on the house. If we can get it done without Sara around then she won't detect anything." The boys just nodded their heads but Soda wasn't gonna let it end there.
"So, when do you plan on telling her?"
"Sunday Soda. I'll tell her Sunday when it's just us." Darry returned back to the mail that he had thrown down and pay no more attention to the matter. Soda just shrugged and got up to turn the television station. Pony was feeling a bit tired now that he was a working man. He got up from the couch and spoke to no one in particular.
"I'm gonna go read."
"Ok, Pony." Soda acknowledged the boy but Darry just gave a simple nod towards him. Pony moved on passed and stop when he got to the entrance way of the kitchen and turned to take a peek at his older brother. He was about to say something to Darry about their night, but as Pony studied him looking over what seemed like an important letter Pony figured that it wasn't that important after all. But just as he was about to turn away, Darry brought his head up and his eyes met those of Pony's. The two looked at each other for at least thirty seconds when Pony finally just walked away. Darry knew that he should have said something to Pony about earlier but he didn't know what exactly. He has known Ponyboy his whole life but there were still times that Darry couldn't read the kid. He knew Soda inside and out, but by the time Ponyboy and Sara came along Darry was way too focused on other things to really get to know his two younger siblings. But now it made him kick himself in the ass for that. Because if he paid a bit more attention than he would know right now what was weighing on his little brother's mind. Darry continued to watch as Ponyboy shuffled off to his room. Even after he had disappeared into the room he watched as the side bed lamp came on and the dim light filtered out into the dark hall. Darry had to let a small smirk come to his face for he had learned over the past five months that when this dim light was on it meant one thing, Ponyboy was reading. See, he was slowly learning more about his little brother and little sister. Darry had enough with the mail and he set it down for good this time and glanced over towards Sodapop.
"Soda?" Darry called out softly.
"Yeah?" Soda answered back but never taking his eyes off of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
"Soda, did Ponyboy say anything to you when he got outta the shower?"
Soda still engaged with what secret agent Napolean Solo was up to other then giving his attention to Darry. "No, why?" He managed to say.
"Oh, he just seems off to me."
"Probably just tired Dar. You know how he can be sometimes. I wouldn't worry about it too much." Darry stared blankly at Sodapop.
"Yeah you're probably right." Darry sat quietly and pretended to watch the show with Soda but what he actually was doing was spinning thoughts around in his head. After twenty minutes of just sitting with his thoughts he got up. "I think I'm gonna call it a night. You should too little buddy."
"I was just waiting to see if Steve was gonna crash here tonight, but I guess not."
"The doors open if he does. I'll see ya in the morning Kiddo." Darry pulled his lame body up from the chair and took one more peek at his brother. "Night."
"Night Dar." Darry moved on through the kitchen stopping at the sink to grab a glass of water. He sipped it quickly and splashed the rest down the drain and set the cup in the sink. He knew that he should wash it and put it away but he was just too tired for that. He'd do it in the morning. He shuffled off towards the hall and as he descended down it he noticed that the dim light was still coming out from the boys' room. He moved closer and once he got to the door he stuck his head in to see Pony laying on his side facing the light reading intently. That boy and his books, Darry could never get over how Pony always enjoyed poking his nose into some other people's life, like his wasn't entertaining enough he thought. But he still stood there and watched and waited for his brother to turn the page. Once Pony did so Darry knew this would be a good time to speak.
"Hey Pon, when Sodapop comes to bed, I want that light out, alright?"
"Yeah sure Dar." Pony answered quickly and softly. Darry watched on as Pony's attention went back to his book; Darry just shook his head at the boy. He started to walk away when he got the courage to retrace his steps and move back into the boys' doorway. He cleared his throat, trying to get out what he wanted to say. The noise caught Ponyboy's attention. "Is there something else you want?" He asked a bit impatient.
"After I dropped Claire off and all, you seemed like there was something you wanted to say to me." Darry was hoping that if he left it like that than Pony would be more forthcoming with what was bothering him. Pony slowly bent over the upper corner of the page he was on and shifted his body in the bed. He didn't really expect this from Darry. They never talked too much about feelings and emotions and stuff like that. But when Ponyboy couldn't find the words, Darry inched in closer to the bed. "Pony, what's bothering you? And don't say nothing, because I can tell something is." Pony pressed his lips together and moved them over to one side of his mouth, thinking real good about how to say this. He didn't want to start a fight tonight with Darry or anything; but it just bothered him about how Darry behaved tonight. "Ponyboy?" Pony set his book down in his lap and starred at the cover of the book, tracing his fingers along the title.
"It was tonight." He mumbled. Darry inched closer again, for he knew that Ponyboy was a quiet kid, but this wasn't because he was being shy, this was him not really wanting to talk about it.
"A lot happened tonight Kiddo, you're gonna need to be more specific than just that." Darry was hoping that this wasn't gonna be some long drawn out conversation.
"The fight and all." Pony said keeping his eyes low.
"Pony, stop beating around the bush and just come out with it. Obviously something is bothering you about me and tonight so just get to it." Darry now was leaning against the wall next to the bed waiting for answers.
"It's just you're always riding our asses about fighting. I mean anytime me or Sodapop get into a fight you're all over us, but you go and get in one, and you're made out to be this hero or something." Pony still couldn't make eye contact with Darry, god how he needed a smoke right now, but Darry would surely kill him if he lite one up. Darry on the other hand was trying to hold his temper in.
"Ponyboy I don't know what fight you were watching because if you were watching the same one I was you would of noticed that I never took the first swing." When Darry noticed the dirty look spread across Pony's face he couldn't hold back any further. "Plus that scumbag was talking trash about Sara and me. So it's not like he didn't have it coming."
Ponyboy picked his head up and made direct contact with his older brother. "Yeah but when Soda and I do that, you never look at it like that. You're always saying to us that we should know better, or just walk away, fighting only puts this family in jeopardy. Practice what you preach Darry! I didn't see you walking away. And you didn't put our family first." Darry knew that his little brother wanted to get something off of his chest but he had no idea it was this. Just when Darry was gonna speak, Ponyboy beat him to it. "You put your pride first and all for a girl. Not just any girl, but a Soc girl at that!"
Darry ran his hand down onto the boys' headboard of their bed not knowing really what to do, but had plenty to say about it. "Pony, I did no such thing! I did put our family first!"
"No you didn't Darry! You put us in jeopardy with Mrs. Roberts and the state. She's gonna come in here on Monday and see your face bruised, see Sara's wrist and we'll be gone faster than you can say anything." Darry was about to defend himself again when he realized what was really going on here. It wasn't really the fact that he was in the fight, but the fact that it scared Ponyboy that he was in the fight. And that something could have happened to him, which in case would be the end of their struggling family. Darry needed to be cautious with how he proceeded with the rest of this conversation. He eased his body onto the edge of the boys' bed, which only caused Ponyboy to tense and inch further to his edge.
"Look Pony, I think I get it now. And yes, maybe you're right I should of walked away with you, Sara and Soda. But I knew what I was doing. We outnumbered those little twerps and I wasn't worried that I was going to get hurt. I know you're gonna believe what you want to believe but I wasn't doing it for Claire. I was doing it for us, and for Tim and for all the times he has helped us out. I know you probably have a hard time understanding this Kiddo. But I think I get were you're coming from. I think I know how you're feeling. And if I was in your shoes, hell, I might be feeling the same way." Darry reached over and placed his left hand on Pony's knee trying to show that he gets it. The touch made Pony's eyes dart down to Darry's hand and Pony instantly tensed, for Darry hardly ever showed him any affection, especially in an I'm sorry type of way. "I want you to know that I would never purposely put our family in jeopardy of being split apart. But you also need to know something about me Pony, I'm always gonna defend our family, and that even means guys that don't have Curtis for a last name. But they're still family." Darry gave Pony's knee a little squeeze to tell him everything's was gonna be alright. "You don't need to be scared." Pony didn't know what came over him, was it that he was scared of losing his family, or was it that he was just plain over tired or was it possible that he just realized maybe Darry really did care about him? Pony felt the tears sting his eyes and he didn't want Darry to see them so he quickly brought his arm up to his face and wiped them across his weeping eyes. But Darry noticed them and moved across the middle of the bed and reached for Pony. "Come here kid brother." Pony was trying to be strong and he shook his head from side to side, but when Darry spoke with a bit more firmness, "Pony?" and just at the call of his name Ponyboy released his guard and leaned into Darry's muscular chest. Darry wrapped his strong arms around his brother and held him close. "It's alright Kid, you can't get rid of me that easy." Darry tried joking with Pony in hopes that would ease things a bit, which it did. Darry felt Pony chuckle and that was a sign for Darry to release him from his hold. He pushed his kid brother back still holding his hands on Pony's arm. Pony was able to release a small grin. "Are we good?" Darry asked his younger brother. Pony quickly nodded his head in agreement. "Good. Now why don't you try to get some sleep? I'm sure Sodapop will be in here the minute I get up, right Soda?" Darry smile looking over his shoulder spotting Sodapop leaning against the doorjamb.
"I don't know what you're talking about Dar. I just got here." But the smile on Soda's face gave it all away.
"Yeah, right little buddy." Darry started to get up from the bed when he was surprised to hear Ponyboy call his name.
"Darry?"
Darry slowly turned his head back over towards Pony. "Yeah?"
"What are ya going to do about Claire?" He asked bluntly.
Darry scratched at his damp hair and gave a little shrug. "Hard telling not knowing there Kiddo."
"Do you like her?" Pony asked while the tips of his ears started turning pink. But what Darry didn't know was that his checks were starting to show a nice color pink as well.
"Ah, you do don't you?" Soda teased and started to throw a fake punch at his older brother. But Darry was quick to send a friendly slap to his head. As Sodapop pretended to rub at it he still smiled at his big brother. "You do!" Soda said laughing a deep laugh.
"Shhh! You're gonna wake up Sara!" Darry warned, but was hoping he could change the subject so he could escape the heat. Soda placed his hand over his mouth and Darry thought he was safe until his little brother insisted again.
"No, really Darry, do you like her or not?" Pony sure was pushing his luck, but he really wanted to know.
"I don't know Pony. It's hard to like someone when you don't even know them." Pony shied away from Darry and softly spoke again.
"But she likes you."
Darry raised an eyebrow at his younger brother and actually caught the attention of Sodapop. "And how do you know this?"
Now it wasn't only Pony's ears that were pink but his cheeks brighten. "In the truck, on the way to her house." He paused and took quick breath and then continued. "The way she was touching your arm and the way she was looking at you." Pony brought his eyes up and set them deep into Darry's. "It was like the way Mom would look at Dad sometimes." Both Darry and Soda got awfully quiet at the mention of their parents. For both boys knew exactly what Pony was talking about. Their parents always had this special look that was indescribable but they knew it was their special communication, their special way of sharing how much they truly felt about each other. The three boys sat in silence until a small voice brought them from their thoughts.
"What's so funny in here?" Darry and Soda turned to see a tired looking little girl standing there with Mr. Bear hanging from her hand.
"The more important question is what are you doing up?" Darry said a little relieved that he could use this as an end to the conversation about Claire.
"I heard laughing." Sara said rubbing at her eyes.
"I told you to be quiet!" Darry slapped at Sodapop again.
"Can I stay in here with Soda and Pony?"
"No."
"Yes." Sara looked confused. For Soda said yes but Darry said no. She figured it was Soda's room so she started to move in towards the bed.
"Oh, no, little lady. Back to your bed." Darry gently spun Sara back around towards the hallway.
"But Darry, Sodapop said I could." Sara whined.
"And I'm saying no. Now say good night to the boys and off to bed." Sara huffed and gave a small, weak wave to Pony and Sodapop.
"Night-Night."
"Night Sara."
"Sleep tight Babygirl." Soda said slipping by Darry and placing a kiss on the top of Sara's head. "Love ya. See ya tomorrow." Darry quickly ushered a sleepy Sara back to bed. He pulled the covers up to her and watched he get comfortable, once she was settled and still for a second Darry leaned in.
"Get some sleep. I've gotta work in the morning but will be back around eleven to get Ponyboy for work. Then you and I can go see Billy and his daughter Colleen, what do you think about that?"
Sara gave a weak smile and slowly nodded her head. "I'd like that."
Darry leaned in and placed a kiss on her head. "Good, now get some sleep and I'll see you tomorrow. Be good for Ponyboy, no fighting or arguing. He's in charge, got it?" But before Darry probably had finished, Sara was fast asleep. Darry smiled and turned her radio off and was trying to be careful not to squeak any floorboards. He closed her door half way and moved back down the hall to see that there was no more dim light coming from the boys' room, but he could hear their soft voices. He slowly crept wondering if they were still talking about him and Claire, but as he got closer, Darry could hear Sodapop telling Ponyboy about Sara's magical night. Telling him about how happy she was when he got there. And how he was so proud of her for letting him dance with Sandy and Darry with Maggie. But at the mention of Maggie, Pony started asking all kinds of questions which was Darry's cue to get out of there. So he moved back to the bathroom and went in and did his business. When he came out he softly yelled down to the boys. "Get some sleep boys. I'll see ya in the morning."
"Night Dar." The two said in unison.
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Ponyboy kept to his word and mowed the lawn while Sara watched from her swing. For some reason Pony found her very cooperative that morning. She listened and followed all his directions, never giving any lip back or whining and complaining, she did as she was told. Because Sara was being so obedient, Pony found it easier to be pleasant too her. The two were getting along very well and even when Dally and Johnny stopped by she was very quiet and kept out of their conversation and minded her own business. Pony enjoyed hanging with the other two boys but needed to get ready for work. He jumped in the shower and got ready, leaving Sara alone with the boys. They sat quietly watching some Looney Tunes cartoons with no one tempting to engage each other into some sort of conversation. Once a commercial came on the silence was broken.
"What's gotten into you kid?" Dally's gruff voice was heard. But Sara didn't acknowledge because Dally calls everyone a kid, and he hadn't tried talking to her yet this morning, so she figured he was talking to Johnny. "What have you lost your hearing all of a sudden Squirt?" But the instant Dallas said squirt Sara knew that it was her that he was addressing.
"Huh?"
"I said, what's gotten into you? You're acting all weird."
Sara shrugged her shoulder and plainly said, "Nothing."
Dally crackled an evil laugh. "Yeah, who'da think you're kidding?"
"Really Dal, there's nothing wrong. I'm just happy that's all." Sara returned her attention back onto Tweetie Bird and Sylvester the Cat.
"I've never seen you act this before when you've been happy. Give it up Kid!" Dally demanded raising his voice a notch or two.
"What's going on?" Pony asked coming out clad in one of his best pair of jeans and a t-shirt that had no holes or stains on it.
"What's gotten into your sister?" Dally insisted. Ponyboy glanced over at Sara who was sitting and watching cartoons. She looked fine, she was still and quiet, Pony didn't find anything wrong with this.
"Nothing, Dal. She's been really good today." Just as Pony was saying that they all heard Darry pull into the drive and honk his horn.
"C'mon Sara, get your shoes on. Darry's here." Sara got right up off the couch and went over to the door and slipped her sneakers on. But as she was fumbling with getting her heel into one, Dally reached over from the chair and grabbed her by the shirt. He pulled her close to the chair and leaned into her ear.
"You might have these jokers fooled, but you're not fooling me Kid! I know something is up with you. The next time I see you, you best be the girl I know and not this imitation of one. Got it?" Sara tried to pull away but Dal had a firm grip and wasn't letting go. When Pony noticed he spoke up to the tough guy.
"C'mon Dal, let her go. Darry's waiting and I've gotta get to work." Pony stood by the screen door waiting for Dallas to knock it off. Dal gave Sara one of his threating looks and so Sara finally spoke too.
"Really Dal, there's nothing wrong. Just let me go so Darry won't get mad. If you don't than there will be something wrong."
"Just let her go Man." Johnny thought maybe by piping in Dal would listen. "C'mon Man, you know Darry will have their hide if they keep him waiting any longer." Dal looked back and forth between Johnny and Sara and finally let her go, but not without pointing a finger at her.
"Next time."
"Hey, have a good day at work Pony. Maybe me and Dal will come by later, right Dal?" Johnny asked his buddy.
"Yeah, if we get bored." Dallas added.
"Just don't make the house to much of a mess, Soda's on cleaning duty this afternoon because…" Pony stopped himself from saying anymore and just reached for Sara to pull her out the door with him. As the two were going down the stairs Sara looked to Pony.
"Why is Sodapop on cleaning duty today?"
"Oh, I don't know, Darry's on a cleaning kick. Now let's get moving before he honks again." Sara stopped and thought about things but it just didn't seem to be adding up.
"C'mon Sara!" Pony yelled from the truck. Sara quickened her step and ran over to the truck where she jumped up and slid in beside Darry.
"Hey Darry." Sara said with some excitement.
"Hi Kiddo." Darry greeted the little girl while ruffling the top of her head. "What's got you in such good spirits today?"
"Just am." Sara said smiling.
"Then you were good for Pony this morning?" Darry more looked towards Pony for an answer rather than Sara. But Sara shook her head vigorously to tell Darry she was indeed.
Pony laughed, "She was excellent." Darry nodded his head in approval but also gave Sara a little nudge with his elbow to let her know he was happy to hear this report. Sara returned with her deep dimple smile. "If I didn't know better I would think she was being this good for a special reason." Pony was displaying a cockeyed looked.
"Does it have to do with maybe meeting with Billy's daughter Colleen?" Darry had been sadden by the thought that Sara didn't have any friends and was hoping after Billy had mentioned last night that he should bring Sara along to play with his daughter this made him have hopes for Sara. Sara let out a happy giggle and just smirked at her older brother. "Thought so."
"I noticed you got the lawn mowed Pon. It looked good. Thanks for doing that for me."
"No problem, Dar." Darry had now pulled the truck to a stop in almost the exact same spot as the fight broke out last night. The truck suddenly got deathly quiet, each member sitting inside of it having their own thoughts about last night. Darry was the first to come out of his trance and speak.
"When are you done?"
"Six. I'll call for a ride." Pony started to reach for the door handle when he stopped and spoke to Sara in a low voice. "Thanks for being so good for me this morning Kiddo! I hope you have fun at Billy's house."
"Me too. Bye Pony. See ya tonight!" Sara slid back over to take Pony's spot in the truck. She waved as he shut the door.
"Bye Guys."
"Bye Pony." The oldest and youngest Curtis said at the same time. Darry watched as Pony entered the bowling alley and when the door closed behind him Darry swung the truck around headed in the direction of Billy's. The two listened to "This Diamond Ring" by Gary Lewis and The Playboys. When the song got to the instrumental part Sara's voice was heard by Darry.
"Darry what she gonna be like?"
"Who's she?"
"Billy's daughter."
"I don't know Sara, hopefully kind, and sweet and caring, just like you." Darry moved his right hand over from the steering wheel and got a tickle into his sister's side.
"Darrrry!" Sara said laughing. "Where do they live?"
"Just a few more minutes." Darry couldn't help but smile at the eagerness his sister was displaying about meeting a new friend.
"Are they like Claire and that group of boys from last night?" Darry came to a stop sign and glance over and notice what was once a smile had now been replaced by a frown.
"No, no Sara they're not. So you can just turn the frown upside down." Sara couldn't resist to now, not because Darry said so, but that he used one of their father's saying. Sara folded her hands in her lap and watched as they drove down some side streets. The houses were bigger than hers and most had well groomed lawns with dogs and kids running in and out of the yards. Darry slowed the truck down to a cute little red cape with a white picket fenced that lined from the street and around the house. Sara thought how nice it must be to live inside this house and in this neighborhood. For the sounds coming from around the other houses and street were nothing but laughing children where as her street was squealing tires, barking dogs and yelling and screaming adults, barely any laughing children. Sara couldn't help but stare when Darry's voice brought her around. "Sara, are ya coming or just gonna stay in here?"
"Oh, sorry Dar. I was just watching the kids ride their bikes." Sara scooted over to get out of Darry's side. Once she was down onto the driveway, Darry shut the door behind her. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and guided her to the door of the McGee's. They walked up a cute farmer's porch and before Darry could even knock Emily flew up the door.
"Oh, my goodness look at you Darry, you haven't changed a bit. Please come on in. Billy is bringing something down from the attic. Come in." She leaned forward and gave Darry a warm embrace. "It's so good to see you. Billy came home last night and must of talked nonstop about running in to you at the dance."
"Hi ya Emily. You look great." Emily looked stunning, she had beautiful golden locks that was done up in bouffant hairstyle. She had a white and black polka dot shift dress on with a bleach blonde toddler hanging off her hip. Darry gave Sara a gentle pushed forward. She quickly moved into their entry way, but hung close to Darry. Once Darry was in through the door Emily greeted Sara. "And who is this darling girl?"
"This is my sister, Sara." Emily squatted as much as she could with the toddler on her hip. She made direct contact with the little girl and grinned.
"Nice to meet you Sara. I've known your brother here for a while now, but I believe this is the first time we have ever met. Well, formally anyways."
"Hi Mrs. McGee."
"Oh, please call me Emily. When you say Mrs. McGee I think my mother-in-law is standing behind me."
"Darry says the same thing when people call him Mr. Curtis, or Darrel Curtis." Sara said giggling.
"I'm sure he does." Emily flashed the two a grin. "Please come sit down while we wait for Billy. Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, we're fine Emily, thanks though." Darry motioned for Sara to follow along when Emily started to move towards a fancy type room. Sara was almost afraid to sit down on the couch it looked so pretty.
"Colleen." Emily called up the stairs. Soon there was pitter patter of little feet and a soft, sweet voice rang out through the staircase.
"Coming Momma."
"My daughter will be right down, and maybe she can keep Sara entertained while you and Billy talk."
"That would be great." Darry offered as he noticed that Sara's left knee was bouncing up and down from nerves. He disguised his motion and soon had his hand over her knee to stop the bouncing. Sara looked over and gave him her best apology with her eyes. He returned with a small grin and a nod. Before Sara knew it a mini Emily was now standing beside her.
"Colleen this is an old friend of your Daddy and mine, Darry and …" Emily felt embarrassed for the little girl's name had just slipped her mind.
"Sara." Darry finished for Emily.
"Colleen why don't you take Sara outside to see your new playhouse. I'm sure she would love it." Sara looked to Darry to make sure it was alright first. When he gave her another nod, Sara flew up from the couch and walked over to Emily and Colleen.
"Hi ya Sara, I'm Colleen. How old are you?"
"Six." Sara's voice was just above a whisper.
"Cool. I just turned seven. I'm in the first grade." Colleen reached for Sara's hand to pull her towards the door. "You're gonna love my playhouse. My Daddy built if for me." Sara let Colleen take a hold of her hand and was practically being dragged out the door. Sara hesitated and looked once more at Darry who again just gave her a reassuring smile. Sara returned it and let Colleen drag her out the house.
"Kids." Emily said while watching her son rub at his eyes. "If you'll excuse me Darry I think this one here needs a nap. I'll call up to Billy."
"Take your time. I'm fine." Darry watched as Emily disappeared around the corner. He could hear her soft feet hit every step. She hadn't changed a bit either he thought, still as beautiful as ever. He remembered having the biggest crush on her back in school. She was the head cheerleader his freshman year and Billy was one of the co-captain of the football team. How lucky Billy was to be able to keep a hold of his high school sweetheart. Not soon after Emily had gone upstairs, Darry could hear Billy's heavy feet hitting each squeaky step on his way down. He rounded the corner a bit out of breath holding a brown paper sack in his hands.
"Sorry to keep ya Dar."
"No problem." Darry said getting up from the couch and walking to meet Billy half way and placed a firm hand shake.
"You found us alright?"
"Yeah, no problems."
"Where's Sara? I thought you were gonna bring her along so she could play with Colleen?" Billy asked putting the brown paper sack down by the door.
"Colleen has already swished her away. Something about a new playhouse?" Darry replied giving Billy a slap on the back while the two shared a chuckle.
"She wants to sleep in it overnight, but Emily is dead set against it. I on the other hand thought it was a great idea. Kind of like camping out."
"Got out numbered huh?" Darry couldn't resist to joke.
"Yup, you just wait until you settle down and have kids too Dar. You'll soon realize that your opinion is not wanted or welcome." The two walked outside and onto a very well-manicured lawn.
"Do you have a ladder Billy?" Darry asked looking around and knowing he would need one to get up on the roof to really see what he was talking about for labor and materials.
"Sure it's in the garage. I'll be right back." Billy was back in a flash and Darry had the ladder up to the roof in no time. He climbed up and took a good look. Yup, there's no doubt that Billy needed new shingling. Darry also notice a slight warp over by the chimney. He knew that would need fixing. He pulled out a little note pad and pencil from the front pocket of his shirt and started writing things down. He then took his measuring tape from his back pocket and starting taking down numbers. Once he was satisfied with the information he took a peek over the top of the roof for any signs of Sara. His eyes quickly found the red and white trimmed playhouse. He could see two little heads bobbing around through the window. Darry smiled to himself and moved on down the ladder.
"Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news Billy, but you have a slight warp in the roof by.."
"The chimney, I know. It leaks every winter and any time it rains." Billy didn't seem one bit surprised by this news nor the news after that.
"And your shingles are wearing from all the weathering, so you'll need a complete shingled roof. I would personally recommend tearing off the ones on there and start fresh with all new ones. But not all people want to pay for that so they just have us shingle over the old."
"No, no Darry. I want it done right. I don't want to be back in this same place ten years from now." Billy folded up the ladder and Darry helped his bring it back to the garage. Once it was back in its place Billy spoke more business. "You give me a price Dar, and we'll go from there."
"I could probably have it to you by Monday." Then Darry remembered that Mrs. Roberts was coming Monday and had to quickly change that. "No, Tuesday. I'll do up an itemized quote and have it to you on Tuesday."
"That sounds great. Now, let's put all this business talk behind us and go sit and have a cold beer." Billy started to walk to the back of the garage to a door that connected to the house. Darry wasn't sure about the beer thing and when he started to reject, Billy wouldn't hear of it.
"No, Billy I should really get going." Darry tried saying.
"Bullshit Curtis. One beer won't hurt. Plus give the girls more time to play. If your sister can keep my Colleen entertained and out of my hair, that is a win win situation. I get to have a beer with an old friend and my daughter gets to stay busy.
"Alright, just one though." Darry followed Billy into the kitchen area where he grabbed two Budweiser's from the fridge and back out some patio doors to a nice sitting area. Billy handed Darry his beer and motioned for him to take a seat at the patio table. Darry could use to get off his feet so he graciously accepted the chance to sit and have a beer. He took one gulp and boy was it cold.
"So tell me Darry, how's it raising a family?" Darry shook his head and had a crooked smile.
"It's hard. I definitely wasn't prepared for taking on three kids. But thank goodness for Sodapop. I can probably say I would of lost the youngest two by now if it wasn't for him." Darry found it easy to confess all of this to his old friend.
"Did I hear he dropped out of school and was working at the DX?"
"Yeah. He said it was because he was failing every class except PE and Auto mechanics, but I think he saw how exhausting it was on me to try to do it all. I couldn't keep up with the bills, never mind the debt that my parents left." Darry paused while he took another big gulp and let the cold liquid numb his throat. "You know I knew that my parents had always struggled but I didn't truly realize it until after they were gone."
"I hear ya Man. Kids cost so much money. People don't realize it, but they are always sucking us dry. And Emily is after me to have another one. Christ, we barely get by with the mortgage and the car payment, utilities, food, clothing, doctor's appointment. It's just nuts." Darry just nodded in agreement as he listen to Colleen and Sara laughter rang from within the playhouse. His ears were still listening to Billy but his eyes were glued to the playhouse where he was trying to get a better view of his baby sister.
Meanwhile in the little playhouse Colleen and Sara were playing house and were sitting at the little table and chair pretending to have tea and cucumber sandwiches. "Sara, I'm so glad that your daddy brought you with him today. I can see we could just be the best of friends. Now I know someone else that Daddy got their Mommy pregnant when they were still in school. Do you get teased a lot about it, because I do."
In a very low voice, almost inaudible to Colleen, Sara responded with, "Darry's not my Daddy."
"Oh. It's just you two look alike. Is he your mommy's boyfriend or something? Because I have a friend at school whose mommy has a boyfriend." Sara shook her head no.
"My Momma died in a car accident along with my Dadda. Darry's my oldest brother." Sara pretended to take a sip of the tea hoping that Colleen would drop the conversation.
"Oh Sara, I'm sorry, my Daddy didn't say anything about that. Please forgive me. Can we still be friends?" Sara wasn't expecting this response from Colleen. For all her experiences from the kids at school they wouldn't have anything to do with her because she didn't have any parents. But now knowing that Colleen still wanted to be her friend delighted Sara.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I would love to be friends." Colleen got up from her chair and walked over and gave Sara a big hug. Sara returned it back.
"I'm so glad. We can be the bestest of friends. How about Monday at school we meet at the swings?" Sara was just delighted, her first true friend and all because of Darry. She would have to remember to be extra good to show Darry how much she appreciated him brining her along today. The two girls continued to play and laugh and just have fun, something that Sara hadn't really experienced before.
Darry was still chit chatting with Billy mostly about kids, and the glory days, but when Billy tried to offer Darry another beer, Darry had to decline. "No thanks Billy. I've gotta get going." Darry turned his head towards the playhouse and hollered, "Sara, time to go." Billy again tried to push the beer toward Darry, just like when they were teens he thought. Billy was the first person to help get him drunk. Darry smirked at the memory but still refused. "No, really Billy, I've got to go grocery shopping and then there's work to be done around the house. I really need to get going." This time Darry not only hollered but he started moving towards the playhouse when Sara didn't come the first time. "Sara I've already called you once, we need to get going."
Colleen flashed Sara a sorry look, for the two girls were really having so much fun. Colleen and Sara could hear Darry's footsteps approaching and Colleen let out another chuckle. "I don't know Sara, even though he isn't your Daddy he sure acts like one." Sara rolled her eyes but agreed.
"You're telling me." And the two girls giggled again.
"Sara now!" Darry banged on the little door of the playhouse and gave another warning. "I'm counting to three and if your little butt isn't out here than I'm coming in."
Sara and Colleen could hear Billy laughing. "I for one would love to see that Darry." Darry threw a glare at Billy, but Billy helped him out. "Alright girls come on out. We'll arrange another playdate for the two of you." But before Billy finished his sentence Sara was already opening the door and whining.
"Ah, Darry, do we really have to go?"
"Yes Sara we do. Now say good bye to Colleen and Billy."
"Bye Mr. McGee, Bye Colleen."
Billy let out a belly laugh. "I see you're teaching her good manners there Darry, but please make her call me Billy." Darry just smiled and went to shake his hand.
"Can't Billy, my father will send down a lightning bolt right on my ass if I didn't have her be respectful to her elders." Billy threw a fake punch towards Darry.
"Respecting her elders.. c'mon man I'm not that old." But Billy's smile soon faded. "No, you're right though, your Pops was always that type of guy. Remember the time that we tp'd Old Man Peavey's house, and your Pops caught wind of it and put two and two together. He had you at my house at six in the morning telling my old man. Then he drove us over there and made us apologize and clean up the mess and work around his yard until your Pops came and got us later that day. Man I'll never forget that." Billy shook his head and then started in again, "Or how about the night of Homecoming and we sprayed painted Lorraine's number on the 50 yard line saying call for a good time." Before Billy could even finish Darry held his hand up signaling no more. This disappointed Sara for she was enjoying listening to Billy share stories of their father and especially when Darry was wild and reckless. Because now a days he was as far from wild and reckless as could be. Darry walked the line always.
"That's enough. I don't want you putting any ideas in these kids heads." Even though Darry was being serious he still had a smile on his face.
"You've gotta admit though Dar, they were good times." Darry shook his head and started guiding Sara towards his truck.
"Yeah they were." Darry admitted. Billy and Colleen followed out behind the two Curtis siblings. Darry opened Sara's door for her and she was about to jump in before Colleen yelled out.
"Don't forget Sara, Monday at recess meet me at the swings." Colleen ran over and gave Sara a quick hug which brought smiles all around.
"Girls!" Billy laughed grabbing Colleen into a bear hug. Darry watched Sara get in and once she was settled he moved around to his side but not before Emily came running out of the house.
"Darry wait!" Darry moved away from the truck and over towards the gate of the fence where Emily was carrying out the same brown paper bag that Billy had brought down from the attic. "Darry, please don't think of this as charity because it's not. But I've had this bag hanging around for months and when Billy told me about Sara and when I saw her today, I knew these would fit, actually some might be a little big for her. She's such a peanut." Darry smiled politely figuring what was in the bag. "Please take them Darry. We have no use for them, and what little girl doesn't love new clothes?"
Darry took the bag from her, "Thank you Emily I'm sure she'll be over the moon with them. I appreciate you thinking of us."
Emily leaned in for another hug and softly placed a kiss on his cheek. "Now that the girls have met, you best not be a stranger. I swear Billy kept me up until practically midnight talking about you two and all the crazy things you used to do."
"I'm surprised it didn't bore you to sleep then." Darry joked and gave Emily a slight pat on the arm of thanks and moved over to the truck again. Billy was there and help Darry shut his door. Darry placed the paper bag on the floor board under the shifter. "Tuesday Billy. I'll get it to ya by Tuesday."
"Not a problem Darry." Billy said tapping on Darry's window sill.
"Bye Emily." Darry hollered and wave then looked at Billy. "Thanks for the beer Billy."
"Another one's waiting any time you want it." Darry smirked and started the truck up. He glanced over to Sara who was waving frantically at Colleen. He then backed out of the driveway while Sara sat still waving. Darry honked and then the two started down the road. Sara couldn't stop smiling, she had her first real friend and it felt great. Darry would occasionally glance over and notice the smile playing on his sister's face, which made him smile too.
"Did you have a good time?" He asked even though he already knew the answer.
"Oh, it was swell." Sara couldn't erase the smile off of her face for anything.
"Good. That bag's for you." Darry nodded to the floor. Sara's eyes dart to the brown paper bag. She was so excited to have a friend that the bag hadn't phased her none. Darry nodded again. "Go ahead. I say it alright." Sara reached down and grabbed the pretty heavy bag. She unwrapped the top and peeked in. Her facial expression was priceless.
"Oh, Darry, did you know what was in here?" Sara started pushing her way through the pile of clothes.
"Yeah, Emily told me. Do you like them?"
"Like them, no." Darry's started to frown, until she said, "I love them!"
"Good, good. When we get home tonight we'll look them over and see what we can wear now and put the rest aside for later. The next time you see Emily you'll need to make sure you thank her, you hear."
"Oh, I will. I will Darry." Sara finished fishing around in the bag and was very pleased with the contents. She folded the bag back up and placed it on the floor. Sara got real quiet and it made Darry wonder what she was thinking. He was pulling into the grocery store when all of a sudden Sara slid over to Darry and tapped him on the arm. Darry turned off the engine and glanced over at Sara.
"What is it?"
"Darry, why don't we ever talk about Dadda and Momma?" Darry paused and thought about what his sister said, and she was right. They never talked about them. Darry always found it hard to and he thought that his siblings thought the same so they just never did. But as he sat there looking into his sister's blue eyes he could see the hidden pain. And it isn't fair for her, the boys had a bigger memory of their parents, but Sara was still too young and probably had very few that she could remember. Darry grinned at his sister. "I don't know Babygirl."
Sara dipped her head and was running her hand against the worn and fraying seat. Darry lifted her chin so that he could look back into his sister's eye. "I miss them Darry."
"I know you do Sara. We all do. There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss them." Sara scooted over and wrapped her hands around Darry midriff and squeezed. He patted her arm and rubbed his hand down her hair. He gently placed a kiss on the top of her head and pushed her slightly away so that he could see her face. "I've got an idea."
"What?" She said in a non-convinced way.
"Why don't we get some popcorn and tonight we can sit around and I'll tell you anything you want to know about them."
"Really?"
"Really!"