Author's Note- Steve and Two-bit aren't dead. The war affected them as much as it did the brothers. We'll catch back up with Ole' Two and Steve really soon, scout's honor. I apologize for the wait, I got sick with the flu and then I've been real busy with school. Thank you for your loyalty, I really am greatful.
Previously...
Moments later the man brings out two bottles and leaves us. We take a swig of our beer and allow the cold liquid to relax my rage a bit. I allowed myself to come down in the little cafe with the wind blowing slightly and sun resting on my face.
"Soda, Do you know why Darry went in your place?", Pony asks gently
"'Cause he thinks I'm a child, a whiny little boy with no balls Therefore he thinks I can't possible handle being a soldier.", I (Soda) say bitterly
"He went in your place because he loves you, Soda.", Pony says
"The Marines choose me. They wanted me in with an m-16 in my hand and uniform on my back.".I (Soda) says
"It could have been the death of you, Soda. Don't you get that? He was scared his little brother would be sent home in a pine box or lose you like we lost Two-bit and Steve.", Pony says
"I can take care of myself. I'm a grown man! Not a lost boy who lost his Mom and Dad, I've grown up long since then.", Soda says angrily
"Soda.", Pony says
"Enough, damn it.", Soda says taking a sig of beer and walking away
"Wait!.", Pony calls
Soda disappears with the busy crowds in the middle of Berlin. Pony paid for the drinks and ran after his brother. Pony will be unsuccessful at finding Soda But people can be hard to find when they don't want to be found. Soda needed to clear his head, calm his rage and realize his older brother was just trying to protect him.
Pony's pov
I knew there was no point in chasing after Soda, he need to deal with what ever the hell he's going through. I jogged back to the hospital and allowed myself be calm. I found Jenny with Darry, a war of hurt and confusion swirled in his blue eyes. I prayed for my brothers to come to an understanding, and for the first time in my life, I understood both of my brothers' feelings. I knew the feeling of good intentions gone know and the pain of misunderstanding.
Soda's stance as the middle brother is supposed to be neutral, the laid back go to guy. I knew what Soda felt by being the peace keeper and having to choose sides. He was right, it's not easy at all, and I understood Darry's stance. He's the older brother , protector of the innocence and weak. He's superman, Soda's the sidekick forgotten Underdog and I'm boy wonder.
I feel like I never really knew my brother, Soda at this point. I never realized what he went through, he lost his chance at being a kid for a little longer. He was forced to grow up, even if Soda will never fully grow up 'cause he's Soda. He gave up a part of his life just as Darry did. While, Darry was twenty, he was basically a grown up , he never got to go to collage but he got to grow up. Sure, he was barely a man, still a kid but Soda was still a kid, not yet a grown up.
I took a seat, I pretend I didn't see my older brother's tear stained face, he believes himself to be superman. While, he might be my hero, that man isn't bulletproof and can get hurt. He would die if he knew I knew that little fact but growing up changes things. As we grow into adults, we find the world isn't as we once thought it was. No facade to find behide, I now saw my older brothers in a way I hadn't before.
I choose to give the two a moment of privacy and leave the room. I felt like I need some fresh air and decided to go for a walk. I allowed myself to relax a bit and put everything in the back of my mind. Soon,I took a stroll back to the hospital taking my time and enjoyed the cool air. I climbed up the stairs and returned upstairs to Darry's room.
I found Soda siding against the hall outside Dar's room. I peaked into Darry's room seeing a stubborn Darry and Jenny trying to coax him into understanding Soda's feelings. To be honest with you , I wanted to slap Soda and force them to make seems more like dealing with children than it does with two grown men. Glory, I hope Todd and Terri Beth don't grow up to be like these two. Darry and Soda are usually best friends but when they fight its hell for all of us. I gave Soda a hand up and forced him to stand.
"Soda, whether you like it or not, you are going to have to stuck it up. Darry made a decision and all actions have consequences, he's an adult, he can handle it. You are going to have to forgive him, at least be civil.", I say
"I love him, Pone. Forgiveness is the easy part but trust isn't as easy.", Soda remarks
"Just go talk to him. Trust will have to reestablished, that's understood.", Pony says
With a little bit of coaxing Soda stepped right into the hospital room. Darry's eyes went straight to where Soda stood and their eyes locked. Soda gave a sad smile as he approached Darry. Darry welcomed Soda back with open arms and Soda accepted the hug. I watched as the two welcomed each other back and Soda's gentle sobs. Darry comforted him whispering "I'm so sorry."
Soda simply responded with an "I forgive you, brother."
The two would never be quite the same again but their bond was an unbreakable one. They would always forgive each other in the end and brothers are not easy separated. Especially not after what we had experienced over the last few years. We were all the family we had, all we had was each other.
Author's Note:
I'm so sorry for the long wait. I've been very busy with school and activities I haven't had any time. Thank you for your patience, the story is now returning and will soon be finished. I'm not sure if I'm writing a sequel or not, yet.