Three weeks. 21 days. 504 hours. 30240 minutes. Since I'd watched Dally walk down the Curits's front steps and into Bucks car.
I wasn't sure if Darry asked Dally to stay away or if Dally did so on his own but he hadn't been by the Curtis's once in three weeks. Not even for a quick visit.
I was, as of now, no where closer to finding myself than I was three weeks ago. I'm still so confused.
Soda still isn't speaking to me. Darry grounded me, but I think he feels bad because he keeps offering to stay home so we can do something or take me out after he's done with work.
But I declined. I'm not ready to face the world. I know Tim and Angelna have both been by looking to find out what had happened that night. Darry sends them walking, and when they try to come by during the day I simply ignore them.
I'm too lost to explain anything.
I miss Dally. That is the one thing that I am certain of, I miss him so much it hurts sometimes.
"Rachel you around" Darry yelled coming threw the front door, I could hear him taking off his work boots so he didn't mess up my clean floor.
"Hello Darry" I said as I made my way from my bedroom I was about to question what Darry was doing home so early, and it was early it was just past noon, when Darry spoke again.
"Rachel I got the call!" Darry said excitement radiating from him
"You got the call? That's great" I told Darry having no idea what call he was talking about. But it felt nice to share in someones obvious excitement.
"You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?" Darry asked me with amusement.
"No Sir" I said with a smile.
"The call about your schooling. Our request to have you continue at home as an independent study has been approved" Darry said with a happy grin.
"Really? Oh, that's amazing Darry" I said and quickly dove in for a hug.
I had always loved school. My grandma had taught me everyday until she died and although not all of the subjects were fun the memories bought a smile to my face.
My Grandmother I needed to talk to her.
"Darry, can you take me to my visit my Grandma I really need to talk to her." I asked shyly,
In all the time that had passed, I had only been to the cemetery for the ceremony. Never again.
"I'm sorry Rachel, we need to head to the school building today and get all of your assignments for your independent study." Darry said with a worried look
I nodded in understanding. It made sense that's why Darry was home early.
"Maybe I can call and reschedule" Darry said as he started walking towards the phone.
"No, don't do that. I'm excited about school. I know I'm grounded but am I allowed to go tomorrow morning after I wake up?" I asked Darry shyly.
Darry paused with the phone in his hand a thoughtful look on his face.
"Yea Rachel that's fine. Do you want me to get Two-bit to walk with you?" Darry asked
"I don't know. I don't really feel comfortable walking alone. But this is something private between my Grandma and I. I don't want Two-bit to have to wait around, I'm not sure how long I'll be" I said thoughtfully
"You're right. You need to talk to your Grandma alone. How about I go in a little late tomorrow and drop you off so you only have to walk home alone" Darry asked.
"Will that be alright with your work?" I asked hesitantly I didn't want Darry to get into any trouble because he was missing work.
"It will be fine. We're slow this time of year anyway." Darry said with a reassuring smile.
"Okay than that works , thank you so much Darry" I said hugging him again quickly
"Not a problem Rachel" Darry said kindly. Not a problem Rachel, not a problem or Not a problem Rachel, it's never a problem
"I'll go get dressed and then we can head to the school?" I questioned excitement filling in me.
"That works" Darry said sitting down in his chair and pulling out a paper as I nodded and headed back to my room to get ready quickly.
The ride over had been mostly filled with silence. My mind was everywhere but in the truck with Darry.
I thought about Dally, my Grandma, my new schooling that I was about to start.
I also thought about how for the first time in a long time I was starting to feel just a little bit like my old self again. It was like someone lit a candle in the dark hallway I'd been wondering down and I wasn't as lost as before.
Pulling up to the high school was a new experience. I'd never been there my Grandma had always made this trip alone.
"Is this where you all went to school?" I questioned with interest
"Yup, this is where we all went and Pony still goes" Darry said with a slight tone of pride in his voice.
I nodded not sure what else to say.
"Are you nervous? Because you shouldn't be I won't let anything happen to you" Darry said comfortingly as he rapped his arm around my shoulder.
I smiled happiness filling me at how lucky I was to have the Curtis's in my life.
"I'll be fine" I said with a small smile even though my insides were knotting slightly at the sight of the big building.
"Okay then, lets get this done" Darry said getting out of the truck and waiting for me.
I moved a little slower due to my nervousness but this was something I wanted to do, education had always been on the top of my Grandma's must to do's.
I followed Darry about a step behind him watching him and taking in his expressions I saw pain, happiness, wistfulness and joy as we past the case for the past football players and with a quick glance I could see Darry there standing in uniform.
It must have been hard for Darry to come back here. I wasn't sure but I think the last time he'd been here was when he graduated around the time he'd lost his parents and his football scholarship to college had been turned down so he could take care of Soda and Pony.
It had to be hard for him to walk these halls again and relive all of those memories.
I followed silently to the large room marked OFFICE and with a small smile Darry sent my way as he opened the door for me, we headed in.
An elderly women looked up as we entered and her eyes went wide.
"Darryl Curtis, is that you?" She said standing up and rushing towards Darry
"Hi Mrs. Beatter" Darry said with a smile.
"As I live and breath I haven't seen you in years. How are you?" Mrs. Beatter asked joy filling her voice
"I'm doing good, how about you? Still living in your garden" Darry asked with a smile
"Oh you know I am. Mr Beatter wants me to take up a new hobby but why should I when I enjoy my garden so much" She said with a laugh Darry smiled
"Oh my who's this precious dear?" She asked when she noticed me she smiled a gentle smile at me.
I smiled back shyly.
"This is Rachel we" Darry started but was cut off as Mrs Beatter interrupted
"Oh Rachel, you're our new study at home student" She said with a smile.
I nodded not sure what else to do.
"I have all of your information and, books and assignments here." She said gesturing to the box on her desk.
"Everyone has been working so hard on this to make sure it's all doable and not going to set you back even more. I was reading threw it and I think you should be fine dear" She said with a smile
"If you get stuck ask Darryl he's always been an amazing student" She said causing Darry to blush slightly.
"All of the teachers are in classes and the principals are in meetings but there's a number on one of the first pages for you to call should you have any questions. It may take a day to get back to you but don't worry hunny, we will." She said with a smile
"Thank you so much" I said quietly not sure what to make of this outspoken women.
"Not a problem dear, now you all grab your box and run along before you get caught in the school letting out, it can get a little hectic" She said with a smile as Darry walked over and grabbed my school box
"It was nice to see you Mrs. Beatter" Darry said with a large smile
"It was great to see you too Darryl. You take care of Rachel or you'll be hearing from me" She said with a wink causing me to giggle lightly.
"Come on Rachel" Darry said leading the way out of the office.
"How do you know her Darry?" I asked curiosity lacing my voice
"She was here when I was in school. She never judged greaser unfairly, which made her a friend to all of us" Darry said with a smile lost in his memories.
I stayed silent the rest of the trip home just watching Darry reminisce in his mind, wishing he hadn't had such a life filled with hardships.