Soda leaned forwards, placing his hands to the top of my thighs, weighing them down with his weight - so I couldn't jump up, while he was still gripping my hand. I closed my eyes again, waiting for the pain... but, boy, did it come - as soon as he tipped that bottle up, the pain shot right through me. I was hollering and struggling to get outta their hold.
"Soda..." I cried.
"Shh, it's alright, baby... just relax. It's almost over." Soda soothed, trying to calm me.
"No...no more. Please Soda..." my teary, big, greenish-grey eyes pleaded him.
He brought his hand up, running his index finger lightly across my cheek - chasing away the stray tears, before placing it back to my thigh. "Hey, It's ok... I'm right here. Your doing really good, kiddo."
He gave my hand a comforting squeeze, as Steve asked, "Ready, kid?" I turned my glance from Soda, to Steve - but remained silent, with pleading eyes.
"Hey, don't give me that look, kid," said Steve, "Listen, I don't wanna be doin' this anymore than you do, but it's for your own good."
"C'mon Steve, let's just get it over with." Soda softly responded. Though, I could see from his features, he'd rather not be doing this either.
Steve tilted the bottle again, pouring more alcohol into the gash, causing me to thrash around violently from the pain. Soda was struggling to keep me still, he really had to use force to hold me down now.
"Calm down, kid. I just need to stitch it now." Steve said, collecting up the already threaded needle.
"Hush, Ponyboy. It's alright... it's almost done." Soda soothed, trying to calm me from the painful ordeal.
I took my free hand, wiping at my eyes - removing any unwanted tears, as I tried to regain my composure, and taking a few less then steady breaths. Soda's hold loosened, with him tracing his bitten down nails along my hand and arm - the tingling on my skin, relaxing me, as Steve carefully stitched my arm. Before placing a large cotton bandage around the now closed gash, he smeared a great amount of antibiotic cream over it.
"Your all done." Steve said, returning the cream to the first aid box.
"Thanks, can I go now?" I asked, softly.
"Hold on, kiddo. I'm not done checking you over yet." Soda said, standing from his chair, and indicating for me to do the same. I obliged, with him taking me under the arm, helping me up. He then proceeded to take the hem of my t-shirt, pulling it past my waist to my chest.
"Take a deep breath in for me, honey," as I did, he pressed his fingers firmly into my already bruised ribs, causing me to wince.
"Soda..." I whined.
"Sorry kiddo, needed to make sure you had no broken ribs." Soda said, sounding relieved that non were broken. Then pulled me towards him, wrapping his arms around me. I leaned into him, sighing deeply - with my right cheek pressed against his shoulder.
"You're a good kid, Ponyboy," he murmured, into the top of my hair. Suddenly he pulled back from me - but not away. "I don't know what I'd ever do if I lost you..." he said, looking deadly serious.
I felt Soda's arms loosen, and one unfold from my body, as the other stayed firmly in place - holding me securely. He gently brushed some loose hair from my forehead, before his hand came to rest under my chin.
"You feel a little warm, kiddo." Soda said, tilting my head to the side, examining the stitches.
He looked to Steve, who was busy cleaning away the used first aid supplies.
"Steve?"
Steve looked up, from closing the lid to the warn box. "Yeah, Soda?" he asked, taking it by the chained metal handle - replacing it, to its rightful place by the cabinet.
"I might take Ponyboy home, he needs to rest."
"Yeah, that's fine. I'll finish up here, then swing by yours later."
"Thanks buddy, I'll catch you later."
I followed a few steps behind Soda out the station door, and past the pumps. Before catching up and walking beside him.
"Soda?"
He turned to glance at me, as he continued walking. "Yeah, kiddo?"
"Listen, I'll be fine on my own, and plus Darry won't be happy if you miss out on part of your pay." It didn't feel right that Soda had to miss work because of me, and I knew Darry needed the money... but, also I wasn't much in the mood for company.
"You just let me worry about Darry... and I'm not leaving you on your own after what just happen, those Soc's could be out there still and I'm not taking any chances. C'mon, let's go."
As we reached our old wire front gate, Soda unlatched the metal chain, then held it open, letting me pass. I climbed the porch steps, with Soda trailing me, and swung the fly screen open - I'm surprise that thing is still on its hinges, the way everyone comes in swinging it open all the time - then letting it slam shut. Soda headed for the bathroom singing out that he was going to take a shower, to get all the grease off him.
I made my way towards the kitchen as I heard the door to the bathroom click shut and opened the fridge door to grab myself a Pepsi. As I was hunting the shelves, my eyes landed on Two-Bit's beers - it made me think back to having those beers with Curly the other day, how it made me feel relaxed, and numb - and wondered vaguely if it'd numb wounds. Then the painful memory of what happened after last time came flooding in - well, it may help numb my wounds, but it sure ain't gonna help my backside if I get caught.
I listened carefully, and could still hear the water running in the bathroom, figuring I had enough time to at least down one - so to at least take the edge off the pain. I pulled out the closest bottle, and popped the lid - quickly talking a large mouthful of the bitter liquid, then listened for the shower water again, still hearing it run. I wandered over to the kitchen window, staring out at the old oak tree looking at how inviting it looks right about now. It sure was nice out today. Watching the outside world was rather calming and relaxing, the way the branches swayed lightly in the breeze, with the occasional twitter of a bird flying overhead. I'd much rather be out there lost in a book, but with my recent injuries I don't think that was about to happen.
I tilted the bottle again, taking another fast swig. But upon taking the mouthful the bitterness caught the back of my throat causing me to choke slightly. I patted at my chest, helping it go down.
I was almost halfway through the bottle; my mind had long ago wandered away from listening out for the shower, and still preoccupied in starring out the uncleaned glass kitchen window, into the backyard. I had just taken another mouthful, when a painful slap landed to the back of my head, causing me to choke again.
I couldn't even yelp, as a fierce cycle of coughing took over - but a hand came to my back, patting it, until my coughing subsided. I could feel Soda's eyes on my back, and knew I needed to face the music sooner rather than later, and reluctantly turned to face my rather angry looking older brother, whom stood tall with his arms crossed protectively over his broad chest.
Neither one of us spoke. I could feel his eyes boring into me, but was to afraid to look up and see what emotions lay in them, and turned my eyes towards the old linoleum flooring instead; as I continued to still hold the half drank bottle, loosely in my right hand.
"Well, I'm waiting?" Soda's voice took on a deep, but low tone as he waited for me to speak up. But I couldn't seem to get my mouth moving, and wasn't just sure as to what I could possibly say to get out of this mess. When my silence went on for a lot longer than his liking, he spoke up again.
"Ponyboy, you better start talking. Right now, kid."
I knew I was probably making the situation worse by my keeping silent, but somehow I also don't think my confessing would help this situation either. When I remained silent, he exhaled roughly shaking his head, then snatched the bottle from my hands. I immediately snapped my head up and stared at him, stunned.
"Would you prefer if we spank first, talk later?" he asked, taking a step towards me and placed the bottle on the kitchen counter.
My eyes widened as I found my voice, "No Soda." I panicked, backing up and away from him. There was no way I was gonna let him do that.
"Well then, start talking." Soda spoke firmly and raised his eyebrows, with his arms crossed tightly over his chest again.
"Umm, w-what do ya want me to say?" my voice shook slightly, as I bit my lip nervously. I watched his facial expressions, seeing if there was any hint of sympathy, or maybe anyway he might let me off lightly, but there was none. He stood firm.
"An explanation would be a great start."
"I... umm... I," I stumbled over my words, as I tried to form a suitable explanation in my head. But I couldn't come up with anything that might void even a fraction of what was to come of my punishment. I was in the water too deep, and my chance of resurfacing myself was almost nil to none.
"You what, Pony? You thought you might get away with it, that I wouldn't notice." Soda's voice rose, as he advanced towards me again, which only resulted in me backing further away from him. "Com'er Ponyboy."
"No, no wait, Soda." I held my hands out in front, in a stop motion, and making sure to keep the distance between us. "I... umm... please Soda, I'm sorry." I pleaded with him, with hopes he'll see fair and leave it at that. "C'mon Soda, I didn't even like it and I promise I won't do it again. Ever again. You have my word." I gave him my best puppy eyes, as the icing on the cake and waited for him to crack.
"No Ponyboy, this is the third incident in-" he started, but I cut him off by yelling over the top of him before he spoke further, "But Soda, I said I'm sorry and-" He slapped his hand down hard on the kitchen bench, causing me to jump and turn my head immediately up at him.
"That's enough!" He warned loudly, his voice taking on a parental tone.
I gulped, praying my backside wasn't next.
"As I was saying before I was so rudely cut off, is that this is the third incident in less than two weeks. And I'll be dammed if I let this behaviour continue. You know full well not to touch alcohol, as you have been warned of many times." He stopped and studied me for a minute, before continuing. "You know what, I'm gonna let Darry deal with you this time, and maybe this time you'll learn."
I know he was refuring to the time he spanked me for sneaking out, drinking and causing havoc with Curly. And yes he let me have it good, but to let Darry deal with me...
"No, please Soda... don't tell Darry." I pleaded as my green-grey eyes welled up with tears. "Please, don't tell Darry." Sure the punishment Soda would have dished out wouldn't have been pleasant, but Darry - now he was another story, he doesn't hold back. With Soda at least he comforts me afterwards, and reassures me someway or another throughout - whether it be a rub of my back, or some gentle hushed whispers - he lets me know it's alright, that even though I'm over his knees getting my butt blistered, I feel safe and secure. Not that I don't feel that way about Darry; but he doesn't comfort me the way that Soda does. Darry's always rough with me, though I'm sure he doesn't mean to be - he comforts me to a certain extent, but nothing as Soda does.
Him and Soda are two different apples - sometimes they can be dry and tart, leaving a slightly bitter taste in your mouth, but maybe that apple may grow a little sweeter as you bite further into it. Then others are sweet and juicy, enticing you to have another bite, until only the core remains and craving you for another. Soda is that of a sweet apple; his almost always wearing a large grinned smile plastered to his face, and cares about anyone and everybody. My older brother knows exactly how to cheer me up, or how to soothe me, and his warm hugs never go unnoticed. He is always happy-go-lucky and his affection is almost catching, and his probably the least selfish person I know. Darry would have to be a slightly sour apple, with a hint of sweetness; you want a little taste but not too much - he isn't as affectionate as Soda, and not one for passing out hugs, or anything in that manner. Though I can't say that he isn't caring, cause that'd be lying; he cares for both Soda and me, and also the gang - but mostly of Soda, he doesn't go off at Soda near as much as he does me, and Soda gets away with a whole lot more - I'm sure if Sodapop flashed that smile of his, he could get away with murder. But I know Darry cares for me too, even if he doesn't say so. I don't mean to be comparing my brothers to produce, but sometimes life has a funny way of putting things into perspective.
Soda stepped closer towards me, and this time I aloud it without moving away from him. I think it was cause I knew he wasn't going to be punishing me any longer, but that didn't exactly reassure me, I think I'd rather have him do it than Darry anyway. He pulled me to him, and wrapped me in a tight embrace. I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder, content with the sudden comfort.
"Pony, you know I love you without a doubt, don't you kiddo?" I nodded against his somewhat stained with who knows what (most likely grease) white t-shirt, wondering where this was going. Of course I knew he loved me, it was just plain and obvious, and I loved him just the same. He was my big brother, that always looked out and was there for me, that chased the tears away, and made me smile, of course I loved him.
"That's good," I heard the smile in his voice, before it turned serious again, "Just so you know, I'm not turning you over to Darry to be mean or anything, kiddo. I just think this'll be better for him to deal with this time round. He maybe able to get the point across a little better, cause it didn't seem to work from last time I did it. You savvy?"
"No... no, please Soda." I begged, as silent yet warm tears began rolling down my flush cheeks. I swiped at them quickly, but within milliseconds they were replaced by more. "No, no Soda. I-I only did - did it to see if it'd make the pain go away. Please Soda, don't tell Darry." I couldn't hold back the oncoming sobs, and clung to his shirt like a life line, and let the salty tears soak into the material.
He lightly rubbed my back as he answered, "Aww, kiddo, I don't know where you get these ideas from. I really don't."
"A-re, are you still gonna tell D-Darry?"
"Yeah, I am kiddo." He answered, as he continued running his fingers up and down my back. He held me, and lightly swayed side to side, while trying to soothe me. My sobs slowly lessened, until they became just sniffles.
"Alright, you right now?" I gave a half nod, with a shrug of my shoulders. I still couldn't believe he was gonna tell Darry; couldn't he just do it and get it over with. "Ok, I want you to go to our room, and think about what you did till Darry gets home."
"No, please Soda." I tried pleading with him one last time. But knowing it was rather hopeless now, when none of my other pleads worked.
"I'm sorry, kiddo," he said, releasing his hold around me, but my arms stayed firmly planted around his waist. "But, it's gonna hurt, Soda." I whined, hoping he'll feel sorry for me.
"Well, you should've thought about that beforehand. And yes it will hurt, it's suppose to." Hmm, no such luck at sympathy. "Alright, go on," he said, trying to pry my arms from around him. I reluctantly let go, giving him one last pleading puppy eyed look.
"Go, Ponyboy." He nodded in the direction of our bedroom. I sullenly turned, and walked to our room.
I closed my door behind me, sitting down on the edge of my bed - damn beer, didn't help my arm at all.
...
Bella Lilac
A/N - Thanks for all your lovely reviews, they truly mean a lot and let me know whom is still enjoying this story. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Bella.