"Y'all ain't gonna believe who I just seen!" An out-of-breath Two-Bit panted, sprinting through the front door. The screen door slammed behind him hard enough to shake the pictures on the wall. Luckily for him, everything stayed intact.

Without missing a beat Reggie, the parakeet, began squawking. "Excuse me! Young Man!" The phrase had become a staple around here in the last few years. He even beat Aunt Birdie to scolding, though she wasn't far behind.

"Keith!" Her tone was enough to stop Two-Bit dead in his tracks. "Take one more step in my house with them filthy shoes and see if I don't whoop your tail." In the time it took her to give the warning she had her newspaper rolled up in her hand, ready to knock him upside his head if she had to. It wouldn't be the first time, honestly it wouldn't be the last either.

"Yes ma'am," He back peddled to the door scrambling out of his beat-up sneakers. Ponyboy snickered under his breath from the dining room table, earning him a glare of his own. Aunt Birdie shook her head as she made her way back to the living room to watch her stories. All the while mumbling under her breath about how they're lucky she didn't make them scrub the floors. It wouldn't be the first time for that either.

Soda appeared from the kitchen, half-eaten sandwich in hand. "What's all the ruckus?" He quirked an eyebrow at his friend, still fighting to catch his breath.

The sound of a car door slamming, followed by footsteps pounding up the porch steps cut them off. Once again, the screen door flew open and slammed shut. Steve got two steps in the door before he stopped, removing his shoes. "You won't guess who we just saw down at the Dairy Queen!" Steve blurted, turning to Two-Bit. "Oh, here's your keys bud,"

"Thanks." Two-Bit took the keys, shoving them in his pocket.

"Wait, did you run here?" Soda asked, earning a nod, "Even though you have a car?"

Two-Bit really was regretting that decision right about now. Dairy Queen was only about a half mile away, but he'd never exactly been a runner. All that smoking was definitely catching up to him. It was a good thing he always left his keys in his old beat-up Chevrolet, and Steve had the sense to drive over. He'd probably throw up hoofing it back to the Dairy Queen parking lot later. "Not the point," His breathing was starting to even now.

"Would you spit it out already!" Pony said impatiently. He didn't much care for gossip but wanted to know why two of their friends were kicking up such a fuss.

"Alright, alright," Two-Bit said. "So me 'n Steve go to get a bite, chat up some girlies. Ya know, looking to have a good time tonight." Two-Bit wiggled his eyebrows; Ponyboy couldn't have been less enthused. He waved his hand, hoping to encourage the older boy to quickly continue. Soda wasn't even phased, figuring whatever they saw wasn't nearly as interesting as they were making it out to be. Two-Bit was known for embellishing the truth.

"Right, anyway I'm chattin' up this pretty little blonde thing when who walks in the door?" Pony rolled his eyes so hard it was a wonder he didn't see his own brain. The theatrics were killing him. "Darry fuckin' Curtis."

For emphasis, Two-Bit slammed his hands down on the table. This, again, earned him a scolding from Aunt Birdie and Reggie alike. "Keith, watch your damn mouth!" He muttered another apology and took a seat at the table. Steve followed suit.

Soda nearly choked on his sandwich at the news. Pony's face fell, disbelief painted over his features. There was no way that Darry would come home and not say anything. They weren't exactly as close as they used to be. Surely if he was coming to visit he'd let them know. Aunt Birdie at the very least. The brothers shot a look at each other before turning back to their friend to continue. "I passed the house yesterday, and a car was in the driveway. Didn't think much of it. House looked fine didn't look like anyone was in there." Two-Bit gave a shrug. "And when I drove by later, the car was gone."

Things were still tense surrounding the former golden child. After he dipped without a word, it left a real sour taste in everyone's mouth. Pony took it the hardest. Two years on and the mere mention of Darry earned you a death glare. All his grief and hurt had turned into anger at his oldest brother, and he was not letting it go. The fact he hadn't gotten up from the table and stormed into the other room was amazing.

"Walked in with a broad on his arm too." Steve chimed in, taking a few chips off Pony's plate. They'd rushed out of the restaurant so quick they hadn't had a chance to get any lunch. Normally this would have gotten a rise out of the younger boy, but he was so dismayed by the news he didn't even notice. Steve would be lying if he wasn't a little disappointed by that. It took the fun out of purposely annoying Pony.

"Oh yeah!" Two-Bit exclaimed as if he'd forgotten the most important part of the story. "And she looked like she might be uh, eatin' for two if you catch my drift." He puffed out his stomach moving his hand in a half circle over it. Two-Bit was worse than the old ladies around town when it came to gossip. Somehow he knew everything about everyone and found it his civic duty to inform anyone who would listen. The more times he told a story, the more details he added, whether they be true or not.

"What a crock," Soda said looking miffed. "Y'all really ain't got nothin' better to do than make up some stories?"

Pony snatched his plate away from Steve, who was still going to town as if the meal in front of him was his own, not someone else's. "Real funny," He snapped. "At least make it believable next time." The sarcasm dripping from Pony's words was almost deadly. This wouldn't be the first time they messed with him. Pony was book-smart, sure, but he was pretty gullible. The only difference is Soda was normally in on the joke; he would never pull something this mean.

"Honest to God," Two-Bit said, almost offended they didn't believe him. "Swear it on my Momma and sister too!"

Soda narrowed his eyes, looking now to Steve for confirmation. This was a cruel joke if they were messing around. It might be more cruel if they weren't. "I wouldn't lie to ya, man." Steve's words held a bit of remorse as if he hated to be the bearer of bad news.

With a shake of his head, Soda called out to his guardian. "Aunt Birdie, is Darry suppose to be comin' home?" If anyone knew the truth, it would be her. The one person Soda knew wouldn't lie to him.

She peered over her glasses as all four boys stared intently at her, awaiting her answer.

"I can barely keep track of you two. Do you think I have time to keep tabs on Junior too?" No help either way. Clearly, this foolishness wasn't something she was willing to get involved in.

"No way, I don't believe you guys," Pony said, sliding his chair back from the table. He'd had enough and wasn't entertaining the subject anymore. "This isn't funny." He pushed past everyone storming off to his room. The bedroom door slammed behind him. He knew he'd hear about it later, but right now didn't care.

"Soda, I swear it," Two-Bit pulled his car keys out of his pocket. "We can go down there right now. I'll prove it to you."

"Why would we make this up?" Steve attempted to comfort his best friend, though there wasn't anything comforting about the information being given.

"Why the hell would he come home and not say nothin'?" Soda was thinking out loud, still in total disbelief. It simply didn't make sense. Then again, what did he really know about Darry anymore? Running away to start a new life wasn't like him. Pretending his family didn't exist wasn't like him either, yet here they were. Bound by blood but basically strangers. Sometimes Soda felt like his big brother died the day their parents did. At least the big brother he used to know.

"Let's go ask 'im," Once again, Two-Bit jiggled his keys. That was all the convincing it took, and the three were up and headed towards the door. Soda still wasn't completely sold on the story they were spinning, but there was only one way to find out.

"Y'all stay outta trouble." Aunt Birdie called after them, as she always did. It was mostly out of habit. As tough as her nephews liked to think they were with their little "gang", she never truly had to worry about them getting into much trouble. Typical teenage stuff. Luckily the delinquent ways of Dally and the Shepard kids didn't wear off on them.

The trio piled into Two-Bit's car making the short drive down to the Dairy Queen. Soda was on the edge of his seat the entire time. A mixture of anxiety, fear, and even a little anger swirled around inside him. He fully understood how Two-Bit took off in a full sprint to the house. The car didn't seem fast enough, even with Two-Bit and his lead foot. The parking lot was pretty full unsurprising for a Friday afternoon. School was starting up soon; everyone was trying to enjoy the last bit of summer. Before they even found a parking spot Soda got the confirmation he needed when he spotted a California license plate. His stomach dropped, and he sank back into the passenger seat. The feeling of betrayal was overwhelming.

A couple pulled out of a parking space in front of the building. Two-Bit quickly swung into it, cutting off some kids who'd been waiting. They honked and hollered, but Two-Bit waved them off exchanging a few obscenities. Clearly, their stakeout was more important. They needed a front-row seat. Not that those kids knew that, but parking a little farther away wouldn't kill them. It didn't take long for Soda to spot his brother through the window. He was sitting at a booth, sticking out like a sore thumb. His hair was past his collar and didn't have a lick of grease in it. Ma would have had a fit and pulled out scissors fast enough to make your head spin. Those locks would be chopped off before a word of objection could be formed. Didn't look like he'd cut it since the day he took off to school. Sitting across from him was a petite brunette, her hair pulled back into a sloppy braid. It was more for practicality than style. From their vantage point, they couldn't make out much of her. A smile lit up her face as she laughed at something Darry said. They looked happy, your average couple out for lunch, as if this were the most normal thing. Not a brother coming back to the home he'd abandoned with his secret lover in tow.

Steve leaned up from the backseat, clapping a hand on Soda's shoulder. "Sorry buddy," He sounded genuinely apologetic, no I-told-you-so ringing from his voice. The intention hadn't been to hurt his best friend, but this was pretty pertinent information.

Two-Bit had cut off the engine. There was only silence among them as they watched the scene before their eyes. Their very own depressing little television show. "It just doesn't make sense." Soda wasn't looking for a response, and thankfully neither of his friends said anything. A first from Two-Bit Mathews.

As they sat there, Soda racked his brain for an explanation for this scenario. Two years of almost complete radio silence, now here he is? The Golden Boy's made his return for seemingly no reason at all. If it was a surprise, he did a shit job. There were no upcoming holidays. The closest special occasion was Pony's birthday. That was a few weeks ago. It had come and gone without so much as a phone call. Not that the youngest Curtis would have come to the phone. Darry sent out a card; it was short and to the point.

Happy Birthday.

Enjoy your special day.

-Darry

Pony had opened it and thrown it in the trash not a minute later. The two were so damn stubborn about their hurt feelings. Pony is hurt that Darry left and now refuses to speak to him. Darry is hurt by that and now is barely speaking to anyone. Leaving Soda stuck in the middle of this emotional tug of war he wanted no part of. He had a nagging feeling it was about to get much worse.

The betrayal stung like a knife to his gut. Each smile and laugh the couple shared twisted the blade a little more. What a happy picture perfect life he'd made for himself, not being weighed down by a family he'd always been embarrassed by. As much as Soda wanted to look away and leave, he couldn't.

Before long, Darry had cleared his table and was heading back outside. Soda had been lost in his thoughts, only snapping out of them when he realized the table he'd been so intently staring at was now empty.

"Quick, get down!" Soda exclaimed, sliding down in his seat.

"What?" Steve and Two-Bit asked in unison.

"Get. Down. He's coming." Soda repeated through gritted teeth. Two-Bit had already slunk down the best he could, and Steve kind of just hung his head since he was leaning up front.

"Why?" Steve questioned. "Don't you wanna talk to him?" He kept his voice just above a whisper, though he didn't see the point.

"No," Soda's reply was simple.

"Why not?" Steve popped his head up, shooting his best friend a confused look. He was quickly shushed, and his head pushed back down.

"Obviously, he ain't wanna talk to me," Soda whispered, almost holding his breath as Darry walked past their car. No hesitation whatsoever; they hadn't been seen. Somehow they also didn't feel three pairs of eyes staring them down either. "And I ain't fixin' to cause a scene."

Once they knew they were in the clear, they all sat back up normally.

"So now what?" Steve asked as they listened to the car a few spots down fire up the engine.

"We could follow them?" Two-Bit offered, starting his own engine, glancing sideways at Soda.

"Ya think?" He wasn't too sure about that idea. It seemed weird.

"What else we got to do?" Steve shrugged, settling into the back seat.