Chapter 5
(First day of school)
Harley's POV:
It was early morning and I woke up in a haze, completely forgetting where I was. Then I remembered that I was on Curtis's couch. Steve and Two-Bit were both sleeping on the floor. They were trying to be gentlemanly and allow me to take the couch. I winced as I sat up due to my ribs still being soar from the beating I took yesterday from Ford. Then it hit me, shit! Today is the first day of school and I need to get my things! I thought to myself with alarm. I looked for the clock and it showed it was 6 am. That calmed down a bit. School started at 8 so I had a couple of hours. I heard the shower running in the bathroom and realized that Darry and Soda were getting ready to head to work. I needed to sneak over to my house to get my things and back before anyone noticed. I didn't want them to worry. I slowly tiptoed over Steve and Two-Bit and slowly shut the front door behind me.
Luckily I had learned how to lock and unlock my bedroom window from the outside earlier this week so I could slip in and out and avoid Ford. I stepped on a box that I left outside in the bushes of my window and worked the lock on my window so that it opened and pulled the window out towards me. I quietly slipped into my bedroom. As I landed in my room, my eyes slowly adjusted to the blackness. I slowly looked around my room and noticed that it seemed to be undisturbed and heard nothing in the house. I knew my parents had probably already left for work and that Ford would probably be asleep for another hour. I decided to put on one of my better outfits for the first day of school that I got myself in Detroit with my tutoring money. I had found a pair of hip-hugger blue jeans on clearance as well as a dark brown belt. Then I threw on a plain crisp white t-shirt that I saved for special occasions. Even though it was warm outside I put on my leather jacket to hide the bruises on my arm where Ford had grabbed roughly. I always hated makeup but I knew it was important to have to hide the bruises I got from Ford over the years, so I grabbed some to put in my backpack to put on in the bathroom at the Curtis house. I packed up my backpack for the school day and quickly looked at the clock and realized I had been there for 45 minutes. I need to get out of here before Ford wakes up, I thought in alarm. I quietly slipped out of my window and slunk back over to the Curtis house.
As I opened the door quietly and was hit by a smell of bacon and eggs. I quietly shut the door behind me and walked into the living room where I noticed that Steve and Two-Bit were no longer asleep. I quietly put my backpack down and I heard laughter coming from the kitchen. I went over and stood in the doorway smiling at the new gang of friends that I made. How could I get this lucky? Then all of a sudden, Darry turned around with a plate full of eggs and bacon to be split between everyone and was startled to see me standing there. "Where have you been Harley?" Darry said sternly like he was chastizing a five-year-old. I had never been talked to like that before, let alone had anyone concerned about my whereabouts. Darry must have noticed because his voice softened. "When you were gone when Soda and I came out, we were worried about where you went." This made me blush. "Sorry to worry you guys," I said looking at everyone wearily. "I woke up at 6 and decided to get a change of clothes and my books. Do you mind if I grab a quick shower?" After I said this I saw Ponyboy walk into the kitchen with wet hair, obviously coming from the shower. "Sure, but make it quick, or else the food will get cold," Darry said. "Also, we will be picking up this conversation later."
I was grateful to get away from all those concerned glances from the gang and to get all the hospital grime off of me. After I finished taking a quick shower and drying my hair, I looked in the mirror and saw all the ugly bruises surrounding my ribcage. Those are going to last a while. I quickly finished getting dressed and rushed back out to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. "That is the quickest I have ever seen a girl shower and get ready," Two-Bit said with shock. Which made me blush. It was only 7:15. "I'm used to taking quick showers since everyone in my family shares the bathroom," I said with a chuckle. I quickly grabbed a plate of food and gobbled it up so we could get going. "Was your brother awake," Pony asked me worriedly. "No, I made sure to get out of there before he woke up. He is a late sleeper," I explained. "What about your parents," Soda asked quizzically. "They were already gone for work," I said and everyone went silent. I could tell they felt bad for me, which made me ashamed. "It's all for the best," I reassured them. "Fewer questions." Darry broke the silence by clapping his hands together. "Come on gang, let's clean up and hit the road. I have to get Soda and me to work and you guys need to get to school." I was relieved but also nervous to see how school changed the gang dynamic.
We all out to the cars. I hopped into the car with Two-Bit and Pony. Steve took his car and he had a shift after school. As we were driving to school Pony looked me up and down. "Do you have makeup on?" Pony asked me shocked. "Yep, I needed to hide the bruises," I said wearily. "But those bruises will make you have street cred," Two-Bit chimed in. I smiled at him in the rearview mirror. "I just want to be put together for the first day," I said. "Plus if the other Greasers want to see my street cred I can show them my rib cage bruises." This got a chuckle out of Two-Bit but a worried look from Pony. "If you're sure," Pony said worriedly. I gave Pony a pinch on the cheeks. "Don't you worry Pony, I'll be fine," I said. Finally, we rolled up in the school parking lot and Steve pulled into a spot next to us.
I got out of Two-Bits car and stood in the parking lot looking at Will Rogers High School. This will be where I will graduate and where I will be spending my last year of high school. As I thought this I gulped and then I felt the gang gather around me. "You ok there motorcycle?" Steve asked. I gave a quizzical look. "Is that what you are going to be calling me now?" I asked Steve incredulously. "Yep, and you won't get me to stop," Steve said with a cocky grin. "You still haven't answered my question though. "I'll be fine," I said with a sigh. "Just mentally preparing myself. That's all."
We all went our separate ways to class and made a pact to meet up at lunch. The first half of the school day went by in a blur. I went around mostly unnoticed with a few lookovers from some of the Greasers and some skittish looks from the Soc girls. I loved all of my classes, especially my AP History class and my AP Biology course. I also was working on my college application list and where I wanted to apply. I already had the ACT and SAT scores that I wanted. I got a perfect 36 on the ACT and I got 1400 on the SAT. The real clincher would be if I would be able to get a full ride to a college and into the program I wanted. I was thinking of double majoring in history and journalism, and quite possibly going into law school. The last thing I had before lunch was a meeting with my counselor, Mr. Crane.
I was called back into his office. "Welcome to Will Rogers High School, Harley," Mr. Crane said cheerily and he reached his hand across the desk to shake mine. I shook his hand nervously. "I just wanted to get to know you better and learn how to best support you during your senior year. I've read all of your transcripts and letters from your previous teachers and your future looks promising." I smiled nervously but got myself to calm down. Mr. Crane seemed nice enough. "Well, I do plan on taking the AP tests at the end of the semester and getting the credits. I also have a list of all the courses I would like to take next semester," I said as I pulled out a list and handed it to him. "I also started compiling a list of all the colleges I want to apply to." Again I pulled out the list and handed it to him. Mr. Crane smiled at me and said, "I'm going to make a quick copy of these ok?" I nodded. A few minutes later Mr. Crane came back and handed me the lists back. "I appreciate your tenacity Harley, but I hope you are not wearing yourself too thin," Mr. Crane told me sternly. "I had a conversation with your grandmother and she said that she would be willing to support you and she told me about your tutoring gig. She sounded super proud of you, but she did say not to tell your parents she called which surprised me. Should I be worried?" I blushed at this but pulled myself together. "Nothing to worry about Mr. Crane," I said firmly. "My grandmother and my parents aren't exactly close. Also, my parents aren't hands-on because of how busy they are at work and Ford's football schedule." This seemed to satisfy Mr. Crane. "Is there anything that I can do for you to help with your college applications?" Mr. Crane asked me. "Would you mind writing me a letter of recommendation and maybe reaching out to some of my old teachers for letters?" I asked him hopefully. "I'll see what I can do and let you know," Mr. Crane said and he showed me out the door. I headed to lunch.
I found the gang sitting at one of the tables outside. Two-Bit and Steve were throwing some food at each other. Pony was deep in thought eating. "Hey guys," I said cheerily. This broke Pony out of his thought process and he smiled at me. "Hey, Harley," Two-Bit said cheerily. "How is your first day going so far?" "Not bad Two-Bit, not bad," I said with a smirk. "How is your day going?" "The same old same old," Two-Bit said while throwing an apple slice at Steve who threw one back. "Not really paying attention to much of anything." I shared a glance with Ponyboy. I wonder if Two-Bit will ever get out of high school. "You know Two-Bit," I said. "I'll be more than willing to help you out with homework. Same with you Steve." Steve and Two-Bit stopped having a food fight and stared at me in shock. "What's the catch?" Steve asked wearily. "There is no catch Steve," I said with sincerity. "I just want to help out." Steve and Two-Bit looked at each other. "I'll take the offer," Two-Bit said to my surprise. "Same," Steve said finally. Then all of a sudden I heard a shout coming in our direction. "Heads up!" "Look out!" Pony, Steve, Two-Bit, and I looked up and saw a football barreling in our direction full force. I immediately jumped up and caught it mid-air. A football player came running in our direction waving his hands. He must have been one of the ones calling out. I launched the ball back in a beautiful arch about 30 yards to him. Steve, Two-Bit, and Pony were looking at me with their jaws on the ground causing me to blush. The football player ran over. "Nice throw, especially for a girl. Even most guys that can't do that on the spot," the football player said with a grin. "I'm Ken, what is yours?" He gave me a wink. I gave him a smirk. He wouldn't be doing this if he knew who my brother was. "My name is Harley," I said. "You're flattery won't work on me. I have a boyfriend. Also, my brother is Ford." Ken went white as a sheet. "Oh, my bad," Ken said in embarrassment. "Also, I think you might be my tutor this year. Shit. "Well I guess I'll be seeing you around," I responded with a wave goodbye.
"When did you learn to do that," Pony asked me in shock. I shrugged. "Ford didn't always hate me," I said indifferently. "He used to show me how to throw a football and play football in general. I think that changed once I started getting good at the flag football games we used to play as well as when I got put up a grade. I think he felt like I was passing him up." I shrugged. "But that was the past." Everyone exchanged looks, but that didn't bother me. "Since when did you get a boyfriend," Two-Bit asked elbowing me and waggingly his eyebrows. I blushed and looked over at Pony. He gave me a reassuring smile telling me it was ok. "Last night," I said sheepishly. Steve looked between me and Pony. "Let me guess, Pony," Steve said with a wolfish grin. Pony nodded his head embarrassed. Two-Bit slapped me on the back and hollered. At that time it was time to get back to classes.
The second half of the day went by in the blink of an eye too. The couple of classes I enjoyed the most were AP Literature and AP Statistics. But before I knew it I was walking to Two-Bits car where Two-Bit and Pony were waiting to take us back home, while Steve had just left to go to his shift at the DX. "Ready to go?" Pony asked me. "More than ready," I said wearily. Today had been a good day but a long one.'
Pony and I were really the only ones who had homework since he was taking some honors courses and I was taking AP courses. That is why my tutoring schedule won't pick up until later this week and weekend. As Pony and I were wrapping up homework, Darry had finished cooking dinner. While Soda and Pony weren't looking, I went up to Darry and gave him some cash to cover my portion of dinner. "What's this?" Darry asked offendedly. "Cash to cover me," I said confused. "I know how my family feels when we have to feed an extra mouth." Darry looks over at me with concern. Darry handed me back the cash. "Don't worry about it Harley," Darry said quietly. "We'll get by, plus Steve and Two-Bit mooch on our food all the time, and Dally and Johnny did too when they were around." I blushed. "Ok, but I won't make it a habit," I said. Darry smiled at me. "Get your butts over here," Soda called over to me and Darry. "Did Harley tell you what she did at lunch today?" Two-Bit said giving me a smirk. I blushed hard feeling embarrassed. "No she didn't," Soda said looking at me with interest. "She caught a football coming in hot thrown by a football player and then threw a 30-yard pass back to them," Pony said proudly. I felt heat rising to my face. Darry looked at me with surprise. "Where did you learn that," Soda asked. "Ford, when we were little, and before he hated me," I said. Everyone grew quiet. Darry filled the silence by saying, "Well you can be on my flag football team whenever you like Harley." Everyone burst out laughing.
After dinner, I packed my backpack and started to head back across the street. "Harley, wait up," Pony called. I turned around as Pony jogged out to the middle of the street to meet me. "I've really enjoyed spending time with you this past week," Pony said. "I have too," I said quietly. Pony leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. I looked up at him and then gave him a full-on kiss, which threw him off guard, but then he gave me one back. "Good night, Pony," I whispered. "Good night, Harley," Pony whispered back.
When I got into the house my parents were already asleep, but Ford was still up and he was waiting for me in stony silence when I got into the house. He got up when he saw me come in. "I heard from Ken that he ran into you today at lunch," Ford growled. I felt myself start to shake but I knew I had to start holding my ground with him. "I thought I told you to stay away from my friends." I gulped. "It was nothing," I started to say in a whisper. Then I cleared my throat. "I blew him off and told him to leave me alone and said that he shouldn't talk to me because you were my brother," I said with more conviction This seemed to anger him more. He got into my face. "Next, time," Ford growled. "Just walk away." To my surprise, I kneed him in the groin and he doubled over in pain. "That will be impossible Ford," I growled back. "Because I tutor Ken." This time I kneed him one more time, but in the stomach this time and I stalked to my bedroom and shut the door. I put my bookbag on the back of my desk chair and then laid down on my bed shaking like a leaf and fell asleep.
Pony's POV:
I groggily got up as I heard my alarm clock go up. Great, it's time for school, I thought sarcastically. But that means this year I will get my driver's permit and start to learn how to drive and next year I'll be able to drive and have a summer job. This made me smile. I got up and saw that Soda, Darry, Steve, and Two-Bit were both wrapping up using the bathroom. There were too many people in this house for one bathroom. There always was. "Where's Harley," I asked Two-Bit and Steve wearily. "I was just to ask you the same thing," Steve retorted. "She wasn't on the couch when Two-Bit and I got up. "Where do you think she went," Two-Bit asked. I thought for a minute. "Maybe to go back home to get her stuff for school," I suggested. Everyone exchanged worried glances. Hopefully, she won't run into Ford. "Why don't you start getting cleaned up for school Pony, and I'll start making breakfast," Darry finally said to break the silence. I nodded.
As I was taking a shower and getting dressed I worriedly thought about Harley and her safety. As I walked out of the bathroom towards the kitchen I heard Harley's voice. Thank god she is safe, I thought with relief. "Do you mind if I grab a quick shower?" I heard Harley ask when I walked into the kitchen. "Sure, but make it quick, or else the food will get cold," Darry said. "Also, we will be picking up this conversation later." Harley smiled at me as she walked past me. I smiled back, but when she passed I winced because of the coloring of the bruises on her face. "What did I miss with Harley?" I asked the gang. "Nothing much," Soda said with his mouth full of bacon and eggs. "She went home, just like you guessed. She got a change of clothes and her bookbag. She didn't run into Ford though." That made me relax and let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding. Soda must have seen my face when he said Harley went home and tried to calm me down. Soda always knew how to calm me down. Soda was always good like that.
Not that long after, Harley came out of the bathroom looking fresh and to my surprise, her face was covered in makeup to hide the bruises. I exchanged a look with Darry as Harley started shoveling down some bacon and eggs like her life depended on it. "Was your brother awake," Pony asked me worriedly. Even though the answer was going to be no, I just wanted to hear it from her mouth. "No, I made sure to get out of there before he woke up. He is a late sleeper," Harley explained. "What about your parents," Soda asked quizzically. "They were already gone for work," Harley said. There was an uncomfortable silence and I think Harley could feel that. "It's all for the best," Harley reassured us. "Fewer questions." Darry broke the silence by clapping his hands together. "Come on gang, let's clean up and hit the road. I have to get Soda and me to work and you guys need to get to school." I could tell that Harley was relieved to drop the conversation. That made me sad that she still wasn't comfortable talking about her family with us, but Johnny was the same way about his. This made my heart twinge as I thought this.
We all headed out to the car. Harley and I hopped into the car with Two-Bit and Harley. Unbeknownst to everyone else, I was still a little uncomfortable around Steve. I know now he would be there for me after what happened last year, but it still didn't feel like he liked me much, just tolerated me. Steve had to take his car anyway because he had a shift at the DX after school. As we were riding to school, I worriedly looked Harley up and down. She looks mightily put together for someone who just got beat up by a football-playing brother. Almost like she has done this before, which she shouldn't have to do. My anger started to flare up in response. Those hip-huggers do look good on her though. "Do you have makeup on?" I asked Harley worriedly, with a hint of shock. "Yep, I needed to hide the bruises," Harley said wearily, but also like she was expecting me to ask that. "But those bruises will make you have street cred," Two-Bit chimed in. Really Two-Bit? I gave Two-Bit a scowl in the mirror. "I just want to be put together for the first day," Harley said. "Plus if the other Greasers want to see my street cred I can show them my rib cage bruises." This made me wince. This got a chuckle out of Two-Bit but I was more worried about this and I didn't find it funny. "If you're sure," I said worriedly. Then to my surprise, Harley reached over and gave me a cheek pinch. "Don't you worry Pony, I'll be fine," Harley said with a reassuring smile. Finally, we rolled up in the school parking lot and Steve pulled into a spot next to us.
I got out of Two-Bit's car slowly and stood in the parking lot looking at our high school. Not starting a new school year with Johnny here and Dally is going to be hard. "You ok there motorcycle?" Steve asked Harely. I chuckled at this. Harley is finally getting a gang nickname. I guess the gang is starting to feel like she is part of the family. "Is that what you are going to be calling me now?" Harley asked Steve incredulously. "Yep, and you won't get me to stop," Steve said with a cocky grin. "You still haven't answered my question though. "I'll be fine," Harley said with a sigh. "Just mentally preparing myself. That's all."
We all went our separate ways to go to classes. I felt a pang in my chest as I saw Harley walk away. I'll see her at lunch, I reminded myself. I just hope she doesn't get hit up by other Greasers or beat up by Socs because who knows what Ford has done. My morning classes seemed to drag on. The only class I enjoyed in the first classes was my honors literature course, but I had my honors creative writing course to look forward to in the afternoon. Finally, it was lunchtime and I found Steve and Two-Bit just sitting down outside. Why did they have to sit out there? I thought to myself annoyed. Many of the Socs and the Soc jocks hung outside during lunchtime. They are just looking to start a fight. I decided to just gut it out and walked toward them. "Hey guys," I said to Steve and Two-Bit resigned. "Where is Motorbike?" Steve asked jokingly. "I thought you guys were joined at the hip. "She had a counselor meeting to check in with her since she is new," I told Steve rolling my eyes. Two-Bit started throwing some of his food at Steve and Steve threw some back. Here we go again. I rolled my eyes.
"Hey guys," I heard Harley's voice cheerily behind me. This broke me out of my thought process and I smiled at Harley. "Hey, Harley," Two-Bit said cheerily. "How is your first day going so far?" "Not bad Two-Bit, not bad," Harley said with a smirk. This made me smile and I was relieved. "How is your day going?" Harley asked Two-Bit. "The same old same old," Two-Bit said while throwing an apple slice at Steve who threw one back. "Not really paying attention to much of anything." Harley and I shared a look. Classic Two-Bit. "You know Two-Bit," Harley said. "I'll be more than willing to help you out with homework. Same with you Steve." Steve and Two-Bit stopped having a food fight and stared at Harley in shock. I was shocked as well. No one had ever offered to help Steve and Two-Bit out at all. "What's the catch?" Steve asked wearily. "There is no catch, Steve," Harely said with sincerity. "I just want to help out." Steve and Two-Bit looked at each other. "I'll take the offer," Two-Bit said to my surprise. "Same," Steve said finally. Then all of a sudden I heard a shout coming in our direction. "Heads up!" "Look out!" Harley, Steve, Two-Bit, and I looked up and saw a football barreling in our direction full force. Before I knew it Harley immediately jumped up and made a jumping catch. A football player came running in our direction waving his hands. I was in complete shock when Harley caught that. Harley launched the ball back in a perfect arch about 30 yards to him. Steve, Two-Bit, and I were looking at Harley with our jaws on the ground causing Harley to blush. Now that shocked me more than the catch. Where did she learn how to do that? The football player ran over. "Nice throw, especially for a girl. Even most guys that can't do that on the spot," the football player said with a grin. "I'm Ken, what is yours?" He gave Harley a wink which made me start fuming. Harley gave him a smirk. He shouldn't be doing that. There are boundaries. "My name is Harley," Harley said with a stern glint in her voice. "You're flattery won't work on me. I have a boyfriend. Also, my brother is Ford." Ken went white as a sheet. "Oh, my bad," Ken said in embarrassment. "Also, I think you might be my tutor this year. Uh Oh. Even I knew this was going to be a problem, but did she just say, boyfriend? Steve, Two-Bit, and I shared a look. "Well I guess I'll be seeing you around," Harely responded with a wave goodbye and a tone of indifference.
"When did you learn to do that," I asked Harley in shock. Harley shrugged like it was no big deal even though it was. "Ford didn't always hate me," Harley said indifferently. "He used to show me how to throw a football and play football in general. I think that changed once I started getting good at the flag football games we used to play as well as when I got put up a grade. I think he felt like I was passing him up." Harley shrugged again. "But that was the past." So that answers why Ford got nasty. "Since when did you get a boyfriend," Two-Bit asked elbowing Harley and waggingly his eyebrows. Harley blushed and looked over at me. I gave her a reassuring smile telling me it was ok. Go on tell them, get it over with. "Last night," Harley said sheepishly. Steve looked between me and Harley. "Let me guess, Pony," Steve said with a wolfish grin. I nodded my head embarrassed. This will come back to haunt me when Harley isn't around. Two-Bit slapped Harley on the back and hollered. At that time it was time to get back to classes.
I was right that my honors creative writing course was my favorite. It allowed me to express things without judgment. It made me feel free where I wouldn't be hollered at to use my head. I was going to be awarded for my creativity and imagination. Before I knew it it was the end of the school day. We all met outside by the car and drove home. When we got home, it seemed that Harley and I were the only ones to have any kind of homework. I had a creative writing assignment and a literature assignment. Finally, Darry got home and started making dinner. Harley and Darry disappeared for a minute whispering about something but I was unsure about what. This made me uneasy. Maybe it was something about Ford. I hope not.
"Get your butts over here," Soda called over to Harley and Darry. He must be starving. "Did Harley tell you what she did at lunch today?" Two-Bit said giving Harley a smirk. Harley blushed feeling embarrassed. "No she didn't," Soda said looking at Harley with interest. "She caught a football coming in hot thrown by a football player and then threw a 30-yard pass back to them," I said proudly. She should feel proud of herself. Darry looked at Harley with surprise. "Where did you learn that," Soda asked. "Ford, when we were little, and before he hated me," Harley said. Everyone grew quiet. Darry filled the silence by saying, "Well you can be on my flag football team whenever you like Harley." Everyone burst out laughing. Darry needs to joke more often. It looks good on him.
After dinner, Harely packed my backpack and started to head back across the street. "Harley, wait up," I called. Harley turned around as I jogged out to the middle of the street to meet her. "I've really enjoyed spending time with you this past week," I said. "I have too," Harley said quietly. My heart burst with joy. I leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She was warm to the touch and her skin was soft as silk. Harley looked up at me and then gave me a full-on kiss, which threw me off guard, but then I gave her one back. I felt my heart beat faster and faster. "Good night, Pony," Harley whispered. "Good night, Harley," I whispered back. I watched Harley turn around and quietly go into the house. Once she was inside, I walked back inside to everyone was sitting on the couch watching television. "How was that kiss?" Two-Bit asked waggingly his eyebrows at me. I blushed hard. Oh God! Did they see the whole thing? "I'll take that it was good," Soda said chuckingly. Two-Bit let out a wolf whistle. Darry started shaking his and patted me on the back.
It was around midnight when all of us went to bed. This was going to be a good year. Oh, how I was going to be proven wrong soon enough before the school year was out.