Chapter 6

(Mid-October)

Harley's POV:

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in mid-October and the fall air was starting to set in here in Tulsa, which was later than I was used to in Detroit. I had just mailed my early decision applications to my top schools and some safety net colleges. One couldn't be too cocky, I thought to myself nervously. Ford was at football practice, my parents were at work, and Soda and Steve were working a shift at the DX, that left Two-Bit and Darry, but I knew that Darry might be picking up some OT at work. He does that when Pony has track practice, but his boss ensures he doesn't overwork himself too much so he might be home early today. I decided to bike my way over. I had the day off from tutoring and finished my homework at the library earlier today. The gang always teased me for working too hard, but Pony understood. Sometimes I felt like Pony was the only one who truly understood me since we were both outsiders in our own families. The gang treated me more like family though than my family did or ever would. At least my grandmother was making an effort and I think she is starting to look kindly on my friends too. My grandmother had stopped by the library today and told me to bring dinner to my friends tonight. She also offered to work her connections to help with my applications but I told her no.

I pulled up in front of the Curtis house to my relief Darry's car was parked in the driveway and Two-Bit's was parked out front. He is probably passed out on the couch though drunk already. Sure enough, as I walked through the front door, there was Two-Bit passed out drunk. I shook my head with a smirk. "Who's there?" I heard Darry call from the kitchen. "Just Harley," I called back. Two-Bit just rolled over, still asleep. I walked over to the kitchen and plopped the food down into the fridge. Darry looked over. "Is that another dinner courtesy of your grandmother?" Darry asked with an eyebrow raised. "You betcha," I said with a chuckle. "She loves you guys, and I think she wants to make sure we schedule another group dinner at her house for next week and I think she wants to continue to make it a monthly thing." Darry shook his head in disbelief. "She does know that she doesn't have to do that right or provide us with dinner right?" Darry asked with a furrowed brow. "She knows," I said with a shrug. I think she feels bad about the fallout with my mother all those years ago and the childhood that I had. She probably wants to make it up to me because she sees the most potential in me and she can't get over what Ford does to me." I saw Darry's eyes go over the new cuts and bruises on my face and arms from the scuffles this past month with Ford. "I also think she is grateful for what the gang does for me," I continued. Darry just smiled at me wearily. "So what have you been up to?" I asked him. I always enjoyed the time I got to spend with Darry. I could see a little bit of Pony in him even if he and Pony didn't want to admit it. "You know, the same old same old," Darry sighed. Went to work this morning and I'm paying bills now. What are you up to?" I rolled my eyes. Darry never really liked talking about himself. "Just sent in my college applications at the post office and spent all morning wrapping up my homework for next week. I just thought I would check over to make sure that Two-Bit and Steve actually started their homework or finished it." Darry gave me a skeptical look knowing that I was just being hopeful about Steve and Two-Bit. I grabbed Steve and Two-Bit's backpacks and pulled out their school notebooks and homework. I knew what homework they had to do for the next week because I made them give me a copy of their syllabuses for their courses. I rolled my eyes because of course, they hadn't started their homework. I decided to write out how to do the homework and step-by-step instructions so that it would be easier for them to understand when Two-Bit woke up and Steve got back from work.

As I was helping out Steve and Two-Bit Darry asked, "So what schools did you apply to if you don't mind me asking?" "I don't mind at all," I said without looking up at Darry. "I want to double major in pre-law and journalism so I applied to USC, Boston University, Syracuse, Minnesota, Missouri, Tulsa, and Oklahoma. I want to be either a lawyer and do investigative reporting on the side or do something in that realm." Darry raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Good for you," Darry said. "Does Pony know where you applied to?" I hesitated and looked up at Darry sheepishly. "Not exactly," I said quietly. "I'm kind of scared too because of how close we've gotten, but I need to do what is best for me. Who knows, I might only get into Tulsa and Oklahoma, so I'll be close by." Darry gave me a wry smile. "Well, don't wait too long Motorbike," Darry said sternly. "I don't want Pony to get too hurt." There was a pang in my heart because I knew that Darry was right. It was going to be hard saying goodbye to the gang, but especially Pony when it was time for me to leave. It broke my heart.

After Darry finished paying bills and putting them in the mailbox he sat back down next to me as I finished helping Steve and Two-Bit with their homework. "Hey Harley, look at me," Darry said softly. Hardly anybody called me by my name anymore in the gang besides Pony unless it was serious. They all started calling me Motorbike. I looked up at Darry. Darry slowly tilted my head back and forth and inspected my arms. He was obviously concerned about the bruises that continued to scatter my skin ever since the incident that left me in the hospital. It hadn't gotten to that level since then, but Ford still hit me. "What does your Grandmother say about these?" Darry asked gently. "Nothing much because I won't let her, and there isn't much she can do because she doesn't see it happen," I said with a shrug. "Plus nobody would probably believe her because Ford is now a Soc pet because of how good of a player he is." This made Darry wince which caused me to blush because of Darry's past with the Socs. "I know what that is like to be a Soc pet," Darry said softly. "But that doesn't give him the right to act like this. I got a favor to ask you though." I eyed Darry suspiciously. "What's that?" I asked with concern. Darry never asks for favors. "Would you mind helping Soda get his GED this year?" Darry asked in a serious tone. This made my jaw drop. I had never heard anyone in the gang mention this before, let alone Soda or Darry or even Pony who tells me everything. "I know he feels left out because he is so close with Steve and Two-Bit and they are supposed to be graduating this year," Darry continued. "He would never ask, but I think he would greatly appreciate it if you would help him and we could pay you." This shocked me even more. "Don't even think about paying me Darrel Curtis," I said in a furious whisper. "You do so much for me, think about it as an even trade for me eating and staying over so darn much. I help Steve and Two-Bit for free, so why not Soda at the same time?" This caused Darry to smile. "Thanks, Motorbike," Darry said ruffling my hair.

Later that evening, everyone was back at the Curtis house for dinner. "What did your grandmother make for us this time?" Two-Bit asked me excitedly. That boy and his food, beer, and girls, I thought shaking my head. "She made us some of her special chili," I said with a smile. My mom sometimes made that recipe. I was shocked to learn that the recipe came from my grandmother. "Speaking of my grandmother," I continued. "She wants to know when everyone can come over to her house for dinner this month." Everyone looked at each other with excitement. They loved getting fed by my grandmother. It was always a special treat. "How about the night before Halloween?" Pony suggested with a smile. Everyone chimed in agreement. Then a lightbulb went off in my head. "I know that look," Pony said with a smile. "What is your lightbulb moment Harley?" "I was thinking," I said with a mischievous grin. "Why don't I ask my grandmother if she could get us outfits that Socs would wear and on Halloween night we can go out as Socs?" Two-Bit rolled around on the floor in a fit of laughter. "I like your way of thinking, Motorbike," Steve said giving me a fist bump. Darry just rolled his eyes. I went over to the phone to give my grandmother a call.

"Hello?" I heard the familiar grovel of my grandmother's voice. "Hey grandmother, it's Harley," I said in my polite voice. "Hi dear," my grandmother said. "What can I do for you?" "I just wanted to let you know that the gang decided on the day before Halloween to come over for that dinner you were asking for this month," I said with a hopeful tint to my voice. "That would be wonderful dear," my grandmother said with a tint of happiness in her voice. "I was also wondering if you could do something for me and get some clothes that some Socs would wear for the gang and me for Halloween as our Halloween costume," I said with a wavering voice. "That would be lovely dear," my grandmother said in surprise. "Then maybe you all can keep them and wear them as your nice clothes." I smiled. Whatever made her happy, I thought. "Thanks, grandmother!" I said and hung up.

I walked back into the kitchen where everyone was digging into the food. "My grandmother agreed to that Sunday and she will get us the clothes for Halloween under the condition we keep them and keep them for nice occasions," I told them. Everyone agreed, but I knew that they would end up trashed somehow. "Hey Soda," Darry said. "You'll be taking some lessons from Motorbike with Two-Bit and Steve, to get your GED." Soda's jaw hit the floor and tears started brimming in his eyes much to my surprise. "Really?" Soda squeaked with excitement. "Really," I said. Soda ran over to me and squeezed me hard. "Thanks, Harley," Soda whispered in my ear. "You're the best!"

After dinner, I pulled Pony aside to tell him about what Darry and I talked about earlier that day. "What's up?" Pony asked in concern as we sat down on his and Soda's bed in their room. "You're concerning me. Is it something about Ford and those bruises on your face and arms?" I fiddled with my shirt hem. "It's not, it's about colleges actually," I said looking at my feet and then back up at Pony. "I applied to some colleges out of state and a couple of in-state," I mumbled. "Please don't be mad at me," I whimpered as tears streamed down my face. "I applied to USC, Boston University, Syracuse, Minnesota, Missouri, Tulsa, and Oklahoma." To my surprise, Pony smiled at me and brushed the tears from my face. "Why would I be mad at you sweetheart?" Pony asked me. "That's amazing, and I want what is best for you. Those are some of the best journalism and law schools, and I'm proud of you for shooting your shot." I was so overjoyed. That is what I wanted to hear. Why was I so afraid of telling him? "Thanks for saying that," I said as I gave Pony a tight hug. "You are the best boyfriend I could have ever asked for."

Later that night I said my goodbye and started walking across the street but stopped dead in my tracks as I saw Ford leaning against the car we shared in front of the house obviously drunk. "Well, well, well," Ford said with a slur and a sneer. "The sister of mine that has found a new family, and a Greaser one at that. You are such a disappointment. Why couldn't you be better?" I knew that was rhetorical but it started to make my blood boil. He was trying to pick a fight with me, and it was working. I tried to rain it in but I decided to let him have it and so decided to let him see the true me. I wanted to show him that he couldn't bully me anymore. "You know what Ford," I said fuming and with a shout. "I've had enough! I've got a family, they might not be my blood, but they are my found family. That is better than what you have found for yourself." I looked at him disgustingly. "You are just a Soc pet, no matter how much you want to belong!" I could see his face start to contort in real anger, but I didn't care. "I'm trying to make a name for myself and find a way to make a better life by tutoring people, but also enjoying what I can with friends and a boyfriend who cares for me! You can't take that from me, and I won't let you, no matter how hard you try!" Ford had had enough and full-on football tackled me to the ground. Even though he knocked the breath out of me, I quickly recovered and started pummeling him before he could start which caused him to fall backwards in shock. He had blood streaming from his nose and cuts and scrapes on his face and was staring at me in surprise. He came at me again swinging connecting with my cheek and chin, which I knew was going to leave a nasty bruise, but I didn't care. I heard a commotion coming from behind me and I knew it was the gang coming outside to see what the problem was, but I didn't care. I kneed Ford in the groin and the stomach which caused him to double over in pain. I then started pummeling him as hard as I could. The next thing I knew the gang was pulling me off of Ford.

Ford lay on the ground for a minute catching his breath, as I caught mine. Ford slowly got up and looked at me in fury. "You animal!" he shouted. "Mom and Dad will find out and so will everyone else." I laughed manically. "No one would believe you Ford," I said calmly, much to my surprise. "No one will believe the star cornerback got beaten up by his small, weak, Greaser, sister. Not even mother and father. Or your so-called Soc friends." I could tell in Ford's face that he knew I was right. He backed up scanning the faces of my gang, got into the car, and drove away to cool off. I was worried about what my parents would say, but I knew at this time of night they would be asleep, so I was safe from them for now. But, I highly doubted that they would care. As long as it didn't become a thing.

I turned around and looked at the gang's faces. Two-Bit, Steve, and Soda were looking at me with proud smiles. Darry and Pony were looking at me in shock. About what I expected their reactions to be about me fighting back. "Where did that come from?" Pony asked me. "That was amazing," Two-bit said clapping me on the back. "Who knew a girl could do that," Steve said chuckling. "Good for you for showing him what you're made of," Soda said with a shit-eating grin. "I needed to stand my ground with him, and let him know that I wasn't going to be taking his abuse," I said while spitting out the blood that was flowing into my mouth from my nose. "We shall see how long that lasts though before Ford acts up again and decides to pick a fight." "I'm proud of you for sticking up for yourself, but it shouldn't have come to blows," Darry said chastizing me. "You could've gotten hurt badly, Harley. The cops could have been called. Heck, they stood could be. The Socs could even be coming." Pony's eyes widened in fear at the mention of the Socs coming to shake us down. I stared at my shoes in embarrassment. I knew Darry was right. "You're right, Darry," I mumbled. "I'm sorry." Darry hugged me and then before I knew it the whole gang piled in. "The Socs won't come Darry," Steve said. "They won't believe the star cornerback had his ass handed to him by his kid sister." Everyone started laughing.

The gang started heading their separate ways for the night. Pony lingered though. "Will you be ok tonight," Pony said wearily looking at me and then at my house. "I'll be fine, sugar," I said rubbing his cheek. "Don't you worry," I said giving Pony a reassuring peck on the cheek. "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow," Pony said.

Pony's POV:

Today had been a long day, but I still had a couple of hours left of track practice. I wondered what Harley was doing today, probably working on college applications and homework. She sure was an eager beaver and super smart. That was only one of the many things that made me love her. That was a scary thought. Love. I shuddered. "Pick up the pace, Curtis!" Coach Frost shouted at me in his megaphone. "I won't have you slacking off. You are my star runner!" I rolled my eyes. But I knew he was right. I also needed to maintain my training and times to help get some sort of scholarship as well as maintain my grades. My mind wandered off again. I wonder what Darry or Soda is going to be making for dinner tonight. My mouth started watering at the thought of food, but Grandma Adam's food was the food to die for. Since Harley arrived in Tulsa, we had dinner twice at her grandmother's house. Once in August and once in September. I wonder if this is going to be a monthly tradition. I hoped so, it was wonderful. It was almost like his parents were back, but without the lavish dinners, but with the same family-style dinners. If only Johnny and Dally were here too. My heart twinged at the thought of them. I missed them a lot.

Finally, track practice was over. We were preparing for sectionals later this fall, then state in the spring if we did well. Darry picked me up at the track without Soda. Soda must be getting a ride from Steve. "How was track practice, little buddy?" Darry asked me as I got into the car. "Rough," I said with a sigh. "Plus Coach was riding me today," Darry gave me a hard look and asked, "Were you daydreaming again?" I nodded. "I told you not to do that," Darry said shaking his head. "What's for dinner tonight?" I asked Darry. Darry smiled at me. The tension defusing between us. "Harley's grandmother had Harley bring over something. I'm not sure yet what." This excited me and my stomach which growled loudly in response. Darry chuckled.

As we pulled into the driveway, I saw Steve's car and Two-Bit's car. I assumed Harley was inside already, assumably helping Steve and Two-Bit with their homework. They were actually doing well for them and might actually graduate, which was a shock, especially for Two-Bit. When Darry and I walked into the house Two-Bit, Steve, and Soda were wrestling on the living room floor while Harley was at the kitchen table checking over the homework that Two-Bit and Steve had started and halfway finished it appeared. "What did I say about wrestling inside," Darry said in a booming voice. The guys got up quickly and brushed themselves off. "Sorry, Darry," Soda said with a smile. "We got caught up in the moment." Darry shook his head in disbelief. "Don't let it happen again," Darry said heading to the kitchen. I chuckled. We all knew it would happen again. It was just wishful thinking on Darry's part.

"What did your grandmother make for us this time?" Two-Bit asked Harley excitedly. Harley looked up from the kitchen table with a smirk and shook her head. "She made us some of her special chili," Harley said with a smile. My heart fluttered when I saw her smile. Gosh that smile looked really good on her and it was a shame it was constantly decorated with bruises from Ford. "Speaking of my grandmother," Harley continued. "She wants to know when everyone can come over to her house for dinner this month." Everyone looked at each other with excitement. Finally another family meal! "How about the night before Halloween?" I suggested with a smile. Everyone chimed in agreement. All of a sudden Harley was deep in thought and I could see a lightbulb forming when her eyes startled to sparkle. "I know that look," I said with a smile. "What is your lightbulb moment Harley?" "I was thinking," Harley said with a mischievous grin. "Why don't I ask my grandmother if she could get us outfits that Socs would wear and on Halloween night we can go out as Socs?" Two-Bit rolled around on the floor in a fit of laughter. "I like your way of thinking, Motorbike," Steve said giving me a fist bump. Darry just rolled his eyes. Harley went over to the phone to give her grandmother a call.

"Help me heat the dinner for tonight Pony," Darry said as he headed to the fridge to get the food out. As soon as he opened the containers to put the food on the plates you could smell the wonderful fragrance coming from the food and it wasn't already heated up yet. "Oh, my, god," Soda said. "Hurry up and heat that up, guys! It smells so good and I'm dying over here!" This caused me to chuckle. These guys were going to be the death of us. Between Soda and Two-Bit we were always out of beer and food. I helped Darry heat up the food and distribute equal servings to everyone. There was garlic bread as well.

Harley walked back into the kitchen where everyone was digging into the food. "My grandmother agreed to that Sunday and she will get us the clothes for Halloween under the condition we keep them and keep them for nice occasions," Harley told us. Everyone agreed. Score! New clothes and we didn't have to pay for them. "Hey Soda," Darry said. "You'll be taking some lessons from Motorbike with Two-Bit and Steve, to get your GED." Soda's jaw hit the floor and tears started brimming in his eyes. Uh Oh, here comes the waterworks. "Really?" Soda squeaked with excitement. "Really," Harley said. Soda ran over to Harley and squeezed her hard. I winced. Careful buddy, you don't know how many bruises she is hiding under that shirt of hers.

After dinner, Harley pulled me aside to my and Soda's bedroom. My heart started to race. Something is wrong if we are talking in private. Oh god! Is she breaking up with me? "What's up?" I asked in concern as we sat down on mine and Soda's bed. "You're concerning me. Is it something about Ford and those bruises on your face and arms?" Harley fiddled with her shirt hem. "It's not, it's about colleges actually," Harley said looking at her feet and then back up at my face searching for anger. "I applied to some colleges out of state and a couple of in-state," Harley mumbled. Good for her, why does she sound like she is scared? "Please don't be mad at me," She whimpered as tears streamed down her face. "I applied to USC, Boston University, Syracuse, Minnesota, Missouri, Tulsa, and Oklahoma." I was so proud of her for trying to achieve her goals. "Why would I be mad at you sweetheart?" I asked her. "That's amazing, and I want what is best for you. Those are some of the best journalism and law schools, and I'm proud of you for shooting your shot." I was so overjoyed I could sing. "Thanks for saying that," Harley said and gave me a tight hug. "You are the best boyfriend I could have ever asked for." My heart started to sing. "You are the best girlfriend I've ever had!" I responded. Why was she scared to tell me about the schools? Was she scared to be apart?

Everyone hung out for a while and then Harley said good night because she was going home. I felt a twang in my heart. I always hated saying goodbye, even though it was just for tonight. I will see her tomorrow. The whole gang was gathered around the television watching some cartoon that was on the TV. "Come on, guys, go and start working on some homework," Darry said. Two-Bit and Steve grumbled. "Come on guys, I'll work on some too," I said and pushed them towards the kitchen table. As the night wore on, the gang I heard some shouting coming from outside. The gang ran to the window and peered outside. "Is that Harley and Ford?" Steve asked in surprise and a tinge of concern. To my surprise, it looks like Harley was landing some good punches and scratches. Then all of a sudden the tables were turned and Ford was pummeling Harley. "We need to get out there and stop it!" I shouted to the gang. They all ran after me when we went outside. Then all of a sudden Harley was on top of Ford wailing on him. She was in a rage and her eyes were glazed over with rage. If we didn't stop her now, she wouldn't stop. Darry ran forward, grabbed her, and held her back.

Ford lay on the ground for a minute catching his breath, and Harley was starting to calm down. The glint and glaze in her eyes started to fade. She was turning back to herself, that was good. Ford slowly got up and looked at Harley in fury. "You animal!" he shouted. "Mom and Dad will find out and so will everyone else." Harley laughed manically. This shocked me to my core. I had never heard her like this. "No one would believe you, Ford," Harley said calmly, much to my surprise. "No one will believe the star cornerback got beaten up by his small, weak, Greaser, sister. Not even mother and father. Or your so-called Soc friends." Ford backed up scanning the faces of the gang, I could feel his eyes bore into mine, and he got into the car, and drove away.

Harley turned around and looked at the gang's faces. Two-Bit, Steve, and Soda were looking at her with proud smiles. Darry and I were looking at her in shock. What was she smiling about? This was terrible! Blood was trailing down from the cuts on her face and her nose. Bruises had already started to form on her chin and her collarbone. "Where did that come from?" I asked Harley in shock. "That was amazing," Two-bit said clapping Harley on the back. I shot him a glare. "Who knew a girl could do that," Steve said chuckling. "Good for you for showing him what you're made of," Soda said with a shit-eating grin. "I needed to stand my ground with him, and let him know that I wasn't going to be taking his abuse," Harley said while spitting out the blood that was flowing into her mouth. "We shall see how long that lasts though before Ford acts up again and decides to pick a fight." "I'm proud of you for sticking up for yourself, but it shouldn't have come to blows," Darry said chastizing her. This was a shock, Darry normally saves this tone for me. "You could've gotten hurt badly, Harley. The cops could have been called. Heck, they stood could be. The Socs could even be coming." My eyes widened in fear as I remembered the fateful night a year ago when Bob tried to drown me. Harely stared at her shoes in embarrassment. "You're right, Darry," Harley mumbled. "I'm sorry." Darry hugged her and the whole gang joined in. "The Socs won't come Darry," Steve said. "They won't believe the star cornerback had his ass handed to him by his kid sister." Everyone started laughing.

The gang started heading their separate ways for the night. I lingered though. "Will you be ok tonight," I said wearily looking at Harley and then at her house. I was nervous about Ford coming back and the reaction of her parents. "I'll be fine, sugar," Harley said rubbing my cheek. She should do this more often. "Don't you worry," Harley said giving me a reassuring peck on the cheek. "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow," I said. I watched her go back into her house and I walked back to mine.

"She ok," Soda asked me with concern. "She's fine, but I think she'll feel it tomorrow," I said with a wince. "I've got something to tell you and Darry though." Darry looked at me in concern. "Is everything ok, little buddy?" Darry asked cautiously. "Harley and I are dating, it started a couple of months ago about the start of school," I said blushing. Soda started laughing and Darry smiled. "What's so funny?" I asked annoyed. "Two-Bit and Steve told us on the first day of school," Soda laughed rolling around on the floor in hysterics. My mouth dropped. "You didn't say anything?" I said aghast. "We wanted you to tell us," Darry said. "We knew you would when you were ready. Let's get ready for bed ok." I nodded in agreement and started getting ready for bed with my brothers.