Chapter 8

(The week leading up to Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving)

Harley's POV:

I was over at the Curtis house helping Steve and Two-Bit with their homework, and Soda with his GED prep work. The three of them had just sent their applications for scholarships and their applications to technical school. Soda also had just signed up for the GED test in May so he could walk at graduation with Steve, Two-Bit, and me. It was a deal that I could make with the principal so Soda could be included. That had made Soda so thrilled. Then all of a sudden, I heard the phone ring, and Darry a few seconds later walked in. "Harley, the phone is for you," Darry said. "It's your grandmother." I gave Darry a confused face which caused him to shrug.

"Hello grandmother, how did you know I was here?" I asked my grandmother. "Well hello to you too, young lady," my grandmother said cheerfully. "I thought it was safer than calling your house and you seem to be over at the Curtis house a lot and I thought I would give it a shot. I was wondering if you and the boys would like to come over for Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving. Unless you are spending it with your families," my grandmother asked hopefully. "I know for sure my parents are picking up extra shifts on Thanksgiving and Ford already got invited over to a buddy's house and is practicing for the State football game, but let me check with the gang," I said. I put the phone on the side table and walked into the kitchen. The boys were wrapping up their homework for the night at the kitchen table. "What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving?" I asked them. "We normally don't do much, it is usually just all of us here," Darry said whipping his wet hands off on the towel from cleaning up from dinner. "Why." "My grandmother was inviting us over to her house for Thanksgiving," I said. Two-Bit pumped his fist in the air which caused me to roll my eyes and smile. "I'll take that as a yes from Two-Bit," I said. "The rest of you?" Darry looked at Soda's and Pony's pleading eyes. Darry sighed. "I guess the three of us are in," Darry said resigned. "Steve?" I asked. "I guess if everyone is in, I'll come," Steve said with a shrug. I walked back over to the phone. "The guys are in for dinner," I told my grandmother. "Thanks, sweetheart," my grandmother said happily. "I'll see you next week." I heard a click on the other end and I walked back into the kitchen to finish up the last few pages of my research paper for AP lit and my AP statistics homework.

"Why do you like statistics so much?" Pony asked curiously. Soda gagged because he hated math so much. "It stems from my love for true crime," I said with a smile. "The statistics for true crime help you solve a murder and narrow down the cause of the crime and the most likely outcomes and perpetrators. It can also be helpful for logical thinking which is important if I want to go to law school," I explained. "How long have you been interested in the true crime and law world," Darry chimed in. "Ever since I was a little kid," I explained. "The bouncing ball killer and the boy in the box mysteries made me interested and started my research. It also allowed me to escape from the world with my brother in it." The room grew quiet which made me feel guilty. Pony cupped my cheek and turned my head towards him and brushed the hair that fell into my face. "Don't be ashamed of yourself," Pony whispered. I nodded in acknowledgment. Pony always knew what to say.

I cleared my throat. "What are your family Thanksgiving traditions?" I asked to redirect the conversation. "Normally, we play a game of flag football as a group, even when our parents were still around, we had the gang all over," Pony said. "Then we would eat dinner and veg out on the couch watching football. What do you do?" I sighed. This was embarrassing, my family doesn't have any traditions anymore. Pony must have noticed my hesitation because he put his hand over mine. "Back when Ford and I got along we would watch the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV and play football in the yard," I said resigned. "That all changed when I got moved up a grade and Ford saw me as a threat and also when parents started taking on more work to pay the bills. So now my parents work on Thanksgiving, and Ford usually worms his way into another family's Thanksgiving meal. That usually leaves me home to work on homework over break and eat Thanksgiving by myself." This killed the mood again. Why do I have to kill the mood all the time?

Thanksgiving….

Finally, Thanksgiving might turn out well this year. I had stayed up late last night at the public library catching up on homework that was due right after the break due to my packed tutoring schedule so I had woken up a little later than normal. I shuffled out to the kitchen to make myself some eggs and bacon from the fridge, which was my normal Thanksgiving ritual, but to my surprise, Ford was still out in the kitchen. "What are you still doing here?" I asked Ford groggily. "I thought you had football practice for state." Ford glared at me from his spot on the couch with the Thanksgiving Day Parade on. "Coach moved practice back a couple of hours. Can you make me some eggs and bacon while you're at it?" I rolled my eyes. "Sure," I mumbled. A little while later I finished making what was Ford's favorite style of eggs. Ford scrunched up his face, picked up his plate, and broke it over my head. I fell to the floor dazed and my world spun.

"What was that for," I stammered. "I don't like my eggs that way," Ford growled. Then he raked his fingers across my face drawing blood. In response I kneed him in the groin and gave him a black eye and ran for my room, slamming the door shut. The room still was slightly spinning. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a concussion. I looked in the mirror and saw the ragged gashes on my face from where he scratched my face. Shit, those will scar. I found the butterfly bandaids on my desk and put those on my face to help close the cuts. I felt around the back of my head and found the bump on the back of my head and felt shards of the plate stuck in my scalp. Shit. I knew that someone needed to watch me because of my concussion and to help pull out the shards. I knew Darry had the day off because it was a holiday, Pony was at track practice, and Soda was at his shift at the DX, so I knew it was safe to go to Darry and not risk worrying Pony. I waited though to hear Ford stumble out to his car and head to football practice. I opened the door to the Curtis house and saw Two-Bit passed out drunk on the couch again.

Darry was sitting at the kitchen table scrunching the numbers again. "Hey Darry," I said leaning against the kitchen door entryway. Darry jumped. "Jesus Christ, Motorbike, you scared me," Darry said catching his breath, and then he looked up at me. "What the hell happened to you?" Darry jumped and moved me into a chair facing him. "Ford is what happened," I said matter-of-factly. "He didn't like his eggs this morning so he decided to break the plate over my head and scratch the hell out of my face. I was wondering if you could pick the shards of the plate out of my scalp." I held up a pair of tweezers. "You don't even have to ask," Darry said and he guided me to the bathroom and had me sit on the tub. "This is going to hurt," Darry said softly. I nodded and braced myself. Darry gently pulled the shards out of my head. "Thanks, Darry," I said. "I appreciate it. Please don't tell Pony though. I don't want to worry him." I looked at Darry pleadingly. Darry sighed and nodded. "It's probably for the best, but he will probably assume Motorbike," Darry said. "Anything else hurt?" Darry looked me up and down. "No, I'm fine, besides maybe a concussion," I said. "Another reason why I came over. Wanted to be monitored." Darry nodded.

Darry and I walked back out to the kitchen. Two-Bit was still passed out on the couch in front of the TV showing the Thanksgiving Parade. "Shit," Darry murmured. "Looks like I'll have to pick up those extra shifts this weekend." I had to wince at that. I felt guilty for always hanging out at their house. We were all strapped, but that didn't stop me from pulling out fifty bucks of my tutoring money to cover some. I handed it to Darry. "I told you, we don't need this you are already doing enough with helping Soda with his GED and applications and helping take care of Pony mentally and emotionally," Darry told me sternly. "Please, take it, put it towards a bill," I told him pleadingly. "You guys do a lot for me too, whether you admit it or not," I said pleadingly. Darry sighed and took it. "Plus family helps family." Darry smiled at me.

I decided to move the topic to something else. "Are you going to catch any of the state football game?" I asked Darry. Darry seemed to stiffen. "Sorry, I didn't mean to touch a soft spot," I said softly. "That's ok," Darry said with a weak smile. "I don't think so," Darry said. "I work late as it is." I nodded in understanding. We both went back to our own thing until everyone arrived back at the house. When Pony walked in and saw me he rushed over. "What happened?" Pony asked in alarm. "Nothing I couldn't handle," I said reassuringly. This didn't seem to placate Pony though. Pony whirled around to Darry with daggers. "What happened?" Darry rolled his eyes and looked at me. "What Harley said," Darry said reassuringly. "Nothing she couldn't handle." Pony looked between us and huffed off to the bathroom to get cleaned up for dinner tonight. "I'm going to go back to my house real quick and change," I muttered to no one and hurried out the door before anyone could stop me.

Even though Ford's or my parent's cars weren't in front the of house, I climbed in through my window to be cautious. I pulled on a collared lilac shirt and some khaki pants that I found at the thrift store. I then put on the white shiny shoes that my grandmother got me for Halloween. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw the dark circles under my eyes as well as the bruises and cuts that always scattered my face. I sighed. This will always be my life. Living in fear of my brother. I just need to get away from him. But then my heart broke. But I can't leave my newfound family. I put the makeup over my cuts and bruises making me wince as they stung. This is so my grandmother won't worry about me and I don't want Pony to worry about me either. Sometimes I just want to disappear or go away. I shook my head to clear it. I snuck back out the window and went back to the Curtis house and we all piled in their cars to head to my grandmothers.

In the car, Pony leaned over to me and squeezed my hand. "I'm sorry for getting worked up earlier," Pony whispered so no one else could hear. "I just care about you and I'm worried about you because I love you." I smiled at him. How did I get so lucky? "I know, honey," I whispered back. "I love you too. I know how to handle myself, so don't worry. I worry about you too though. So that makes us even." Pony gave me a smile which made my heart dance.

Dinner was wonderful that night at my grandmother's. I think Two-Bit was in food heaven. He was constantly shoveling food in his mouth, which caused my grandmother to crack up. At the end of the dinner, my grandmother cleared her throat. "Before you all leave for the evening, I just wanted to say how much these last few months have meant so much to me," my grandmother said her voice catching. "Ever since I lost my dear husband a few years ago, I've been so lonely. In my loneliness, I came to realize how wrong I was to push my daughter away, which was why I reached out to you Harley." I blushed, but my grandmother continued. "I knew I was too late for my daughter and your older brother, but I thought I might have a shot with you. Through you, I met these boys and it has filled my heart and the void I had felt. I just want you all to know that if you need anything big or small, I will be there." Tears were streaming down her face. "Harley, I got you a Vespa since I know you are constantly riding your bike." My jaw dropped to the floor. "Pony, I have one for you too when you get your license, so you can get to school and back." It was Pony's turn to have his jaw hit the floor. I ran to my grandmother and hugged her tight. "Thank you so much," I whispered. My grandmother chuckled and kissed my cheek. I looked at Darry. "Do you mind if I park it at your house so my family doesn't see it?" I whispered in his ear. Darry nodded. He seemed shocked at the news that Pony was getting a moped, but I took it for a yes anyway. My grandmother continued her little speech. "I have some things lined up for Christmas for all of you, but I was also hoping you all would come over for Christmas." She asked hopefully. Everyone chimed in agreement.

I went out to the moped with the gang behind me. It was a light green moped and the moped next to it was gold-colored. "The green one is for you Harley and the gold one is for Pony when he gets his license," Grandmother said. "I'll hang onto it until next year. I gave my grandmother one last hug for the night. She smelled like butterscotch. I grabbed the green helmet and put it on and then I tossed Pony his gold one. I straddled the moped, patted the spot behind me on the seat, and looked at Pony. Pony grinned ear to ear, put on his helmet, and hopped on the moped behind me. I looked at the gang and said, "Let's roll."

Pony's POV:

Thanksgiving was a week away and I looked forward to it, but some of the traditions we used to have had to change when my parents died. We used to play flag football, but that changed when they died. My mother always had this special turkey dance that she would do before she put the turkey in the oven. That stopped. Everything seemed to stop when my parents died. As soon as I got out of that rut, I hit another rut when Dally and Johnny died. Maybe this year would be different.

The gang was crowded around the table working on homework, which was new this year. Thanks to Harley. That was something different this year. I looked over at Harley helping Steve, Two-Bit, and Soda and smiled. How could I be so lucky to find a girl like her? I was jerked out of my thoughts when I heard the phone ring. "It's for you Harley," Darry said. "It's your grandmother." Harley shuffled over to the phone in the hall. Her grandmother must be catching on that she is always over here. Are we that predictable?

Harley shuffled back into the kitchen a couple of minutes later. "What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving?" Harley asked us. "We normally don't do much, it is usually just all of us here," Darry said whipping his wet hands off on the towel from cleaning up from dinner. "Why." "My grandmother was inviting us over to her house for Thanksgiving," Harley said while sucking on her bottom lip nervously. Two-Bit pumped his fist in the air which caused Harley to roll her eyes and smile. She should do that more often, it gives her beautiful dimples. "I'll take that as a yes from Two-Bit," Harley said. "The rest of you?" Soda and I looked at Darry with pleading eyes. Darry sighed. "I guess the three of us are in," Darry said resigned. "Steve?" Harley asked. "I guess if everyone is in, I'll come," Steve said with a shrug. Harley walked back over to the phone. A few minutes later she came back to the table to start back up on her AP homework which looked like a bear.

"Why do you like statistics so much?" I asked curiously. Soda gagged which caused me to roll my eyes. "It stems from my love for true crime," Harley said with a smile. I recalled all the articles I saw in the box the first day we met. "The statistics for true crime help you solve a murder and narrow down the cause of the crime and the most likely outcomes and perpetrators. It can also be helpful for logical thinking which is important if I want to go to law school," Harley explained. "How long have you been interested in the true crime and law world," Darry chimed in. "Ever since I was a little kid," Harley continued. "The bouncing ball killer and the boy in the box mysteries made me interested and started my research. It also allowed me to escape from the world with my brother in it." The room grew quiet which I could tell made Harley guilty. It made my heart sink and hurt for her. I didn't want her to feel this way. I cupped her cheek turned her head towards me, and brushed the hair that fell into her face. "Don't be ashamed of yourself," I whispered. Harley nodded in acknowledgment. I hope she knows that she doesn't have anything to feel guilty about.

Harley cleared her throat. "What are your family Thanksgiving traditions?" She asked to redirect the conversation. "Normally, we play a game of flag football as a group, even when our parents were still around, we had the gang all over," I said. "Then we would eat dinner and veg out on the couch watching football. What do you do?" Harley sighed. I must have struck a nerve. Why don't I use my head? I put my hand over hers to encourage her. "Back when Ford and I got along we would watch the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV and play football in the yard," Harley said resigned. "That all changed when I got moved up a grade and Ford saw me as a threat and also when parents started taking on more work to pay the bills. So now my parents work on Thanksgiving, and Ford usually worms his way into another family's Thanksgiving meal. That usually leaves me home to work on homework over break and eat Thanksgiving by myself." This made the room deadly quiet as everyone looked at each guilty of having made her feel bad.

Thanksgiving….

I couldn't believe that the coach had us practicing on Thanksgiving. But, he was always passionate about track, so we all had to suffer through rain, shine, or on a Holiday. I couldn't wait until I got home for practice, but I had to wait for Soda and Steve to finish their shift at the DX to come pick me up. I worked on my homework after practice until Soda and Steve arrived. A while later I heard a car honking as Steve pulled up to the track. Finally, "Hop in, little buddy," Soda shouted while leaning out of the window. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but crack a smile. "You ready for dinner at Grandma Adams's house?" Steve asked me. "I think so," I said nervously. "She kind of makes me nervous." Soda gave me a quizzical look and asked, "Is it because she is a Soc grandma and we are all Greasers including her granddaughter?" I nodded. "Hate to break it to you honey, but I think you have nothing to worry about. Ms. Adams loves you for making Motorbike happy, she loves Darry for some reason and somehow gets Steve's humor, heck she loves all of us." This caused me to chuckle. I knew Soda was right, what was I thinking?

We finally pulled up to the house where the truck was parked in the driveway and Two-Bit's car was parked out front. I banged into the house ready to get ready for dinner when I saw Harley leaning over the kitchen table with fresh cuts and bruises on her face and what looked like a nasty bump on her head. I felt my heart drop and I rushed over to her. "What happened?" I asked Harley in alarm. "Nothing I couldn't handle," Harley said reassuringly. This must be Ford. I needed answers though but it doesn't look like Harley would give me those. I think she is trying to protect me, but I don't need protection. I whirled around to Darry and shot him a look with daggers in it "What happened?" Darry rolled his eyes and looked at Harley. He looked like he didn't want to get involved in this. "What Harley said," Darry said reassuringly. "Nothing she couldn't handle." I looked between Harley and Darry and huffed off to the bathroom to get cleaned up for dinner tonight. I can't believe they won't tell me. How old do they think I am? Five? I'm not that fragile. By the time I got ready and came out of the bathroom Harley was gone.

"Where did Harley go," I asked Darry with concern. "She went home to change," Darry said nonchalantly. The alarm bells started to go off in my head. "Why won't you or Harley tell me what is going on," I asked Darry with anger as Soda walked into the room. Darry sighed. "Come on Darry, just tell us," Soda said. "We need to know because she is part of the gang which makes her family." Darry thought about it and said, "Fine, but don't let her know I told you. She'll kill me." Soda and I nodded. Steve and Two-Bit joined us in the kitchen. "Ford I guess didn't like her eggs this morning, so he decided to crack the plate over her head, which in turn broke over her head. Then for whatever reason decided to rake his nails over her face. Harley managed to fix up her face but came over here to get my help to clean up that bump on her head that had broken plate fragments in it. She also speculated she had a concussion and wanted to be around people in case something happened." Everyone's face was solemn. It seemed that Ford's outbursts were getting worse and worse. How long could Harley put up with it? How long can we let it happen? Why won't her parents do anything?

When Harley got back, I looked her up and down. She cleaned up nicely and she had makeup covering the cuts and bruises on her face. I felt shame though because I couldn't do anything to help her. But I made a vow to myself to protect her when push came to shove. I also knew she would do the same for me. "Let's get a move on," Darry said. We all headed to the cars.

In the car, I leaned over to and squeezed Harley's hand to let her know I was there for her. "I'm sorry for getting worked up earlier," I whispered. "I just care about you and I'm worried about you because I love you." Harley blushed and smiled at me. My heart fluttered. Gosh, that smile. "I know, honey," She whispered back. "I love you too. I know how to handle myself, so don't worry. I worry about you too though. So that makes us even." I smiled at her.

Dinner was wonderful that night at Ms. Adams. Two-Bit was going to down on his food which caused Mrs. Adams to give him a fond smile. Steve made jokes that only he and Mrs. Adams understood. Mrs. Adams talked to Darry about work and what his dreams were. Soda gave her a big hug and danced with her in the dining room as the charmer he was. Harley just sat back and watched it all with me by her side. I swear I will never leave it. "Before you all leave for the evening, I just wanted to say how much these last few months have meant so much to me," Ms. Adams said her voice catching. "Ever since I lost my dear husband a few years ago, I've been so lonely. In my loneliness, I came to realize how wrong I was to push my daughter away, which was why I reached out to you Harley." I blushed, but Ms. Adams continued. "I knew I was too late for my daughter and your older brother Harley, but I thought I might have a shot with you. Through you, I met these boys and it has filled my heart and the void I had felt. I just want you all to know that if you need anything big or small, I will be there." Tears were streaming down her face. "You and the boys are the family I wished I had and hope I continue to keep. Harley, I got you a Vespa since I know you are constantly riding your bike." Harley's jaw dropped to the floor. "Pony, I have one for you too when you get your license, so you can get to school and back." My jaw hit the floor. Why did I get a Vespa? Huh? Harley ran to her grandmother and hugged her tight. "Thank you so much, Ms. Adam's," I said weakly. "But it's too much." Mrs. Adams chuckled. "Nothing is too much for family," she said with tears in her eyes. "You all do so much for my daughter in your ways, that I can never repay you." I looked over at Harley who was whispering in Darry's ear something to which he nodded in stunned silence. Mrs. Adams continued her speech. "I have some things lined up for Christmas for all of you, but I was also hoping you all would come over for Christmas." She asked hopefully. Everyone chimed in agreement. I just wondered what she got us.

We followed Harley out to the garage where the mopeds were waiting. It was a light green moped and the moped next to it was gold-colored. "The green one is for you Harley and the gold one is for Pony when he gets his license," Mrs. Adams said. "I'll hang onto it until next year. How did she know the color gold was important? Harley had to be the culprit since they exchanged letters every week by mail. Harley grabbed the green helmet and put it on and then I tossed me the gold one. She straddled the moped, patted the spot behind her on the seat, and looked at me. I grinned ear to ear, put on my helmet, and hopped on the moped behind her. Harley looked at the gang and said, "Let's roll." The gang whooped and hollered and we all rode home.

Darry's POV (Thanksgiving Day):

I had the day off since no one was going to be getting their roofs done on Thanksgiving. I decided to do some chores around the house that went neglected, but thank God Mrs. Adams was having Thanksgiving dinner, which took a load off my back. Then I heard someone trying and failing to open the door. I got up and opened it to an already drunk Two-Bit. "Hey Superman," Two-Bit slurred. I looked at the door and saw his car behind him. I shook my head. "Damn it Two-Bit," I said and dragged him into the house. "Give me your car keys." I held out my hand expectantly. Two-Bit rolled his eyes, but he knew better than to argue with me and threw me his keys. Then he plopped down on the couch, turned on the parade, and fell asleep. I went back to the kitchen to work on the financial spreadsheets.

Hey Darry," I heard from behind me. I jumped and turned around to see Harley leaning against the kitchen door frame. She looked a mess with fresh bruises and cuts that were covered with butterfly bandages on her face. "Jesus Christ, Motorbike, you scared me," I said catching my breath "What the hell happened to you?" I jumped and moved her into a chair facing me. I didn't want her to faint on me or collapse. Who knows what other injuries she had? "Ford is what happened," Harley said matter-of-factly. This caused me to wince. "He didn't like his eggs this morning so he decided to break the plate over my head and scratch the hell out of my face. I was wondering if you could pick the shards of the plate out of my scalp." She held up a pair of tweezers. "You don't even have to ask," I said and I guided her to the bathroom and had her sit on the tub. "This is going to hurt," I said softly as I took the tweezers from her hand. She nodded and braced herself. I gently pulled the shards out of her head. She didn't even flinch. The blood trickled out of her head when I pulled them out and was smeared all over the shards which clanked when I threw them in the trash. "Thanks, Darry," Harley mumbled. "I appreciate it. Please don't tell Pony though. I don't want to worry him." Harley looked at me with pleading eyes. God, she and Pony use the same tactics. They are two peas in a pod. I sighed and nodded. "It's probably for the best, but he will probably assume Motorbike," I said resigned. "Anything else hurt?" I looked Harley up and down. "No, I'm fine, besides maybe a concussion," Harley said. "Another reason why I came over. Wanted to be monitored." I nodded in agreement. Finally something sensible. I wish Pony and the others could be this sensible. This might be good for the gang and rub off on them.

Harley and I walked back out to the kitchen. Two-Bit was still passed out on the couch in front of the TV showing the Thanksgiving Parade. "Shit," I murmured as I went back to the spreadsheets. "Looks like I'll have to pick up those extra shifts this weekend." The next thing I knew Harley was handing me a wad of cash. What the hell? "I told you, we don't need this you are already doing enough with helping Soda with his GED and applications and helping take care of Pony mentally and emotionally," I told Harley sternly. "Please, take it, put it towards a bill," Harley told me pleadingly. Not that voice again. "You guys do a lot for me too, whether you admit it or not," Harley continued. I sighed and took it. "Plus family helps family." I just smiled at Harley.

"Are you going to catch any of the state football game?" Harley. I stiffened at this. I try my best to avoid football. It hurts too much. Harley seemed to see me stiffen. "Sorry, I didn't mean to touch a soft spot," Harley said softly. Shit, I didn't mean to make her feel bad. "That's ok," I said with a weak smile to try and ease her mind. "I don't think so," I said. "I work late as it is." Harley nodded in understanding. We both went back to our own thing until everyone arrived back at the house. When Pony walked in and saw Harley he rushed over. "What happened?" Pony asked in alarm. "Nothing I couldn't handle," Harley said reassuringly. Pony is not going to buy that. Pony whirled around to stare at me with daggers in his eyes. This took me aback because I've never seen Pony angry much before. "What happened?" I rolled my eyes and looked at Harley who shook her head. "What Harley said," I said reassuringly to try and calm Pony down. "Nothing she couldn't handle." Pony looked between us and huffed off to the bathroom to get cleaned up for dinner tonight. "I'm going to go back to my house real quick and change," Harley muttered. I tried to stop her but she was out of the door before I could mutter boo.

Soon enough Pony came out of the bathroom and bedroom ready to go for dinner. He was looking around the kitchens and living room looking for Harley. "Where did Harley go," Pony asked me with concern. Shit….Shit….Shit "She went home to change," I said nonchalantly. Hopefully my non-concern will calm him down. "Why won't you or Harley tell me what is going on," Pony asked me with anger as Soda walked into the room. I sighed. "Come on Darry, just tell us," Soda said. Not him too. I hate it when they gang up against me. "We need to know because she is part of the gang which makes her family." I thought about it and said, "Fine, but don't let her know I told you. She'll kill me." Soda and Pony nodded. Steve and Two-Bit joined us in the kitchen. "Ford I guess didn't like her eggs this morning, so he decided to crack the plate over her head, which in turn broke over her head. Then for whatever reason decided to rake his nails over her face. Harley managed to fix up her face but came over here to get my help to clean up that bump on her head that had broken plate fragments in it. She also speculated she had a concussion and wanted to be around people in case something happened." Everyone's face was solemn. This seemed to placate Pony because he went into the living room to watch the television with the others.

When Harley got back, Pony rushed over to her and talked to her quietly with concern. "Let's get a move on," I said. We all headed to the cars. The whole ride over I noticed Harley and Pony whispering in the back of the truck. I could tell that Harley was trying to calm Pony down and it seemed to be working. Harley seemed to be grounding Pony in a way that hadn't happened since Johnny and Dally passed last year. It warmed me. I was grateful for Harley bringing out the true Pony that had been hidden for a long time. We arrived at Mrs. Adams's house. Hopefully, there won't be any trouble or surprises for being in this neck of the woods again, but we shall see.

At dinner, I smiled as I looked at my ragtag group of found family, new and old. It made my heart feel full, but I also missed my parents during times like these. I hope they were proud of me for how I kept the family together, but I knew I also let them down for not getting a college degree. They wouldn't want me to waste my potential, but my brothers came first. Mrs. Adams smiled at me and took my hands into hers. "Tell me about your dreams dear," Mrs. Adams said to me softly. It was like she read my mind. Her green eyes though reminded me of Harley and she had the same shaped face as hers as well. "My dreams don't really matter right now, I need to focus on my brothers until they're legal adults," I said quietly as I looked down at our hands holding each others. Mrs. Adams took one hand and cupped my chin and pushed my chin up so I was making eye contact with hers and then she patted my cheek and cupped with her hand. "Your dreams do matter," Mrs. Adams said sternly but in a comforting way. "If you don't dream, and try to act out those dreams, that one little part of you dies inside. Take it from me, I let my husband trample mine and let his dreams take over mine and ruin my relationship with my daughter. Don't be your own worst enemy. I can tell by the ways your brothers look at you, that you are their whole world and they want what is best for you and they look up to you as an example. So show them how good dreaming is." I felt a tear run down my cheek. I never knew how much I needed to hear that for someone. Mrs. Adams brushed away the tear and nodded at me encouragingly. I gave in.

"If I could do anything in the world and do anything," I said softly looking around to make sure no one else could hear. "I would want to be able to be able to afford school for all three of us. I would want to be able to get a new car and get a second car so that we didn't all have to share one. I would want to go back to school for physical therapy. I found that I like taking care of my brothers but I want to include my love of sports and physical activity. Physical therapy seems like the best combination. But a little closer to now, I would want to get a more stable job that pays better, has better benefits, allows me to spend more time with my brother, and isn't so physically demanding. There are two dreams that I have answered though. Getting a parent figure back with you Mrs. Adams and Pony coming out of his shell more, thanks to Harley." I blushed. "I'm so sorry," I mumbled. "I just unloaded all that on you." Mrs. Adams shook her head. "Don't be silly dear," Mrs. Adams said softly. "I'm glad I could be there for you. If you need anything, dear. Just know I'm just one call away." I nodded.

Then Mrs. Adams stood up to give a speech. "Before you all leave for the evening, I just wanted to say how much these last few months have meant so much to me," Ms. Adams said her voice catching. "Ever since I lost my dear husband a few years ago, I've been so lonely. In my loneliness, I came to realize how wrong I was to push my daughter away, which was why I reached out to you Harley." Harley blushed, but Mrs. Adams continued. "I knew I was too late for my daughter and your older brother Harley, but I thought I might have a shot with you. Through you, I met these boys and it has filled my heart and the void I had felt. I just want you all to know that if you need anything big or small, I will be there." Tears were streaming down her face. "You and the boys are the family I wished I had and hope I continue to keep. Harley, I got you a Vespa since I know you are constantly riding your bike." Harley's jaw dropped to the floor. "Pony, I have one for you too when you get your license, so you can get to school and back." Pony's jaw hit the floor. My head started spinning. Pony got a Vespa? He will be able to take himself to and from school next year. This is unbelievable! Harley ran to her grandmother and hugged her tight. Harely whispered something in my ear about putting the Vespa in our driveway. All I could do was nod. Mrs. Adams continued her speech. "I have some things lined up for Christmas for all of you, but I was also hoping you all would come over for Christmas." She asked hopefully. Everyone chimed in agreement. I hope she doesn't go overboard.

We followed Harley out to the garage where the mopeds were waiting. It was a light green moped and the moped next to it was gold-colored. "The green one is for you Harley and the gold one is for Pony when he gets his license," Mrs. Adams said. "I'll hang onto it until next year. How did she know the color gold was important to Pony? Harley had to be the culprit since they exchanged letters every week by mail. Harley grabbed the green helmet and put it on and then tossed Pony the gold one. She straddled the moped, patted the spot behind her on the seat, and looked at Pony. Pony grinned ear to ear, put on my helmet, and hopped on the moped behind her. Harley looked at the gang and said, "Let's roll." The gang whooped and hollered and we all rode home.