What Goes on Behind the Facade? Chapter 2, an outsiders fanfic

Author's Note:

Hi everyone, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Stay tuned for future updates.

Sincerely, keylime2001

Disclaimer: The Outsiders is owned by S.E. Hinton

Chapter 2

(Welcome Week)

Harley's POV:

Monday….

I was not looking forward to Welcome Week this week, especially since I'm not only going to be knee-deep in library Welcome Week events and Dorthy's crazy antics, but I also had to deal with Greek Row Welcome Week. I got up early to make us some celebratory breakfast since I thought that we deserved it since Pony not only had to deal with library Welcome Week and Track Welcome Week, but he also was helping out a little at the Greek Row welcome week to help with the appearances for my story. I had sent the photos of Pony and me in our Soc costumes from last week to the gang, so they should be getting there this week. I wasn't looking forward to the endless teasing we would get.

Pony wearily came out to the kitchen as I finished making breakfast of cinnamon rolls, bacon, and eggs. "Good morning sleepy head," I said cheerily kissing him. Pony let out a groan. "How are you such a morning person?" Pony whined. I chuckled as I pointed to my Pepsi. "That helps," I said with a chuckle. Then I handed him a cup of coffee. "For you." Pony kissed me. "Thanks, beautiful," Pony murmured. "Ready for the big day?" I asked jokingly. Pony moaned. "Don't remind me," Pony said. I let out a chuckle. "I'm in the same boat as you," I said. "I hope this Greek row story turns out to be nothing so I can get us out." Pony glared at me. "You know you're going to jinx us right?" Pony asked. I shrugged.

"Only time will tell," I said. For our outfits today to blend in at the sorority, I put on a pair of black hot pants, a tight olive-colored t-shirt, a black headband with a matching black chocker, and my Converse shoes. Pony was wearing a pair of bell-bottom jeans, his white Converse, with brown oxfords, and a brown collared shirt with oversized lapels. "We're going to look ridiculously," Pony moaned. "You are only preaching to the choir," I said with a chuckle. "I don't want to be doing this either, but I promised Linda." Pony rolled his eyes.

I followed Pony to the library since he had to go to track after our shifts at the library and then he would meet me at the Alpha Phi House. When Dorthy saw us she squealed in delight. "You both look so cute!" Dorthy said. I flashed my best fake smile at her. "All thanks to you doll," I said with an eye roll that Dorthy didn't seem to notice or chose to ignore. Gary came out to greet us. "How's it hanging?" Gary asked us. He gave both Pony and me a hug. When Gary turned away Pony gagged on the strong scent of weed coming off of Gary. "You guys are going to be helping set up for the information fair that we are going to have for all the clubs and the college resources here," Gary said lazily. "The resource and club fair is here and you guys are my best workers, so you guys get the privilege of helping me run it this morning." Pony let out a groan. "You sure you want us to run it?" Pony asked with dread. Gary just beamed at him. "Yes, I do Pony," Gary said slapping him on the back. Pony just rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Remind me why we work here again?" Pony whispered in my ear. "Because of our experience back at home," I said. "Plus it gives us after-hours access to research." Pony rolled his eyes but he knew I was right. Pony and I helped Dorthy and Gary set up all the booths for the clubs and resources. Gary let Pony and I go after getting set up since we had to help out our respective groups.

"Come when you can," I said to Pony while kissing him. "But, don't wear yourself out too much at practice." Pony nodded. "I promise," Pony said. "You worry too much. You're starting to sound like Darry." I feigned a gasp. "You did not!" I shrieked with a giggle. Pony just shrugged with a grin. "I just did," Pony said as he hopped into his car. I watched him leave in longing. I kind of wished I was going to watch him at practice, but I had to go to the stupid sorority house. I was dreading it.

When I pulled up to the house I saw Cleo already bossing people around and I let out a groan. Then I was startled by a rapping on my window. When I looked out the window Linda was standing outside my door. "Hey Linda," I said hopping out of the car and grabbing my bag. "I'm so glad you're here," Linda said in a whisper. She looked around frantically to make sure no one else was around. "We're starting our prep for rush week for next week," Linda said. "Right now we are getting ready for the information meeting that is being held at the student hall. Cleo is giving everyone their marching orders and picking who is going to be going to the orientation with her." I gulped. "Do you have any pull on making so I can stay here and explore the house?" I asked hesitantly. "I think it might be better if you go to the meeting because then you can see what you are dealing with, the entirety of Greek Row," Linda said. "Then if I go, can you leave Pony a note for when he gets here to see if he can see anything?" I asked. Linda sighed. "I'll see what I can do," Linda said. "Thanks," I said squeezing Linda's shoulder. "Let's get going before Cleo has our heads." Linda nodded reluctantly.

When Linda and I headed over to the group that was gathered around Cleo, Cleo let out a squeal when she saw me. "Hailey!" Cleao said giving me a big hug. "I'm so glad you're here to enjoy your first welcome week at USC. I think you should be one of the people I take to orientation with the perspective freshman." I nodded with phony enthusiasm. "I would love to," I said. "Great!" Cleo said with a clap of her hands. Cleo decided to take a few of her high-ranking cronies with her. It was mostly the executive board, and me the odd one out. I felt out of place. As I headed to my car to follow Cleo and the others to the student center I made sure to glance at Linda to remind her about Pony. Linda made eye contact with me and nodded. I gulped as I got into the car. I was really nervous about this.

On the way to the student center, I felt like I was on my way to my impending doom. When I parked in the parking garage closest to the student center by the others, I made sure to click my tape recorder on. I plastered on my fake smile and made my way over to Cleo. "Ready for your first Welcome Week?" Cleo asked me. I nodded. "Excited but also nervous," I admitted. I needed to be as honest as possible without being too honest. I needed her to trust me. "Well there isn't anything to worry about," Cleo said. "It's supposed to be fun and we are just scoping out the best of the best." I gulped. Hopefully, this all ends well and this whole story could be resolved soon. "Do you mind if I take photos to commemorate?" I asked. "I like keeping a scrapbook." Cleo beamed at me and looped her arm through mine. "Not at all. We have nothing to hide." I rolled my eyes. Sure you don't.

As I entered the banquet hall where the orientation was being held, it was like going into the lion's den of Soc country. All the girls and guys in there were dressed to the 9's and looked like they belonged to the country club. I felt oddly out of place even in my clothes. I felt like an imposter. "Let's get to mingling before the event starts," Cleo said. "Girls, deploy!" I rolled my eyes but complied. I made sure to try and blend in with the crowd. I made my way by a booth that had some senior leaders around it. "Do you think this year will be different?" I heard one administrator ask. "No more disappearances or deaths?" I quickly moved behind a banner so I could hear their conversation and record it. "I'm not sure," the other said. "It depends on what the Dean of Student Affairs says," the other said. "It's something about keeping Greek Row in line and subservient to the university and not riling up." My blood ran cold. "So crowd control," the other retorted. "That's a harsh way to say it," the other administrator said. "It's more like keeping our ducks in a row and making sure that everyone is happy and healthy and that everything flows. Especially after that whole track fiasco two years ago." Then I heard someone tap on the microphone. I quickly ducked down took a snapshot of those two administrators and scurried away. "Let's get this meeting started!" Someone said cheerily into the microphone.

Throughout the orientation, I made sure to take snapshots of each speaker to run them by Linda. I also made sure to take photos of the faces of the eager freshmen that might be led to their doom. I was just hopeful that I might get some pictures of the key players. I just had dread as well about Pony being in that house all by himself. Before I knew it the Dean of Student Affairs was speaking. "Good morning, I'm the Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Eliza Thompson," Dr. Thompson said with a cold smile. Dr. Thompson had red hair, freckles all over the face, black-framed glasses, blue eyes, and she was really tall. "I'm really excited to welcome you all to USC," Dr. Thompson continued. "During the week of rush, you'll be exploring different potential chapters that you could join. Choose carefully because they will be your family for the next four years here. Just don't get too cutthroat though, because it might come back to haunt you. Be warned." The hall murmured at her comments. Did she just make a threat? After the event, I headed back to the apartment, hopefully to meet Pony there.

When I entered the apartment and saw Pony, I let out a sigh of relief. Pony looked at me with concern from where he was stirring the beef stroganoff on the stove. "Everything ok?" Pony asked me. I launched myself at him and gave him a tight hug. "Just a little worried about you," I mumbled into his ear. "Was the orientation really that bad?" Pony asked me, concern evident in his voice. I shook my head. "I just heard some questionable stuff at the orientation," I said. "Let me just play you the tape." I got out the tape and hit the play button. After the tape was done playing, all the color had drained out of Pony's face. "I hate to admit it but Linda was right," Pony said with a sigh while running his hand through his hair. "Dr. Thompson sounded like she's a piece of work and not much better than what the Athletic Director sounded like two years ago. Those administrators sound cowardly." I nodded in agreement. "We are going to be in for the long haul," I moaned. "At least you get to go out with a bang," Pony said with a smirk. I slugged him in the shoulder. "Not funny," I said. "I'm going to go get cleaned up and then you get to tell me what happened at the house." Pony nodded at me.

When I got back to the kitchen, dinner was on the table. "So how was track orientation for the freshman?" I asked Pony. Pony groaned. "Painful," Pony said. "I can't believe I was that green in the face when I came here two years ago. The freshmen didn't know what to do with themselves and they were making fools of themselves in front of the guys. You think you can go to the welcome dinner on Friday?" I nodded. "I should if I finish up at the house setting up for rush next week," I said hopefully. "I'll tell Cleo how important this is." Pony nodded. "Speaking of the house," I said. "How was the snooping?" Pony grimaced into his bowl. "It was awkward being there without you there," Pony admitted. "But at least I knew Linda there. She gave me your message. I was able to sneak into the pantry with the camera that your grandmother gave me for my birthday. At least it came in handy. One of the boxes of rice in the pantry is a lever for a swinging door, but I couldn't go down. There were too many people milling around without someone distracting them. I took photos of the box that was the lever and the opening of the door. The only downside is that no one has a key to the basement. Only the executive committee which I found odd since that's where the laundry is. You have to get permission to go down there." I nodded. "So it sounds like I have to mess up some tablecloths or sheets to be able to go down there," I said with a smirk. Pony groaned. "I hate it when you get those crazy ideas," Pony moaned. I chuckled. "I won't do it right away," I offered. "I need to get their trust first. Why don't you give the house a call to check in?" Pony nodded. As Pony did so, I cleaned up dinner.

Friday….

I was helping out with getting the house ready for rush week next week. I was dreading the madness of it all next week, but even getting the house ready was madness. Cleo was rushing us around like madmen. She even had me go into the pantry to organize the food. I leaned over to Linda. "Can you cover for me?" I asked. Linda nodded. "Be quick though." "Thanks," I said and hurried back to the pantry. I opened the door and headed down the spiral metal staircase to a basement that looked like a dungeon. The walls were made of cobblestones and appeared to be wet. I made my way slowly moving down. When I got to the bottom I found a metal light cord and pulled it. What I saw made me gasp. I saw a couple of beds down there, with chains on the wall. There was a bucket that looked like it doubled as a toilet and some cans of extra food were down there as well. I took some photos. "What the hell is this place?" I muttered to myself. I heard some raised voices coming down from the vents. I needed to get back upstairs. I quickly made my way back upstairs. As I shut the door, Cleo barged in and I tried to make myself busy. "How's the pantry coming along?" Cleo asked frantically. "Fine Cleo," I said nonchalantly. Hopefully, she bought it. She seemed to. "Don't forget to put the crackers over there," Cleo said pointing to the top shelf over my head. "Will do," I said. Linda followed Cleo out with a small smile. That was a close call.

When I got back to the apartment from developing the photos from the house, Pony was just getting back from track practice. "Perfect timing," Pony said beaming at me. I gave Pony a deep kiss and a hug. I shuddered. I couldn't fathom what was being done in that basement. "What's the matter?" Pony asked me while taking my face into his hand and guiding my eyes up to his face. "I got into that secret door," I said. "I'll show you the pictures on our way to the dinner. If we don't get ready now we're going to be late." Pony looked like he was going to protest but bit his tongue. "Sounds good," Pony said wearily. After a quick shower, I changed into a dark blue and black plaid romper dress, with black leggings that had glitter on them, a black turtle neck, and black penny loafers. Pony put on a steel blue suit, with a matching shirt and tie, and black loafers. "Ready to go handsome?" I asked Pony with a smile. "With you, I'm ready for anything," Pony said. "Picture first," I said. Pony groaned but relented.

When we parked at the party venue, I got the pictures out of the envelope and showed them to Pony. "This is what is behind the door in the pantry," I said in disgust. Pony looked like he was going to puke. "What do you think is down there?" Pony asked. "I guess that some of the pledges get put down there before they're killed, but I'm not sure," I mumbled. Pony sighed and dragged his hand through his hair. "I don't like this," Pony moaned. "Let's just enjoy the night ok?" I said reassuringly. Pony smiled at me but nodded.

Pony's POV:

Monday….

This week was going to be a long week and one that I wasn't looking forward to. I had too many welcome week events to help with. I had the library first, then track, and then the freakin Greek Row events. The Greek Row events were the ones I was dreading the most. The house was creepy and I wanted to climb up the walls. There were too many Socs and I felt out of place even if they didn't realize it. I just wondered how long it would take for Cleo and the others to notice we were lying and we weren't who we said we were. I barely got any sleep last night. But, I was awakened by the pleasant smell of cinnamon rolls, bacon, and scrambled eggs. I looked at the clock that read 5 am. Harley must have not been able to sleep either, but we also had to be at the library early to help set up. So, I got up with a groan and made my way to the kitchen where it looked like Harley was just pulling out the cinnamon rolls from the oven.

"Good morning sleepy head," Harley said cheerily kissing me. I let out a groan. How was she this chipper this early in the morning? I wanted to sleep more. "How are you such a morning person?" I whined. Harley chuckled as she pointed to her Pepsi bottle. That explains it. Artificially caffeine. "That helps," Harley said with a chuckle. Then she handed me a cup of coffee. "For you." I kissed her. "Thanks, beautiful," I murmured. How did I get so lucky? "Ready for the big day?" Harley asked jokingly. I moaned. "Don't remind me," I said. "I'm in the same boat as you," Harley said. "I hope this Greek row story turns out to be nothing so I can get us out." I glared at her. She's got to be joking. Her stories always tend to be on the bigger side. "You know you're going to jinx us right?" I asked. Harley shrugged. "Only time will tell," Harley said. For our outfits, today to blend in at the sorority. When I looked in the mirror, I tried to stifle a groan. I hated the way that we looked. If only the Socs back home could see us now. We looked ridiculous. I wonder if anyone back home would be able to recognize us. "We're going to look ridiculously," I moaned. "You are only preaching to the choir," Harley said with a chuckle. "I don't want to be doing this either, but I promised Linda." I rolled my eyes. I can't believe that Linda talked us into this, or more like forced us into this.

Harley followed me to the library since I had to go to track after our shifts at the library and then I would meet her at the Alpha Phi House. When Dorthy saw us she squealed in delight. "You both look so cute!" Dorthy said. Harley looked like she was in pain, but was trying to mask it. She looked at how I felt. "All thanks to you doll," Harley said with an eye roll that Dorthy didn't seem to notice or chose to ignore. Gary came out to greet us. "How's it hanging?" Gary asked us. He gave both Harley and me a hug. I gagged at the way that Gary smelled. It was the ever-present smell of weed. I couldn't seem to get away from it. I thought I had escaped it when I didn't have to room with Larry anymore, but I was sorely mistaken. "You guys are going to be helping set up for the information fair that we are going to have for all the clubs and the college resources here," Gary said lazily. "The resource and club fair is here and you guys are my best workers, so you guys get the privilege of helping me run it this morning." I let out a groan. "You sure you want us to run it?" I asked with dread. I didn't want to be worn out for track practice and then for the sorority house tonight. Gary just beamed at me. "Yes, I do Pony," Gary said slapping me on the back. I just rolled my eyes and shook my head in disbelief. Gary was too happy that it was a welcome week. "Remind me why we work here again?" I whispered in Harley's ear. "Because of our experience back at home," Harley said. "Plus it gives us after-hours access to research." I rolled my eyes. She had a point. Harley and I helped Dorthy and Gary set up all the booths for the clubs and resources. Mostly it was just me and Harley doing the work while Gary and Dorthy watched. They were too deep in conversation to even notice anyway. Gary let Harley and I go after getting set up since we had to help out our respective groups.

"Come when you can," Harley said to me while kissing me. "But, don't wear yourself out too much at practice." I nodded. "I promise," I said. "You worry too much. You're starting to sound like Darry." Harley feigned a gasp with a smile. "You did not!" Harley shrieked with a giggle. I just shrugged with a grin. I loved it when she joked with me and was light-hearted. "I just did," I said as I hopped into my car.

Track practice mixed with welcome week was a living hell. All the freshmen didn't know what to do with themselves. They were making utter fools of themselves. They were also being suckups to a lot of the seniors hoping to get special treatments. It made me roll my eyes and groan. I just hoped I didn't look that desperate when I was a freshman. At least I had Harley to keep me sane when I got home. Then I remembered I had to go to the stupid sorority house after I changed. After a tiring practice, I drove to the sorority house like a zombie. I was surprised that I hadn't fallen asleep yet. When I pulled up, I saw Linda rush outside looking over her shoulder making sure no one followed her. "Hey Pony," Linda said nervously as I got out of my car. "Hey Linda," I said wearily. "What is the plan for tonight?" Linda started to wring her hands. My stomach dropped. "Where's Harley?" I asked in concern. Linda sighed. "Cleo took her with the executive board to the welcome orientation," Linda said. I felt my heart beat faster and I felt out of breath. "Will she be in danger?" I asked worriedly. Linda shook her head. "She shouldn't be," Linda said. "There are too many people and they wouldn't want to show their hand too early." I nodded, but it didn't make me feel comfortable. Harley was thrown into the lions dean early on and it was all Linda's fault. "Let's just get this over with," I muttered. Linda looked at me guilty. When I walked into the house, it was like I entered a zoo of people. They were running around frantically trying to organize the house. It was organized chaos. "Where do I need to be?" I asked Linda. "I would suggest the pantry," Linda said. "Cleo likes an organized pantry. Also, you get to stay out of the way. I know this isn't really your seen." I gave Linda a grateful smile.

I made my way to the pantry fighting through the sea of girls who didn't even seem to bat an eye that I was there. I looked for those worn patterns on the floor that Harley had shown me and took some photos of my own with the camera that Mrs. Adams had gotten me for my birthday. I knew there had to be a secret door somewhere. I started yanking on boxes to see where the handle was. Then I got lucky when I pulled a box of rice and the door swung open. There was a cold damp breeze coming in from the open door that made me shiver. I made sure to take a photo of the box of rice for Harley and I took a photo of the entrance. I started to make my way through the entryway when I heard some commotion coming this way. I quickly shut the door and Linda was pushed through the door by Dorthy who was kissing her. "Sorry," I mumbled and scrambled out of there. I bolted out of the house as fast as I could. I didn't want to be there any longer. That creepy secret door was enough for me. When I got back to the apartment, Harley wasn't there yet which made me worry. To keep myself busy, I started to make some beef stroganoff.

Just as I was about done cooking the stroganoff, Harley entered the apartment hurriedly and frazzled. I looked at her with concern. Harley just looked like she was trying to escape something. "Everything ok?" I asked her. Harley all of a sudden launched herself at me and gave me a tight hug. Alarm bells started going off in my head. "Just a little worried about you," Harley mumbled into my ear. Why was she worried about me? She was the one with all the bigwigs. "Was the orientation really that bad?" I asked her in concern. Harley shook her head. "I just heard some questionable stuff at the orientation," Harley said. "Let me just play you the tape." Harley got out the tape and hit the play button. After the tape was done playing, all the color had drained out of my face. This was bad, so bad. The Dr. Thompson person was giving me the creeps. She was a Soc parent who had something to hide and knew she would continue to get away with it. "I hate to admit it but Linda was right," I said with a sigh while running my hand through my hair. "Dr. Thompson sounded like she's a piece of work and not much better than what the Athletic Director sounded like two years ago. Those administrators sound cowardly." Harley nodded in agreement. "We are going to be in for the long haul," Harley moaned. "At least you get to go out with a bang," I said with a smirk. Harley slugged me in the shoulder. "Not funny," Harley said. "I'm going to go get cleaned up and then you get to tell me what happened at the house." I nodded at her.

When Harley got back to the kitchen, dinner was on the table. "So how was track orientation for the freshman?" Harley asked me. I let out a groan. "Painful," I said. "I can't believe I was that green in the face when I came here two years ago. The freshmen didn't know what to do with themselves and they were making fools of themselves in front of the guys. You think you can go to the welcome dinner on Friday?" Harley nodded. "I should if I finish up at the house setting up for rush next week," Harley said hopefully. "I'll tell Cleo how important this is." I nodded. "Speaking of the house," Harley said. "How was the snooping?" I grimaced into my bowl and I pulled out the developed photos. "It was awkward being there without you there," I admitted. "But at least I knew Linda there. She gave me your message. I was able to sneak into the pantry with the camera that your grandmother gave me for my birthday. At least it came in handy. One of the boxes of rice in the pantry is a lever for a swinging door, but I couldn't go down. There were too many people milling around without someone distracting them. I took photos of the box that was the lever and the opening of the door. The only downside is that no one has a key to the basement. Only the executive committee which I found odd since that's where the laundry is. You have to get permission to go down there." Harley nodded. "So it sounds like I have to mess up some tablecloths or sheets to be able to go down there," Harley said with a smirk. I groaned. "I hate it when you get those crazy ideas," I moaned. Harley chuckled. "I won't do it right away," Harley offered. "I need to get their trust first. Why don't you give the house a call to check in?" I nodded. As I did so, Harley cleaned up dinner.

"Hello?" I heard Darry answer wearily into the phone. "Hey, Dar, it's Pony," I said trying to put on a cheery voice. "Any update on the story?" Darry asked bluntly. "Right to the point aren't you," I said snarkily. Darry just sighed. "Please just answer the question, Pone," Darry said with a sigh. I groaned. "Fine," I said with a huff. "There is something fishy going on with the Dean of Student Affairs. Harley got a recording of two administrators talking about how they are trying to keep students in line and these disappearances are doing just that. Apparently, it's the Deans doing and they are just doing her bidding." Darry let out a groan. "This is going to get bad again isn't it?" Darry asked. I chuckled. "Only time will tell, Dar," I said. "Hopefully it won't come to that." Darry groaned. "I hope you're right." I chuckled. "How is everything going with Lila?" I asked Darry. "It's going good," Darry said. "We went to go see a movie tonight at the drive-in on a triple date with the other guys." I laughed. "That must have been fun," I said. "Not as fun as though photos you sent us last week," Darry retorted. I let out a groan. "I won't hear the end of that will I?" I asked. Darry chuckled. "I don't think so," Darry said. "Two-Bit and Steve are going to rip you a new one." I groaned again. "Well, have a good night Dar," I said. "And tell the guys I said hi."

Friday…

Track practice was a bear. It was an adjustment to get used to the new freshman. I wondered if this was how the older guys saw me as a nuisance. It made me feel nauseous, but I pushed it aside. I made my way wearily into the apartment right when Harley was.

"Perfect timing," I said beaming at Harley. She gave me a deep kiss and a hug and shuddered involuntarily. This made my heart race with concern. "What's the matter?" I asked Harley while taking her face into my hands and guiding her eyes up to my face. I looked back and forth and saw a haunted look in her eyes. "I got into that secret door," Harley said with her lip quivering. "I'll show you the pictures on our way to the dinner. If we don't get ready now we're going to be late." I wanted to protest and have her tell me what she saw that was so horrible, but Harley cut me off. "Sounds good," I said wearily. After a quick shower, I got changed as quickly as I could. If we were late, the others would tease me for the rest of the season and never let me forget it. "Ready to go handsome?" Harley asked me with a smile. My heart did a little tap dance when I saw her. I hate to admit it, but Dorthy did well when she picked out the outfit. I looked ridiculous, however. "With you, I'm ready for anything," I said. "Picture first," Harley said. I groaned but relented. Now the gang would be on my ass as well for this photo.

When we parked at the party venue, Harley got the pictures out of the envelope and showed them to me. "This is what is behind the door in the pantry," Harley said in disgust. When I saw what was down there, I wanted to puke. It looked like something out of a horror movie or a true crime show. "What do you think is down there?" I asked. "I guess that some of the pledges get put down there before they're killed, but I'm not sure," Harley mumbled. I sighed and dragged my hand through my hair. I hope she was wrong, but Harley's hunch was hardly ever wrong. I wondered though if every house on Greek Row had something like this in their basement. If this was in the pantry what the hell was down in the laundry room in the basement? "I don't like this," I moaned. "Let's just enjoy the night ok?" Harley said reassuringly. I smiled at her but nodded.

The party was a blast. The music that was blaring through the speakers after dinner was "ABC" by the Jackson 5, "Let It Be" by The Beatles, "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever" by the Bee Gees, "Your Song" by Elton John, and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel. Some of the music was to my taste and some of it wasn't, but beggars couldn't be choosers. When we got back to the apartment, I made sure to call home to fill the gang in about the things we had discovered.

"Hello," Soda answered on the other end. "Hey Soda, it's Pony," I said cheerily. "How's it going?" Soda chuckled. "It's been a long week, but it's good to hear your voice, honey," Soda said wearily. "Steve and I are still considered the newbies at the dealership so we are being run ragged, but I have to admit that the pay is better." I chuckled. "Don't be a workaholic like Dar," I said. Soda moaned. "I don't think anyone can be a workaholic like Dar," Soda retorted. Soda had a point. "How are things going with Lorelai?" I asked. "It's going great," Soda said. "I've been able to take her to a couple of nice dinners with the bump in pay, and Dar told you about the triple date we had on Monday." "That's good to hear," I said. I hesitated a moment. I didn't want to drag down the conversation with the update on the story Harley and I were working on. "What's going on honey?" Soda asked with new concern in his voice. I sighed. "We found some new disturbing evidence in Harley's Greek Row story," I moaned. Soda took in a sharp breath. "What is it?" Soda asked. "Do I even want to know?" I groaned. "Probably not, but I should probably tell you anyway so you guys are in the loop," I said wearily. "There was some sort of dungeon hidden behind a secret door in the pantry at the sorority. I'm wondering if all the Greek House's have them." Soda chuckled nervously. "Well, please stay safe honey ok," Soda said. "I better get back to the gang." I sighed. "Will do Soda," I said and hung up.

Soda's POV:

Monday….

Today, Steve and I were put through the wringer at work. We were still the newbies so all of the veteran mechanics at the Ford dealership. But, we couldn't complain because the pay was so much better and so were the benefits. The nice thing was that Steve and I could carpool to work and we had more consistent shifts. The only downside at home now was that it was always my duty to make dinner since Darry got home from work and classes so late and Pony was at school. When Steve and I walked in the door at home, Two-Bit was already sitting on the couch with a beer in hand. "Hey boys," Two-Bit said raising his beer in greeting. "How's work going?" Steve groaned. "Still being treated like runts," Steve growled while grabbing a beer from the fridge. Two-Bit grinned. "I'm still in the same boat as you and I've been at my job for a year," Two-Bit said. "But you deserve it because of the way you act," Steve retorted. Two-Bit slugged him. "Hey," Two-Bit said remembering something. "Marcia wants to drag all of us to the movies tonight. She called all the girls at school and work and ropped them all in." Steve groaned. "Great," Steve muttered. "A long night after a long day." I grinned. "It should be fun," I said. "It's probably going to be a hoot since you and Marcia have the same sense of humor." Two-Bit grinned from ear to ear. "You bet," Two-Bit said.

I went to the kitchen and started cooking some of my famous purple-colored lasagna. Darry was followed into the house as I was putting food on the table by Lila, Lorelai, Evie, and Marcia. "Looks like the whole gang's here," Two-Bit shouted with glee, wrapping Marcia up in a spinning hug. "Well, almost the whole gang," I muttered. I always missed when Harley and Pony were away at school. It didn't feel quite the same. But we all knew at some point that Pony would get out. I was just being selfish. Darry squeezed my shoulder. "Don't worry, little buddy," Darry said. "Pony will always be back with Harley in tow. We all miss them too." I gave Darry a grateful smile. At least I wasn't alone in how I felt.

After dinner, we all gathered into our cars and headed off to the movies. As I expected it was a comedy. It was surprisingly funny to me, but I don't think Darry and Steve found it funny. They didn't have the same sense of humor as we did. After we dropped off the girls at home and Evie went back across the street, the phone rang. Darry went to grab it as I started to get ready for bed. Darry came into the doorway with a weary and concerned look on his face. "What's going on with Pony?" I asked with an eye roll. Darry always had this expression after Pony called. "More story developments on the Harley front," Darry said running his hand through his hair. I sighed and plopped myself down on the bed while pulling on my flannel pajama bottoms. "How bad is it already?" I asked wearily. I wasn't sure if I wanted to know. "It looks like the story is going to be bigger than they thought," Darry said sitting down next to me and slinging his arm around my shoulders. "Harley got some recordings of some administrators of Greek Row and Student Activities talking about the Dean of Student Activities having some sort of plan in place to scare kids on Greek Row to stay in line." I felt my blood go cold. "And making sure some freshman disappears and dies does that?" I asked nervously. "It sounds like what the Socs do to us but on a bigger scale." Darry got deep in thought. "It does, I haven't thought about that before," Darry said softly. "Hopefully Pony and Harley don't get ropped into that." I shuddered. "I hope you're right," I said hugging Darry.

Friday….

I was so glad that the work was over. On the way home, Steve and I talked about what we wanted to do with the bonuses and better salaries we had at our job. Steve talked about how he wanted to get his own house with Evie in the neighborhood. I wanted to possibly get Lorelai a nice ring and a nice house as well in the neighborhood, but that wasn't for a while down the road. After dinner and Two-Bit and Steve went back across the street for the night, the phone rang. I went to get it so Darry could focus on his homework. Darry and his homework on a Friday night.

"Hello," I answered. "Hey Soda, it's Pony," Pony said cheerily. "How's it going?" I chuckled. Pony must have had a good time at the track dinner tonight with Harley. "It's been a long week, but it's good to hear your voice, honey," I said wearily. "Steve and I are still considered the newbies at the dealership so we are being run ragged, but I have to admit that the pay is better." Pony chuckled. Of course, Pony would find this funny. "Don't be a workaholic like Dar," I said. I moaned. "I don't think anyone can be a workaholic like Dar," I retorted. Pony ignored my comment. "How are things going with Lorelai?" Pony asked. "It's going great," I said. "I've been able to take her to a couple of nice dinners with the bump in pay, and Dar told you about the triple date we had on Monday." "That's good to hear," Pony said but then he hesitated. This wasn't good especially if he was hesitating to tell me something. I understood why he hesitated with Darry but with me? "What's going on honey?" I asked with new concern in my voice. Pony sighed. "We found some new disturbing evidence in Harley's Greek Row story," Pony moaned. I took in a sharp breath. "What is it?" I asked. "Do I even want to know?" Poy groaned. "Probably not, but I should probably tell you anyway so you guys are in the loop," Pony said wearily. My heart sank and my stomach churned. I didn't like where this was going. "There was some sort of dungeon hidden behind a secret door in the pantry at the sorority. I'm wondering if all the Greek House's have them." I chuckled nervously. "Well, please stay safe honey ok," I said. "I better get back to the gang." Pony sighed. "Will do Soda," Pony said and hung up.

I went into the kitchen and sat down across from Darry. "That was Pony," I said. "There has been an update in the story. It went from bad to worse." Darry sat his pencil down and looked at me in concern. "What did those two knuckleheads get themselves into now?" Darry groaned. "Apparently there was a dungeon in the basement of the sorority house," I said nervously. Darry went pale. "That isn't good," Darry muttered. "Why do these dangerous stories always follow them?" I chuckled. "Because they're Greasers Dar," I said. "Trouble follows everywhere we go." Darry groaned. "I wish you weren't right," Darry said. I grinned at him.