steal away into that way back when.

@ phenomenal.
Penny had gotten use to her life in Oklahoma. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, but her dads job moved them down south more. She missed the city, and being around all the people. Her friends, more specifically. Especially her first boyfriend, Joseph. She had to leave him behind, and now she's stuck with a hopeless crush on one of the most well-known boys in town, Sodapop Curtis. Penny had seen him at the gas station, swooning after other girls. She wouldn't lie, she felt some jealousy, but she wouldn't show it. He was a drop out, her dad knew about him, and his brothers, and how they all ran in some sort of gang. To be honest, she didn't know much about the situation, she had only moved within the last few months. She heard some of the boys refer to themselves as, Greasers, or Socs. But she wasn't involved in that, or she thought so.

Keeping her hands in her pockets, she looked down to her scuffed chucks. Most girls wore skirts, Penny wore pants. She wanted to be able to run, and keep up with the guys. Joey was one of the boys in her neighborhood to get in trouble, quite often. So she knew how to keep up, and out of the way. But she swore to her parents she would act better once they moved. She did have an example to set for her two younger siblings.

The sixteen year old made her way to the gas station, and wandered inside. She grabbed a coke, and paid for it quickly. She went outside, and leaned against the wall. Lighting up a cigarette, she waited to see who was out and about.



Darry moved around the house, he had to get ready for work, but was too busy making sure things were in order for his late shift. His two brothers were capable of taking care of themselves, but only to a certain extent. He threw the last of the meal together, and popped it in the oven. He wrote down what time to have it in for, and what temperature to set the oven at. He had made his moms meatloaf, with some veggies. It was simple enough, and quick to throw together.

Leaving his brothers a note, Darry made his way to his truck, and headed out towards work. He drove through downtown, and waved to Sodapop as he passed him. He then realized he didn't have anything for himself to eat, so he stopped by the deli to grab something to hold him over.

It'd been a crazy day at Soda's gas station. He'd had to take Kaity's car to work because it needed to be fixed, and it broke down halfway to the DX station-- so he had to get out and push it. Soda arrived at work about twenty minutes late and got chewed out by his boss because of it, and once he got settled in it was pretty much one demanding and rude guest after another. Of course, the middle Curtis brother didn't let it show that it bothered him. He kept his signature smile plastered on his face, only letting it fall when it was time for his lunch. "Man, what the hell is goin' on with people today?" Soda asked Steve, following his friend outside to go smoke a cigarette.

Steve shrugged, handing one of the sticks to Soda before lighting up his own. "Beats me, man. Must be a full moon or something tonight." Soda nodded his head in agreement, taking a drag of his cigarette and looking at the familiar blonde leaned up against the side of the gas station. He'd seen her around town, but didn't really know much about her aside from her name.

--

Kaity wanted nothing more than to go home and pass out in bed. She'd been running around like a chicken with her head cut off all damn day. The brunette had slept through her alarm, she'd had to walk to work because Soda had taken her car to get fixed, and worst of all her closer at the deli hadn't done half of the shit she asked him to so she was already behind schedule before she even clocked in. Luckily, she was working with her best friend Josie, so everything managed to get done and by the time Darry came waltzing in, the two ladies were just gabbing behind the counter about their lives.

"Well hey there, sunshine," She spoke, moving her hair out of her face. For a second, Kaity wondered why Darry pulled up in his work truck but then she remembered that he'd picked up a late shift. She pouted when she realized that she would be sleeping alone. "Is dinner taken care of or should I bring something home with me?" Kaity asked.

@ phenomenal.
She had been told that cigarettes weren't lady like, but it made her laugh, because she really wasn't much of a lady. Unfortunately for her though, her mother only allowed her the one pair of jeans. Other than that, you would see Penny dressed to the nines. She turned to the side, and noticed Sodapop looking at her. A red tint crept across her cheeks, she looked down, then back to him. Puffing a couple times, she exhaled and walked towards him, and his friend, she wasn't sure on his name. "Um hi." She waved, and puffed again.

The more she smoked, the better she felt. In the back of her mind she had to somehow impress these boys, not to make them swoon, but to make them accept her. She had dealt with the boys at school, and she didn't enjoy being around the ones that were uppity. "I'm Penny." She smiled, and ran a hand through her hair.



Darry smiled at Kaity, her voice made his mind at ease. "Hey, darlin'. I uh, already threw something together before I left. Something my mom used to make all the time." He rubbed the back of his neck, "However I did forget to pack myself something to eat." He grinned sheepishly. He loved having her around the house, he hated working late shifts. All he wanted was to go home, relax, and sleep with her. His schedule was packed, lately. He was picking up as many shifts as he could manage without going overboard.

And looking for a second job doesn't help, but he knew it needed done. "Also, I have an interview at the mill for early shifts." The last thing he wanted was to spend more time away from her, but he had a plan, and it involved money. Darry wanted nothing but the best for Kaity, no matter the cost.

"Hey, Penny." Soda grinned, switching his cigarette to his left hand so he could offer his right to Penny. "I'm Sodapop, and yes, I know, it's a ridiculous name." He chuckled, running his hand through his hair once it was brought back from the handshake. "This guy over here is Steve. He's alright I guess." Soda joked, gently nudging his friend in the shoulder. Steve shoved him back, and the two laughed. "So, I've been seeing you around recently. Did you just move to town?" He asked, taking a drag from his cigarette and exhaling in the other direction. He found it beyond rude when people just blew their smoke in your face.

The middle Curtis child listened intently as Penny talked about herself, nodding in all the right spots. "Detroit, huh? Heard it's pretty tuff up there. With the music and everything."

--

Kaity shook her head and smiled, although it was partly her fault. Normally she woke herself up to make Darry a sandwich or something for lunch. But, bless him, he decided to let her sleep as long as possible. "Of course you did," she spoke, leaning across the counter to pinch his cheek before giving him a kiss. The brunette listened to Darry speak as she threw something together for him, raising a brow at the mention of early shifts.

She understood why they had to work their fingers to the bone. Kaity wanted to keep a roof over their heads as well, but she hated how utterly exhausted Darry was when he came home. He worked himself to the point where he passed out still in his work clothes. Kaity knew that these morning shifts, if he got them, would just add to his tiredness. "I hope you get it, love! We could use the extra money... Soda can't keep fixing my car for free." Kaity laughed, handing Darry his lunch.

@ phenomenal.
Penny smiled at the two boys, and explained how long she had been in town for. When Sodapop made the comment about Detroit, she shrugged. "Yeah, the music is what keeps things so interesting though!" She smiled, a bit bigger than she meant to. Penny was a regular around the night clubs there that had 'underground' bands play. That's one thing she really did miss about her hometown. "It was always fun going to some of the shows." She talked about her ex some, and her friends. She tried to keep out the parts about her getting into trouble. The girls she had watched him swoon over, seemed like the cookie-cutter she wasn't. Then she mentioned her parents. Her dad was moved down to be a manager at the mill, and her mom was a nurse at the hospital.

"What do your parents do?" Penny couldn't help but keep her eyes locked on Sodapop, to the point she almost forgot Steve was even with them. Usually she would feel rude, and apologize, but he didn't seem to care too much. His attention was caught by some other girl that had strolled up.



Darrel blushed a little, she was the only girl to ever bring him to his knees. He'd do whatever it'd take to make sure their lives were good. He didn't want to worry her, but the real reason he was looking for a second job, was because he was told lay offs would be happening soon at his current. The mill wouldn't pay nearly as much, but it was still something. Besides, Sodapop had been helping out a lot more with the bills. "Yeah, this is true. His boss isn't likin' us usin' everything up!" He laughed a bit.

Taking the lunch from her, he leaned up a bit over the counter, and puckered his lips. Pecking the bright eyed beauty, he smiled. "I love you." He turned, and went for the door. His shift started soon, and he had to be there on time. Every minute counted.

At the mention of his parents, Sodapop's normally positive and fun loving demeanor wilted. He bit his bottom lip and tried to relax himself. It wasn't Penny's fault, she was new to the area. She didn't know. The teen took a deep breath before taking a drag on his cigarette. "My parents passed away about two years ago... I work over here obviously, my brother roofs houses, and his girl works over at the Deli on South, and my little brother goes to school." Soda spoke softly, swallowing the lump in his throat. His family might have been a little bit less than conventional, but he loved them with everything he had. Soda had no clue where he would be without them.

"What about your parents?" Soda asked, eager to get the subject away from his mother and father.

--

"Love you too, don't work too hard." Kaity warned, gladly receiving her goodbye kiss before watching Darry leave. She leaned against the counter and sighed, looking up at the clock. Only about half an hour left before she had to head home and feed the boys dinner. To be honest, this never really was how Kaity imagined her life at eighteen years old. But she couldn't picture it any other way at this point. Kaity loved spending her days caring for a bunch of rowdy boys, be it the ones who lived in her house or the ones who were always coming through. Nicknamed 'ma' by Johnny, Kaity always made sure that her guys were fed, had a couch or a bed to sleep on, and just generally were in a good mood.

"Jos, you mind if I leave early? I wanna have dinner on the table before Pony gets back from whatever the hell he's doing."

@ phenomenal.

Penny wanted to stick her foot in her mouth when he mentioned his parents passing. She felt like an idiot, her dad had mentioned he heard about the Curtis boys, and what they had gone through. She just gave a soft smile, and barely let her fingers graze his forearm. She could tell he was eager to steer the conversation, "Well my dad was working in Detroit as a manager at a mill. But that one was shutting down, they wanna open more car shops or something. Anyway, my dad got transferred here to be a new manager. And my mom works at the hospital, she's a nurse." Penny looked down, then back to Sodapop. "I also have a younger brother, and sister. My sister is fourteen, and my brother is twelve. They want us all to graduate, but with the way my grades look." She laughed a little bit, and shrugged.

School wasn't her thing. She wasn't actually sure what her thing was. Her parents had big dreams for her, but she honestly just wanted to be happy in life. "Um, so what are you doing tonight?" It was a hot day, but it would be a cool evening. She was trying to stay out of her home as much as she possibly could. Ever since her older brothers death, she didn't want to be at home. Her parents hovered even more. It was sad to say, they acted as if her brother never existed. But that's what he got for running with the crowd, he did.



On his way to work, Darry kept chewing at his lip. He pulled into the parking lot, and made his way into the factory. His boss was looking glum, so were a few of his buddies. The guys all had slips of paper in their hands, their faces dropped instantly. Darrel inhaled sharply, and walked to his boss. "Darrel Curtis." He handed him the paper, and let his eyes drift away, as he went to find another poor soul. Darry looked at the paper, and his gut dropped. It was his last check. It stated that it was his last day.

Feeling a knot form in his gut, he went to his position, and knocked out his ten hour shift. By the time he was clocked out, it was almost 3AM. He drove home, his face as sunken as his heart. There was no way he could tell Kaity, she couldn't know that he lost his job. Not until he got the second one. Then he'd tell her. 'All I want to be able to do is save up, and move us out of this damn place. I want my brothers to have their lives back, and for Kaity to have the life she deserves. Dammit.' He slammed his hands into the wheel.

Running hands through his hair, he slammed his truck door, and made his way inside. He saw all the sleeping bodies of some of the boys, he stepped over a couple of them. Making his way to the bedroom, he saw Kaity fast asleep. He undressed to his underwear, then crawled into bed beside her. He wrapped his arms around her frame, and inhaled deeply. Even when his world was falling apart, she kept it together.

Sodapop couldn't sleep to save his life. His mind was busy running over the day's events. After he'd clocked out of work for the day, he, Steve, and Penny went to his place and had dinner-- his mom's meat loaf, something he hadn't had in forever. After that, the three (along with Pony) went to go see a movie. The brunette couldn't remember the last time he'd had that much fun! He eventually made his way home around midnight, watched the news with Kaity for about an hour, and then retired to the room he shared with Ponyboy.

Fast forward to about three hours later, when Soda heard the front door creak open. His older brother was finally home from work. A soft sigh left his lips when he realized he would have to be up for work in a few hours. Sodapop briefly considered calling in sick, but he knew that they needed the money. Darry and Kaity were counting on him to help with the bills and keeping the roof over their head. Even ONE missed day (unless he was deathly ill) could make a world of difference. Sighing once more, Sodapop rolled over so he was on his stomach, hoping sleep would come soon.

--

Kaity's evening went by fast. Pretty much the whole gang had come over for dinner, plus a new girl who she was pretty sure that Soda told her was named Penny. After Soda and Pony left with the new girl and Steve, Kaity spent her evening playing cards with Two-Bit and Dally. Johnny showed up at around midnight, asking if he could sleep over. Kaity said yes without a moment's hesitation. She quickly made Johnny a bed on the couch before going to bed herself, falling asleep mere seconds after her head hit the pillow.

She stirred slightly a few hours later when she felt the mattress dip, signaling that Darry had arrived home for the evening. Kaity instinctively rolled over into his touch, a content sigh leaving her lips. "How was your day?" The young woman slurred tiredly, rubbing her eyes.

@ phenomenal.
Penny had enjoyed going out with the boys, especially Sodapop. He was really sweet. She finally felt like she was starting to fit in a bit more. Looking up at her ceiling, she kept trying to close her eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. When she had gotten home from being out, her father had asked where she was. She explained that she had dinner at the Curtis house, and saw a movie with a few friends. He was cross with her, he demanded she not hang out with them. Of course, she'd be dammed if her father could tell her that.

Flipping onto her side, she huffed. She heard her father downstairs, drinking. Heavily. There was a good chance he would come rambling up to her room, soon. Swinging the door open, walking right past her younger sister, to her. Penny thought about her brother, and how he handled their father when he was drunk. Up until he got caught up in a stupid street fight.

Loud thumps came from the staircase. Penny looked to her little sister, and sucked in sharply. 'If I can protect you.'



Darry smiled in the dark, "It was fine." He kissed pecked her lips. "Same old, same old. I have my interview for the mill in the morning. I'm excited to see how that goes!" He held her close, he didn't want to lie about what had happened at work today, but he didn't need her to worry. He was a shoe-in for the position at the mill, he had nothing to worry about.

"How was your night?" His mind was full of everything going on, so it was almost impossible for him to pay attention. He was also exhausted, he could feel his eyes burning. But he missed being able to spend time with Kaity, and with hopes of a new job, and only one job, with working for a promotion, he could get his time back. Spending over twelve hours a day working, wasn't what he wanted to do. But he would do whatever it took for the time being.

[im finally going to be more active, again ]

(yaaaay!!)

Sodapop eventually fell asleep for all of about two hours, waking up feeling even worse than before. He rolled over and smacked the alarm clock, a groan erupting from him. "Wake up, Pone, it's time for school. Kaity's gonna kick your butt if you aren't ready by the time she is." He rolled out of bed and grabbed his work clothes out of the closet before heading to the bathroom, desperate for a shower. Hopefully that would wake him up. The middle Curtis child locked the bathroom door behind him before taking off his pajamas and stepping into the lukewarm spray of the shower.

He got about about ten minutes later, careful to leave enough water so Kaity would be able to take a shower. She always went last. Sodapop entered the living room, smiling when he saw Johnny still passed out on the couch.

--

Kaity woke up at about five, deciding to get breakfast on the table for when the boys woke up. She could always go back to sleep once they got out of the house, which was something that she typically did. She threw some eggs in the skillet and hummed along with the little beat up radio, listening as her boys slowly started to stir. First Soda, then Pony (begrudgingly, but Kaity didn't blame him-- she herself hated waking up early for school when she went.) Kaity always saved waking Darry up for last, seeing as he worked himself to the bone the previous night.

"Morning, Pepsi-cola... I got some eggs on the stove. I'm gonna go try and wake up sleeping beauty in there. Can you finish those up for me?"

@ phenomenal.

Penny woke up the next morning, well with what little sleep she had actually managed. She would have to be to school soon, even though that was the last place she wanted to go. Bruises had formed on her arms, that was the extent of the night before. Just him being rough, he didn't go too far. Maybe he hadn't drank enough, she wasn't sure, but she was thankful. Slinking her way down the stairs, she decided to skip breakfast, and leave right away for school.

Once she was around the corner, she lit up a cigarette, and decided to stop at the gas station. She wanted to grab a coke before school, maybe a snack. Or maybe she was hoping she'd see Sodapop. Sluggishly making her way there, she bought her coke, and went back outside. Leaning against the wall, she instantly began to puff on a smoke. The September sun was beating down on her long, black sleeves, but there wasn't much she could do. 'I'd give anything to just go back somewhere, and sleep.'

Penny looked around, watching old men hobble by, or drive by. All passerby were on their way to work, or school. Something Penny should've been doing, but she was too concerned with smoking, and ignoring the world.



Darrel woke up to the smell of food cooking, his eyes barely fluttered open before he let out a loud groan. The last thing he wanted was to be up. He had his interview in a few hours, though. So it wasn't horrible for him to get up, and make himself decent. Instead though, he wanted to wait a little longer. He had hopes of Kaity coming back to the bedroom. He wanted to hold her, and calm his nerves about everything.

Losing his job had seemed like a bad dream. But waking up made him realize it wasn't. He sighed, rubbed his eyes, and looked to the clock. He knew the house would be empty soon, everyone off to school or work. He should be off to, then taking a lunch break for the interview. But instead he would have to pretend he worked a later shift, until he found out if he got the job or not.

Soda kissed Johnny, Pony, and Kaity on the head before leaving, telling them he loved them and he'd be home for lunch. That was just a habit that he picked up. After his parents passed, Soda learned that the time you had with your loved ones was fleeting. Make sure that they always knew how you felt, and never leave without saying 'I love you'. It could be the last time you see them.

He hummed to himself as he continued his walk towards the gas station, just enjoying the peace of the neighborhood before the day truly began. The neighbors were starting to stir, but not everybody was up and about yet. Soda liked it that way, though. It made him feel like he was in his own little world. A world where he could forget about all of his problems, if only for the five minute walk to the gas station.

The young greaser reached the gas station at that point, raising a brow when he saw Penny leaning against the wall. "Hey there stranger... long time no see. Doesn't school start soon?" Sodapop teased, his winning smile gracing his face.

--

"Ponyboy Curtis, if you aren't ready in five minutes I'm dragging you out of this house by your ear! Let's move!" Kaity called, knocking on the bathroom door. She then turned on her heel, heading back down the hall to the bedroom she shared with Darry. "Hey, you," the brunette whispered, gently rubbing her man's back to coax him awake. "What time is your interview this morning? You don't want to be late." Kaity mumbled, stretching out beside him with a soft grin on her face. Even though she had to get up soon to take Ponyboy to school, a few extra moments with her love before they went about their days couldn't hurt.

"I also remembered to pack you a lunch today," Kaity reminded.

@ phenomenal.

Penny finished her smoke, just in time to hear a familiar, friendly voice. A smile instantly spread across her lips, "I'm thinking school isn't the place for me. At least not today." She shrugged, her shoulders sore. Penny rubbed the back of her neck, and looked to the ground. "Do you know anywhere a girl can lay down for a bit for a nap? Rough time sleeping last night. Last thing I need is being caught sleeping in school." She'd end up late to school, but it happened. Her mother would be the one to get the phone call, anyway. She knew her father would be working all day. He was grumbling about an interview he had that afternoon.

"And thanks again, for letting me come over for dinner, and stuff." She sheepishly smiled.



Darry sleepily smiled when he felt the small girl stretch beside him. He rolled over to face her. "Mm, my interview is at eleven." He leaned over to peck the tip of her nose. "You're amazing." He lazily wrapped his arms around her, and buried his face into the crook of her neck. "I just want to stay like this all day." Darrel was seen as a big man, a big man that very few people ever caused problems with. But when he was with his woman, he was the biggest softy in the world.

--

Ponyboy exited the bathroom, and banged on Darrys door. "I'm ready!"

Soda racked his brains, trying to think of somewhere that Penny could lay down. "No problem-- everyone's welcome at my house. Kaity and Darry pretty much have an open door policy." He shrugged before a lightbulb went off in his head. "Speaking of open door policy, you can crash on my couch for a few hours. Kaity doesn't have to go to work until like one I think. And she really likes you, so there's definitely gonna be no problem there." Something inside Soda made him want to ask what was bugging Penny, but he felt it wasn't his business. The two of them weren't that close yet.

--

"I do my best," Kaity spoke, a soft smile on her face. At the mention of just being lazy in bed all day, she pouted. The brunette wanted nothing more, but unfortunately they had bills to pay, and Kaity was rather fond of keeping the lights on. "One day soon, we can have our lazy day. I promise." She whispered, running her fingers through his hair. The eighteen year old was just starting to doze off when she heard Ponyboy knock on the door. "I'm coming, kid!" Kaity called. She pressed a kiss to Darry's forehead before getting out of bed, sighing gently. "I'll be back in about a half hour.... I love you." Kaity blew Darry a kiss before opening the bedroom door, smiling at the sight of Pony. "Hey there, kid. C'mon, let's get you to school."

@ phenomenal.

"That sounds amazing." She enjoyed being around his family last night. Kaity seemed like a really good soul. It made her feel at ease to think about getting to sleep somewhere she doesn't have to worry about anything. "Um.. w-would you mind walking with me? If not, it's fine. I just don't want to show up unannounced." Even though he said there was an open-door policy, she didn't feel close enough to just show up.

Penny could tell Sodapop wanted to ask her what was wrong, but she learned the day before that he was good at avoiding unwanted topics. She was trying to think of something to say, anything she could to change the subject. "So do you boys ever go out, and drink? Cause mischief?" She laughed awkwardly. She was either one of the boys, or into one of the boys, and sadly she felt a small crush towards the middle Curtis. The girl fell for people so quickly though, that she usually wrote it off as nothing.



He groaned when his youngest brother made Kaity leave the bed. "Love you." He rolled back over, and sighed. Slowly deciding to get out of bed, he went and hopped in the shower. He knew the house would be empty, besides the returning Kaity, so he took his time. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he went back to the kitchen, and poured a cup of coffee. He got dressed, and sat down in the living room. Darrel was a tad nervous about the interview. Apparently the manager was someone who had just transferred out of Detroit.

Darry wasn't sure what to expect. But he was hoping for the best.

"I'll walk you no problem!" Soda spoke, always the gentleman. "And for future reference, don't worry about coming in unannounced. As long as we aren't sleepin'! And if we are, just don't make too much noise." He was only half joking. Due to the rough home life that a good chunk of their friends had, the Curtis family had an open door policy 24/7. The only rule was if you made a mess, you cleaned it up. Which Soda thought was beyond fair. The middle Curtis child zipped up his jacket before poking his head inside, letting Steve know that he was walking Penny back to his place and to cover for him if the boss showed up.

"Alright, Miss Penny-- your nap awaits you." Soda spoke, offering her his arm.

--

Kaity climbed into the car, waiting for Pony to buckle his seatbelt before she pulled out of the driveway and began the journey toward the high school. They reached their destination about fifteen minutes later, (thankfully) not late this time. "Alright kid, scoot. Swing by the diner after school and I'll drive you home, I love you." She kissed him on the head and watched him walk into the school before driving back home. Kaity parked the car and tossed the keys in her purse before heading back into the house, smiling at the sight of Darry at the kitchen table. "Do we actually have the house to ourselves?" She grinned.

@ saraya-jade.

Penny smiled at how kind he was. She really couldn't wrap her head around how caring, and kind all of the people she had met the night before were. Her father had made it sound like all of the boys in this town were no good, but all she had met were good guys. Taking Sodapops arm, she walked beside him to his house. "Thank you, honestly. It means a lot to me." She wasn't good with making small talk. Her house was usually filled with violent shouts, and drunken slurs.

Her mind drifted to her younger sister, her and Ponyboy were the same age. It made her feel more at ease knowing Ponyboy would be at school, and that her sister was there. She would have to introduce the two of them officially, if they already hadn't. "I wonder if our siblings are going to end up in any classes together... I think it'd be good for my sister." She softly added the end of her sentence. With their mother rarely being home due to her hours at the hospital, the two girls were often left alone with their father. Penny wanted to make sure she could get her sister somewhere safe if needed. That's something they did when they lived in Detroit. Except it was their Aunt, who unfortunately passed away.

"I hope I don't get you in trouble or anything."



Darry sighed, sitting back and thinking about if he should tell Kaity the truth or not. There wasn't a doubt in his mind about getting the job that afternoon, but he also felt dirty about lying to her. She works so hard, and does almost more than he does. Sure, he works most of the week to bring home a stable check. But Kaity takes care of the boys, and cleans, cooks, and works.

Looking up from his cup of coffee, he smiled at the sight of his girlfriend. "I believe we do." He grinned, and got up walking towards her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close for a kiss. Enjoying the silence that had been missing for years in the house.

"It'd be good for Pony, too. To socialize with people his own age. The only people he really pals around with are the people in our group. He needs to just be a kid while he can, you know? I feel like when our parents passed he had to grow up a little too fast." Soda spoke as they walked. It was true for all of the boys in the family. Soda had to drop out of school and get a job, and Kaity moved in with them shortly after to help with bills and such. Ponyboy needed more friends and people to hang out with. As much as Soda loved their gang, he wanted Pony to branch out and be his own person. "Your little sister is welcome over any time, too. Make sure she knows that." Soda patted Penny's shoulder as they walked on.

At the mention of being in trouble, Soda raised a brow before laughing. "It really isn't a big deal, I'm the best worker they got over there." He spoke, and it was true. His boss practically worshiped the ground that he walked on.

A few minutes later, they reached the house. "I'm gonna get ya in and get ya settled, but then I'm gonna have to head back. They only love me so much over there."

--

Kaity slung her arms around Darry's neck, hugging tight before returning the kiss. It wasn't that she minded that their house was always full. Oh, no. That was the farthest thing from the truth. Every so often, though. she liked to have her quiet time, be it by herself or with Darry. "Well, aren't I the luckiest girl in the world." She whispered, yawning slightly before looking up at the clock. "It's still pretty early, we can take a nap together and I'll wake you up in time for your interview?" The brunette spoke, mentioning something that hadn't happened in ages.

Just then, she heard the front door open. "Who the hell could that be?" She whispered, mostly to herself before turning on her heel to go see who it was. At the sight of Soda and Penny, her face brightened up, and she smiled. "Hey, guys! Penny, right? What's up?" Kaity listened as Sodapop explained that Penny had a rough night, and asked if it would be okay if she crashed on the couch for a few hours. "Yeah, sure! That's no problem. I do have to be out of the house by one, though, for work. If you need to stay any later than that, just clean up after yourself." She was speaking the words before she even thought them. That was just the kind of person Kaity was-- she wanted to help everyone.

It meant a lot to Penny that Sodapop was being so kind. She was enjoying her time that she was getting to spend with him. He was really nice. She nodded, and thanked him again for saying her sister was always welcomed. It really did put her at peace. She laughed when he talked about how his job loved him. It wasn't hard to see why, he seemed like a decent enough guy. She was happy to get to know him more.

As they approached the house, she felt butterflies grow in her stomach. She really didn't want to bother anyone, and that's how she had been left to feel about things that happened in her life. "Thank you. It really does mean a lot. I'm so ready to lay down for a little bit." Penny smiled, and followed the middle Curtis boy inside. When Kaity came to the living room, she felt her nerves calm down. She knew Kaity wasn't much older than her, however she had the motherly love that all of these kids needed. "I can actually be out whenever you leave, no problem. I just need to lay down for a bit." Rubbing the back of her neck, Penny looked over to Darry. She hadn't really seen the oldest Curtis boy. She stubbed her toe to the ground, then looked to Sodapop. "I owe you, honestly."



Darry was enjoying the thought of a nap before he had to go in. With all the odd hours he had worked, his body was exhausted. The eldest Curtis boy smiled, and almost went to head to the bedroom, when he watched his girlfriends expression change. He followed behind as she walked to the living room. Much to his surprise, Sodapop was standing in the living room, with a girl. He assumed she was the one he had heard about coming over the night before. He stood in the back, silently. He wasn't upset, he understood that sometimes people need help, and he was ready to give it.

Looking at the clock, he knew they still had time to lay down if they really wanted to. He just wasn't so sure Kaity would be up for the idea, after having someone here. She always went into mother mode.

@ saraya-jade.