Pretty Little Greaser

It's Thursday afternoon and I'm stuck in English. I lay my head down on my desk and begin playing with my hair. I glance to my right and I see Ponyboy almost asleep. I grab my pencil and poke his leg. He snaps out of his sleepy trance and looks over at me. I smile and wave. He rolls his eyes and smiles.

"I'm so bored", I mouth.

"Me too", he whispers. He turns back around and puts his head down. I turn and face the front of the room. The teacher's going on about some book that supposed to be a classic piece of literature. Basically what it translates into is something I really don't care about. I pull out a sheet of paper and start doodling. I draw a person sitting under a palmetto tree, just like the one's I used to see on the beach in Charleston when I was little. Ponyboy taps my arm and I turn and face him.

"Whatcha doing?", he mouths. I wait until the teacher turns his back and hand Ponyboy my doodle page. He takes it and looks at it. I face towards the front of the class as the teacher continues droning on about the book. I mean, really? What so interesting about a book written by a dead guy from 200 years ago or something like that? I lay my head on my desk and sigh. Suddenly, I feel something tapping my arm. I turn my head and Ponyboy hands me back my drawing with another paper on top of it. I look at it and realize it's a note.

"That drawing's really good", the note says. I smile and whisper "Thank you." He smiles, nods, and turns to the front.

"Alright, people", the teacher says as he sits down at his desk. "It's about time to go and I want you all to read chapters 3-5 for homework and we'll discuss it next class." I write the homework assignment down and put my papers in my backpack. The bell rings and I grab my stuff and walk out the door. I walk with Ponyboy to his locker as he gets his books.

"So, you coming over today?", he asks as we head out the door.

"Not today", I say.

"How come?"

"Momma's taking me shopping for an outfit for me to wear to bonfire tomorrow night."

"That sounds like fun", Ponyboy says as we walk to the street corner to meet Johnny.

"Yea."

"Whatcha thinking about wearing to the bonfire?"

"I'm not sure yet. I think I might just wear a pair of and a nice top."

"Oh, that's cool."

"Mhm", I say with a smile. We reach the street and we see Johnny waiting there for us. I smile when he looks my way and smiles at me.

"Hey Addie", he says. "Hey Ponyboy."

"Hi", we both we say.

"So, what's the plan for this afternoon?", he asks us.

"Well, Addie's mom's taking her shopping", Ponyboy says.

"Thanks for telling my business", I say as playful punch his arm.

"What?", he says as he rubs his arm. I roll my eyes and laugh.

"You want us to walk you home?", Johnny says we being walking.

"Sure, if you want to", I say as I adjust my bag. Johnny walks up beside me and takes my hand. I push my hair behind my ear and smile.

"So, you excited for your birthday tomorrow?", Ponyboy asks.

"Yea, I'm pretty excited", I say smiling.

"Buck and Charlene said they're gonna do a little something for you at the bonfire", Johnny says with a smile.

"Oh yea, I forgot them saying something about that", Ponyboy says.

"What are they gonna do?", I ask.

"It's a surprise", Ponyboy says with a smile.

"Please!", I beg. "I promise I'll act surprised."

"But you'll know what to expect and it won't be as big of a surprise", Johnny says as he pulls me closer.

"Aww, c'mon guys", I pout. "That's not cool."

"You'll get over it", Ponyboy says as he tussles my hair. I bite his hand.

"Ow! You bit me!", he yelps.

"Oh, you'll get over it", I say as I stick my tongue out. We all laugh and keep on walking. We head up our street and we reach my house. I open the door and we all walk inside.

"Momma", I call out as I throw my bag on the couch. "I'm home."

"I'm the kitchen, baby girl", she shouts back. I motion my head towards the kitchen and the guys follow me in. My mom turns around and smiles. She walks over and gives me a hug.

"Hey boys", she says as she gives Johnny and Ponyboy each a hug. "How are y'all doing?"

"Good", they both reply.

"That's good."

"Momma, what time we gonna go shopping?"

"I was thinking about here in a little bit but I don't wanna be rude and just shoo Ponyboy and Johnny away."

"It's ok", Johnny says. "We were about to head out."

"No", she says. "Y'all can stay awhile if y'all want to."

"No, it's ok Ms. Layla", Johnny says.

"Alright, sweetheart", Momma says as pulls her hair back in a ponytail. "It was nice to see you two."

"Same to you", Ponyboy says. I walk the guys to the door. Ponyboy says 'bye', gives me a hug and walks out. Johnny takes my hand and gives me a soft, sweet kiss.

"I guess, I'll see you tomorrow then", he says with a shy smile.

"I guess so", I say with a smile. He chuckles softly and rubs the back of his neck.

"So um...I'll call you later on tonight, ok?", he says.

"Okay", I say. He looks at me with a smile. I smile and give him one more kiss. He says his good-byes and heads out the door. I sigh and close the door.

"Don't think I didn't see that", Momma says from behind me. I turn around and see her standing there getting her purse and car keys.

"What are you talkin' about?", I ask nervously.

"You and Johnny", she says with a smile. I gulp and blush. She laughs and hugs me. "Don't worry, I won't tell your Daddy." I roll my eyes and smile.

"So, are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?", she asks as we walk out the door.

"I'm not entirely sure", I say as we get in the car. "He hasn't necessarily asked me to be his girl but I think it won't be too much longer til he asks me."

"Ahh, I see", she says as she starts the car up. "Well, you two are very cute together, if I do say so myself."

"Thanks Momma", I say with a smile.

"I like Johnny", she says as we back out. "He's always been a really nice and respectful young man. I always had a feeling he had a crush on you. I think if you two do become boyfriend and girlfriend that he's gonna treat you very well."

"Really?", I ask.

"Yea", she says with a smile.

I smile and buckle up. We drive down the road and head into town. I look out the window and look at all the little kids playing at the old playground. I see Eva's little sister playing on the swings. She smiles and waves at me, proudly showing her top toothless smile. I giggle and wave back. I lay my head against the window and look up at the sky. The sky's a bright blue and the clouds look so fluffy and soft. I sigh and smile. We drive up to the little shop on the corner on Garnet's Street and park. We walk inside and I head over to the jewelry. Even though I'm a tomboy, I love jewelry!

"Addie", Momma says as she looks at the dresses. "We'll look at jewelry later."

I sigh and walk over to the dresses.

"What would you like to wear to the bonfire?", Momma asks me.

"I was actually planning to wear a pair of and a nice shirt. Or maybe , a t-shirt, and a pullover hoodie."

"Hmm. Well, let's see what cute dresses they have."

"Alright."

We look at the dresses, and nothing catches my eye. It's all just dresses you would wear to a school dance or something.

"Um...Momma?"

"Yes, baby girl?"

"Don't you think these dresses are just a bit much for a bonfire?" She looks at me for minute and nods her head.

"You gotta point there, baby-cakes", she says as she puts back a dress. We walk over to the shirts and begin looking through them. I pick up a light pink cami with roses on it.

"Hey Momma, what about this one?", I ask holding up the shirt. She looks over and smiles.

"I really like it", she says as she looks it over. "You would have to wear your hoodie with it, though."

"Alright."

"Go and try it on."

I walk back to the dressing rooms. I walk in and lock the door. I take off my t-shirt, slip on the cami, and look at myself in the mirror. I turn and look at the cami in the mirror. I start to make funny faces and strike poses like I'm a model or something. I laugh at myself and take the cami off. I walk out and head over to the jewelry where my mom's looking through the earrings.

"Did it fit, sweetie?", she says.

"Yea, it looks pretty good", I say with a smile.

"That's good", Momma says as she picks out a pair of silver hoops. "You see any jewelry you like?"

I look through the racks and racks of jewelry. I finally see a pair of diamond studs. I pick them up and show to Momma.

"You like these the best?", she asks as she looks through the clearance.

"Yea, these were the only ones that caught my eye", I say.

"Alright, well let's go check out before I buy more than I need", she says with a laugh. I smile and put my stuff on the counter for the lady to ring up. We pay for our stuff and head out to the car. We drive back home and I look out the window at all the people walking on the sidewalk.

"Oh, honey did I tell you who called earlier today?", Momma says we keep on driving.

"No", I say, my gaze not leaving the view outside the window.

"Bryce", she says.

As soon as she says my brother's name, my head spins around.

"What he say?", I ask eagerly.

"He said he might be coming home in the next couple of weeks and that he was gonna call tomorrow."

"He might be coming home?!", I ask excitedly. Momma laughs and strokes my head.

"That's what he told me", she says with a smile.

"YES! I finally get to see him after so long!"

I lean my head back and smile. I can't believe it! My brother might be coming home. We pull up to the house and get out. I grab the bags as Momma goes and unlocks the door. We walk in and I go sit on the couch as Momma goes in the kitchen.

"Addie", Momma calls from the kitchen. "Go and start your homework so it'll be done by the time your Daddy gets home. And can you take my bag up to my room?"

"Ugh, ok", I groan.

"Thank you, baby-cakes."

"Yea, yea, yea", I mumble to myself as I grab up the bags and my backpack and head upstairs. I go in my parents room and set Momma's bag on her bed. I walk into my room and throw my bag on the bed and go and sit at my desk. I pull out my homework and begin working on it.

An hour passes and my mind begins wondering so I start doodling on my math work. Then I hear Brutus barking, which means Daddy's home.

"Addie, c'mon downstairs", Momma calls. "Your daddy's home and we're about to eat."

"Aright", I call down. "I'm coming." I put all the papers in my notebook and go downstairs. I walk in the kitchen and see my dad taking off his coat.

"Hey, baby girl", he says when I walk in.

"Hey, Daddy", I say as I give him a hug.

"How was your day?", he asks as he sits down.

"It was pretty good", I say as I help Momma set the table. "Was your day good?"

"Yea, it was alright", he says.

"Well, that's good", I say.

"So, you excited for tomorrow?", he asks me.

"Oh yea!", I say. Daddy laughs as me and Momma sit down. We start eating and enjoy a nice dinner. After we're done, I help Momma with the dishes as Daddy goes into his study and reads his paper. As I'm drying the plates, Momma nudges my arm.

"Go ask your Daddy if you can go to the bonfire", she says.

"I thought you already asked him", I say.

"No", she says. "If you wanna go, you can go ask him."

I sigh and put down my drying rag. I walk in the study and see Daddy sitting at his desk.

"Um...Daddy?", I ask standing in the doorway. He looks up from his paper.

"Yea baby?", he says.

"You know that Buck and Charlene are having their annual bonfire tomorrow night, right?"

"Yea, what about it?", he says going back to his paper.

"I was kinda wondering if I could go", I say looking down at my feet.

"Who you gonna go with?", he asks.

"The guys."

"I don't know if I feel comfortable about that, Addie."

"Why not?", I ask.

"You're a teenaged girl and you're gonna be with a bunch of guys", he says. "Think about it."

"Daddy, come on", I say as I walk over to the chair by the window. "You know the guys would never try to do anything stupid like that. Especially not Johnny or the Curtis boys. They have too much respect for me, Daddy."

"But Addie, they're also guys with certain things on their minds", he says looking up at me. "I know, cuz I've been there."

"Well, they ain't like that and you know it."

He takes off his reading glasses and rubs his temples. He sits there for a moment, sighs and looks back up at me.

"Alright Addie", he says. "You can go. But once you're back from the bonfire, you call me and your momma and you let us know that you're back and you head straight home. You understand me?"

"Yes sir", I say with a smile. I walk over and give him a hug. "Thank you, Daddy!"

"You're welcome, baby girl", he says as he kisses my forehead. I walk out of his office.

"Addie", he calls. I turn around and walk back in.

"Yea?", I ask.

"Addie, I'm telling you that if any of those boys put their hands on you, I will kick their ass. And that's not a threat; that's a promise."

"Daddy, they won't do that. I promise."

"Alright, I'm just telling you", he says. "Now go on and go get your shower."

"Ok", I say and I walk out again. I go in the living room and see Momma reading.

"What he say?", she asks looking up from her book.

"He said I could go", I say with a smile.

"That's good", she says as she smiles.

"And he also said that if any of the guys put their hands on me, he's gonna kick their ass."

Momma rolls her eyes and sighs.

"I swear that man thinks that every teenage boy thinks with their dick like he did", she says.

"Momma!", I say with a laugh.

"Well it's true", she says with a smile. I roll my eyes and smile.

"Well I'm gonna go hop in the shower real quick."

"Ok, sweetheart."

I walk upstairs to my room and grab my pajamas and walk in my bathroom. I reach into the shower and turn on the water. I take off my and pull my hair out of it's braid. I throw my in the hamper and step into the shower. The water's nice and warm, just the way I like it. I wash my hair and body and I watch as the soap turns into sudsy bubbles on my skin. I rinse off the soap and turn the water off. I grab my fluffy pink towel and dry myself off. I slip on my pajamas and dry my hair. I grab my notebook and finish up on my homework. Suddenly, I hear the phone ring. It rings twice and then someone picks it up. I think nothing of it and continue finishing up my work.

"Addie", my dad calls from downstairs. I walk out to the stairway and peer down.

"Yes sir?", I call down.

"Telephone", he says.

"Who is it?", I ask.

"Johnny", he says. My face lights up when I hear his name.

"Can I use the phone in y'all's bedroom?", I ask.

"Yes, just don't stay on too long", Daddy says as I run to their bedroom. I jump on their bed and pick up the phone.

"Hello?", I say.

"Hey", Johnny says on the other end.

"Hey Johnny, what's up?", I ask as I lean back against the pillows.

"Nothing really. Just sitting at home."

"Where are your folks?"

"They're at the bar. Probably won't be home til about 1 or so."

"Oh."

"Yup. Oh, did you hear about Two-Bit's girlfriend's brother, Scotty?"

"No, what happened?"

"Him and his girlfriend were at the drive in and some Soc started harassing her and then him and the Soc got in a huge fight and the Soc ended up having to go the hospital. Scotty ended up getting arrested and is gonna have court next Thursday."

"Damn. I just hope they don't try to do anything tomorrow."

"Me neither."

"Addie", I hear Daddy call. "It's about time you get off the phone."

"Damn, I gotta go Johnny."

"Alright. I love you, Addie."

"I love you too, Johnny."

"I'll see you tomorrow angel."

"Alright", I say with a huge smile on my face. "Bye."

"Bye."

I hang up the phone and go in my room. I pull my hair up in a ponytail and peer down the stair rail.

"Momma", I call down.

"Yes, baby-cakes?", she shouts back.

"I'm going to bed."

"Ok, sweetie", she says. "Goodnight. I love you."

"Love you too.", I say. "Goodnight Daddy."

"Goodnight baby girl", he shouts from his study. I walk back in my room, kneel beside my bed and say my nighttime prayers. Once I'm done, I slide in bed under my nice warm sheets. I sigh and drift off to sleep, wishing for tomorrow to come faster.