Three Brothers and a Ghost [Sequel]

Chapter 7 An Old Friend

Ponyboy

The University of Oklahoma was beautiful. The tall buildings surrounded the greenery in the center of campus. College students walked from class to class paying big money to get an education for their future job.

I pulled up at the gated entrance in my car. I was nervous. Why was I nervous?

Maybe it's because I haven't seen Cherry in almost two years. I couldn't help but think how different she must be. The death of Bob really changed her and as she got older she talked to me more. The standard of socs not talking to greasers has been getting better. Mostly because of her. 

When Cherry was still in high school, I can remember her talking to me occasionally. It wouldn't be a full blown conversation, but it was a nice gesture to let each other know that we were friends.

I stepped out of my car and locked it. I had no idea where Cherry was. I didn't know if she was at her dorm or apartment or in class. I had no idea. I really should have thought this out more. 

I started walking around the campus and gave myself a mini tour.

The University of Oklahoma was one of the colleges on my list. I went back and forth between many colleges. A lot of them Darry recommended. Sodapop wasn't really into the whole school thing, so he never recommended anything.

As I walked, I noticed the details that made this school a standing history book. Plaques were on each building describing when the building was made and by who. A lot of the outside of the buildings were from the original build when the school was built except for some repairs. The inside of the buildings were probably more modern than anything.

I finished a full lap around the campus in nearly an hour and a half with no sign of Cherry.

I finally decided to go find a pay phone and ring her.

"Hello, University of Oklahoma. How may I help you?" a voice on the other side said.

"Hi. I'm calling for Sherry Valance. I'm an old friend."

"Name?"

"Ponyboy Curtis."

"Is that your real name, sir?" the woman asked suspiciously.

"Yes Ma'am it is." I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, sir. Please hold." the phone hung up on her end and started ringing again.

I prayed that she'd answer and not be in a class.

"Hello?"

"Cherry?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes. Who is this?"

"It's Ponyboy."

"Ponyboy?! Hi! How are you?" Cherry said over the phone.

"I'm good, I'm good! How are you?"

"I'm well! It's about time you called me, Pony!"

"I tried calling yesterday." I laughed.

"Oh! I was at my book club!" she laughed. Her laugh was just as I remembered it.

"Hey, are you free right now?" I asked.

"I am! You should come over!"

"I'm actually already here." I smiled.

"No way! Where are you?"

"I'm in front of Bizzell Memorial Library." I read the sign on the building.

"I'm on my way! I'll see you in a few minutes Ponyboy!"