The Unfortunate Love

Chapter 3: Troublemaker Himself

Soda and I got too wrapped up in our conversation that I didn't even realize we made it. The house looks the same from what I remember. It reminded me of home. I hop out and grab my things from the trunk. Instead I have Soda stopping me.

"Lemme carry those for ya. You've had a rough day. It's the least I can do."

"Oh! Thank ya, Soda. Means a lot." I hand him my bags and decided to stay outside for a few. A big summer breeze pulled me in. I had enough of the muggy weather and caught up with Soda and Steve. We entered the home. Boy it smelled like homemade cookin', beer, and cigarettes. Soda called out into the empty house while Steve helped himself into the kitchen.

"PonyBoy! I got a surprise for you!"

I heard a door open with excitement and down came PonyBoy. He sure has grown up. His hair is the same exact color as his brothers. He's all grown up and mature. Well, for the most part. He runs past me and up to his brother.

"What'd ya get me, Soda? Did ya get me a new book?" He seems as if he could literally explode from excitement. "Oh! 'Fore I forget, lemme tell ya 'bout this new book I read-" He stops himself and notices the bags before he notices me. "What's with the luggage? Ya movin'?" He laughs nervously.

Soda shakes his head and chuckles. "No, Pone. We have a new addition to the family! You 'member Tatum right?" He points to me. Pony follows his finger and his gaze lands on me. I give him a more confident wave.

"Hiya Pone."

His jaw drops to the floor. He looks at Soda in disbelief. He struggles to find his words before the door swings open. It's not Darry and it's definitely not somebody I know. He's wearing a grey Mickey Mouse tank top with a leather jacket slung over his shoulder. His hair is all slicked back to a cow lick. He looks tuff. He's holding a beer bottle in his hand and points to me.

"Who's the broad?"

I look at Soda then back at him. I give this man an unimpressed look. "Well this broad has a name. Names Tatum."

He cocks an eyebrow. "Well." He eyes me up and down. "Tatum? Ain't it?"

"Yeah what's it to ya?" I cross my arms.

He clears his throat. "Names Keith, the gang calls me Two-Bit." He extends his hand. I take his hand and give it a shake. "Help yourself to any beers you want but hands off the chocolate cake or Steve'll get ya!"

"I'll keep that in the back of my mind." I say sarcastically.

The door flies open once more, it startles me. "Has anyone ever heard of a knock?" I look at Soda.

"This is the Curtis' house, the gangs all welcome here!" He exclaims.

I nod and look over to see a boy, roughly the same age as PonyBoy. He has dark. tanned skin, with his dark hair falling in his face. He doesn't hold himself as the confident one. He has bruises all over him, head to toe. Everybody looks over at the door.

"Johnnycakes!" Pony exclaims. "Oh boy, I was worried about you! Are you holdin' up alright?"

He gives Pony a weak smile. "Y-Yeah Pone, I'm holdin' up okay." He looks in my direction. He raises his eyebrows but quickly looks away. I head over to them to introduce myself.

"Hi. I thought I oughta come over here and introduce myself. I'm Tatum, the Curtis's cousin." I smile proudly. It feels good to say that.

The boy gives me a weak smile. "Hey Tatum. I'm Johnny." He turns to PonyBoy.

Well, looks like he ain't interested in a conversation. I don't blame him, he looks all beat up. I decide I'll give them some space. I head over into the kitchen and joined the rest of the party. They're all playing poker.

"Mind if I join y'all?" I ask.

"Not at all! Always room for one more!" Steve whips out an extra seat and pats it.

"So. How do ya like it so far?" Two nudges my side, wiggling his eyebrows.

"If I'm bein' honest, I miss my mom but it seems a lot calmer here than my home life." I sigh. It's true, I feel happier here, but why do I feel so guilty.

"Well, it does get a tad bit rowdy here!" Pony exclaims staring daggers at TwoBit and Steve.

I clear my throat. "Heya Soda. When does Darry get home? I've been dyin' to see him."

"Oh shoot yeah. I totally forgot to tell you Darry usually works late some days of the week. He should be gettin' home in fifteen minutes or so!" He smiles.

After a few minutes of talkin' to everybody, we decided to have some cake and watch a movie. The boys let me pick which movie to watch. Two really wanted me to choose Mickey Mouse. I was so close to letting him win but everybody talked me out of it. I decided to choose Gone with the Wind.

"Great choice, Tatum!" Pony and I high five. "It's my all time favorite book AND movie!"

I gasp. "No way! Cause it's mine too!"

Two and Steve both groan.

"Please, for the love of everything holy, choose something different!" Two pleads.

"Yes! Please, I can't watch this movie! It's so damn long!" Steve complains.

Soda chimes in. "Oh stop it you two. They picked out a perfect movie!"

Two huffs. "Next time, I'm choosin' Mickey."

—

Half the gang is struggling to stay awake. PonyBoy and I can't help but laugh at them.

"So. How long ya stayin' for?" Pony asks.

"Oh. Bout a couple months. Not too sure though. Mom didn't specify." I shrug.

"Well, if ya ask me, everybody's glad you're here." Pony smiles.

Just then, a car pulls into the driveway. Lights on the highest setting they can go. Two men get outta the car, but it's hard to make out the faces. It's clear neither of them are in a good mood.

"Hey don't ya think it's a bit late for visitors?" I laugh.

Pony looks out into the night sky. "My guess would be Darry and Dally."

"Who's Dally?" I frown.

Before  Pony could even answer my question the door angrily flies open. The two men walk in cussing at each other.

"Now wait just a goddamn minute, Darry! I wasn't doin' nothin'!" One man yells.

"Now Dally, I don't wanna hear it. Just stay here and lay low." Darry orders stopping in the living room. "I've got to-"

"Hey Darry! Welcome home!" Pony exclaims interrupting Darry. "I know you weren't here for her arrival but, Tatum is here!"

I sheepishly wave. "Long time no see, cousin."