new york

Chapter 19

I wiped one of the glasses, bored out of my mind. Another slow day.

It had been a few months since I'd gotten to Tulsa, and it had been kind of nice. My birthday was a few weeks ago, and I actually had a great day. Mrs. Curtis made a cake and I got a few presents. My favorite being a nice leather jacket from Mr. Curtis. It was a little big, but he said he got it so I could grow into it. It was the best birthday I've ever had.

I continued to go to school, and my grades weren't the best but I put some effort into it. I have gotten in trouble a lot for not paying attention or saying stuff. Mrs. Curtis would always shake her head when I told her I got in trouble. I try to be reasonable, but it's hard when the teacher is an asshole or you're just tired. The office is getting tired of seeing me, I can tell. But I don't care.

Tonight I was going to have dinner at the Curtis house after I finished working. The bar was empty now, and Buck came from upstairs.

"I'm closing up."

I put the glass back and started to walk to the door. Buck was going to do some business thing. I honestly think he sells other stuff besides alcohol, but what do I know? He shouldn't even legally be allowed to drink and he has this bar though. Not that it matters if he's a drug dealer, maybe I can even help him out someday.

Once I made it to the house I noticed quickly one of the cars was gone. I entered the house and saw everyone off doing their own thing. I went to the couch where Pony and Johnny were. I also noticed that Mr. and Mrs. Curtis weren't here.

"Mom and Dad went out for a date night. Darry's upstairs doing something," said Pony.

"He's supposed to be watching us, but I guess we're doing more of the watching," said Johnny.

I'd never had a conversation with Darry, even though I've been here for a while now. I've only seen him a few times, and when I do he's normally angry or annoyed. Most parts of me want to punch him in the face though, especially when I see how hurt Pony looks after Darry leaves without saying goodbye. I can tell Pony used to admire him, like how I used to admire Bryan. Pony acts so much like the old me, I want him to stay that way for a long time. I want to make sure he can, I don't want what happened to me to happen to him.

"Have you guys eaten yet?"

"No, Mom made some food for us tonight though. We should probably eat soon," said Pony.

We all three headed to the kitchen and saw some sandwiches and cookies. While Pony and Johnny started distributing everything, I saw a note. I picked it up and read it.

Hello Dallas, I'm leaving this for you. We left Darry in charge and made sure there was dinner. I just wanted to say if the boys are still hungry, there's some other food in the pantry, or your welcome to bake something. You're a really great cook. We should be home later.

-Mrs. Curtis

I smiled at the note and stuff it into my pocket. Everyone started to come in and grab their food. The only person who hadn't was Darry. Pony was about to go up and get him, but I told him to eat. Pony told me which room was his and I went and knocked on his door. I heard some sounds and then it swung open.

"What?"

"Everyone's eating. Just wanted you to know."

I went back to the living room before he could reply. I went back to the couch, not paying much attention to the tv that was playing Mickey. A few minutes later Darry went into the kitchen, and then into the living room. I looked at Pony and saw how happy he was that he was in here with us.