𝐏𝐄𝐆𝐆𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐓 [𝟏] | 𝘿𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣

12

The trial was set for a week or so later. And I was getting more and more anxious we got closer to it. The thought of us all he separated was the main reason why I was so anxious. It occurred to me when I was in class and catching up from when I missed. It just hit me when I was working on school work. But I was able to push the thought aside until after school. As me and Pony walked home from school, I decided I needed some time to recollect my thoughts since my mind was racing about the trial. "Hey I'm going to the lot. I'll be home soon." I say. Pony looked worried. "Are you sure Peggy? It would be better if we go home...." he argued but I could tell he knew I would do what I want anyway. "I have my blade on me, I'll only be a few minutes." I separated from my brother and walked to the lot. There was a large tree at the edge of the lot that had an old broken down car next to it. It gave the perfect hiding spot between the car and the tree. I would also climb the tree sometime or sit inside the car but mostly I stay between the two. I slipped into my usual spot and curled up with my back against the trunk and my knees to my chest. That's when it all came loose. Tears flood my eyes and I quickly squeeze them shut as they slide down my cheeks. Imagining getting taken away from my brothers was the worst feeling in the world. I could be put in a foster home until I turn 18, Soda and pony could be separated as well until they turn 18. The best case scenario is we all stay in Tulsa, but we would be extremely lucky to. If we get taken from the city then who knows when we will all be able to see each other again. Thinking all of that made more tears run down my face. I folded my arms over my knees before I rested my forehead on my arms. I took a shaky breath to calm down my racing heart but it was for nothing because my heart was not calming down. Was I having a panic attack? I've had a few before but they were always silent. Just me overthinking everything and zoning out to where I can't concentrate on anything. My world seemed to close down around me and I felt myself shaking as my panic attack continued to escalate. I couldn't hear anything around me. If socs came to attack me, I would be a goner. A hand rested on my shoulder and everything seemed to come back slowly. "...Peggy?..." I could hear a voice along with the light breeze that rustled the tree I was under. I slowly lifted my head and turned to my right where I see Dallas. A worried look in his eyes. "It's ok...breath..." his voice was soft and his hand slowly makes circles on my back. I took a few deep breaths as I looked into his eyes. My heart beat goes back to normal. I quickly wipe my face clean with my hand before looking back at Dallas. I scooted closer to him and rested my head on his shoulder. His arm wrapping around me and holding me close. For a few moments of silence, I listened to his heartbeat. Focusing on it to help me calm down. The smell of cigarette smoke, beer and some cologne helped calm me down well. "Do you wanna talk about it?" He said softly. It took me a few seconds to gather my words together. I didn't know what to start with. "It was a panic attack..." my voice was raspy and soft. "What caused it?" He asked, his hand rubbing my shoulder and arm. "The trial....Dallas..." I looked up at him. "What if they separate my family?" I must have looked scared. "They won't. They will see how Darry is doing great as your guy's guardian and they will let him keep taking care of you." He said, continuing to comfort me as much as possible. "But what if they do? What if they throw Pony and Soda in a boys home? What if they put me in a foster home? And maybe I'll have to leave the city. I won't be able to see the gang again..." I stopped talking as I began to get choked up. "It's not going to happen." His voice was soft but stern. "If it does, IF, you can run away from the foster family and stay with me. Whether Buck likes it or not." I rested my head back on his chest and I feel his head resting on mine. "Thanks Dally." I don't know what it was, but I felt so much better. Was it his voice? His comforting touch? The sound of his heartbeat? Or a mix of all of it. "No problem Peggy...let's get you back home. I'm sure you have homework to do." I nodded and slowly pulled away from him. He stood up before me and held out his hand. I take it and he helps me to his feet before we both head home. He would glance at me every so often as we walked. My guess was he was checking on me. I was fine now. Just a little red and puffy from crying. We both walked up the steps to the house, Dallas walking in before I do. Soda's head pokes out from the hall and he walks to us. "Hey there she is." He said but then noticed my tears. "What happened?!" That caused the rest of my brothers to come to the door. Dallas spoke for me. "I found her in the lot, having a panic attack." His hand rested on my shoulder. "Are you ok?" Darry asked. I nodded before walking to Darry and hugging him. "What was it about?" Darry asked as he wrapped his arms around me. The question must have been pointed at Dallas because he answered. "If the state separates you guys." I feel another hand on my back. "Awe Peggy it's not going to happen don't worry" Soda said. I feel two more bodies joining the hug. I pulled one arm away from Darry and wrapped it around the brother on my right. Who was Pony. My hand rested on the back of his head on his hair. We all hugged for a few minutes before I pulled away. I turned to Dallas and walked to him, pulling him into a tight hug which he returns. "Thank you..." I whisper. "For your comfort and walking me home." I feel him pressed his face into my neck. "You're welcome Peggy." Was this his first hug in a while? It must have been cause it felt like he hadn't hugged someone in years. Note, hug Dallas Winston more. I pull away and Dallas waves a goodbye before walking out the door.