Never Enough Winstons |The Outsiders|

Apologies

Sun shone through the grimy windows of the bar as Hannah washed the glasses Buck handed her. He was humming quietly along with Hank's guitar, occasionally shooting concerned glances Hannah's way.

Dallas had filled him in on what had been said at the Curtis house. Dallas and Sylvia wasted no time in yelling back and forth, both furious about Darry's accusations. Hannah was too exhausted to care and spend the rest of her evening staring at her ceiling.

Her heart twisted painfully in her chest as she laid there in the darkness, listening to Dallas and Sylvia talk. The yelling died down, but those two couldn't be quiet if they tried.

"How is it my fault she's fucked up? If anything, it's our parents' fault. I was a fucking kid and tryna take care of her 'cause no one else would. And then fucking Darry goes and-"

"I know what he said, Dal, I was there. It's hard takin' care of someone, but you're doing the best you can. So is she."

The floorboards creaked as someone stepped inside the bar. Beside her, Buck took a breath before turning and walking into the basement. "Just holler if you need somethin'," he whispered.

Groaning, Hannah looked up and watched the eldest Curtis brother cross the floor.

Darry sat on the barstool, hands rested on the bar in front of him. He watched the table intently as Hannah placed the glass she was watching on the shelf behind her. "What, didn't yell at me enough last night?"

He cleared his throat as Hannah raised her gaze to meet him.

"No, I'm here to apologize to you."

Her eyes dropped as her hands played with the frayed ends of her dishrag. "I'm listenin'."

"Ever since my parents died, it's been my responsibility to keep Pony and Soda out of trouble. That means keeping Pony in school, having a job, a house, full fridge-"

Darry paused before closing his eyes and taking a breath. "I said a lot of things I don't mean."

Hannah nodded silently, now leaning against the bar. "You're doin' a really good job, Darry. So's Dal, he's doin' the best that he knows how."

"I know you and Dal were raised differently than me and my brothers, I think that's where I went wrong. I shouldn't have said Pony has a future-"

Hannah scoffed. "But he does."

"-So do you."

Hannah rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. Darry spoke again, his voice soft and almost kind.

"Have you thought about going back to school? The new semester will start sometime after December, but Dal and I could maybe-"

"I ain't smart enough for school," she said plainly. Darry leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "An' who told you that?"

Charlie, Verna, my teachers, Dallas at one point...

"Is this a lecture or an apology?"

Darry smiled sadly. In the mid-day sun, his eyes resembled Ponyboy's more than he would ever realize. 

"I shouldn't have said what I said, an' I'm sorry. Our parents had conversations with all of us about using protection and all that jazz, so I shouldn't have snapped at you. Oh, and Soda has something he wanted me to give you."

Darry reached into the pocket of his jeans before passing a slip of paper forward. She recognized it, the paper had come from one of Ponyboy's journals.

Dear Hannah, 

I didn't mean what I said, about 'killing a baby' and all. Two-Bit was right, (and he rarely is) but you need support right now more than anything. Whatever you decide to do, Ponyboy, Steve, Johnny and Two and me will support you. We're still friends?

Your pal (hopefully),
Sodapop

Darry smiled sheepishly as Hannah passed the note back. "Whatever you need, we'll help out as much as we can."

"'Cause that's what friends do?"

"'Cause that's what friends do."

Hannah laughed as she picked up another glass and started to polish it. "I appreciate it, Darry, but the doctor called this morning. I ain't pregnant, just unpredictable."

He slapped his hands on the bar as his smile only grew. "Hallelujah."

She laughed along. "Amen to that."

more angst is to come! In the meantime, let me know what else you want to see, and don't be afraid to comment. Love ya! <3