𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 || 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝟐

gang ~ no fighting

Tulsa, Oklahoma. Curtis' House.
Wednesday, 1965
11:04 a.m.

•••

Today's my younger sister's, Sophie's birthday. She's finally 8 years old and my friends and I were planning to celebrate her birthday.

Our parents had left us months ago for no particular reason. I had come home one night after I was playing around at my friends house, the Curtis' with my sister Sophie. The house was almost half empty and there were no sign of our parents belongings anywhere.

They had left us with absolutely nothing but an empty house. I had no idea what to do that night and went back to the Curtis' house and told them everything.

Luckily with the help of them and some of our other friends, I was able to get back up and keep the water and electricity going in the house while taking care of my sister. I promised her that she shouldn't have to know what it feels like to not have anything and to live any differently than I did.

Ever since then, my sister and I hung out with my friends more often than before. Spending most of our nights together, sometimes they would crash at our house to make sure we're safe and not alone. Ponyboy and Johnny would always want to play with Sophie and they know so much about her. I am very grateful for my friends.

But also since then, I've leaned more towards gangs too. I felt I needed to protect my sister and I from anything that could happen to us since all we have is each other. Our part of town has a lot going on in the streets. I've even gotten closer with my buddy, Dallas Winston, who's known for being a menace but, he can protect himself enough that quite a few people are scared of him.

Unfortunately, Sophie doesn't like that I have turned towards being more of a greaser. She's always been the sweet girl and hates when I get involved in conflict. I try my best to keep her away from all the bad I was doing but, I can't exactly hide the cuts and bruises on my face when I get home after I had gotten in a fight to either defend myself or someone else.

She made me promise to not do anything that involves fighting or gangs or anything of the matter for the whole week of her birthday. So, I did and I told our friends that they should do the same.

•••

"All of you, outside now." I said to all the guys.

"Sophie, give me a minute. I need to talk to the boys, okay? Stay right here until I get back." I said to my sister.

"Okay." She replied. I went outside where the boys had gathered.

Everyone was already outside, "What is it?" Said Dallas.

"Look. It's Sophie's birthday today. We all love her very much, right? Since we're goin' to DQ, whatever happens, do not start a fight with anyone. Got it?" I said.

I pointed at each of them. "No fighting."

I pointed to Steve. "No f**king fighting."

I turned to Dallas. "I don't want to see a single fight. Okay?" I said.

"No. F**king. Fighting!" I said.

They all stood silent, indicating that I had gotten my message through their heads.

"It's Sophie's birthday and I don't want something she hates to ruin it." I said. They all nodded.

"Now, a few of Sophie's friends will be here, and I know some of you don't like kids but you're gonna have to try to watch every single one. Got it?" I said.

"Right, now just go back to what you were doing." I said. We all went back inside. While everyone was preparing downstairs, I was getting Sophie ready.

"When will my friends be here?" She asked. "Around 1. We still have to get the place ready!" I said.

"No fights right?" She asked hesitantly. "Nope. Not a single one. I swear." I replied, brushing her hair.

"Pinky swear?" She said, holding her pinky out.

"Pinky swear." I linked my pinky with hers.

"Okay now what are we going to wear?" I asked.