Sunsets and Switchblades

The Phone Call (Part 10)

Curly gets a phone call. He doesn't know if it is good news or bad news.

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Morning the next day in the Curtis household was full of awkward tension. Ponyboy was woken by the Gang barging into the house and Two-Bit slamming the screen door closed. Feeling a lot more upbeat and giddy to see Curly again had Pony speeding to put on his clothes and do his hair. Skidding into the kitchen, Ponyboy decided to make some eggs, bacon, and toast for the Gang. He grabbed the half-empty carton of eggs and a pan and got to work, humming along with the old radio left on. Hearing the murmur of the Gang in the living room and a slight shuffling behind him, Ponyboy rolled his eyes.

"Don't even think about it, Two," Pony called over his shoulder. Two-Bit, who was sneaking behind Pony on all fours pouted and harrumphed at being caught.

"Aw, come on!" He got up and dusted himself off, "How'd you even hear me, I was as quiet as a mouse."

Pony chuckled and started plating the eggs and the toast popping out the toaster.

"Honestly, Two, you're not as quiet as you think and Darry will have both our asses if we waste any more food from you tryin' to sneak up on me."

Two-Bit opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by Soda swooping in and snatching the plates of food from his brother.

"Hey, you make Pones drop any more eggs, it's coming out your paycheck," Soda laughed and bee-lined to the living room where the rest of the Gang was eagerly waiting for food.

"My paycheck? MY paycheck? You can't do this to me, you know what, I'm taking it up with the union!" Two-Bit shouted around a mouthful of toast he took off Pony's plate.

"Two-Bit, you don't have a paycheck," Ponyboy said as he went past with a plateful of chocolate cake. Two-Bit gawked.

"I'M NOT EVEN GETTING PAID AND YOU'RE TREATING ME LIKE THIS, SODA!"

Howling laughter came from the living room as Two-Bit threw himself onto the couch, giving a half-assed glare to Soda. Ponyboy snorted at Two-Bit's antics, taking his time to enjoy his chocolate cake before school.

"Jesus, Pones, what the hell did Shepard do to ya?" Dally flicked Pony's jacket collar down, revealing light purple bruises scattered over his neck and shoulders.

"Hey, cut it out! Lay off, will ya? You don't see me making fun of all those "mysterious" marks when you get back from Slyvia's." Pony pulled his collar up and leaned away from Dally with a pout and a dark blush. The entire Gang snickered, including Soda who really did not want to know about his brother's afternoon with Curly. The laughter quickly died down when Darry made his way into the living room, ready for work. Pony glanced up once and quickly went back to quietly nibbling his food and refusing to look at anyone.

"Uh, morning, Dar," Soda said, prompting everyone else to say good morning to Darry. Darry just hummed, looking around the room.

"Mornin'. Soda, I'll be at work a little later tonight, I'm trusting ya to look after the place," Darry crossed his arms. Soda nodded and flashed a thumbs up.

"Steve, Johnny, Dal, you guys are welcome whenever, make sure there's dinner on the table that is a normal color," He looked at Soda with raised brows.

"I got it, muscles."

"Thanks, Darry..."

"No problem, superman."

Darry turned his body towards Pony, who tensed up. Darry could not meet his eyes and the tension between them was getting worse by the minute.

"Um, Pony, make sure you do your chores and come home on time after practice. If you need a ride, call one of the Gang," Darry paused, seeming to think very heavy on something for a minute before making up his mind, "And I want you to invite Curly to dinner tonight."