𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 ― sodapop curtis

𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕣 <3

It's mine and my sisters birthday, which just so happens to be the last day of school: June 13. As I walk through the cafeteria, I look for a place to sit. That's when I see Ponyboy sitting alone, picking at his bologna sandwich. I light up, and make my way over to his table. "Hey, Ponyboy! How are you doin'?", I say cheerfully. The smile on my face falters, when Pony boy starts to tear up. I set my tray down, before sitting down next to Ponyboy. I furrow my eyebrows, confused. "What... what's wrong, Pony?", I murmur in a concerned manner. Ponyboy looks up, meeting my eyes. "I-I hate bologna. Hate it. Haven't liked much of anythin' since... Since well Johnny died, goddammit!", Ponyboy says, before laughing. I laugh with him, though I think he can tell that I'm confused. "It's a bit ridiculous, ain't it? I'm ridiculous.", Ponyboy says, smiling a wet smile. I smile softly, glad that Ponyboy feels better. Once Ponyboy stops laughing, I unpack my lunch, setting my chocolate cake aside. Pony eyes it hungrily. "Now that, I will eat.", he whispers, so softly that I almost don't hear him. I look at the cake, then back at Ponyboy, who is back to picking at his lunch. I bite my lip, contemplating my options. "You want it, Pony? 'Cause you can have it if you would like.", I offer, gesturing to the cake. Pony looks at it, then looks at me with surprise in his wide eyes. "Oh, no I couldn't...", he says, looking up at my determined expression. He sakes his head. "No, Zara. It's yours.". I laugh, pushing the cake towards him. "Please, Pony. If you'll actually eat it, then please take it. I'll get my share tonight. After all it is my birthday.". Pony's eyes, of which had been looking at the cake in contemplation, flick up. "Oh, wait really? Well, happy birthday, Zara.", he says, a dashing smile taking over his face. My heart swells at Ponyboy's sincere voice. I hesitate for a moment, as Ponyboy finally digs into the cake ravenously. "Say, Pony... would you and your brothers want to come? For Cherry and my birthday? We're having a cookout.", I say. Pony looks at me for a moment. "Sure. I didn't know it was Cherry's birthday too. Are you two twins?". I laugh. Cherry and I get asked that a lot. "No, no. We are a year apart.", I reply. Pony nods, a look of understanding on his face. "Ohhhh, that makes sense. Anything I need to know to prepare for the cookout?", he says. I think, composing a reply. "Uhhmm... you should probably come at around 5:30. Also, dress casually. You guys don't have to bring presents, though, if you don't want to.". Pony smiles. "Alright,", he says, "We'll be there."

♥  ♥  ♥

"Zara, honey, when did you say those friends of yours were coming?", my calls from the stairway. I look at my alarm clock, which reads 5:00. "Uh... they should be here in about 30 minutes!", I call back, before going back to getting ready. I flick through my closet for about 5 more minutes, before finally deciding on a pale blue, knee length wrap dress, a gold moon and stars layered necklace with a few matching bracelets, and a pair of pale blue high top Chucks. I leave my wavy, copper colored hair down, and apply a layer of clear lip gloss. I give myself a once over in my mirror, before deciding I am content. I smile, before shutting my lights off, and closing my door with a creak. I bound down the stairs, and pad into the kitchen, giving my mom a hug, before going out the back door, and into the back yard. My sister is organizing the presents in the gazebo, as my dad is cooking at the grill. I sneak up on my dad, causing him to jump, as I hug him from behind. "Hi!", I exclaim with excitement. My dad chuckles. "Hey, Zar.", he says, regaining composure. "What're you making?", I ask, inhaling the delicious smells, my mouth watering. "Steak, for you and I, and chicken for your mother and your sister.", he says, before adding, "Oh, and some hotdogs and hamburgers.". I smile. "Smells delicious.", I say before walking off. I see that the table isn't set yet, so I set it anxious to do something. Once the table is set, I wait anxiously, until I hear car doors shutting, familiar voices drifting towards me. I light up. "There here!!!".