𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠 // The Outsiders

Chapter 16 - Gone Too Soon

Me, Dad, and Ruth stand behind all the rest. The Curtis brothers are right up front, beside them, the gang, and scattered around are a few of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis's old friends and co-workers. I wish we were gathered here under better circumstances.

The winter air bites at my exposed legs, making me shiver. I've always hated dresses but now my hatred for them runs deeper, especially if they're black. I want to cry but I just don't know if that is appropriate or not. I didn't know the Curtis parents for very long, but from what I know, they were great people.

I can just see Pony bawling into Soda's jacket. The poor kid, I know what he's going through, I was in the same boat when I was his age. I wish I could run up there and hug him, tell him everything will be okay but I know I can't. Instead, I just stand patiently, waiting for the pastor to finish speaking.

"Darrel and Clara Curtis, two young people, who were gone too soon." The pastor finishes, bowing his head. I hold back a tear. Slowly the people give their condolences to the brothers before leaving. The gang steps away but they don't leave, I don't think they could bring themselves to.

Dad nudges my shoulder and I look up, he nods in the direction of my friends.
"I'll wait in the truck." Is all he says before he and Ruth leave. I take a deep breath, making my way over to the gang. Steve takes my hand as if to steady himself when I stand next to him, I can't help but rest my head on his arm

The Curtis brothers deserve a moment alone, even if we are here. For the first time in forever, Two-bit has nothing to say and Dallas actually looks sad. We all lost something today, but the Curtis brothers lost someone. Two people that can never fill the gaping holes now in their hearts.

After a while of waiting for the brothers, they come over to us, and Darry says, "let's go home." Which we do. It's different now, the house that is. There's no more energy or ruckus, I have a feeling it will stay this way for a while...

At some point, I go outside for fresh air, and surprisingly, Sodapop joins me.
"Does it ever get any easier?" He asks suddenly, sniffing away his tears and breaking me out of the quiet.
"No," I say sadly. "Some days the pain is worse than others." He nods. "But, you have a house full of people here, to help you."

Soda cracks a tiny grin. That's how I know everything will be okay.