California Runaway

chapter one

              It was a breezy evening during late July. School starts in two weeks and I am dreading it all too much. Too many things have changed. I'm exhausted from just being here. As of right now I am in my bedroom. I'm always in here now. Darry thinks he has the right to yell at me for anything and everything. He and I used to the closest out of all my brothers, but things change I guess when you're forced into maturity. Then you just turn into an asshole. Pony is most likely in his bedroom or maybe hanging out with Johnny and Twobit. Maybe Dal. I don't really pay attention to them anymore. They don't to me, why should I?

              When I look at the clock I realize it's already passed 6. That means that Soda should be home soon and Steve is probably going to join him.  I remember what times were like when we didn't have to worry so much. If mom and dad didn't die then Soda would still be in school, I would have a decent relationship with my twin and other brothers, and maybe I wouldn't feel this rotting feeling all of the time. And maybe all of us would still have a whole feeling in our heart instead of a broken one.  I quickly decide to go out of my room to go get some food. I didn't want to walk out in a tank and shorts, so I put on a green sweater and some pajama pants that were simply on the floor. I then stroll out of my room to see no one there. I walk to the kitchen and still; no one there. I sighed out of relief because every time the gang is over and I happen to be in the same room with them, it gets quiet and awkward. I was going to get some potato chips but then I suddenly just didn't feel hungry. I close the cabinet, and decide to get water to subside my boredom. I almost head back to my room just in time for everyone to be tumbling into the house. I mean everyone. 

        "Oh hey Harley." It was Soda who said that sensitively. I just halfway smile and turn my back to trudge back to my safe haven. Steve was right behind him as Ponyboy and Johnny tackled right in there. I didn't see the rest, but I did hear Darrys truck pull up. Once I got to my room, I topple over my bed. I then make up my mind as I did not want to sleep.It was too early. So I got up and wander over to my bookshelf I have in my room. I pick out the book 'Catch 22' that I have finished reading way too many times to count. It was Ponys that I innocently 'borrowed' a few months ago. He never asked for it back, so I never returned it to him. I love reading. That is what Pony and I have most in common with. I love all my brothers, even though I don't talk to them unless they talk to me. Which if I'm not wherever they are, they have no reason to bring me up. Pony and I don't fight as often as Darry and I. I usually try to stay true to myself, and well, he doesn't like that so it gives him more reason to yell at me saying I'm "irresponsible", and "out of control" It doesn't really bother me all that much. Well it sorta does. But it's not like I ever show I care. Maybe that's because I care way too much anyway.

               As I was getting into the good part of the book my door opened midway. It was Pony. "Darry says dinner is ready." He said plainly. I rolled my eyes and even though I wasn't hungry I still got up, because then chaos will occur. 

               I slowly but surely got to the dinner table and tonight Johnny and Steve decided to stay over for dinner. I sat in my usual seat next to Soda and Johnny and Pony were right across from us. As Darry was at the head of the table with Steve across from him. During dinner I didn't really talk. I had so much that I wanted to say, but I know nobody wanted to hear it. Pony was rambling about how excited he was for school to start. He really wanted Ms. Perry, as he and I heard so much great things about her. I didn't pay attention to the other parts. I just wanted out. I was super close to asking if I could be excused, but then Johnny spoke up. "How was your day Harley? I hope it ain't bad." I looked up at him as the rest of guys looked at me. I shrugged. "Fine, I suppose, thanks for askin." I then went back to me looking down at the food on the table barely eating. Johnny and I used to have a thing for a few months, but then my grief got in the way and I regretfully ended it. Johnny then mumbled "good" and that was that. Darry also decided to talk to me. What was this? Bombard Harley with questions day or something? "Harley once school begins I need you to do your very best. I can't have you failing this year." Oh great. That's one way you can make a girl feel good. Embarrass her in front of her old friends and brothers. I nodded and went back to me moving the fork around my food. Soda looked at me and for a second I thought he had a worried face on him. Maybe he didn't want me to end up where he is. A drop out. I only slacked off in 8th grade because of mom and dad. I was too depressed to do anything except stay in bed. Without asking I got up and rinsed off my dishes and went to my room. I could hear Soda and Darry asking what I was doing, but I think they got the picture. It's better not to argue about stupid things.  

             Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I were a soc. I don't wonder about this a lot because most socs are stuck up asses. However I realize greasers and socs can have lots in common. Its the status that divides us. Although I can dream about what it would be like leaving this place. Leaving it all with no regrets. My brothers wouldn't care. Neither would the gang. And it's not like Darry would report me or anything. Then he would risk it all. He'd probably never do that.