𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜 | 𝐃𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

Chapter 18 - Soda

Me and Soda walked out the door into the darkness. I heard the train honk as we went down the rickety steps that led to the porch. The gate squeaked as Soda opened it. "Ladies first." He said. I walked through the gate as Soda followed behind.  "Thanks for offering to take me home." I said as I looked to him. "No problem." He said. He shoved his hands into his flannel pockets as it got colder.

For awhile we stayed silent as we walked through the quiet streets. "You're pretty good at poker." Soda said breaking the silence. "Are you sure? I only won about a thousand times." I joked. He laughed. "Who taught you?" He asked looking to me. "My sister." I said. "She must be pretty good at it then." He said. "Yeah she's pretty good." I said. "Maybe sometime I'll bring her over so she can teach you." I joked. He laughed. "That'd be great." He said smiling. "I'd actually like to meet your sister sometime." He said. "Really?" I asked. "Yeah, from what I hear she's pretty nice." He said. "Maybe I'll bring her over tomorrow then." I said. "That'd be great." Soda said. "Maybe she can steal all your guy's money like I did." I joked. He laughed.

For awhile me and Soda talked about random things as we got closer to the south side. Man was Soda fun, we were practically joking the whole time we walked. I felt like I was losing my voice because I was laughing so much. He didn't even need any drinks to help him act crazy and man did I love it. I only knew him for two days but I feel like I'm becoming really close to him. Usually for me to get close to someone it takes awhile. I also have a hard time talking to people so it takes me even longer to get to know a person. But Soda was different, I feel like I could talk to him for hours at a time. That's how everyone in the Curtis gang was. Two-Bit, Ponyboy, Steve, Dallas, and Johnny. I hoped I could also be that way with Darrel someday. I really glad I got to meet them, they sure were nice.

"I had a lot of fun today." I said turning to Soda. "Me too." He said smiling. "Im glad I stayed instead of going home. Thanks for forcing me." I said. He chuckled. "No problem, Im glad I did." He said. We were nearing the tracks, soon enough our fun day would come to an end.

As we crossed the tracks my smile faded. "What's wrong?" Soda asked turning towards me. "I just don't wanna go home I guess." I said. He nodded his head. "But I need to get back to my sister. I'm worried about her." I said. "That she will get drunk again?" He asked. "That and my dad." I said. "What did your dad do." He asked. "From what my mom told me he came back drunk and just started attacking my sister and her." I said. "Sorry about that." He said. "It's not your fault, but thanks." I said. "You and your sister are always welcome to stay at our place if you want." He said. "Thanks." I said. I smiled.

"Welp this is my house." I said as we stopped in front of my house. He nodded. "Well thanks for everything, I had a lot of fun." I said. "Yep, no problem." He said. I smiled as I waved him goodbye. I opened the door and went inside.

The house was dark and silent., I assumed everyone was asleep. I crept up the stairs making sure not to make too much noise. I crept around the corner and slowly opened the door to my sisters room. "Matilda?" I asked quietly. "Yeah?" She asked tiredly. I sighed out of relief. "Did I wake you up?" I asked. "No." She said. "Good." I said as I slowly walked towards her. "Was I drunk last night?" She asked as she rubbed her neck. I giggled quietly. "Very." I said quietly as I sat on the edge of her bed. She giggled.

"Where were you today?" She asked as she sat up. "I was hanging out with some new friends." I said. "Might I know them?" She asked. "No." I said. "Really? Usually all your friends are ones I already know." She said. "I know. I met them a couple days ago, they're really fun." I said. "Actually, they want to meet you. I told them I would bring you over tomorrow if that's ok." I continued. "That'd be fun." She said. "I'm glad you're making new friends, I know you've been pretty lonely lately." She said. "I have not!" I yelled quietly. She giggled. "Don't act like I haven't noticed." She said. "Well I won't be lonely anymore." I said crossing my arms. She giggled. "That's good to hear." She said.

"Is dad still..." I trailed off. "He hasn't been home at all." She said. I nodded my head. "I wonder why he got like that." I stated. "Well he's been having problems with work and all." She said. "Really?" I asked. "He's just been overwhelmed." She said. "That doesn't give him the right to hit you or mom." I said. "I know." She said. She sighed as she talked.

"You should probably get some sleep." I said changing the topic. "Yeah." She said laying down. "Goodnight." I said. "Goodnight." She said. I slowly got up from the bed and crept to the door. I slowly opened it and walked out. I quietly closed the door and walked towards my room.

I slowly opened my door and crept inside my room. I sighed as I threw myself onto my bed. I was pretty tired from the other night and today. I kept thinking about The Curtis gang and how great they were. I was pretty excited to see them after school tomorrow.

For awhile I tossed and turned trying to go to sleep. I ran a lot of thoughts through my head but eventually fell asleep.