Stay Gold(PonyBoy x Reader)

Chapter 23

I slowly came to a stop. I was out of breath. I put my stuff down and placed my hands on my knees, gasping for air. Pony quickly was by my side, and rubbed my back. He wasn't gasping for air? That's right. He is on the stupid track team.

"I-I don't even know anymore" I regained my breath and put my hands on my head then paced back and fourth, tears streaming down my face.

"Its okay. Its okay y/n. She can't say anything now." He cooed

"B-but where am I gonna live? Surely I can't go back there. I mean, theres always the lot and bucks. Or I can just live Dallys life or-" he cut me off by placing his lips on mine, then pulling away.

"You can live with us. I mean, you practically do anyway." Ponyboy laughed then stopped when he saw my worried face.

"You sure? I won't be a burden to Darry? Another mouth to feed?"

"I'm positive. Darry will be happy that the house will stay clean." I laughed at that. He took my bag in one hand and held my hand with the other. We walked to his house. We opened the door and I immediately went to the kitchen to find Darry.

"Hey Darrel...." I whispered nervously

"Hey y/n. I thought you were going home?" He looked up from his newspaper

"About that.... My mother kicked me out. She tried to get with Pony but I wouldn't let her. We got into a huge physical fight." I played with my fingers and looked down

"That explains why you look all beat up. You have a huge handprint on your left cheek. Well. Do you have anywhere to stay?" I shook my head "alright. You can stay with us until you get everything figured out."

"Really? I won't be a burden?" My eyes sparked with hope.

"Eh. Not really. We'll get you settled. Only thing I ask is... You keep these boys in order."

"I promise I will. I'll even get a job for the weekends when I'm not at school. I'll get good grades, I'll take care of the boys, I'll not cause any trouble." I jumped really quick and ran back into the living room

"I'll be living with you guys for a few weeks... Or months." I hugged Pony and sat in between Soda and Pony. "Hey soda?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you know where there are any job openings for the weekends anywhere?"

"Actually, the DX station could use a new employee. Especially on the weekends and some times at night on weekdays."

"Perfect! Now to get the job interview..."

"Our boss will be at work tomorrow... If you'd like."

"Okay. That sounds good. Thank you Soda." I gave him a quick hug then cuddled up to Pony and fell asleep.
*****
When I woke up I fixed breakfast for everyone. Hard eggs for Pony, Eggs with grape jelly for Soda, and a Bacon and Tomato egg sandwich for Darry. The usual. I put the chocolate cake in the middle of the table and rushed to the bathroom. I took a quick shower and changed into a white blouse with some black jeans. I did a cateye and put on some mascara. I just put on ChapStick for the lips. I curled/straightened my hair and put on white flats. I walked into the kitchen.

"Do I look okay? Too over dressed?" I questioned, smoothing out my blouse.

"You look amazing!" Ponyboy and Darry both smiled, then continued their breakfast. Soda smiled and Steve looked up from his huge slice of cake

"You look great." Soda said

"Great? She looks like the best dressed person in the whole house! Our boss will be blown away, just like I am." Steve winked

"Hey! Watch it." Pony pointed his fork at Steve and Steve just laughed.

"You sure I won't be too young for this job? I'll be 16 in a few days." I frowned

"Nope. You're fine. Let's go before you're late." Soda got up and put on his hat then ran out the door, Steve next, then I last. We arrived and I went into the Boss's desk. He was a grumpy old man.

"Hi. I'm y/n. I'm here to get a job?" He looked up from the paper and grunted.

"You a virgin?" He asked

"N-no?"

"Are you good with money?"

"Yeah. I'm pretty good."

"You good with cars?"

"No. But if that's the job you're putting me in I can learn some things from Steve."

"You good at restocking?"

"Yep."

"Great. You're hired. I'm Ralph Brown."

"Really? When do I start my shift?"

"Now. You'll be working the cashier." He threw me a blue DX button up shirt and a hat. "I really don't care how you put them on just do it." Ralph turned his attention back to whatever he was doing. I went to the bathroom and took off my blouse, stuffing it in my bag. I buttoned up the shirt. I never looked good with hats on. I just put in on backwards and adjusted my hair. I looked okay. I walked out of the bathroom to see Soda waiting for me.

"Ralph wanted me to give this to you." He handed me a name tag with y/n in cursive letters. I smiled and stuck the tag to the upper left of my shirt.

"Thanks. For everything." I smiled and went behind the register and continued my day.