Chocolate Cake and Beer for Breakfast

Six

I wake up before anyone else. I decide to make breakfast, to surprise them. There's not enough ingredients for any normal breakfast food; just chocolate cake. So I make some. Darry is first to wake up. 

"Hi Darry." I whisper calmingly quiet; as not to wake the others and not to scare him. 

"Hey Alice," he looked up at me in the eyes before glancing back down at the newspaper. "Aren't you glad Pony brought you into your bed last night?"

"I'll admit it was comfy...I haven't slept that well in a really long time."

"Good, now tonight, don't fight us. Just go and sleep in that bed. You know you won't regret it."

I just nod, looking at the cake. I've already decided I'm not staying another night. They can't do this much for me.  I've got to leave. 

"Morning Alice. Hey Darry," Pony walks into the kitchen fully dressed and hair greased. I haven't changed and my hair is a mess. Crap. I look bad. 

"If you'll excuse me, I'll just go wash up. The cakes in the oven. Can you check on it in 5 minutes or so?"

"Yeah, of course." Ponyboy looks at me straight in the eyes. 

"Thanks," I wave and run off to the bathroom. I look into the mirror and realize how horrible I look. 

Why do I suddenly care? These are complete strangers. I've always looked horrible. Probably always will. Why do I care? These guys don't care what I look like. 

"Need some new clothes for today?" Ponyboy's voice next to the door scares me.  My hand goes to my chest and I feel my heart beating quickly. 

"That would be...lovely. Thanks Pony," I respond as I open the door. He's there, smiling at me. His smile sends bubbles up my stomach. His hands carry a new shirt for me. I thank him and take them from his grasp before I lean in for another hug. I love his hugs. 

I smell his clean smell, relaxing in his arms. I want to stay here forever. But I want to make sure he doesn't think I'm a creep, so I lean out of the hug. I have a huge smile on my face, as does he. Before he can see me blushing, I turn and close the door to change. Ponyboy has this affect on me. It's nice. I feel happy in his arms. I've never had anyone do this to me. None of the few friends I've ever had did this to me. Darry and Soda don't do it to me. What's so special about Pony? 

I know. His hair. His smile. His warmth. His caring. 

I think I'm falling for Ponyboy.