East Side Sunsets

Chapter 19

"Can you pass me the bread?"

Two asked Darry. I laughed. Two-bit can eat more than anyone I have ever seen. Two doesn't stand much taller than me, so I don't see how he can eat so much.

"So, Jess, tell us about yourself."

Shanna requested. Jess quickly looked at me, and I nodded. I knew she would say only the right things.

"Well, I ran away from home when I was around 15, and I've lived in the same apartment since. I wanna move out eventually. It gets a little lonely at times. Brings back some shitty memories."

I looked down at my lap. I really hoped no one would bring up what she did for a living.

"I get it. I still get lonely sometimes after mom and dad died too."

Soda said to her, with a sad face. She nodded.

"So, how did you pay for your house when you were younger? If you don't mind me asking."

Asked Shanna. She was very nosy, if I do say so myself. Jess was noticeably getting more and more uncomfortable. She thought for a second.

"Well, I have a very- unorthodox- profession..."

"Well, what is it? Are you like an astronaut or like a prostitute or somethin'?"

Asked Two-bit, smiling. She kind of frowned and looked down at her lap.

"You got that one right, buddy."

She said to Two, smiling. She tried her best to acclimate to the awkward situation.

"Really? You're an astronaut?"

"No, not quite"

She said, looking at me, then down at her lap.

"Well, so what? Everybody's unorthodox in their own ways!"

Sodapop said, smiling at her. She grinned as he said that. He gave her hope. Hope that there may be love in her whirlpool of hate and distrust.