redamancy (n.) 'red-a-"man-sE
the act of loving in return
We sat silently in his room, just doing homework. He seemed kinda distracted. I'm not sure by what but something was definitely on his mind.
"You alright, Pone?"
"Hm?" He shifted his eyes...
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Word Count 996 Date Published 12-08-20 ❀❀❀
Gigi
"Call me when you get there, Gi."
"Ya know I will."
"Are you sure ya don't want me to drive you down?"
"Dad, I'm seventeen, I can handle it." I giggle.
"Are you going the whole way or stopping at a hotel?"
"I'm gon' do the first eleven hours today, stay at a hotel, an' pick up the rest after."
I loaded the last of my bags in the back of my truck. Dad helped me cover and secure the opening with a tarp. I could already feel my heart jogging a bit faster. My stomach turned violently. I gave Dad one last hug. God knows when I'll see him again.
I got in the truck and drove off, waving to Dad. Who would've thought I'd end up here until I was seventeen? I've been in New York since I was twelve. When I was twelve I hated my Dad for leaving us. He told me why when I was old enough to understand his position. He gave me his reason when I was fifteen. When he told me it broke my heart. He said Mom knew. Two-bit didn't and I doubt he was ever told. He's twenty-one now. I miss him. I miss them all. I still talk to the gang but only through letters and one phone call every month with Ma and Two-bit.
Two-bit told me about everything that happened to Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally. Pony and Johnny running away from home, the dead soc, more running, the boys bleaching and cutting their hair, the fire, Johnny's burns and back, the rumble, Johnny dying, and Dally getting himself killed. Two said Pony was broken for awhile. But I knew all of them were. I was too but I could only grieve to myself. At least they all had each other. There wasn't just one gap, but two in the gang. In the family. I hadn't been there in years. I wasn't there for them at the most tragic time and for me to just randomly show up- I'm not sure how they'll feel about that.
Yeah, they understand that I was over a thousand miles away but not even a letter or phone call prior? Who knows how they might react. Maybe they'll be happy I'm back in Tulsa after years of being on the east coast.
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I got to a hotel in Tennessee around 7 that Thursday night and went straight to bed. The drive was hell, especially being by myself. I woke up the next morning just before 5. I know it's early but I needed to get back on the road. The earlier I leave, the sooner I'll be home. Staying at the hotel wasn't the most exciting. Not like I was there long anyways.
The next nine hour went drive went quicker than it felt. Maybe it was the rolled down windows that let in the scent of a clean breeze. Could've been the music playing on the stereo. Possibly even the sun's rays that poured down on me, giving my skin warm glows. At this point, I only had a little less than an hour left. I did a lot thinking for those last thirty-seven minutes of my lonesome drive. I hoped Dad would be okay by himself. He's close with the neighbors and my uncle lives in the town over. I don't want him to be lonely. But now, I had finally entered Tulsa.
"Awe, shit!" I missed the house. How did I miss my childhood home?
I made a lap around the block in my truck. I came back to the pale blue, two story house. Two-bit's car was in the driveway and Mom's was probably in the garage. I parked on the curb. I wonder if Two-bit even knows I'm here. I kind of want it to be a surprise. But judging by Mom sitting on the porch steps alone, he doesn't know I'm home. She leaped off the steps and came rushing over to my truck.
"Hey, Mom." I smiled and hugged her.
"Oh, my baby is home!" She was so ecstatic. "You've gotten so big!"
"Ma, I haven't seen you in years."
"Well, I know, I know-" She pulled away. "I just can't believe it. My baby girl is home and she drove here all by herself!" She always made me laugh.
"Where's Two?"
"He's in the kitchen, come on." We made our way to the steps and she whispered in my ear, "I kept it a secret from him."
"I figured."
Mom opened the front door let me inside. She helped me bring in my suitcase and bags. I could hear the radio playing in the distance. Pots clanging, running water, the oven door slamming shut. Mom had a sweet smirk on her face. She had her arms crossed. She nudged my side and threw her chin forward, pointing in the kitchen's direction. I held in my laugh and crept forward. I didn't know what Two-bit was cooking, but the scent of char filled the room.
"Oh my go-" I coughed. "What's burnin' in here?"
Two-bit whipped around and just stared at me. He was confused and shocked.
"Uh, when'd you get here?"
"'Bout seven minutes ago."
Two-bit came over to give me a big hug. His cologne wasn't as overwhelming as it used to be. He still had his side burns and his humor. His laugh sounded the same as it traveled through the house. I could feel Mom's presence at the doorway. She laughed and her footsteps grew airy as she walked away. Two-bit pulled away.
"You've gotten pretty tall, kid."
"So I've heard," I answered. "I can say the same 'bout you."
"How 'bout we go down to the Curtis house," He started. "Surprise all of 'em the way you surprised me."
