FORETOLD - The Outsiders

II.Busted

BUSTED

I sat around the Curtis' house all day with Pony and Johnny. This afternoon, around 4 o'clock or so, we sat at the table and played cards. I studied my cards as a cigarette hung loosely from my lips. I took a drag of it before redirecting it to the ash tray where a gentle tap was played. I only smoked when Dally wasn't around. He'd skin me if he saw me touch one. Just imagine what he'd do to me if he saw me light one. I heard the door open and quickly mashed the fag into the ask tray and pushed it towards Pony. He understood completely. I saw Dally and Sylvia come waltzing through the door, I rolled my eyes before redirecting my attention to Pony and Johnny.

"Harley!" Dally yelled, "you remember my sweet Sylvia, don't you?" He looked at her and caressed her face with the back of his hand.

I faked a smile and let out a huff, "Yes," I looked at Dally once again, "but only by reputation." Sylvia shot me a look and I smiled before putting my cards down on the table, and getting up. I picked up my duffle bag and went into the bathroom. I had to get ready for work.

I have a job at the Diner to support Dally and I. Buck and I worked out a deal that if I pay him a minimum Dally and I could stay at his house. Buck understands what I go through with Dally thus the deal being made. Dally doesn't know about it.

I finish myself up before peaking out the door, making sure the coast was clear. I didn't want the gang to know that I had to support Dally and I. It would hurt Dally. The house was empty. I quickly put my bag in the living room and trotted out the door and off to the diner.

I punched myself in and greeted my coworkers. I waited as many tables as I could that night. As I was cleaning off the counter, I directed my attention to the door to see Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally walk in. All the color from my face drained as a looked around to try and hide, but before I knew it Johnny noticed me, "Harley?" The three boys walked over to the counter. I took a deep breath before I nodded my head.

"What are you doing here?" Ponyboy asked as they sat down in front of me. I licked my lips thinking about what to say.

Dally leaned back slightly, "no shit, Har," I looked at him, disappointed in myself. He thought it over for a moment, "you gotta job?" I nodded silently as I gave the three of them menus. I walked away as I heard them all mumbling to each other.

I came back, "what can I get for you guys?" I took a deep breath taking my pen and pad out of my apron.

"Why do you have a job, Harley?" Dally looked at me demanding an answer.

"I-I don't think that's on the menu, Dal-," I say trying to break the tension. I looked at Johnny and Pony but they were silent.

"Don't ignore my question by making a joke, Harley May Winston." His tone was loud, most of the people in the diner grew silent.

"I-I wasn't making a joke, Dal, I just-," I put my pen and pad back into me apron. "I just didn't tell you," I looked down embarrassed. Everyone was watching.

"Well, why didn't you?"

"Because I didn't know how too," I paused hoping I wouldn't hurt his feelings. "Sometimes you're better off not knowing things, Dal," I sighed before I gave him the honest truth. "Maybe I didn't want you to know that your baby sister has to support not only herself, but her older brother too." He looked at me silently. I could see he was not only angry with me, but hurt by me as well.

"C'mon guys," he got up and walked out not saying a word to me.

"Dallas!" I yelled to him, but he was already out the door. I pushed some stray hairs behind my ear trying to collect myself. The rest of my shift was quiet.

***

During the walk home I was thinking about what would happen when I got there. I reached the house and opened the door slowly. I looked at all the eyes watching me as I took a step into the house. Not a word was exchanged between any of us. I walked in and got changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants before walking outside to the porch. I took out a cigarette and placed it between my lips. I fiddled with my lighter until I gave up and put the stick back in its home. I sat down on the steps and covered my face with my hands, thinking about what I've done. I heard heavy footsteps come out of the house. I didn't bother to turn around.

"Get inside will ya?" A familiar voice demands. I don't listen, I can feel them growing angry and frustrated with me. "Harley. Let's go."

"Leave me alone, Dal," I snap back at him, not acknowledging his presence behind me.

"Fine. Be a little shit. I don't care anymore." I heard the door creak open and then slam. I shivered. Dally never got this crossed with me before. I hated when he got mad at me because a part of me thought he'd leave me and never come back. I loved him and he was all I had. I felt hot tears start to roll down my cold cheeks. I began to get mad at myself. My eyes filled up with tears and I couldn't see a thing. I got up and stumbled to the side of the house and threw a punch at the siding. All but one ran out of the house.

"Harley!" Darry yelled at me. I jumped at the sight of all of them standing there watching me. "What do you think you're doing?" I looked at the siding of the house and noticed a small hole formed by my fist. I looked back at Darry.

"I-I'm sorry," I sniffed while wiping away the salty streams from my cheeks. "I'll fix it, I promise." He tried not to add to the emotional burden I was in. He walked back into the house and began to yell at Dally. I bit my bottom lip before screaming, "For goodness sake, Darry, don't yell at him!" my voice cracked mid-scream.

Pony came over to me and wrapped me up in a hug, "It'll be okay." He places his head I top of mine.

"How do you know?" I say muffled. "Dally hates me now. I can't fix it." I choked. I kept thinking about it. I kept thinking about how I should've told him instead of keeping it from him and hurting him the way I did.

TwoBit comes up behind Pony inspecting the wall, "Dally's hard headed, you know that." TwoBit was right. "He'll come around. You're his baby sister. He needs you." I pulled away from Pony, my arms still snaked around his abdomen. TwoBit looked at me after being satisfied with his studies. "We oughta take you to our next rumble with a punch like that!" He chuckles. Ponyboy looks at him and shakes his head. TwoBit's chuckle fades away as he motions his head for us to come inside with him and the rest of the gang. "C'mon, lets go inside," I nod as Pony drapes his arm around my shoulders to lead me inside.

-

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I don't know what days I'll be updating, I'm thinking either Saturday or Sunday. :)
**I do read over my work after it has been publish to tweak anything that doesn't sound right, doesn't make sense, or is completely incorrect. I apologize in advance for future chapters.**