Jackie The Soc Slayer

Reunion

I woke up in a bed. I sat up and realized it was a hospital bed. The curtains were open so I could see Pony in the waiting room with the fat guy. I saw Soda walk in followed by Darry. Pony ran to hug Soda.

"Pony, look at your tuff hair."

Pony walked to Darry and they hugged. Darry was crying.

"I thought we lost you like we did Mom and Dad!"

They let go. Pony pointed in my direction. They ran over to me.

"Jackie, are you alright!?"

"She only passed out, Darry she's ok."

"I inhailed a lot of smoke. I'll be fine."

Darry gave a kiss on the forehead. Aww!

"Jackie, I'm glad you're ok."

"Where's Johnny and Dally?"

"Dally just burned his arm and uh, Johnny...he didn't look good. He's burnt all over and he busted his back," Pony said.

I was shocked about Johnny.

"Jackie, we notified your mom you're back before we left. She's on her way."

"Bull," I said.

"What?"

"She's choosing Bud over me."

"That's not true!"

"She said she's gonna marry him!"

The look on Soda and Darry's faces, anger. Then, Mom ran in.

"Where's my baby!?"

She walked to me and gave me a hug.

"Oh baby! I never thought I'd see you again! Where were you?"

"I was with a few of the boys. We were traveling."

"Travelng?"

"Yeah, we went to Windrixville by train, rode the rails just like you did back in the thirties."

"You rode the rails during the depression?" Soda asked in amazement.

"I sure did. Bud did too...What happened to your hair? Your long beautiful auburn hair?"

"I cut it and bleached it. You don't like it?"

"I honstly love it! You look like your Mamaw when she was your age. Like her twin."

"Mom?"

"Yeah sweetie?"

"Why are you marrying Bud?"

"I'm not. I had second thoughts."

I was shocked.

"You won't believe what I heard him say. He accidentally slipped out that he was glad you were gone. I got mad and kicked him out and called off the weddin'. I also thought about what you said before you ran off. I decided to choose you! I would never choose anybody over my baby, never! Even if I have to sacrifice my love life."

"He came on to me."

"That son of a bitch! That's not the Bud I used to know! He used to be a sweet kind gentleman. What the hell happened to him!?"

"He started drinking, that's what happened," I said.

Mom nodded.

"Let's go home sweet pea."