Separated

Chapter 2

"Darry." His name slips out of my mouth but I can't hear myself speak.
My heart skips at least five beats, "Pony. It's okay." Soda places his hand on my shoulder, he's always been able to comfort me. I look at him quietly with fear written in my eyes, "I won't let anything happen to my baby brother." He looks directly in my eyes and I nod. I know he'll protect me. He loves me and I love him. Darry walks to the door and opens it slowly. "Hello gentlemen." A small lady with dark brown curly hair says as she walks in the house.

"It's very nice to see you." Darry says smoothly. He's always had a knack at charming adults. The lady ignores Darry and looks around the room. She then focuses on each of us trying to figure out who we are, "You're the youngest, I assume, Ponyboy?" She looks down at her clipboard making sure she said my name correctly.

"Yes." I say blankly. I don't need anyone questioning my name today.
A dirty look appears on her face, "Who in the right mind names their child Ponyboy."
My ears get hot, I knew she'd say something like that. But instead of defending myself I stand there quietly.

"Our father," Sodapop says with pride, "We have original names thank you very much." He raps his arm around my neck, "You okay little brother?" I nod taking a deep breath.
"Guys. Relax." Darry says. Then he turns to the woman, "I apologize for my brothers misbehaving."

"It's fine. They just need to learn about manners. It's too late for the middle one. He dropped out didn't he." The lady says. That angers me. Sure Sodapop dropped out, but he shouldn't be labeled for that.

"Leave him alone." I say. I can tell it hurt Soda without even looking at him. Darry and the lady both turn to us giving us nasty looks. I turn to look at Sodapop. His face is just as shocked as mine.

Why is Darry acting like this? Before the woman even came here he was fine and stuck to our side. Now he's completely different. I knew it was too good to be true. I can only truly love Soda.

"This house is filthy and disgusting. And you haven't paid any of the bills, Darrel." She turns looking at him fiercely.

"I know. It's been rough lately. Pony's been sick and I had to take care of him instead of going work." I watch the lady write notes down on her little clipboard, watching every little word she writes down. 'Unstable home.' Is what she writes. I guess that's strike one.