From Weakness to Strength

Being Raised by the Gang

Bella enjoyed staying with the Curtis's. But, sometimes she'd stay with some of the other boys as well, like Two-Bit and Dallas. 

She was pretty much a sweetheart to all of them. She'd give them hugs, cuddle with them like a pet cheer them up when their folks would fight, or if they got physical with anyone (got into a fight, etc) 

She had different types of relationships with each and everyone of them greasers.

With Darry, she was the weight on his shoulders (literally), like a little sister. When he's do his work-outs, he'd ask Bella to be his barbell/weights. When Bella would lay horizontally like a stick, Darry would pick her up and carefully lift her like a weight. 

With Sodapop, he was like a big brother to her. He was one of the sweeter boys of the gang. Had it smooth with the ladies. They would play cards, Soda would give Bella piggyback rides whenever they would head into town, and he taught her how to arm wrestle. She easily would beat him every time!

Ponyboy was one of Bella's top best friends of the gange because he was there first. Bella was basically home schooled by Ponyboy (and sometimes Johnny) and was in charge of her schoolwork. Her favorite subject was writing. It was one of Ponyboy's favorite subjects too.

Steve...well...he was a strange one. He would playfully abuse Bella to make her mentally and physically stronger. And once Bella was 13, Steve taught her how to back-flip off of cars. After 4 months of doing so, Bella taught herself how to do backhand springs (with Darry and Steve's help of course)

Two-Bit and Bella had a relationship like a pair of toddler twins. They would sit on the couch or the floor watching Mickey Mouse together, singing to the songs. Sometimes when Two-Bit thinks he's alone, he'd sniff the chocolate cake he'd eat while watching Mickey Mouse. Bella spotted this and decided to play a trick on him. When Two-Bit was sniffing his chocolate cake, Bella would sneak behind him and pushed his head into the cake, causing a minor food fight.

Bella was the one of the only ones Dallas could really talk to (besides Johnny) about personal problems. When he'd have a really bad day, he'd turn to Bella and talk to her. Bella had the best advice for him (though he'd turn most of it down because he said it was too soft for his side). But, they had a special connection with each other, which was a rare thing with Dallas.

And Johnny was the one that topped them all. Johnny was the only one Bella could relate to in a way. They were both really sensitive at one point, but the gang made them stronger. Johnny was the most common of cuddle buddies for Bella. They'd hang out at the vacant lot together and make funny constellations from the stars.

They gang taught Bella how to curse (which they found very amusing) and over the summer, they'd kick kids out of the local swimming lake and swim for hours.

On March 17th of 1965 was Bella's birthday. The gang all had surprises for her. First, in the morning, when she was asleep on the Curtis's couch, the boys circled around her while she was asleep. They all screamed at the top of their lungs. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!" 

That scared the daylights out of Bella. "Wholy shit!" she screamed, waking up. She looked around to see all the boys crowding her. "Jesus Christ, don't do that!"

The gang laughed at her. "Get dressed, doll. We're going out for breakfast." said Darry. Bella's face lit up. "Ok! Thanks guys! You're the best!"

Bella jumped up from the couch and went to the bathroom to change. A few moments later she came out in a white t-shirt, jean shorts, the leather jacket Soda lent her (which now fit) and boots. Her hair was longer now, so she put it in a ponytail.