bexley curtis ✰ || the outsiders

twenty - one

twenty - one

Bexley's POV

As soon as I turned around, it felt like time stopped. My lips pressed into a taut line as I eyed my two 'brothers' standing in front of the door revealing Dally and I. I didn't know what to say, I was so angry nothing dared escaped my mouth. But what caught me from saying a word or speaking up, was Soda and Dally's fresh bruised they earned on one another. I was afraid there was going to be another fight when Dally replied sarcastically as he eyed Soda for a few seconds during an awkward silent tension.

"I don't think she's ready to go back, man," Dally said once again as he looked at Soda with a reasonable look, "She needs to cool off. If I was ever told that I'd be halfway gone to New York by now, you know that?"

"Well I'm not goin' home and becoming more stressed out than I already am, Dallas."

I looked at Soda as he started to straighten his shoulders, expecting Dally to know he isn't backing down. Ponyboy stood silent next to Soda, thinking of the possible outcomes that could happen here and there.. I could tell he's deep into thought. He stared at his shoes, then started to look at Dally's room that was a little messier than usual. The clothes were scattered all along in different places, drawers were halfway opened, and even beer cases were stacked underneath his bed that he stole from Buck's back room in the bar where only Buck and other workers are aloud to go to when they need to refill.

"She'll come back when she wants to, Soda. She'll be fine here-"

"No she won't, Dally," Soda cut him off, looking at me for a few seconds before looking back at Dallas, "Are you really thick in your head? I ain't the type to argue, man, but if it means to get my family back together then heck I'll do it in a heartbeat. This place you think is somewhat 'safe' for her, is an absolute hell-hole. It's a bar room, Dal'. Lots of creeps and older men are here to pick up girls whether they're young or not. I know how you are around girls.. and I sure know how you are in this place, don't think I don't."

Dallas stood in his spot and took every word in. Ponyboy whispered something to Soda which made him perk up and look straight at me; I felt my face go pale and felt strong shivers start to send throughout every vein in my body.

"I know you don't want to come home yet, but just consider it.. you know Darry didn't mean a word he said. We can even give you an explanation at the Dingo, have some lunch and bond together. You deserve to know, Bex. And if that means to call you Haileigh from now on, then I'll do it just to make ya' happy."

I thought about it for a few seconds before looking at Dally, Pony, and Soda. I didn't mean to overreact, just the thought of not being physically related made me hurt deep inside I had to get out. I nodded, giving a slight smile as a response, "Alright, that'll be great actually."

Soda smiled wide, trying to figure out the words to explain his excitement. He walked over and engulfed me into a hug, his arms finding a way around my torso as I could feel him scoffing a smile on my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile wide, laying my cheek on his shoulder as I felt tears start to build up. My arms were wrapped around his neck as I smelt the pleasant, musky cologne he was wearing. We pulled apart and I seen Pony standing there smiling to himself.

"C'mere," I motioned to Pony to join the group hug. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Soda and I's shoulders as our heads pressed together.

"I'm so sorry you had to find out like that, Bex," Pony said as he looked at me when we pulled apart. "It wasn't supposed to go like that... mom and dad were gonna' tell ya' when you got older like ya' are now.. but ever since they passed away.. it became stressful for us."