Stronger with You

Bills

Darry
June 9, 1965

I sat in my room at my desk sifting through our mail, when I came across an envelope with the hospital name stamped on, my heart fell to the bottom of my stomach.

I wasn't mad at Soda for getting hurt. I wanted them to have fun, I wanted them to be kids, I wanted them to be as young as they were and not grow up as fast as I did.

I hated that my brothers and sister had to grow up like this, hell, I even hated the circumstances the kids in the gang had to grow up in.

I opened up the envelope taking out the bill. inside, the total was $105.05.

I added it to the stack of other bills and continued through the mail.

The Curtis Family,

        Hey, I don't know if you remember me, but this is your Aunt Alison. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write, I've been in such shock at the news of my brothers death, and that hasn't been fair to you four. I've decided that I'm going to come and stay with you for the summer, and maybe even a little bit into the school year. I want to help you out as much as I can. I know your twenty now, Darry, but you can still use help. So, I'll be there June 10th. I'll see you soon!

Sincerely,
Aunt Alison

"Oh shit."

I jumped up and ran out into the living room where all the kids lounged around.

"What's wrong, Darry?" Soda asked holding his abdomen as he slowly sat up.

"Aunt Alison is coming. We need to deep clean this place, bedrooms and everything. Pony and Soda, you two are going to have to share a room. I'll move in to Pony's so Alison can have mine. She'll be here the tenth." I hurriedly say.

"Who's Aunt Alison?" Pony asks from the floor.

"Dads sister, stuck up bitch." Maya groaned rolling her eyes.

"Maya, no. She's coming to help us out," I scolded. Personally, I didn't want her to come. I didn't want her help. I had things under control. We had a system worked up and she didn't need to come and screw things up. I wasn't going to say that out loud though.

"Is she the one that was here like four years ago? Long brown hair, kind of has a big nose? I think it was your parents anniversary." Peyton speaks up. She was sitting next to Soda catering to his needs.

"Yes," Maya says, the glare on her face said everything and more.

"Well, if y'all could help us out a little that would be great. I hate to ask." I rubbed my forehead, I didn't like asking for favors.

"Darry, we basically live here. We make just a big of a mess. Of course we'll help," Peyton says standing.

"Steve, you help Pony start moving all the rest of his stuff into Soda's room. Once that's done Steve, Two-Bit, and Dallas, help Darry move stuff into Pony's old one. Maya, Johnny and I will start deep cleaning. Soda- you just sit there and look pretty, your rubs won't let you do anything." Peyton resembled a drill sergeant as she shouted out all of our duties. I had never been more thankful for her, if I told everyone what to do they'd hate me.

"Ready, hut!" The blonde girl clapped her hands together and everyone got busy.

"Darry, can I talk to you?" Maya grabbed ahold of my arm and nodded to the back yard.

"Why is Aunt Alison coming? I really don't think we need any help." Maya had her arms crossed over her chest.

"I don't think we do either, but I can't stop her from coming. I just got the letter that she'll be here today. Maybe, if we're all really good, she won't feel the need to stay," I say rubbing my face.

"I don't know how good of a first impression it is with Soda having broken ribs and a hospital bill," Maya says sighing.

"I know, but it'll be okay. We'll all just have to hope for the best." I smile gently.

Maya only nodded and turned without another word. My frown deepened as I rubbed my face, maybe if I rubbed hard enough my stress would disappear.

At this point, I rubbed my face more than I breathed. I was surprised I didn't have marks like on grass when you walk on it too much.

About four hours later, the house was finished. I couldn't thank the gang enough for all their work, and I mean they worked.

Peyton and Maya didn't allow for us to have any blanks. If Peyton wasn't barking orders, Maya was; they were a duo none of us could escape.

Soda, Peyton and Steve sat on the couch, Dally and Maya in the loveseat. Pony and Johnny leaning against the couch on the floor, and Two-Bit was right in front of the TV

"Thank you guys so much for your help. I appreciate it more than you know." I sat down in my own chair.

"Of course, Dar," Pey said smiling. Her hand had found Soda's, their pointer fingers intwined.

Before any words could come out of my mouth there was a loud knock on the screen door.

Pony jumped up before anyone and opened it, revealing a short, large chested and large hipped women, with long brown hair and large blue eyes. She wore a simple dress, with nice shoes.

"Hello nephews and niece," she looked around the room, "and children I don't know. I'm Aunt Alison."