Greasers

Greasers Chapter Four

For the second night in a row, I flopped down on my stomach on the bed. I felt like pouting to Soda, but I was also pretty mad at him for not keeping Steve out when he knew I was getting spanked. Didn't he realize how embarrassing that was for me?

By the time I drifted off, Soda came into the room and flipped on the lights.

"I'm tryin' to sleep here, Soda." I said grumpily. He just laughed and changed into pajamas. "You're a dick." I muttered under my breath. He didn't seem to hear me, which I was pretty glad about.

Soda flipped off the light switch and jumped onto the bed. "'Night, Pony." He said lovingly, and tried to kiss me on the forehead, but I dodged him. "What's the matter?"

"Nothin'." I mumbled, and rolled over to face away from him. You're just a fuckin' dick. I thought. Why did my older brothers have to be so annoying?

"There's somethin' wrong, Pones." He rolled me back over, and my backside touched the bed. I winced slightly, but he didn't seem to notice. "Was it Steve-o? 'Cause he's not gonna say nothin'. Me and Darry'll make sure of it."

"Yeah, but he'll know more than he should, now. 'S not fair." I whined.

"It is to fair. You beat up a kid at school, Soc or not, and you deserved a punishment. Steve happened to walk in then, and you also deserved the embarrassment." He told me. His goofy grin was gone, and now he just looked serious.

"I did not deserve that." I grumbled. "You should've kept him out of the house."

"Pony, it's over and done with. Leave it alone." He told me. He seemed more relaxed now, but I sure didn't feel more relaxed.

"God, Soda, how can I do that, huh? 'M sorry some of us ain't so stupid they can just shove things out of there head for good!" I exclaimed. Soda flinched like I had just slapped him in the face. I realized what I said and instant dread and regret flushed through me. "Soda, 'M sorry. I didn't mean to say that. I just-"

"You just what? You were angry so you started bein' a dick? You can't just tear others down 'cause you're in a bad mood. I got a letter from Sandy today. She's pregnant and movin' to Florida." And with that, he got up and left the room.

That was when I started crying. I felt like I should've followed after him and tried to resolve things, but I was too busy feeling sorry for myself to even do that. I fucked up so bad.

I got out of bed and slowly walked over to Darry's room. I needed some comfort right now, and I was goddamn sure Soda wouldn't give it to me.

"'S the matter, Ponybaby?" He asked, his forehead creased with concern.

"Nothin'." I said, wiping away tears. "Just need some comfort." Darry nodded and held out his arms for me to crawl in them. I did, and fell asleep quite quickly.

There were no nightmares that night, surprisingly.