Stronger with You

Jumped, again

Ponyboy
July 9, 1965

Peyton and Soda walked into the house soaking wet, laughing their heads off.

"Where've you two been?" Darry raises an eyebrow, that's when I noticed they were holding hands.

"We were at the park. It's really coming down." Soda said, shaking his hair like a dog, "we're gonna go change, be down in a minute."

"Finally, he finally asked her out!" Maya shouted, her and Dallas were laying together in the loveseat.

"How do you their together now?" I ask, I didn't want it to be true. I had liked her for a long time and of course my movie star handsome brother got her before I did. He got her before I could turn fourteen and go through with my plan.

"I told Soda last night he needed to ask out Peyton. We all know they were in love, it was just a matter of when it was going to happen." Maya shrugged.

"Yeah," Steve laughed, "he's been in love with her since we were kids." He shoveled some cake into his mouth, I wondered what Soda would say if he found out of their secret relationship.

"Pony," Johnny whispered, "you knew it was gonna happen sooner or later."

"Yeah, I know." I fell back into the couch. I needed it to stop raining so I could go for a smoke.

The love birds came back into the room with dry clothes, Peyton was wearing a pair of jeans she probably left her, but one of Soda's sweatshirts. They plopped down on the couch right next to me and Johnny.

Two-Bit barged through the door, "Man, it's raining cats and dogs!" He laughed, "I mean seriously, I found a little dog." He pulled his arm from behind him revealing a little brown puppy.

"Oh my gosh! It can't be more than five weeks old!" Peyton squealed, jumping up running over to Two-Bit.

"He's definitely part lab. I know a lab when I see one." Peyton coo's taking the puppy from Two-Bit.

"How do you know it's a boy?" Steve asks, furrowing his eyebrows. Peyton raised an eyebrow and held up the puppy, showing us all the obvious reason.

"Oh."

"Can we keep him, please!" Peyton looked at Darry, then at Two-Bit.

"Who's gonna pay for his food?" Darry asked putting down his newspaper.

"We can all pitch in for it!" Soda said, he was up and standing next to Peyton looking at the puppy. Of course he was right next to her on her side.

"Yeah, Peyton is starting at the DX on Monday." Soda stated scratching the puppy behind it's little ears.

"What!" I couldn't help myself, I didn't even realize I was standing, "so, I have to deal with you two everywhere including going to The DX."

"Pony, what're you talking about?" Soda asked, stepping away from his new girlfriend.

I shook my head, "Nothing. I'm going for a smoke." I glanced outside, the rain had let up, because Oklahoma had the most bi-polar weather.

Johnny stood up, following me outside, "What was that about, Pony?" I was walking fast and lighting up a cigarette.

"I won't be able to get rid of them now! They'll be everyone, kissing, laughing, doing couple things." I took a long drag.

"Pony, you and I both know they've had a thing for each other for years." Johnny sighed. I had slowed down so now we were walking beside each other.

"I know, but it still hurts."

"Pony wait up!" Peyton called, she was running to us, "stop please!"