tied together

where am I?

Instead of waking up in the home, I knew as the Smiths, I found myself outside a movie theatre, slumped against the wall, while the stars shone brightly in my face, almost blinding. A shy boy who looked about my age, 14, was walking past.

"Sir, I was wondering if you could help me. I'm lost." I stood up and dusted myself off. I was still wearing what I had gone to bed.

He turned around and his dark brown eyes were barely seen in the moonlight. "And you are?" He asked.

"Amybeth. Amybeth Smith".

"I'm Johnny Cade. You're outside the movie theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Are you running away or something?"

But I'm from Iowa. I thought to myself.

"What year is it?" I asked, ignoring the question. 

"1965. Are you all alright? Do you need help?" He pestered.

My eyes widened, conveniently this was the year my mom had dated all the Ponyboy pictures. This had to of been a dream. But I could smell the musty streets, feel the warmth of Johnny's breath and the rocky sidewalk below me. It was all too real.

"I'm okay. Sorry. I'm kinda forgetful" I shrugged. Might as well go along with it.

"So are you running away or what? A perty girl like you should most definitely be out on the streets of this area at this time" Johnny sighed.

"Oh.. yeah. I come from Kansas. My parents kicked me out and I guess I ended up here". Slowly, my memories of being Amybeth in 2001 were fading away.

Johnny muffled something under his breath.

"What?" I looked up.

"Do you need a place to stay?"

"I mean.. I don't have anywhere else to go and I'm really tired. If I could stay the night somewhere it would be nice." I explained cautiously. This boy was shy and nice, but I didn't know if I could trust him.

"Of course. Just follow me." He motioned for me to follow.

I walked in silence next to him as the dim and old street lights lit up a path for us. It seemed we had walked forever. The air got colder every step and the wind a little bit stronger. I still was unsure if this was all in my head or if this was really happening. I seemed to of forgotten the past, or the future me. 

Finally, we made it to a white house that was falling apart. A chain fence surrounded it and Johnny stopped outside.

"It's not the nicest house, but for three brothers, it's better than nothing around here."

Three brothers? Is this not his house?  I questioned myself, staring intently at the house.

"Come on. Sodapop and Darry will be thrilled to meet you". 

What an odd name. Sodapop?

He led me into the house, not even knocking. Two boys popped up from the couch, the TV playing Mickey Mouse. It was in black and white, not what I was accustomed to.

"Johnny, what are you doing, bringing a girl into our house at two in the morning?" A boy with perfect brown hair, crystal blue eyes, and a perfect figure said as he walked over. This had to be one of the hottest boys I had ever seen and my heart just about melted right then and there.

"Sodapop, she was slumped at the movie theatre. She didn't know where she was, and she needed somewhere to stay." Johnny said quickly.

"How do you know she's not a spy for the socs? We can't just trust random people that are on the street." Sodapop opposed.

I didn't know what a soc was, but I assumed not something good.

"Look, I'm not dangerous. I was dealing with abusive parents and I ran away from Kansas. I ended up here and I have no place to stay and I just need help." I threw my hands up and started to back away. This story was far from the truth.

His gaze seemed to soften, and Johnny nodded. 

"What's your name?" This time, a muscular and tall man spoke, who must've been Darry.

"Amybeth Smith." I yawned out. My hair had made its way into a messy bun on the walk back, and my eyes sleepily closed.

"Well, nice to meet you. I'm Darry, and I can see you're exhausted. Soda, please show her to the guest room." He had already welcomed me into his home, at least for the night.

"Yes sir!" He smirked and brought me to the guest room.

"I'm not sure if you're gonna stay here, but if we chose to let you, there's a lot of stuff you need to know. I would tell you, but it's late and you're exhausted. I'll leave you be. Goodnight." He closed the door softly and the moon illuminated the room. I made my way over to the nicely made bed and pulled the covers back. I lay down and closed my eyes, thinking that I'd maybe wake up from this dream.