Stronger with You

Another Birthday

Peyton
July 22, 1965

"Ponyboy!"

Maya and I stood in the kitchen making some chocolate cake. Pony was turning fourteen today, so we're going to have a great day. We were all wearing jeans and a sweatshirt with the sleeves cut off, Ponyboy's go to outfit.

Soda runs into the kitchen with Ponyboy slung over his shoulder. When he finally dropped him onto his feet, we were all standing in front of him, Maya holding out the cake.

"Happy Birthday!" We shouted out.

Pony's face grew, his smile was so wide I was surprised he wasn't hurting his cheeks, "Glory! You guys did this for me?"

"Of course we did Kiddo!" Maya grinned, handing him the large chocolate cake. Soda reached over, messing up Pony's hair, grinning largely.

"Eat your cake then get ready. We're gonna hit the bowling alley." Darry said, patting Pony on the back. Today was going to be a good day, we could all feel it.

"Pony, I got you a present." I pulled the item out from on top of the ice box, it was wrapped in newspaper, "I couldn't find any real wrapping paper, sorry." I smiled as he took the item out of my hand.

"You didn't have to get me anything."

The kid softly took off the newspaper revealing the book I found and thought he would like.

"To Kill a Mockingbird?" Pony looked at the cover of the book in awe, "How'd you know?"

I shrugged slightly, "I saw you eyeing the other day in the store, so I went back and grabbed it for ya."

Pony jumped up, giving me a hug, "Thanks, P." He took off to his bedroom to put away the book and grab his shoes.

"Sometimes I think he's going to steal you from me."

I turned around to face Soda, "What?" I hope my face showed how confused I felt.

Soda gave me a look, "he's in love you, Peyton! He has been for months. He wouldn't even look at me the night we got together."

I crossed my arms, starring at the my shoes, "No way."

"Yes way. Why do you think he punched Steve that one time? Remember that?"

My mind flashed back to the beginning of the summer. It felt like so long ago now. Pony had told me that he punched Steve because he was talking about me.

"Oh yeah," I mumbled, "That's when I told him Steve and I had a thing."

"What?" Soda almost yelled. I snapped my head up, my jaw dropped.

"He never told you?" I thought Steve told Soda everything. I could've sworn Soda had known, but that was so long ago I couldn't even remember the full details.

"When?" Soda demanded, now his arms were crossed over his chest, with a glare on his face.

I took a deep breath, "It was back in junior high. Before we really even knew what we were doing."

"Did you have sex with him?"

The question took me off guard and my silence was enough of an answer.

"I can't believe this." Soda laughed humorously, "I can't believe that y'all did that. Most of all I can't believe you never told me!"

"It was a long time ago, Soda! And there's nothing between us anymore. At all. Just friends nothing more." I said, stepping closer to Soda.

He sighed and shook his head, "and to think I was worried about Ponyboy stealing you."

"Guys lets go! Bowling Alley opens in 10 minutes!" Darry yelled into the house.