Family Is Found (Sequel to Running Towards Home)

CHAPTER 20

SAM'S POV:

I managed to sneak into Arlene's house to grab some of her clothes and whatnot. The window was open. I got it to her, and she thanked me. It should be enough to last her until we can buy her new clothes. Arlene has recovered really well. Her bruises are fading, and she's starting to return to her normal self.

Today, we're all hanging out. The whole gang's here. We decided to go to the park and play some games. We're trying to think of a new game when Steve suggests we go the Dingo for some food. We all agree, and walk over. When we get there, we all pile into two booths. I'm sitting in one with Pony, Johnny, Arlene, and Soda. I'm sitting on the outside of the booth, next to Pony and Soda. Johnny and Arlene have the whole otherside booth to themselves.

We order some milkshakes and fries. We're happily sitting and enjoying our meals when some greaser guy comes over and starts flirting with Arlene and I. "Hey, girlies. Come join us for some fun." He says, and tries to grab at us. I step on his toes. "No thanks." I say. I hear him call us some unsavory names under his breath, but he leaves us alone.

"Who was that?" Arlene asks. "Tim Shepard." Soda says. "He leads the shepard gang. Kind of an asshole." Pony says. "Certainly seems like it." I say. I mean, he knows we're here with our boyfriends, he just doesn't care. Guys always underestimate me because of my height, but I will happily punch them without a thought.

I pull a straw out of the basket of them, and pull off the top of the paper wrapper. I peek my head over the back of the booth and blow into the straw, aiming for Darry. It hits him right in the face. I duck down, and I hear Darry say "What are you, five?" I start laughing. "Only in spirit!" I shout back. Everyone is laughing now.

When everyone is finished with their food, we pay the check and start the walk home. On the way, Steve asks Pony and I if we are up for a piggyback race rematch. Of course we agree. This time, Two-Bit and Dally decide to join in and Arlene decides to hop on Johnny to race us. We start off, with Darry as the judge.

It's a close race, Johnny and Arlene almost win. Dally and Two-Bit fall over while trying to knock Steve and Soda down. Steve and Soda keep running, but they're no match for Pony and I. We come in first, and I hop off Pony's back. "We win!" I yell. Pony kisses me. I hear Steve and Soda come to a stop, out of breath. "I bet you guys cheated!" Soda whines. "Nope, you guys are just slow." Pony mocks them.

Soda comes over and puts Pony in a headlock. Pony eventually breaks out of the headlock, and Soda messes up his hair. We all continue our walk home. I'm holding Pony's hand the whole way home. The necklace he gave me is warm against my skin, and I can almost swear it has a heartbeat just like Pony and I.

Later that night, I met Pony on the roof to watch the sunset. We do this a lot. He puts his arm around me and I let myself fall against him. As we watch the sun disappear from the sky, I turn to Pony. "Pony, can I ask you a question?" I ask. "Yeah." He says, his eyes on the sky.

"Pony, I just want to say thank you." I say. "For what?" He asks, looking down at me. The sun on his face is beautiful. "For loving me. For being the one." I say. He kisses me gently. "You never have to thank me for that. I would love you no matter what. You are the only one I have ever loved like this. You are the only one for me." He says. I am so lucky that I met Pony, that I met the love of my life. I know it may sound foolish, that we're only fifteen and so certain it's true love, but it's true. I found my soulmate.