Family Is Found (Sequel to Running Towards Home)

CHAPTER 21

PONY'S POV:

I love Sam with all my heart. Sitting on the roof with her, and seeing her smile, still gives me butterflies, just like the first time I met her. She is the most beautiful, badass girl I have ever met. I'm so lucky to have her. The sun finally disappears over the horizon, and I look over at Sam.

She's fast asleep. She has a small smile on her face as she sleeps. I have to get her inside. I carefully lift her up, trying not to wake her. I make my way through the window, and walk her into the living room. The rest of the gang must have left, since Soda and Darry are the only ones here. Darry is sitting in his chair reading the newspaper and Soda is sitting on the ground reading a magazine.

When I come in, they both look over. I motion with my head to Sam, and they nod. They won't make any noise. I gently lay her down on the couch, and she mumbles a bit in her sleep. I grab a blanket and place it on top of her. I turn out the lights, and walk with Soda and Darry to our rooms. Darry says a quick good night and goes into his room, and I go with Soda into ours.

I change and get into bed, and Soda climbs in next to me. "You really like Sam, right?" I hear Soda whisper. "Yeah, I do. I really do." I whisper back. Soda turns to face me. "She's a good girl. Don't let her go." Soda says. "I don't ever plan to." I say, and Soda smiles at me. "Mom would like her, I think." Soda whispers. "She would." I smile back.

I start to fall asleep, and Soda puts his arm around me. "Goodnight, Pony." He says. I wish him a good night too, and he slowly falls into a deep sleep. I can feel his chest rise and fall next to me. I can't sleep. I have so much on my mind. I really love Sam. Do I want to marry her one day? I know it may be too soon to think about this, but it's on my mind. What if she's not the one for me? What if she doesn't love me as much as I love her?

What Soda said about mom liking her sticks with me. Mom would have loved Sam. Sam is spunky, sweet, small yet tough, just like mom. I wish mom was here to meet her. I wish dad was here too. He would love Sam, just like mom. I fall asleep thinking about my future, my parents, and most of all, Sam.

I wake up in the morning, and Soda is gone, probably getting ready for work or helping with breakfast. I get up, and I start to change. I walk into the living room, and everyone is already awake. I sit down for breakfast. It's a Saturday, so I don't have to worry about school. "So, I figure you were the one that carried me in?" Sam asks, shooting me a smile. "Yup. You were passed out cold." I say. "Thanks." She says, giving me a kiss.

"So, I have to go into work today, Soda and Steve are working at the DX, so you guys have the house to yourselves. I'm asking Two-Bit to come over." Darry says. "Darry, we're fifteen, we don't need a babysitter." Sam sighs. She's right. "No, I'm asking you two to babysit Two-Bit so that you can't get up to any funny business." Darry says.

"We're not going to get up to any 'funny business' as you call it." I say. "That hickey you gave Sam a few weeks ago says otherwise." Darry yells from the kitchen. Sam rolls her eyes. "Hello, Curtis family!" Two-Bit yells as he walks in the front door. He goes straight into the kitchen and grabs a beer. "A beer? It's not even noon yet." Darry says. Two just shrugs and takes a long sip. He then sits down in front of the TV and starts watching mickey mouse. Darry and Soda finish cleaning up, and they start to head out. "Sam, Pony, keep an eye on Two. Two, don't let them out of your sight. Got it?" Darry says, shooting us a look. Sam and I nod, and Two gives Darry a thumbs up, never looking away from the TV.

We all sit and watch mickey for a while, but we eventually get bored of it. At least, Sam and I get bored of it. "Let's go over to the DX." Sam says. We all agree. We all walk over to the DX, and I see Soda working on a car and at least six girls watching him work. Soda sees us, and walks over. "Couldn't do without me, could ya?" He laughs. "Who are all the ladies watching you?" Sam asks, an eyebrow raised. Soda just rolls his eyes.

"They come to watch him work, every day." Steve says, coming over to us. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Two mocks him. Steve just punches his arm. We spend the rest of the day hanging around the DX, fooling around. It was an overall good day. Sam enjoyed being around the DX, and Soda offered her a part time job if she wanted it. She said she'd think about it. We walk home together, talking and chatting. Sam has a glint in her eye, and her smile is wide. Seeing her happy, seeing all of them happy, makes my day.