new york

Chapter 3

((I'm so sorry for not updating, I redid my Insta account and took a break for a while, but I'm finally back! Updates will be happening more I promise. Enjoy!))

As I walked back inside, I knew it was going to be a long night. I wasn't going to answer all of their questions, but they deserved answers. With The Blades coming back they'll find out soon enough anyway. I sit down and start smoking. For once, Darry doesn't say to not to in the house. Everyone was waiting for me like they needed approval to talk, to speak of my unknown past I've been trying to bury most of my life.

"Go ahead, ask your questions."

The rest of them still were quiet, until Darry spoke up.

"Who are they and why haven't we ever heard of them from you?"

I sighed, memories starting to come back.

"The Blades is what everyone else called us. Other criminals, the police, hell everyone around knew of The Blades. We thought of ourselves as The Abandoned. All from shitty home lives and neighborhoods."

"Do they act like the Soc's?"

"The Blades are nothing like the Soc's. New York was a rough place, a place where it was to survive any way you can."

I didn't want to trash them, hell they were also my family. But they are dangerous, and I don't know if Tulsa is ready for them yet.

"What happened in New York?"

I turned to Johnny. I knew this question was coming up. I knew it was going to the day I arrived in Tulsa. Someday, people would have to know. Someday. Today's still not that day though.

"A lot. Too much."

I stood up, done with the questions, and left. As I was walking to Bucks, I thought about tomorrow. They would be here tomorrow. Here. I was still trying to wrap it around my brain that I would have to face them again. Something happened after I left, I don't know what. Boston looked afraid, and if they're coming here it's sure as hell something.

That night I laid in bed, trying to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes I saw him. When it was morning, I had barely gotten any sleep. I knew I had to head over to the Curtis house quickly. The Blades would be heading there first, and I didn't want to leave everyone with them. They didn't understand their ways. So I got dressed and headed over. Today was Sunday, less than a week from the rumble. As I got closer and closer to the Curtis house, I half expected to see Ryder's car in front, but it wasn't there. I didn't know if Boston would come with them or early, not that it mattered. Boston was a good guy, better than some of the rest of them. When I entered the house, everyone was there. The mood seemed dreary, and everyone's eyes fell on me.

"Look, I don't know when they're coming, so lay off."

The rest of the morning was quiet, and I could tell everyone wanted to ask me everything. Not that I would tell. They would see soon enough anyways. After awhile, the tension died down, and everyone seemed to lighten up. I joined in, needing a distraction. No one dared to leave the house, which was a good thing.

After lunch, we all goofed off. When I heard the rumble of an engine outside, I knew.

They were here.

I saw everyone slowly notice my look, as it dawned on them too. No one dared to move, not until there was a heavy knock on the door. Finally, Darry moved to the door. I saw Boston in the doorway first, and I could tell people were behind him. One by one, they walked through the door, and soon enough everyone was in the room. The tension was thick. One stepped forward. I stood up and walked right in front of him.

"Been awhile Winston. We missed you."

"Sure as hell haven't missed you."

"Damn kid you've gotten rude. Maybe we ought to shut you up."

"Bryan..."

"Shut up Ryder. According to Boston, Texas can fend for himself. All tough now."

"So this is your new gang? Just left us behind," he said looking around.

"It wasn't hard to."

"Son of a..."

"Bryan, please. We just got here damnit."

Bryan turned around towards Ryder and walked right up to him.

"I'll shut you up too."

"You guys enjoy your reunion. I'm out to buy some shit. Police will know us real soon. It's nice to see you Winston," he said walking out of the house.

"Asshole."

Ryder came up to me. Darry always reminded me of Ryder, just not a criminal. I wish Ryder was calling the shots.

"Things still rough between the two of you after all these years."

"It's not something you just forget."

"Don't blame you man. Best us can do with this shitty world is forget."

"You going to introduce us to or not Tiny."

"Don't call me that Trevor."

"Aww, little Dal doesn't like to be called that in front of his friends?"

Trevor is a lot like Two-Bit. He doesn't shut up. He can be worse though, Two-Bit can think before acting, Trevor can't.

"I said shut it."

"You and Bryan are a lot alike."

"No, we are not. We will never be."

"Look kid, what happened was..."

"Was nothing. You want to meet them? Here."

I turned towards the gang.

"Darry, Sodapop, Ponyboy, Johnny, Two-Bit, and Steve. Happy now?"

"You leading?" asked Ryder.

"No leader. Things are different here."

"I can tell. Boston told us the action isn't as great. Don't worry we'll change that real quick." said Trevor.

I saw Darry looked nervous. I gave him a look as if to say later. He nodded. The Blades were looking at everyone, and the room grew silent. I saw Trevor shake his head laughing.

"This place needs to liven up. I'm Trevor by the way. That standing there is Ryder, you know Boston, and that's Parker. And you met our leader already Bryan."

"Look D, how bout we meet at that bar..."

"Bucks."

"Tonight. 9. We'll be there."

They walked out until Ryder was left.

"Look D, I'm sorry about Bryan. He's changed... sometimes he goes off the rails and it isn't pretty. Just... be careful around him. I'll say the same to him. Just try and work with him."

"Look Ryder, I appreciate this speech, but I'm never going to just work with him."

He nodded and then walked out. I turned around towards all of them.

"I'm going to say this, and all of you need to listen, okay? Things are about to get complicated. Always carry a blade, always be careful, and don't aggravate them. Things are going to change around here, and I want you guys to be prepared."

"Dallas, is Tulsa safe? Are they safe?" asked Darry.

"If The Blades are anything like they used to be in New York, and with Bryan leading them... no. Tulsa is not safe, and they sure as hell aren't either."