Sophie And Lane

Chapter 2

Sophie's POV

We pulled into a gas station just inside of Dallas.  I filed off the bus with the other passengers, making sure to take my backpack.  It'd be easier to aquire the food I needed.  I went into the bathroom, peed for what seemed like forever, and rummaged through my backpack looking for any bit of money at all. 

Sighing, I washed my hands and stared on the mirror at my already bruising face. A toilet flushed and an older woman, about 50, stepped up to the sink beside, "Oh honey," she gasped, "what happened to your face?"

I made my expression hard, "walked into a door," I lied through my teeth.

"Does it hurt?"

"No, it tickles," I retorted bitterly and rolled my eyes.  She shot me a disapproving glance.  I pretended not to notice.  I really was kind of a bitch.

I had already scouted out the store on the way to the bathroom.  I pulled a bottle of coke of the shelf, sticking it in my backpack.  As I walked around the corner, i grabbed a few candy bars and tucked them into the pocket of my hoodie.  The last thing I grabbed was a bologna sandwich that sat in an open cooler.  I was out and back on the bus before anyone noticed me.  Even if your father and brother don't want ya, least ya know how to fend for yourself.

Lane's POV

Family Court was like nothing like I thought.  There was no jury.  The judge talked to Darry and Soda a lot.  He asked about their jobs, if they were "financially stable," if they could provide clothes, food, and medicine.  Did we have a doctor?  Darry and Soda gave him the answers clearly and confidently.  They didn't look a bit unnerved.  I was very proud of my brothers.

The Judge, then, asked me to come up to to his desk.  He told me to sit down and not to be nervous.  "What's your name?"

"Elaine Louise Curtis, but I go by Lane."  I tried to sound as confident as Darry and Soda did.

"How old are you?"

"Just turned 14 in August."

"Do you understand why you're here?"

I bit back a sarcastic remark, "Yes, to see if my brothers are fit to take care of me and Ponyboy."

"Do you think they are?"

"Yes, your Honor."

"Lane, do you want to live with your brothers?"

My hands started shaking, I wanted more than anything to stay with my brothers, "Yes," I whispered, "more than anything."  He thanked me for my response and said I could go back by Darry and Soda.  Soda hugged me hard.  The judge asked Pony the same questions.

Finally, he looked at the four of us, "I am ruling in favor of Elaine and Ponyboy Curtis remaining in the custody of Darrell and Sodapop Curtis.  Darrell, you will be listed as their legal guardian.  Social Services will be checking up on you every few months.  If you are deemed unfit during any of these visits, Elaine and Ponyboy will be wards of the State."

"Yes, Your Honor," Darry and Soda pulled us into a hug, "Thank you."