Sophie And Lane

Chapter 3

Lane's POV

We could not get out of the courthouse fast enough.  It was almost like we thought the judge would change his mind.

Darry pulled the truck into the driveway and we went inside to find the rest of the gang waiting for us.  They were all anxious to hear the ruling.  If the situation had been different, I would have found it amusing that the 4 greasers in our living room actually cared.  Soda was the first to speak, "their staying! We won!"

Keith, better known as Two-Bit, Matthews picked me up and swung me around, " Dally, you owe me $20!"  Two-Bit's grey eyes gleamed.  If I had to pick my favorite, it'd be Two.  He was always joking around, making us laugh.  He had a weird obsession with Mickey Mouse, blondes, and beer.  Two-Bit was as lazy as they come.  He "works" at the DX with Soda and Steve, but usually ditched out early.  He was also the best shop lifter this side of Tulsa.  I was with him the day he swiped his black handled switchblade.  I ain't sure if he was prouder of the blade or his rusty colored side burns.

Dallas Winston, better known as Dally, grumbled and handed Two-Bit the $20.  "You thought we'd lose?" Ponyboy asked.
"Naw, I thought they'd take Lane though."  I glared at him, "Don't take it the wrong way, Doll Face, it's just you're a girl an' all."  If I was stupid, I would of gotten mouthy, but I ain't stupid.  Dally was the toughest of all of us.  He grew up in the Bronx in New York City was jailed at 10.  Then his old man drug him to Tulsa.  Dally can be real ornery.  I ain't sure what's colder, his pale blue eyes or his soul.  He's got hair so blonde it's almost white.  He's tall and lanky.  Always has his brown leather jacket on.  Dal didn't care about no one, except Johnny.

Johnny Cade, he's the gang pet.  Johnny's real tan with dark black hair and dark brown eyes.  He's 16 and terrified of his own shadow, can't blame him though.  His parents beat the living daylights outta him any chance they get.  Johnny was real close with my parents.  Shoot, the whole gang was, even Dally had a soft spot for my mom.  He and Ponyboy are basically inseparable.

Steve Randle, he ain't my favorite person in the world, but he's Soda's best friend so he and I tolerate each other.  Steve is tall and thin.  He has dark brown hair that he keeps combed back in complicated swirls.  Steve is cocky and can be arrogant.  He works at the DX with Soda and Two-Bit.  Steve is the best mechanic in all of Tulsa. 

I looked around the room.  Two-Bit was talking with Darry.  Soda and Steve sat at the poker table and started playing cards.  Johnny, Pony, and Dally were huddled together talking.  I was in a crowded living room, but I have never felt more alone in my life.  I went into my parents room and crawled into their bed.  I wrapped the blankets around me as tight as I could and bawled into mom's pillow to muffle my sobs.

Sophie's POV

The bus pulled into the station around 10:00pm.  I had no idea if someone would be meeting me.  I had no idea where I was even going.  I pulled on my hoodie, grabbed my backpack, and stepped off the bus.

Nothing looked familiar, but what did I expect, I hadn't been back in a 11 years.  I walked around a bit, not really sure where to go.  I watched other people being greeted by family and friends.  There was laughter, hugs, and smiles all around.  Wonder what that feels like? I thought sadly.  I sat down on a bunch, debating what to do.  I pulled out the address that was scribbled on a piece of paper.  There was a phone number beneath it.  I walked up to the ticket booth, "Excuse me, Sir?" I said in the most pathetic voice, "could I use your phone? I don't have any money for the payphone.  Please?"

He handed me the phone, "make it quick." He said harshly.

I dialed the number, praying someone would pick up.  After the 3rd ring, I heard, "Yeah?"

"Hi," I spoke softly, "Is this the Randle house?"

"Yeah...whose asking?" came a smart ass response.

"Ummm, It's Sophie...I'm at the bus station and need directions to," I was cut off

"Sophie?" The voice on the end was now unsure, "Sophie Randle?  Oh my god!  I'm on my way.  Be there in about thirty minutes."  Before I could answer he hung up.

I sat down on the bench.  I had no idea what to expect.