Sophie And Lane

Chapter 5

Sophie's POV

I woke up to the sound of voices coming from down the hall.  I recognized Steve's voice and I heard my name a few times.  I crept down the ladder as quietly as I could, not sure if Lane was awake or not. 

I sat by the cracked door listening.  There were two other voices besides Steve's, "so she's here?" came the deeper of the 3 voices.

"Yeah, she bunked with Lane last night." That was Steve, "Lane said she could."

"How'd she get here?"

"Bus.  She said Ma got remarried.  She's gotta hell of a bruise on her face.  Called me last night, woke up the old man and he kicked me out.  Didn't know where else to bring her." Steve sounded defensive.

"Hey, no one's sayin' you shouldn't have brought her here."  This was a different voice, not as deep as the other one, "how'd Laney react to her?"

"Ok, I guess, made her a sandwich, let her sleep in her room." I heard Steve groan, "Soda, what am I suppose to do?  I ain't seen her since she was 3.  The old man runs hot an' cold.  Man, this couldn't come at a worse time."

My blood ran cold.  I felt like I got punched in the stomach.  I looked over at Lane, who was still sleeping.  I quickly got dressed, grabbed my backpack and stormed out of the room, "Hey!" I yelled, getting their attention, "Sorry to inconvenience you by getting kicked outta my home!" I snapped in a snarky tone, "Thanks for lettin' me crash the night." I spoke to the tall, muscular guy with dark hair.  I turned to Steve, "Maybe I'll see ya in another 11 years or when the timing is more convenient for you."  I spat out the words.

I stormed toward the door, but Steve grabbed my arm, "you ain't just gonna leave, Sophie, don't be dumb.  You don't know your way around and I don' want you getting hurt."

I tore my arm out of his grasp, "I can take care of myself.  I don't need you or anyone else for that matter!"  I took off, slamming the door behind me.  I stomped down the street.  Steve was right, I had no idea where I was going, but I sure as hell wasn't going to stay where I wasn't wanted.

It didn't take long for Steve's car to pull up in front of me.  He jumped out, "Are you outta of you goddamn mind?"  He yelled at me, "you have no idea where you're going!" 

I crossed my arms acrosse my chest and popped my hip out, glaring at him, "
Oh, is it better timing now?!" I shouted at him.

He rolled his eyes at me, "just get in the car.  I'm not playing games.  I didn't mean what I said back there.  You're arrival was just very unexpected."

I got in the car and slammed the door shut, "like getting kicked out wasn't."

"Open the glove box."

"Why?"

"Just do it," he scowled.

I opened the glove box and pulled out a faded picture of me and Steve, "when was this taken?" I was surprised that my brother had kept it all these years.

"Two days before mom took you away.  You had just turned 3." Steve put the car in gear, "let's go back.  Darry's makin' pancakes."  He started to drive, "what really happened to your face?"

"Douche Canoe, Ma's husband, punched me a couple times."

"Douche Canoe?"  Steve looked like he was lost in thought, "when you meet Dallas Winston, call him that.  I wanna see the look on his face."

I shot Steve a grin, "Done."

We walked into the Curtis house.  One of the guys that had been talking about me earlier stand up.  Holy shit, he looked like a Greek god or something, dark golden hair that was greased back, honey brown eyes that seemed thoughtful and reckless at the same time.  "Hi, I'm Sodapop."  I opened my mouth, but he stopped me, "yeah, that's my real name.  Gotta brother named Ponyboy.  You'll meet him later."  He flashed me a dazzling smile, "I'm the guy that keeps your big bro in line and outta trouble."

"Sophie," I said, shaking his hand.

"I'm Darrell, but everyone calls me Darry," a deep voice said behind me.  I turned around to see a very large man.  Not fat, by any means, but he bicep was bigger than my face.  I could tell he was the one in charge, "I'm sorry if we made you feel unwelcome in anyway." 

"Yeah,  no; um don't worry about it."  Darry walked back into the kitchen and another guy stepped into the living room, "you must be Ponyboy." I said.

He stared at me like I grew two heads, "who are you?"

Steve stepped forward, arms crossed, "my sister."

"Yeah, good one Steve," he laughed, "who is she?"

"Sophie Randle," I shook his hand.

"Where ya from?"

"Texas.  Got in last night."

He nodded and looked around like he was in his own little world, "ok, then."  He went into the kitchen and came back with Lane and a pack of cigarettes.  "We're goin' out back if anyone wants to join us."

I couldn't get out there fast enough.