Work Text:
GRADUATION
It is almost unfathomable that this day has finally arrived. Or came at all. Throughout breakfast and the morning's chaos, Ponyboy Curtis remained in disbelief. Today, he was graduating high school. Darry and Sodapop were absolutely gleeful and had been relentless in their constant reminders about Pony's upcoming achievement. Ponyboy himself could barely get excited. He still expected some bizarre circumstances to occur that would prevent him from walking the stage. Something that could only happen to him—a person with comically lousy luck.
His senior year had kept him busy until the very end. The track and field state championships had occurred just last weekend. He had been training for an entire year to defend his titles in the 200 and 400 meters. He also ran in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Darry, Soda, Two-Bit, and even Steve came to Oklahoma City to cheer him on. Pony had finished first in the 200—clenching his second state high school title. It was a personal best time. He came in third in the 400 meters. But everyone was very proud of how he did. Pony ran the anchor leg for his 4x100m relay team, and they won a silver medal. The 4x400m team came in fourth.
Running and training for track was basically a full-time job for Ponyboy.
Especially now since he received a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. Many of his future teammates and coaches were in OKC and watched his runs. Ponyboy knew he had much to prove, and he desperately needed to keep the generous scholarship OU had given him if he wanted to attend college. Darry had been right—his brains and grades had paid off. He would be the first of his family to attend college.
Because of his future at OU, Ponyboy did not slack off on his senior year class load. He was still taking advanced classes full of socs. But they were all used to him and were civil in class. Pony wasn't friends with them, but they could work together on forced group assignments without drama. Some of them would be going to OU in the fall, just like Pony. He wondered if they would remain the same in Norman. Would Ponyboy still be a greaser? Would they still be socs? Or would the confines of their social background disappear when they moved? Maybe people would lump Pony in with all the Tulsa socs.
"Didn't you guys go to the same high school? Are you buddies?" They might ask. Ponyboy didn't know how he might begin to answer that question. But he had the summer to think about it. Today, it was time to walk the stage.
A few months after Johnny and Dally died, Ponyboy moved back into his own bedroom. He was growing up—physically and mentally—and wanted his own space. His nightmares had become less frequent and rarely woke him up screaming anymore. This morning, he awoke with the sun streaming through the window and the comforting cacophony of barking dogs outside. Pony inspected the clock on his nightstand and determined that he had awakened fifteen minutes before his alarm. As he lay there, he mentally prepared for the day ahead. Over the last few months, he had realized that graduation is not for the students. Pony was proud of his hard work but saw little value in walking the stage to officially receive his diploma.
When he mentioned to Darry that he wasn't interested in walking the stage, Darry nearly had an aneurysm. "Ponyboy Micheal Curtis! We have all worked too hard to miss this moment!" Then his voice got quieter. "And mom and dad would have insisted that you go."
Pony didn't have a good response to that…so he was going to graduation. He scowled, thinking of how Darry guilt-tripped him with Mom and Dad. He was probably right, though; they would have insisted. Even Soda seemed entirely resistant to Pony's subtle hints that he would still have a diploma without the pomp and circumstance. The idea of walking across the stage in front of a huge audience and all his classmates made Ponyboy nauseous. He hated being the center of attention. The only place he willingly put himself in the spotlight was on the track. Pony thought this Saturday would be much better if he went for a run, read his book, and then celebrated with just his family and close friends at the barbecue Darry had planned for the afternoon.
Pony's alarm began blaring from the nightstand, and he shut it off with a sigh. Moments later, Darry knocked on his door. "Pony! You better not be snoozing that alarm! You need to get up if you want to eat breakfast and have time to get dressed! Everyone is already here."
"Okay Darry! I'm up!"
Pony stumbled gracelessly into the kitchen, still in his pajamas. Darry and Sodapop were there. Steve and Two-Bit were already bumming around the living room. Darry's girlfriend, Kate, was cooking a big breakfast. Sodapop's current girlfriend, Diana, was also there.
"Hi Ponyboy! Are you all ready for the big day?" Kate asked as he entered the kitchen.
"I guess." Pony shrugged but also smiled politely at Kate.
Darry had met Kate about a year after Johnny and Dallas died. At first, he didn't bring her around the house at all. Only go out on dates with her occasionally. But both Pony and Soda could tell that Darry really liked her from the start. After a few months, Darry introduced her to them—he said she had insisted that she finally meet his famous little brothers.
She was hilarious and teased Darry relentlessly, which Pony and Soda loved. She didn't take any shit from him either. Soda loved her rebellious attitude immediately, and the two became quick prank allies. Pony was always shy, and it took a while for him to warm up to her. He always liked her, but adding another person to the family was strange. Ponyboy will never forget when he came out of his room at 15-almost-16 and caught her in their kitchen at 6:00 am in Darry's shirt—having obviously stayed the night. But she was making Darry's lunch, and despite his intense embarrassment, Pony could admit it was cute.
Kate's arrival softened Darry. Just a few words from her could calm Darry immediately. Pony was always grateful when she would get between them as their voices grew and quietly tell Darry they could talk about it when everyone calmed down. Kate was also a fantastic cook. The smell of her food could bring Pony running home from miles away. When she first started staying at the house, Pony and Kate would sit together at the table, eating in pleasant silence. That is how Pony first became comfortable with her.
Now, Kate was an unquestioned member of the Curtis family. Ponyboy considered her his sister-in-law. Pony and Soda expected Darry to ask her to marry him now that Pony was moving out. Kate set a plate piled high with bacon, ham, pancakes, and a few hard-boiled eggs in front of Ponyboy.
"The fancy graduate gets to eat first today." She smiled at him and playfully punched him on the shoulder.
"Thanks Kate. Honestly this breakfast, and the ribs later are what I am looking for to the most today."
Soda chimed in from where he stood with his arms around Diana. "Well, I am most looking forward to getting stoned at the party this afternoon. Kate's ribs will taste even more divine after a hit or two."
Everyone knew Sodapop was lying. He was most excited to watch Pony cross the stage. He had talked about nothing else for weeks. He told anyone who would listen about how Pony was graduating near the top of his class. Soda had already bought a ball cap that proudly displayed "OU." Soda had screamed with joy when Ponyboy opened his acceptance letter.
"Hurry up and eat, Ponyboy," Darry said as he ate beside him. "I already have your clothes ironed, but we need time for pictures and everything."
Pony resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Pony was only eleven when Darry graduated high school. Still, he doesn't remember him making this big of a fuss about his own graduation.
"Okay Darry. Let me eat and then I will let you and Soda dress me up like a doll and smile real big in every picture."
Kate and Diana smirked at his unmistakable sass. Pony was less afraid to tease Darry now that he stood taller than him, and they understood each other better.
Diana chimed in from the other end of the table. "I brought my good camera! And I made Soda dress up so all three of you will look so dapper in the pictures!"
Diana loved taking pictures—especially of Pony, Soda, and Darry—but she was heartbroken and astonished when she realized that almost no photos had been taken after their parents' deaths. The brothers never felt comfortable taking "family" pictures without their parents. They had two group shots of the gang, but even those were tinged with sadness now.
Diana was in OKC last weekend and took pictures of Pony running, the brothers, some with Steve and Two-Bit, and even a few of Kate and Pony. Everyone was really excited for them to get developed. Kate had already picked out some frames to hang on the wall in the living room.
Ponyboy finished his breakfast quickly and put his plate in the sink. Everyone else was still eating. He went to the bathroom and jumped in the shower. Just as the water started to get cold, he got out and wrapped a towel around his waist. After wiping the mirror so he could see, he lathered his face with shaving cream.
He had started shaving on the day of his fifteenth birthday. Two-Bit had been the first one to suggest that it was time.
"Is that the beginning of a beard on your chin, Ponyboy Curtis?" he asked, laughing. Pony had dashed into the bathroom to inspect for himself. Two-Bit was right; a few hairs were poking out in a few patchy spots. Two-Bit clapped him on the back and said, "Just wait until Soda and Superman hear about this!"
Before everyone came over to celebrate his birthday, Darry and Soda brought him into the bathroom and gave him his first shaving lesson. At his birthday party, he had a few shallow cuts on his face, but he wore the biggest smile anyone had seen him have in years. It was a good memory.
Presently, Ponyboy was not as happy with his facial hair. To everyone's disbelief, he could grow the fullest beard of all the Curtis brothers. Soda never let his facial hair grow—it was still a bit patchy. Darry's hair took forever to grow—he could go two, sometimes three days without shaving. But it was okay because Darry looked goofy with a beard and mustache—it covered his Superman jaw.
But a full beard was a nuisance to shave every day. Pony kept his face shaved during the school year. He had experimented in the summers—growing it out for a few days. Everyone said it looked really good. 'Maybe I can grow it out when I move to Norman.' Ponyboy thought. After making sure he didn't miss any spots—they were taking pictures today, after all—Pony towel-dried his hair. And combed it into his preferred style. He wore his hair shorter now, more like Darry, than the long 'greaser' cut. Today, he would not wear any oil on it either.
With a towel securely wrapped around his waist, Ponyboy quickly walked to his bedroom. Darry had hung his button-down shirt, dress pants, and cap and gown on his closet door. He quickly found some underwear and put on his dress pants, followed by a white T-shirt.
Ponyboy was trying to get his button-down shirt free from the hanger without wrinkling it when Soda and Darry knocked on the door. "Come in!" Pony said. Soda came in first, followed closely by Darry. Pony finally got the shirt off the hanger and put it on unbuttoned. He turned to his brothers—half-dressed and already flustered.
Soda and Darry were already grinning at him. "Don't forget your tie. I put it on your desk," Darry added. Pony fussed with the buttons on his shirt. The day had barely begun, but already his hands were shaking—from anticipation or nervousness—he wasn't sure. Probably both.
Darry took pity on him and stepped closer to help him with the buttons. Darry straightened the shirt on Pony's shoulders. "There. Now just tuck it in and let's put on the tie." Pony suppressed a sigh. He was wearing a graduation gown; no one would see his tie anyway. But Pony didn't want to argue with his brothers today.
Soda appeared with the tie in his hand and wrapped it around Pony's shoulders. Standing behind Pony, looking in the mirror, he tied the knot expertly. Darry once again stepped to straighten and adjust the ensemble. Pony eyed the new dress shoes Darry had got him for graduation. They were the nicest and most expensive shoes he had ever owned. Darry said he would need them in college anyway and that they were an investment, but Pony was sick just thinking about how much they cost.
Pony stepped away from his brothers to slip the shoes on. "Mom and Dad would be real proud of you Pone." Soda began, "and me and Darry are so proud too. This day means so much to all of us. I never got to walk the stage, and I have no regrets about that, but I am so excited to see you cross it for both of us. I love you, kiddo. Always have and always will. I just wanted to say that now while it is just the three of us—before the circus begins."
Ponyboy stood, both shoes on his feet, and faced his brothers. Soda's eyes were a little red and wet, but he wasn't quite crying. Darry was smiling at Pony, but his face seemed less controlled than usual.
"Thank you, Soda. I know how much this means to you guys—and it means a lot to me too. I know I haven't been the best sport about this…I guess I never realized how much I would miss Mom and Dad being here for this. Most days I don't even have time to miss them. But the closer this day came, I just kept thinking 'they should be here.' And I've somehow just realized that they will never be here to see me doing anything else. Graduate college, get married, have kids. They'll never get to see you guys do any of that either. And it's not fair. It's not fucking fair."
Darry hugged Pony and gripped the back of his neck in a grounding gesture. "Oh Pone. I think about that all the time. You're right it's not fair, they never got to see you grow up. But I can promise you one thing. Soda and I will be with you on all those days—just like we are with you today. Soda and I will be with you so much, you will be begging us to leave you alone! I know it is not the same, especially because we got more time with them than you, but it's all we got. Each other."
"Besides," Soda continued, "they wouldn't want us to be sad today. And I think they have seen all of us grow up…they are watching from wherever they are."
Pony nodded at his brothers and gathered his emotions. "Do I have to put the cap and gown on now? Are we taking pictures here or at the school?"
"We are taking pictures here, so go ahead and put it on. We only have an hour before I want to leave. We need to get there early so you can check in and we can get good seats." Darry replied.
Soda was already taking the gown off the hanger and holding it out to his graduating brother. Pony quickly pulled the royal blue gown over his head. Darry had gotten it hemmed so that it fell just right. Only Pony's ankles, adorned with his new shoes, and the top of his gold tie showed. Darry handed Pony the cap with a grin. After some adjustments, the ensemble was perfect.
"You look good Pone. Might even be the handsomest Curtis!" Soda laughed. Pony scoffed, "even dressed like this, I can't compete with you. You attract more girls to the DX on a Tuesday at eight a.m. than I will in this entire day!"
Soda only grinned at him. Pony was glad that Soda was joking with him. It felt good to laugh. Satisfied that Ponyboy was ready, the three brothers left the bedroom with similes. Two-Bit greeted the trio as they entered the living room.
"Dang Ponyboy! Look at you, kid!" Two-Bit is still called Pony "Kid" even though he is now seventeen. Two-Bit himself had successfully graduated high school at almost twenty years old. The gang (what was left of it) went to his graduation and sat next to his mom and sister. Ponyboy swears that the teachers cheered more when Two-Bit walked the stage than any of his family. They were eager for him to leave, Pony figured. But Two-Bit's graduation was fun, and Pony hoped his would be the same.
"Thanks, Two-Bit. I reckon I look loads better in this get up than you did."
"I don't know about that. I made that royal blue look good!"
Steve was also in the living room, dressed in nice jeans and a button-down. Pony and Steve's relationship was much better these days. The two were not pals but had a mutual understanding. Besides, after losing Johnny and Dal, the gang couldn't be too picky. Steve graduated, too, of course. He was saving up to open his own garage and had his own place so that his Dad couldn't kick him out all the time.
"Okay, picture time!" Diana announced as Kate exited Darry's room wearing a soft purple dress and heels. Kate's dress matches Darry's tie, Pony thought. They were so cute, and it was almost sickening sometimes. Everyone filed outside. Apparently, the porch will be the backdrop of these photos.
"Me first!" Kate demanded and shooed all the boys except Pony off the steps. She quickly wrapped her arms around his waist—in an embrace that was surprisingly sisterly and motherly. Pony couldn't keep the genuine smile off his face as he laughed at her antics. Diana snapped a few photos, including one of Kate squeezing Pony's cheeks together while she grinned goofily. Pony was glad Darry found Kate. She was meant to be a Curtis, he thought.
Steve and Two-Bit went next. Steve and Pony only posed for one photo; it depicted Steve knocking Pony's cap off and giving him a noogie. Despite their age difference, Pony and Two-Bit had grown closer after Johnny and Dally's deaths. The two posed with their arms thrown over each other's shoulders. Wide, laughing grins on both their faces. Two-Bit was standing slightly on his toes to appear taller. Everyone was still astonished by how tall Pony got. He was two inches taller than Darry! But Pony kept the build of a runner. Tall and lean but very muscular.
Soda was aghast when Pony got taller than him. He denied that Pony had been taller for quite a while. No one believed him, of course. Darry had been more subdued in his objection to Pony's continued growth. He was proud when Pony could look him in the eyes but never fathomed that Pony wouldn't stop growing. Darry swears that Pony grew out of a pair of shoes every two months! Now, Darry still seemed shocked to have to look up a bit at his younger brother.
"Okay get up there you two!" Diana gestured for Darry and Soda to join Pony on the steps. "I've got plenty of film so let's get a bunch!" The three brothers shared almost identical grins. Soda punched Pony in the shoulder and turned towards the camera. "Babe! Make sure you get my good side!"
Darry and Pony shared an exasperated look. Diana snapped the photo. The brothers then slung their arms across each other and grinned at the camera. Then Darry and Soda hefted Ponyboy into their arms and held him stretched above the ground. It was no easy feat, but everyone laughed, and Diana was sure the picture would be a favorite. The three brothers took a few more silly and more serious photos. Kate joined the three of them for the last few. Pony silently thanked Darry for rushing him. It was good to have plenty of time to capture these memories.
.
When everyone arrived at the school, Ponyboy was immediately shooed away to join his classmates in the gym. Everyone else made their way to the stadium. The football field now held a large stage. The Curtis party found decent spots with a clear view of the stage and settled in. Darry was nervously rubbing his hands on his pants. Kate was resting her head on his shoulder. Diana and Soda were talking and laughing loudly with Steve and Two-Bit.
"I almost can't believe this day is happening," Steve began, "after all the shit the kid went through. And he'll be the first to go to college. Crazy how time flies."
Everyone looked at Steve—surprised that he was getting so sentimental. Soda turned to his best friend.
"Yeah…Stevie it is pretty crazy, huh? There were days Darry, and I didn't know what the hell we were doing, or how we were going to get Pony here. But I always knew he could make it. As smart as he has always been…and as fast as he is! He's getting out of our neighborhood—going on to bigger and better things. I just hope he doesn't forget about his dashingly handsome older brother when he is a big shot soc!"
"Shoot," Two-Bit said, drawing out the word, "Pone could never forget about you and Darry. There is no one he looks up to more than you guys. Everywhere we go, it is, 'My big brothers this…and my big brothers that.' He won't forget about any of us. Besides, being from our neighborhood will give him an advantage! Being a greaser made him tough. Besides, it's not like we won't be down visiting him in Norman every weekend! I want the kid to show me those college girls and parties!"
Darry glared over at Two-Bit. "He won't have time for visits, girls, or parties because he will be practicing for track and studying."
Kate snickered at her boyfriend's reaction. Ponyboy was seventeen now, but Darry's interest in ensuring he succeeded and stayed out of trouble was still there. "Awww, c'mon darlin', he's worked hard enough to get the full college experience, and he won't do anything crazy. Besides, his alcohol tolerance is so low that he definitely won't be the 'cool drunk kid.'" Kate joked.
Steve, Two-Bit, and Soda all laughed. Despite being allowed to drink under supervision, Pony still had a laughable tolerance. A shot and a beer were enough to leave him spinning. Pony was a very lovable drunk, though. He would become more talkative and call everyone his 'pal.'
"Why did we get here so early?" Two-Bit complained. "This thing doesn't even start for another hour."
"Stop complaining. Your bitching will give me a headache." Steve replied.
.
Before long, the graduating class began to march single-file into the stadium. The marching band played a bad rendition of pomp and circumstance. The gang watched the graduates, closely searching for the youngest Curtis. When they spotted him, he was looking up into the bleachers, looking for his family.
"Hey, Ponyboy!" Soda shouted over the band. And Two-Bit let out the whistle used by their gang and the Shepherds. Darry started waving his arms up to try to get Pony's attention. Somehow, Ponyboy heard them over the band and quickly spotted them. A smile lit up his face, and he raised his hand to wave to them. Kate, Diana, and Steve had joined in the cheering—clapping and whistling for Pony.
Then, the waiting began again. The valedictorian gave her speech. She was a nice soc girl that Pony knew pretty well. Then the principal came up to congratulate everyone and begin giving diplomas. Soda was happy that their last name started with a C.
When Pony's line of chairs was called, Diana was ready with the camera. Soda stood up as the line of students approached the stage. Everyone held their breath. Finally, Darry thought, he did it…we did it. Both Curtis brothers in the stands beamed with pride. Darry couldn't even imagine how they could be prouder of him. When he graduates from college, Soda and I might need a defibrillator.
"Sandra Caldwell…Catherine Clark…Chuck Collins…" The announcer paused, "…Ponyboy Curtis…"
The Curtis brothers and their friends erupted in cheers. Two-Bit and Steve were whistling and hollering. The girls were clapping and cheering. Darry's hands—big and strong—created a loud, rhythmic clap as he watched his little brother grab his diploma, shake hands with the principal, and turn towards the stands. Beside Darry, Soda was jumping up and down and screaming. "YAY PONYBOY!"
Pony caught his brothers' eyes and held up the diploma triumphantly with a proud, beaming smile. He wasn't embarrassed by his family's dramatic cheers like he thought he might be. He knew that their noise was because they loved him and knew how hard he had worked to make them proud. Some of Pony's classmates cheered for him, too.
"Oh my god Darry!" Soda began as Pony exited the stage, "Did you see him? He looked so happy and proud! I knew he would be glad he walked once he got his moment!" Soda was practically buzzing with excitement.
"I saw him Little Buddy. He has every right to be proud…he has been through so much. And he overcame it all to walk that stage today."
Two-Bit joined the conversation, "Yeah, the kid looked good out there. You two did a real good job…I know your mom and Dad would be mighty proud of all three of you." Louder, as if speaking to the people around them, Two-Bit continued, "And Ponyboy Curtis is going to college! He is getting out of our neighborhood, and he is going to make something of himself!"
"Hell yes he is!" Steve added with a grin.
After impatiently waiting for the rest of the ceremony to conclude, Ponyboy joined his classmates in turning their tassels. It was official, Ponyboy Curtis was a high school graduate.
........
"Hey! Pony! Over here!" Two-Bit yelled when he spotted the youngest Curtis surveying the parking lot. Pony jogged over to his family with a wide grin on his face. "Hey guys!"
Soda immediately wrapped his brother in a hug and squeezed him too tight. "Golly Ponyboy we are so proud of you! What took so long? We've been waiting for you. I'm ready to get home, eat some ribs, and let the party begin!"
"Sorry Sodapop. Everyone was stopping to talk to me when I was leaving the stadium. Or asking me to sign their yearbooks. I didn't think I knew that many I knew that many people!" Pony laughed.
"That's alright Little Buddy," Darry said as he reached over to pat Pony aggressively—but lovingly—on the back. "You know how these animals are. They could barely make it your name. And after we saw you walk…well let's just say we weren't very popular with the people around us." Darry's tone was good-natured despite his admonishment.
Everyone loaded up in the cars and returned to the Curtis house. Kate already had the ribs marinating, and Darry immediately fired up the grill. Diana had found some tables and chairs to put around outside. The weather in Tulsa in May was pleasant—warm but not incredibly humid yet. Ponyboy went to his room to get out of his nice clothes, cap, and gown.
When Pony joined everyone else, he wore a pair of jeans, his Converse, and a maroon t-shirt. He felt much more like himself.
Outside groups of greasers had already started to arrive. Tim and Curly Shepherd were talking to Steve around one of the tables. A few other guys that Pony had grown up around were also there. Darry and Kate were laughing and kissing as they cooked the ribs on the grill. Soda and Diana roamed around the party, greeting everyone.
Ponyboy quickly grabbed a Pepsi and walked over to Darry and Kate. He hoped Kate would let him sneak the first rack of ribs. It was his party, after all! But on his way to the grill, Tim Shepherd intercepted Pony.
"Hey, kid."
"Hi, Tim. Thanks for coming." Ponyboy had never been close with Tim Shepherd. He was a real hood—Pony was surprised he had lived this long—and was quite a few years older. But Pony wasn't too surprised that Tim was there. He seemed to show up around the Curtis gang whenever there was an event. Pony was sure one of his brothers, Steve or Two-Bit, had extended an invitation to the Shepherds. They were good buddies to have, especially in a rumble.
"Don't mention it. I had to come and celebrate the golden boy Curtis finally moving on from this place. I remember when you a Curly were palin' around and getting into trouble. Now I hear you are going to college—good job kid."
"I think Soda is the golden boy!" Pony laughed nervously. I still remember when you caught Curly and me burning each other's fingers with a lit cigarette." Pony purposely avoided Tim's praise about going to college. He didn't know what to say.
"Ah, those were the days!" Curly said as he approached and slapped Ponyboy hard on the back. Curly had just gotten out of the reformatory a few weeks before. Ponyboy didn't hang out with him much because he was always getting into trouble. The police knew him and often picked him up, even if he didn't get caught doing something illegal.
Although the state had become less involved in the Curtis house over the years, it was still a looming, ever-present threat. Ponyboy was sick at the thought of getting taken away from his brothers—especially after the mess when he was fourteen. So, as Curly became involved in more dangerous crimes, Pony stayed further away. But also, Darry and Soda had separately told him not to let Curly drag him into anything.
Curly Shepherd didn't seem too interested in dragging Ponyboy into his activities, though. And once, when a particularly rough fight broke out at the Dingo, the cops showed up and started arresting everyone. Now that Pony was a tall, dangerous-looking greaser, the police paid him much more attention. Curly told Pony to run and resisted arrest so no one could chase him down. It seems even Curly understood that getting jailed would ruin one of the brightest futures on the East Side.
"Curtis," Curly began, "this party needs more girls, booze, and louder music! This is like a retirement party!"
Pony laughed. "You'll have to talk to the party planning committee. I had no part in any of this! I'm just here for Kate's ribs."
"You complain' about our hospitality, Curly Shepherd?" Soda asked as he swung an arm around Pony's neck and dragged his little brother's head down to give him a noogie. "Stop it, Soda." Ponyboy grumbled, pushing his brother away lightly.
"Nah man. But seriously this is like a funeral. Did you only invite the greasiest hoods in town?" Curly's tone was teasing.
"It's still early. We have to wait for the old man to go to bed before the real fun begins." Soda pointed at Darry at the grill. The Shepherd brothers and the younger Curtises laughed.
Darry turned away from the grill and pointed the spatula he was holding at Sodapop. "Don't get mouthy with me, Pepsi-Cola or I will hand out your joints as party favors to every hood here."
Ponyboy laughed at his brothers' teasing. He was going to miss this when he went to college. The familiarity of being around not just his family but his community. The east side was his home. The greasers here may have been rough and rowdy, but they were a part of his identity. Pony was one of them—even with a bright future and a short haircut. Ponyboy never asked to be a beacon of a better future for kids from the East Side, but that is precisely what he had become. The next time, a young, reckless, wild boy was told, "You will never be anything but a hood. No one from your side of town ever amounts to anything. You're all just criminals, hoods, and JDs." Boys like the Shepherds and Dallas Winston will know that those people are wrong. Ponyboy Curtis is making it out. And he won't be the only one.
Darry left Kate in charge at the grill and walked to his brothers. He playfully shoved Soda and roughed Pony's hair up. "C'mon you guys! I can't keep fixin' my hair!" The youngest Curtis exclaimed. Darry had a sly grin on his face. After things got better between him and Pony, the state got off their backs, and he met Kate. Darry smiled a lot more. Everyone could tell that he was genuinely happy.
"Well Darry, looks like you are going to be an empty nester soon." Tim laughed. "You'll have a lot more time with your lady, if you know what I mean. You might have to find a hobby! Knitting or quilting seems like a good outlet for an old man like you."
Darry was not phased by the teasing at all. Tim and Darry had grown up together and had a healthy respect for each other. "Well, Tim, if I am an old man than you should be dead already. I'm surprised your not with all the shit you have gotten into. But don't speak too soon. Soda is with his girl most of the time, but he will always have a home with me. And Ponyboy will be home for the rest of the summer and for Christmas. Plus, me and Kate might fill the rooms up again someday."
Darry did not need to keep up a tough demeanor with the Shepherds. They knew better than most how tough he was. And Darry had learned from his Dad that tough men did not need to be ashamed to show they cared. Darry would not apologize or play down how much he loved his brothers. He was ecstatic for Pony to go to college—it was everything he had worked to give him. But he was also so scared. Darry had never had Pony so far away. He would miss his clever snark and quiet calmness. Soda would be closer but had his own life and would probably come around less without Ponyboy. But Darry would ensure he knew he was always allowed in their childhood home. And Darry had no shame about "settling down" with Kate. She was the most beautiful and amazing woman he had ever met. He already had plans to propose and have a family one day.
Pony and Soda watched their older brother defend his love for his family. Pony subconsciously leaned towards Darry; their shoulders bumped together. Darry was Pony's greatest role model—a mixture of a brother and a father. When Ponyboy felt as if he couldn't remember the sound of his father's voice or how his hugs felt, all he had to do was be around Darry to remember. Darry was Pony's number one supporter and protector. Even though Ponyboy had physically outgrown his brothers, they still defended him with a fervent, ardent passion that only older siblings seemed to forge.
Tim stuck his hand out to Darry. "Respect to that brother. You Curtis boys have always been some of the best folks on the east side. Thanks for the invite today. Don't forget if you guys ever need anything, give me a call. I'm not golden boys like you but sometimes that's exactly what you need."
The Curtis boys nodded in acknowledgment to Tim. From the grill, Kate yelled, "Alright this is ready. Come and get the first plate Ponyboy!" Pony eagerly made his way to the food. "Thanks Kate!"
"You're welcome! We have got to keep you fed, so that you can keep running!"
Ponyboy finds a seat at a table, and Kate joins him after Darry forces her to get herself a plate before any of the boys eat. Pony was almost moaning while devouring all the food on his plate. Darry, Soda, Diana, and Two-Bit all joined them at the table. Steve, Evie, and the Shepherds sat with a few other greasers not far away. Pony turned to his brothers and Kate. "This has been fun. Thanks for the party, guys." Soda chuckled. "We couldn't let our little brother graduate without celebrating. You deserve this Pone. You've worked so hard. We all know that."
"Not as hard as you and Darry have worked for years." Pony replied with an undertone of guilt.
"Ponyboy Curtis," Darry started with a firm voice. "Just because you don't have a job does not mean you haven't worked as hard as me and Soda. We are happy with how things are, we have no regrets. I just want you to stop feeling like you have to pay us back for taking care of you."
Soda smiled softly at Pony. "Exactly. Me and Darry are just fine kiddo. We'll miss you like crazy when you are away at college but we will be okay. Just like you will be. There is no debt between brothers. And you have paid us back tenfold for any overtime and gray hairs by making us so proud. My kid brother is going to college! He is the fastest kid on Oklahoma! He is making it out of this neighborhood! Just like we always dreamed he would. That is worth everything to me."
Kate nodded along, a fond smile on her face. Diana looked at Soda with lovestruck, watery eyes. Two-Bit had his signature shit-eating grin on his face. He was proud to know the Curtis brothers.
"Okay, okay. I get it, you love me." Pony replied with a red flush on his face.
"You're damn right!" Darry exclaimed and ruffled Pony's hair again.
THE END
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