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Darry tried his best to not stumble as he opened the door. It was a Friday night— and Darry’s only week-day off. And, of course, it just had to be the day Paul, Darry’s old buddy, hosted a high school reunion.
Darry never knew how to handle parties. Sure, he was invited to a lot of them when he was younger, but most of the time his parents said no faster than he could even muster the words to ask. Plus, Darry knew what would happen if he ever came home drunk. But things have changed. Now Darry was on his own, taking care of his kid brothers. He didn’t have time for things like parties. But when Sodapop offered to take care of Ponyboy for the afternoon, Darry hesitantly decided to enjoy himself for once.
The drive home was awkward. Darry was pleasantly surprised at Paul’s willingness, he was more than happy to drive him back. There was barely any conversation, but Darry appreciated the promptness.
Soda was reading a magazine when Darry walked in. He looked almost surprised to see Darry look so disheveled. Darry tried his best to hide it, but Sodapop went to enough parties to understand what was going on.
“Hey Dar, can ya come ‘ere for a second?” Sodapop spoke gently, setting down his magazine to look at Darry. Darry slowly stumbled his way over, ruffling Soda’s hair.
“Hey little buddy..!” He slurred, giving Soda a glazed smile.
“Yeah, you’re drunk alright.” Sodapop confirmed. Darry giggled as he sat down beside him.
“Who took’ya home?” Sodapop immediately switched to concern. There was no way Darry could’ve driven in this state of mind.
“Paul.” Darry hiccuped.
Sodapop never really met any of Darry’s friends. But he did vaguely remember Darry playing football with a Paul.
“Oh, yer gonna have one hell of a hangover in the mornin’.” Sodapop got up and pulled Darry’s boots off.
Darry carefully stood up and made his way to his room. The lights were off, and the living room looked clean. “I guess Soda cleaned,” Darry thought to himself as he attempted to pull himself together.
“Wow Dar, you really went all out tonight.” Sodapop followed Darry incase he fell.
“‘S dark,” Darry mumbled. He didn’t realize the nausea sitting in his stomach until he got up, but that could wait.
“I know. Ok, big brother, go to sleep,” Sodapop opened the door for him.
“Nighty night..” Darry slurred, smiling as he accidentally slammed the door on his way in.