Tess Curtis has been hearing everyone's thoughts ever since her parents died. What she doesn't know is that Johnny Cade, the boy she's had a crush on for years can also hear thoughts. In fact, all of the gang has a special ability.
Sophie Foster is...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Pepsi-Cola, that was quick." I said, as my kid brother walked in.
"Yeah, um, Tess and Johnny are going steady." he blurted. That was abrupt.
"What? Did you tell Johnny to be careful with her?" I asked.
"No, I figured you'd be better at not yelling at him." Soda said, "He's three years older than her. I'm scared he's gonna break her heart." He looked down.
"Johnny ain't gonna break her heart." Pony said, glancing up from his book. "He forced her to get outta the church before him. He loves her."
"Really?" Soda asked.
"Really. If he hadn't, Tess would be a lot worse, considering the burns Johnny has." Pony said.
"Maybe he'll be okay." Soda admitted, "I'll give him a chance."
"Good." I said, "Johnny's a good kid." I hugged him, and Pony joined the hug. I'll have to make sure Johnny understands that we aren't gonna let him get away with anything, just because he's the pet of the gang.
"Pony, you feel real relieved." Soda murmured, "Is it 'cause I ain't gonna go after Johnny?"
"What?" Pony asked, "You're an Empath?"
"Yeah, why not?" Soda asked, "You're guilty. Of what?"
"I'm an Empath too." Pony mumbled.
"Really?" Soda asked, "How come we never knew? I mean, whenever I touched you, I felt the emotions."
"It was especially hard when they died." Pony said, his voice breaking. It must've to feel the gang's grief, on top of his own.
"Aw, Pone, don't cry." Soda said, "We're a team."
"I hope that team includes me and Tess." I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah, the Curtis kids." Pony said.
"Aw, sibling hug!" Linh squealed, hugging Tam.
"If Keefe was here, this would not be happening." Tam muttered, as he hugged Linh.
"Dal! Get over here!" Maria shouted, "We're siblings too!"
"Fine, kid." Dally said, as he hugged her.
"Well, it's getting late, I'm heading to bed." I said, before turning and walking up the stairs. I paused at the sound of Soda's voice.
"Good night, Darry." Soda said.
"'Night Soda, 'night Pony. I want you in bed in ten minutes, ya hear?"
"Sure Darry."
"Soda, make sure he is."
"Yeah, yeah, you're tired and grouchy, I get it." Soda said, "No need to take it out on us. Take it out on Dally. He's only had his nose broken twice today. Make it a third, this time by a guy, not a girl."
