The Outsiders meet elves: A Keeper of the Lost Cities crossover a Sophitz story

Chapter 95 - Pony

"What the hell is going on in here?" Darry had to shout to be heard above Jenny's screams. "I came home because the neighbors called about someone screaming bloody murder."

"Jenny got jumped at school. I'm cleaning her cuts." Tess said calmly.

"The screams were awfully loud." Darry said.

"She's real sensitive." Two said.

"Are you done?" Jenny moaned.

"Yep." Tess said, "Try to sleep now."

"Okay." she whispered, falling asleep quickly.

"Well, that was loud." Darry said, "I'd better get back to work. When Soda gets home, make sure he puts his paycheck here, 'kay Tess." He pointed to the table.

"Got it, Darry." Tess said.

"Why not me?" I asked. I feel like Darry hates me. I know he doesn't, but he always gives the jobs to Tess.

"Because. You'll have your nose in a book, and forget about it." Darry said sternly.

"Oh." I said, dejected, and Evelyn hugged me from behind.

Darry grinned. "Or Evelyn will distract you." Not fair. She's so gentle and sweet, compared to Steve and Soda, who'll poke fun at her. It's their way of showing their love, but Evelyn gets hurt easily.

"What about Johnny distracting Tess?" I asked. They're always talking and stuff. How come that's not a distraction?

"Tess is simply more responsible than you." Darry said.

"Humph." I crossed my arms, but uncrossed them to embrace Evelyn when she snuggled into my chest.

"Bye." Darry walked out the door, and I heard the engine of his truck start up.

"Pony, you're responsible." Evelyn said, "Just not about the things Darry wants you to be responsible about. Like, instead of going to bed, you stay up late reading." She burrowed her head right underneath my chin, so I gently rested my chin on the top of her head.

"You guys are so sweet." Tess murmured. I glanced at her, making sure she wasn't about to do something embarrassing. She had her most angelic smile on her face, which usually meant something bad was gonna happen.

"Tess, don't." I begged her. "Please."

"Johnny! Pony and Evelyn are making out!" she shouted. Johnny came running in from the front porch, a cancer stick still in his mouth.

"Pony, get away from my sister!" Johnny screamed.

"We weren't doing anything!" I exclaimed, holding my hands up.

"Really? Tess, you did that for nothing?" Johnny tried to glare at Tess, but failed.

"No, Pony wanted to." Tess said.

"Pony!" Johnny threw his hands up in defeat. "If he tries something, holler, 'kay?"

"Okay Johnnycakes, go finish that smoke." Evelyn said.

"It wasn't lighting well. It's like someone dropped it in water, and it's still damp." Johnny frowned.

"You shouldn't be smoking, anyways." Linh said, "It's not healthy. Elwin's going to have to do a big detox, when you get to the Lost Cities."

"What do you mean?" I asked. "Everyone smokes."

"Wrong." Tess said, "I don't smoke. Soda rarely smokes. It's really you, Johnny, and Dal that smoke regularly."

"True, but we all still smoke sometimes." Pony said.

"You can't smoke in the Lost Cities." Linh said.