your eyes were fixed on dallas. your older brother, once doting and playful with you now was a bit distant toward you. now, his attention was kept by the nervous, black haired boy named johnny. it made you feel worse when you looked at johnny, nice and kind to you, unknowing of your unlaying envy toward him. but you couldn't help it. you missed your brother, missed his attention.

but, where attention isn't given, it is found. for 10 year old you, that attention came in darry curtis. one of dally's friend's oldest brother. darry takes you around, lets you rant to him, helps you with homework, etc.

and although this filled a bit of your heart, you still yearned for dally's attention, too. it all came to a head when everyone was at the curtis' house. the house was rumbling with life, and while darry and ponyboy were attempting to make dinner in the kitchen while the rest of the boys were scattered about the house.

you were practically poking a bear. dally had been in a bad mood all night, him and johnny had gotten into a little argument, and now johnny wasn't really talking to him. you were bouncing around dally, talking on and on and overall in a good mood after getting a good grade on a test.

but, his reaction was not alike with yours. "oh, good fer you, dipshit." he snapped, suddenly turning his glaring eyes toward you. he was angry, you could tell. "why don't you go tell someone who fuckin' cares? oh, do you not got anyone?" his words were mean, sharpened by his aging anger.

"yer a dumb lil' shit," his lips pulled in a snarl, hand reaching out and grasping your jacket sleeve. "go the fuck aw -"

someone cleared their throat, pulling dallas from his little outburst. darry stood in the doorframe to the kitchen, eyes unamused, and staring at you both. "whats happening?" he asked, his tone stern and eyes glinting with warning.