“Do you like TV Ponyboy?” I asked as Darrel and the boys made to clean up the kitchen. He looked down at his lap.

“I never really get to watch it.” It was one of the first full sentences Pony had ever spoken to me. I smiled sadly.

‘Well we can fix that. It’s only a black and white but you’re welcome to it?”

He looked up at me in surprise. His eyes were wide and hopeful. “Really mame?”

He was so proper. “Of course. I think My Three Sons is on. I always have loved that show. Would you like to watch it with me?”

Ponyboy nodded eagerly. I grinned. “Alright. Come on then. I’ll get some popcorn. You go sit on the sofa.” He practically ran up and sat as I told him. He stayed perfectly still, waiting for any other instruction. It had been hard enough to convince him that he didn’t need to wash the dishes or clean the table.

I wondered if he had to do everything Davenport told him to do. Was he responsible for every little thing. I shuddered.

Pony

Mom came in the room with some popcorn. Followed by Dad and my brother, my brothers; the idea was still taking some getting used to. They all sat down and turned on the tv. Mom and Soda sat on either side of me.

“Here dear. You should really prop your arm up.” Mom put a couple of pillows on my lap and I sat the arm down. “Is that better Pony?” I nodded. It felt kind of good.

Mom smiled. She was awfully pretty. My mother, Tonya, no Tonya. Tonya always had a wan weary sort of look. I had to make sure she was happy. She had to be happy. If I keep her happy she won’t be mad at me for going away. Just got to keep her happy.

Darry leaned down and turned the TV on. I can count on half a finger the number of times I have seen TV or movies. Father always said I wasn’t good enough to watch TV.

“A worthless little shit like you shouldn’t watch TV. It would be over your head anyways kid. I don’t want some useless kid bumming around wasting electricity. Go into the closet and do your studies. Don’t bother me.” That had been father at his nicest. I shuttered,

“Are you cold honey? The heater’s on but I can get you a blanket?”

I shook my head. Why should she go to any trouble on my account?

“Alright then.”

I turned my attention to the TV. I watched the Douglasses and wondered if that was what a family was supposed to be? I looked over at mom and dad and Soda and even Darry. I don’t think I have ever felt so out of place or alone.

Sorry it’s short. A bit of writer’s block. I know where I’m going but well you know how it goes. Check out some of my Harry Potter work. I actually wrote something funny. Review please.