twenty five

***Darry's POV***

"I'd like to begin by thanking everyone for being here," I say to start the meeting. "I'm sure you all are wondering why you're here. There have been several changes to our lives, and we'd like everyone to be up to date on them. To start, this is Kayla," I point towards Kayla, and she waves. Everyone says their hellos.

"We're going to say this by 'couple', even though some of us may not be a couple yet," I explain. Lauren stands up so we can present our news.

"Does everyone remember Andrew?" Lauren asks. The gang nods. "He's behind bars. He attempted to kill all of the kids up at the church when Dally, Johnny, Bryce, Ponyboy, Victoria, and Bailey were up there. In fact, he almost killed Johnny and Bryce. He was arrested for attempted murder, so we won't need to worry about him anymore."

Everyone gasps. I know, I wasn't expecting it either.

"Okay, it's Victoria and Johnny's turn," Lauren says and we both sit down as they stand up.

"We don't have much news," Victoria says. I look over and see Soda, Ponyboy, and Dally standing up and grab something from behind the couch.

"I do," Johnny says. "Victoria, could you come into Ponyboy's bedroom with me really fast so I can tell you? I want you to share it with me." Victoria nods and they head out.

I turn back to the boys and see them with signs, spelling out "Be mine Victoria?", one word per sign. Dally is holding flowers, Ponyboy her favorite candy, and Soda a stuffed bear. I hear the door open down the hall and everyone freezes.

Johnny lets Victoria walk out and he grabs a bag of his own. She turns and sees what's going on and freezes.

"Johnny?" she asks.

"Yes babygirl?" he asks nervously. Victoria covers her mouth.

"I love it! Of course I'll be yours!" she says and runs into his arms. Everyone claps and cheers. Johnny hands her the bag when they let go, and she pulls out an old sweatshirt of Johnny's. She puts it on in a flash and does a twirl for everyone. All of the girls "awwwwwe" when they see "Cade" written on the back.

When they finish, it's Dally and Alex's turn.

"To start, I'd like everyone to know that I'm dating the most beautiful girl in the world, and her name is Alex Matthews," Dally says. Everyone laughs and Alex kisses his cheek. "Other than that, Alex is staying with me and Ellie is staying with Steve. We're all driving out to Ottawa in a couple of days to get their stuff because I've convinced this lovely lady to stay."

"Oh get a room," Two-Bit says.

"That's all!" Alex says and they sit down as Steve and Ellie stand up.

"We have some pretty big news...." Steve says and swallows hard. He taps Ellie's stomach. "There are some kids in there."

"KIDS!?" I say.

"As in more than one?" Ponyboy asks.

"Two, to be exact," Ellie says.

Everyone reacts in a happy way. We all congratulate the new parents and wish them the best of luck.

It reaches Ponyboy's turn.

"Well, I have no real news, other than the fact that there's like 3 weeks until Christmas and I mean that's pretty cool," he says and sits back down. Everyone laughs and that turns into Soda and Kayla's turn.

"So, my big news is that this is Kayla, and she's gorgeous, and mine, so guys please lay off of her," Soda says.

"I'm not yours yet," Kayla says and laughs. The gang laughs and Soda scratches his neck. He then grabs her waist and kisses her pretty passionately. I grip my fists together but unclench them when I see how happy he looks with her. She smiles the biggest smile.

"Now I can be," Kayla says and Soda laughs.

"Man, two new couples and I'm still over here single," Ponyboy says with a laugh.

"You better keep it that way little buddy," I say. Everyone hoots with laughter.

That leaves Two-Bit.

"So basically, my updates are about Bailey. The way she's healing right now, it will be a miracle if she is awake by Christmas. The fall she took really messed with her body, but the doctors said she's on her way to a strong recovery," he says. We see how much it pains him to talk about her.

Kayla raises her hand. "I'm so sorry, who's Bailey?"

"The girl Two-Bit is in love with," Steve says.

"Are they dating?" Kayla asks.

"Not yet," I say. Two-Bit nods and continues.

"The other thing is that I think we should all make more of an effort to make her happy. Not every second, but in a way that she knows she's loved and appreciated by a lot of people." 

Everyone agrees.

I stand back up. "Thank you everyone for joining us tonight, is that it?"

Everyone nods and begins standing up. Everyone leaves except for my brothers, Kayla, Lauren, Bryce, Johnny, and Victoria. Johnny usually stays over anyway, unless his parents aren't home.

"Darry, Kayla and I are going to go hang out in the guest room," Soda says.

"Alright, if she wants to spend the night, you better be on the floor in there," I say. He nods and they head off to bed.

Ponyboy and Bryce usually sleep in the living room, each taking a couch. Victoria and Johnny sleep in Ponyboy and Soda's room, and Lauren sleeps with me. Eventually, Johnny and Victoria head to bed too, leaving the rest of us on the couches. Bryce fell asleep on the couch next to Ponyboy, so we decide to go to bed so he can sleep. Lauren and I say good night and head to bed.

She climbs into bed next to me and crawls on top of me. "Good job today, honey."

I peck her lips and we fall asleep.