"Murderer!" I heard someone yell, as I walked down the hall. My blood turned cold- It was the Socs. Over the past few weeks, ever since Bob was killed (As a result, Murderer had become my new nickname at school), almost all of the Socs vowed revenge, and that meant beating up anyone who walked the East side. And I mean anyone, even Evie, Steve's girl had a run in with some Socs; which left her a few bruises. She was alright and everything- thanks to a busted bottle. Even at school, kids like me, Two-Bit and Steve were often ganged up in the hallways, and the teachers did nothing, I assumed they were afraid of us. Us! We were the ones being jumped, not jumping people.

The name calling turned into chanting, and I could hear them slowly walking behind me. I looked desperately for help. The hallway wasn't too busy, it was mostly groups of Soc girls loudly raving about some River Bottom party. I didn't see any buddies to help me out.

"Hey grease! You listen to us when we're calling you," A voice hissed. I turned to face a blonde haired Soc, one I had recognized as David; the Soc who tried to drown me along with Bob. There were about four more madra clothed boys backing him up. I had a sick feeling in my stomach.

"Leave me alone or things will get ugly," I said, trying to use a hard voice, instead it came out like a plead. They laughed.

"Then bring on the ugly, sissy," A Soc from the back sneered. At once they all shoved me against a locker, and repeatedly slugged me. It hurt like hell. Then, I finally had the chance to fight back. I kneed David in the leg and pushed him away from me. I then raised my arms in a combat stance. I was little, but I could still pack a good punch if I wanted to. Then, I remembered something. It was a soft voice, one I didn't hear anymore. "Fightin' it's useless..." I slowly lowered my fists. Johnny was right. They all tackled me at once, and then everything went black.

*****

"C'mon Pony, the bell is gonna ring any second now," I heard, and felt a light tapping on my cheek. I was slowly beggining to see clearly now-and saw Two-Bit and Steve kneeling beside me. Two-Bit was tapping my cheek.

"He's coming around," Said Steve.

I blinked twice, then muttered, "What happened?"

"You tell us. Me an' ol' Stevie here found you in the hallway, all battered up, " Two-Bit said, then added in a more grave tone, "It was the Socs, wasn't it?"

"No, it was Elvis," I muttered again in a sarcastic tone.

"Hey, hey, hey, no need to get sassy now Ponyboy. That's my job," Said Two-Bit, cocking up an eyebrow. I had to laugh, and I was cut off by the bell.

"Alright, let's get you home," Said an irritated Steve. He then hauled me to my feet, and we began to walk to his car- I stopped at my locker to get my stuff. We all gave each other rides now, no matter what. I said nothing througout the drive, whilst Two-Bit rambled loudly about the first time he got drunk. He finally pulled up to my house and I got out muttering a 'thanks' and 'goodbye'.

I went inside and plopped on the couch. I then dug through my pockets for a cigarette. Darry wasn't home anyway- it wouldn't hurt him. I lit up then took a long drag. This was the kind of day when after school Johnny and I would go play some football, maybe with Dally. Gosh, I missed them. They were my best buddies, maybe not Dal, but near the end he seemed like one. It hurt me to know that I'd never see them again.

I spent the next hour doing my homework; just as I finished my last page of math Soda walked inside.

"Hey little brother!" He hollered cheerfully from the front door. I could hear him kick off his shoes then come to the kitchen. He walked over then ruffled my hair, then his handsome face grimaced.

"Yuck, I got grease all over my fingers. Ha, I guess it don't make a difference since I work with cars all day!" He said with a chuckle. Everyone thought that Soda was the same old happy-go-lucky guy, but I didn't. Ever since that week- He's been acting different. His cheeriness sounds forced, and he's been spending a lot more time by himself. No one else really noticed it, but but maybe Darry aside from me.

"Well, I'm gonna change my shirt, I'll be right back," He said, and ventured off to our room. He'd probably take an hour to change his shirt- to be alone. I closed my math book, and heard the door open and close again.

"I'm home!" Darry called.

"Hi," I replied.

Darry came in and asked, "Where's Soda gone?"

"He's changin' his shirt," I said, and he gave me an 'oh' look. On the plus side of recent events, Darry and I had gotten alot better. We had our arguments once and a while, but overall we got along pretty good. He stopped yelling at me and I started listening to him.

"Well, I'm gonna make spaghetti for supper, is that alright with everbody?" He asked. I chuckled.

"It's fine with me if you save us from Soda's soup," We both laughed. Over the weeks Soda's cooking had become horrible- everything was burnt or worse. Another side effect.

Darry started to boil water, and the telephone rang.

"I'll get it..." I muttered, as I crossed the room. I picked it up on the second ring.

"Hello?"

A woman's voice curtly said: "Hello this is Saint Francis Hospital. Is there a -she hesitated at the name- Sodapop Curtis avalible?"

That was odd. Why would the hospital want Soda?

"Yeah, just a second," I murmered, puzzled. I then called Soda to the phone, who came down. I handed the reciever to him the casually walked to the table, although I was still at eavesdropping length.

"Hello?" I heard him say.

"Uh, alright, but can you tell me why?"

"Yes okay, I'll be there," He said, then hung up the phone.

He entered the kitchen and Darry asked: "What was that all about?"

"They want me at the hospital as soon as possible, they wouldn't tell my why though." He looked confused.

Darry thought for a minute then said, "Let's go then."

We all got in the car, and Darry drove. Soda looked nervous as hell.

"Look Soda, one of the boys probably got in a fight and need a drive home. Don't worry about it," Darry reassured him. Little did we know that there would be much to worry about when we got inside.