It's been about a month since I got out from that dang hospital. Thank God I didn't have to stay in there forever. That would've killed me. After, we went to the hearing. It was a good thing the people let me, Darry, and Soda stay together. As long as we stay outta trouble. But, you know, I noticed Soda still hasn't gotten over Sandy. She went to Florida and just left him. Poof. She was gone. Me and Darry try to get along and stop fighting, so we don't bug him. So far, it's working out pretty well.

"Ponyboy," said Sodapop.

"Yup?" I replied.

"I don't want you and Darry worryin' 'bout me. I'm fine."

"Yeah, got it."

He walked away into our room. "Wow," I thought. He must've really missed Sandy. I just wish she would come back and get back together with him. That way, Soda will be happy and there'd be fewer problems. The door slammed. It was Darry. He had come home from work.

"Hey, little buddy."

He's been calling me little buddy ever since I was in the hospital.

"Hey," I said, "how was work?"

"Fine, alright. Did you finish your homework yet?"

"Yup," I replied.

"Good, now help me make dinner."

Darry seemed like he was in a good mood today. I grabbed the pot and some cabbage. We were gonna have cabbage soup with bread today. Good enough for me.

"Hey, Pony, where's Soda?" asked Darry.

"In his room," I replied.

Then, the phone rang. I picked it up. It was some girl– she was looking for Sodapop. Probably another one from the station.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Is Soda there?" asked the girl.

"Yeah, hold on," I replied, "Sodaaaaaaa!"

"Whaddaya want?!" he yelled.

"There's a girl calling for you."

He came into the living room and took the phone.

"Hello?" he said.

"Hey, Soda. It's Sandy. I know, I know. You must be surprised. I'm back. And I just wanted to say sorry, you know, for leaving you," Sandy said.

Soda looked REALLY surprised. He was smiling and took the phone to his room. I wondered who it was. They talked for quite a while, and I mean quite a while. He even skipped dinner. Finally, he came.

"Who was it?" I asked.

He looked at me and said, "Sandy."

I was shocked and excited.

"What did you guys talk about?" I asked.

"She's back, Pony, she's back!"

Then, he frowned. What was happening?

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Then, he screamed, "Don't you understand? She was with another guy when I was with her. She got pregnant and left. She gave her baby and put it into a home!"

"Oh…"

I would have never thought Sandy would EVER do that. But she did. She did. He sat down and thought long and hard about what he should do– forgive her or stay as friends. Finally, he knew what to do.

"I got it. I'm going to give her a second chance. I've been waiting way to long for this chance," he said.

I smiled. I was glad to see my brother smile again. It made me feel good.

I went into my room and picked up Gone With The Wind, the book Johnny gave me before he passed away. I miss him. A lot. He told me, "Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold." What did he mean? Wait. That was from the poem I recited. Johnny, I will stay gold. For you and for Dally.

A few weeks had gone by and I had soon gotten over him. I still miss him, but I'm not sad anymore. Meanwhile, Sandy and Sodapop were having a good time. This time, she promised that she wasn't seeing anyone else. They went to the park with each other, ate ice cream, and more. Dang, he was good-looking. I grinned happily. Yes, things come in time. And, so does love.

The End!

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