Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own with The Outsiders nor do I make a profit from S.E. Hinton's work fabulous work. Duh. (I wish I could write like she dos!) S.E. Hinton is the true owner of The Outsiders.
The whole gang was there, in the Curtis's living room, just like everyone's night. Sadly, something was missing. A certain blond greaser named Sodapop Curtis. He was away at war in Vietnan.
Ever since he went to war his girlfriend, Mandy, hadn't been the same. She had been abused at home and never was an optimist or had much trust left in her to give. She had lost hope for his return the minute the draft letter came in the mail. Urging all that aside she was real good for Soda and fit in with the gang.
Especially Ponyboy. He hadn't been the same either since Soda left nine months ago, more quiet and reserved.
They were all gathered in the living room playing poker when a familiar face got out of a taxi walked through their door. It was the long awaited Sodapop Curtis.
Mandy turned white and looked like she'd seen a ghost.
"Oh my gosh." She moaned. She put her head in her hands, crying, before she threw herself at the older greaser in a big hug. Soda, who had gained a considerable amount of muscle while in the army, was thrown off balance at the force of her hug.
"Are you real?" She gasped out through sobs. His familiar, warm laughter rang in her ear. He kissed her on the cheek, softly like he always did. It felt so familiar to her and she loved every minute of it.
"Have I appeared to you before? Any hallucinations I'm unaware of?" He asked lightly playing with a strand of her hair.
"No." She mumbled turning red. She turned to Ponyboy and Darry who were both in tears and looked ready to throw themselves at him.
"Didn't mean to hog him, you guys get a turn." She mumbled with a wave of her hand.
Ponyboy, as much as he wanted to sob and throw himself in his brothers arms, went over where Mandy was attempting to calm herself in the corner.
"You alright?" He asked tentatively.
"Yeah, Pone. I never thought I would see hm again. I am trying making sure I'm awake." She replied with a shaky breath.
Ponyboy laughed softly before throwing himself at his middle brother.
"Oh Soda! I missed you so much." He said. Soda, who mostly held it together, started to cry too.
"Did you have many nightmares, Ponyboy?" Soda asked, choked.
"Just a few after you left but I started to sleep with Darry. I don't anymore, though, and I'm sleeping in my own room." He told his brother.
They both smiled as the rest of the gang gave him hugs. Mandy calmed herself down and smiled at the happy reunion.
For the first time since that draft letter came, the gang's family was whole, safe, and together under one joyful roof.
A/N: I hoped the ending wasn't too cheesy. Please review.
For those of you who didn't figure it out, the story was in third person point of view.