By ValerieRichards
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the Outsiders, maybe some army people.
Author's note: I know in the book Soda is 16 going 17 and Pony is 14, but in this story, Soda is 20, Pony is 17, and Darry is 23. Dedicated to my big bro. Justin, you may be annoying, but you're my annoying older brother and I love you.
Chapter 1: Not Him, Me
I heard that my second oldest brother was supposed to go to Vietnam, but I didn't want him to. If and when he came back, he wouldn't be the same carefree guy I knew. I couldn't take it, I wanted to go instead of him and I was old enough.
"I have an announcement to make" I said during dinner. Darry and Soda looked at me.
"What is it Pony" Soda asked. He knew he had to go to Vietnam. I sighed heavily and closed my eyes.
"I decided to switch places with Soda. Soda will be staying here and I'll go to Vietnam. I don't have a job yet and the school won't mind" I said. Both of my brothers went pale. Darry had his spoon half way to his mouth. Soda had his spoon in it and it clattered on the table when his mouth opened.
"How'd………what'd you tell them" Soda asked. I smiled solemnly and took a spoonful of soup. Darry was looking intently at me.
"I told him that we needed two of the family to be here to help pay the house insurance, get food, maintain the house, etc. and that I was 17. I also told him that I was much better at fighting and could handle weapons easily. He thought about it and agreed to switch places" I explained. I remembered the call and how much I'd argued my point.
"Why are doing this" Darry asked me. I mentally snorted. I was surprised he didn't know why, it's why I did most of the things when I was younger. I love them, I put them through torture because I love them. Okay, it's not really torture, but I heard that the reason you are who you are is because of the people in your life and the experiences you went through.
"Simple, I love you guys. I don't want Soda to stop being that awesome, carefree brother that he is. I don't want him to loose that reckless grin that'd always make others grin no matter the circumstances" I told them. It was true, I meant it.
"Pony……" Soda whispered. He had tears in his eyes and flowing down his face. Darry was still staring blankly at me.
"And Darry, I want to help you guys pay some of the expenses. I know you don't want me to, but I want you to go through college and get a job you like" I told him. I've always wanted to go to college and not get burdened down by me. I was telling my brothers something that I thought I'd always keep a secret. My feelings came pouring out all of a sudden. Darry now had tears streaming down his face.
"Pony……." He began. I felt the tears trying to come to my eyes and fall, but I tried to hold them back.
"I always wanted you guys to be happy and not have to grow up too fast. Even when I was a little kid, I was proud of my big brothers. I was proud that you guys were my big brothers and I talked big about you guys" I told them. I mentally laughed at the memory. I think my classmates and teacher got bored whenever I talked about them. Soda and Darry were now crying fully.
"I didn't know that" Darry whispered.
"But then mom and dad died and you guys had to take care of me. I'm not saying that I don't like the way you guys raise me. Okay, I admit it, you guys are annoying at times but that's what brothers do" I rambled. I sometimes get like this when I hold things back. I was also crying by now. I ran out the door. That fear of burdening them with all of my problems rose up again. After Johnny and Dally died, I learned to listen to everyone's problems more. Sort of like Johnny did.
"Pony" Two Bit called. He didn't see me crying and stood there shocked. He had been going outside to his car to look for something. He ran up to the fence. I kept running and didn't stop when I heard him. Then, I bumped into someone.
I know all about Pony's 'episode', I've had them myself a couple of times before. I know I have plenty of other stories to update, but I wanted to write this so badly. It kept bugging me. Please R&R!
