"Let the past be content with itself, for man needs forgetfulness as well as memory." ― James Stephens
Nothing has been the same since Johnny and Dally died. I mean, sure, us greasers stick together, but everything's changed. Don't get me wrong, we're still close-knit and everything but not as much as we used to be. Everyone's drifting. Darry's been spending more time than usual working and Soda and Steve spend most, if not all, of their time at the DX fixing up junk that probably won't be of use to even the lowest of people. Two-Bit, if anyone, has been the one who has been acting the most like his usual self. He still stays boozed up most every night but at least you can count on him to brighten the mood.
It was about five o'clock on a Friday. Soda, Darry, and Steve would be home soon. And as long as I'm telling the truth, I wasn't looking forward to seeing them. Not even Sodapop. And that means a lot considering he's probably one of my favorite people in the world. I decided that while they were gone, I could catch a movie. There was a new one coming out with Elvis in it. I quickly grabbed a coat because Darry would skin me alive knowing I didn't have a jacket on a night like this, I went out the door slamming it behind me, running down the pavement before anyone could stop me.
As I slowed down, I pulled on my jacket, feeling the chilly air hit my face and torso. When I turned down the street, that's when I saw them. Socs. It had to be the damn near whole gang! There were at least ten of them, standing near an electricity pole, as if anticipating my arrival. I slowly skidded to a stop, 'Oh no,' I thought, 'This is just like last time!' My eyes widened in realization. There were here to kill me. They were avenging their friend, Bob. I really don't know why I'm so surprised. Maybe Darry and the rest of the gang knew something. Maybe that's why they were acting so strange lately. Before I knew it, I turned and ran. I ran as fast as I could and as long as I could, but it seemed no matter what I did, they kept up with me. As I turned down a street I glanced behind me. 'There's more of them! Where are they coming from?' I furrowed my brow in thought as I reached the end of the street. 'Of course,' I clapped a hand to my forehead, scolding myself through my thoughts. 'This is a dead end. Perfect. Now I'll die for sure.'
I searched everywhere for a place to go, a place to hide, but the Socs approached wildly from every different direction. The first blow came to my head, the second to my gut. I doubled in pain, the fetal position, on the ground, cursing to myself almost inaudible. I felt four more excruciating blows to the head before I heard feet scampering and yelling. That's when I knew Darry and Soda had found me. I was mad. Mostly at myself, though. I couldn't even hold lousy Socs off. It only took one slug and I was down, almost out cold. I'm pathetic, I thought as I felt my body being picked up by brawny arms. I was being cradled like a babe. I heard soft whimpers and cries of agony flow throughout the circle around me. I couldn't open my eyes but I knew that the rest of the boys had formed one. I could hear their heavy breathing from all directions. I also knew I must look like hell. No one cries for a person who isn't hurt and if they did, why else would they be crying?
I felt Soda's hand on my forehead and then I heard Darry's voice, "Ponyboy… Pony, wake up!" After several moments of silence, I could tell he realized I wasn't moving and wasn't going to. Like I said, I couldn't even open my eyes. "Someone call an ambulance! He needs a hospital, now!" I could hear his voice quivering and grow louder as the sentence dragged on. I attempted, with no prevail, to tell them both that I was sorry but all that happened was everything faded to blackness.
A/N: This is my first fanfic, so reviews and opinions would be appreciated! Hope you enjoyed Chapter one!
