Stormy Memories

Ponyboy's POV

I sat straight up in the bed, the sheets sticking to my body, which was drenched in cold sweat. I wondered what woke me up. I looked to the left where I knew Soda would be. I guess I was wrong because there was no seventeen year old boy laying by me, instead there was a pile of blankets. Then I remembered Sodapop was at a party with his best bud, Steve Randle. He wouldn't be back until past two. At least.

I still couldn't figure out what woke me up until I heard the loud clap of thunder. I yelped and quickly hid my head under the covers. I was probably the weakest greaser in Oklahoma. I was fourteen and hiding under my blankets because of a thunderstorm. Gathering up my courage, I peeked my head out from the covers and I caught a glimpse of lightning through my window. I quickly grabbed my blanket and wrapped it around me and walked out of the bedroom. I was okay with being the weakest greaser in Oklahoma if it meant I didn't have to stay in there alone.

I went into the bathroom and splashed some water on my face. The running water blocked some of the thunder but not enough, and I couldn't keep it running, I didn't want to wake up Darry. He had work the next morning. Maybe I could sleep in Darry's room? I quickly pushed the idea out of my head, I didn't want to wake him up and it's already embarrassing enough to be afraid to sleep in your own bed during a thunderstorm without your other brother. I decided to plop down on our couch; if I wasn't going to sleep I might as well be comfortable. It was going to be a long night.

The thunder kept rolling in and the lighting kept striking and all I could think of were gunshots. Dally rolling down the hill. More gunshots. Dally dead. I whimpered, Dally and Johnny had been gone for a while but I still missed them. They were good buddies to have, especially Johnnycakes. I remember his dark skin, black hair, the scar on his cheek from those Soc.

"Pony?" I jumped. Darry was standing in the living room, holding a cup of water.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying, Pone?" Crying? I hadn't even realized I had tears streaming down my face.

"It's nothin'," I said.

"Come on, Pony, let's go to my room," he said. I shrugged and stood up, wrapping the blanket tighter around me. Darry draped an arm over my shoulders and led me to his room. He climbed into bed and patted the space next to him. I hesitantly laid down, making sure to give him plenty of space.

"Ponyboy come here," he said, pulling me closer to him. I laid my head on his chest, closing my eyes. The lightning struck again. Gunshots. His limp figure being tossed down that hill.

"Shhh…baby, it's okay. Honey, what's wrong?" Darry asked, his voice gentle. Then I realized I was sobbing.

"Dally….guns…dead…" I gasped between breaths. Darry tightened his grip around me, holding me as I cried.

"Pone, it's okay. You're safe. I've got you." I nodded as the tears slowly began to stop. I was safe with Darry. Everything would be alright. The lightning faded and the thunder ceased. I was safe. Darry would protect me.

"Goodnight, baby. I love you," Darry said, kissing my forehead.

"Love you, too, Dar. Love ya, too."

Okay, as promised here is the series of one-shots featuring the one and only Curtis Brothers. The Outsiders is one of my favorite books, which is saying a lot because I read A LOT. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

Up next: Darry's Sick Day

What happens when Darry is sick and his youngest kid brother takes care of him?

Please read and review!

- Stay Gold -

Sincerely,

Teenbookworm13