A/N: Alrighty, so here's chapter 2. Let me tell ya, your guys' reviews motivated me to write this. I really was doubting the last chapter, of course, I doubt myself a lot when I write. I was all upset with my friend when she edited my research paper for English and all she fixed were grammatical errors. Anyway, sorry this is so short. I doubt this one too, but I'm trying to be less critical of my work...review, please!

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em.

"What?" I asked Soda, sitting on the couch next to him. His eyes were red from crying, and he looked like he was about to start again. "What happened? Where'd he go?"

Soda shrugged, looking miserable. "Fight," he mumbled, "with Socs and Johnny and Pony. Johnny killed a Soc."

I blinked, surprised. My first thought was that this was a joke. I had never thought Johnny could kill someone. But...if it was a joke, why had Soda skipped work? That was taking things a little too far. And besides, Soda needed his job.

I heard Soda give a muffled sob at my side. He was bent over, his head in his hands, bawling is heart out. Alarmed, I wrapped an arm around his trembling shoulders, just as he had done for me several times in the past. I felt him lean into me into me. Damn, this was awkward. I had no idea what to say. Hell, I wasn't exactly sure what had happened.

"Hey c'mon," I said. I had to try--for Soda's sake. Of course, I'm not Soda. I'm not good at crap like this. "I'm sure they're fine."

I half expected him to snap something at me. That's what I would've done. Instead, he sniffled and wiped his eyes. "Yeah," he sounded as if he was trying to convince himself. "Yeah, I just wish they were here." Then again, Soda isn't me.

"Where's Darry?" I asked, as Soda's tears subsided.

"His bedroom," was the reply. "He really ain't takin' this well." I could hear the worry in his voice as he stared down the hall in the direction of Darry's bedroom.

"He'll be fine," I assured Soda. After all, we were talking about the same guy who hadn't shed a tear at his parents' deaths. The concerned look didn't leave Soda's face, though.

The phone rang suddenly, causing Soda to jump. He leaped up, though, and answered it, as I followed him into the kitchen.

"'Lo?" He sounded hopeful, as if the person on the other line might know where his brother was.

"Oh, hey!" he exclaimed. I could see his brown eyes brighten a little. It must be Sandy, I thought, bending over to dig through the icebox.

"Yeah, okay. 'Bye." His voice wasn't as cheery as it had been earlier. He hung up and wandered over to me.

"What's up with Sandy?" I asked without looking up.

"Dunno," he replied. "She sounded pretty serious. Upset, too."

"You two still doublin' with me and Evie tonight?" I stood, having found my prize of half a chocolate cake. I tore off a chunk and bit into it.

Soda nodded. "Yeah."

"Good," I said firmly. "It'll be good to get out of the house. Keep your mind off things, ya know?"

He nodded, but I guess it might've been smarter to not say anything. Ah well, I'd already said it.

We sat on the couch for awhile, watching pointless TV. Neither of said anything, though Soda was fidgeting. Maybe an hour later, the front door swung open and in burst none other then Dallas Winston.

Soda was on his feet in a matter of milliseconds. "Where is he?" he demanded. "Where's Ponyboy?"

Dally simply shrugged. "I'm supposed to know?" he replied coolly.

"No, but you do," Soda retorted. "Where is he?"

"Told ya, I dunno," Dally repeated, plopping onto the couch. He looked tired, I noticed, and in no mood to argue.

"Bullshit!" Soda started, but I stood and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Take it easy, buddy," I muttered. Because, you know, all we needed right now was a fight.

I pondered for a minute how much our positions had switched--mine and Soda's I mean. Usually, he was the one holding me back when I was in danger of getting in over my head.

I could feel Soda's muscles relax under my hand.

Darry decided to make an entrance just then, and let me tell ya, he looked like he'd been through hell five times over. I think--when I saw Dary's face--that's when it really hit me. Johnny had killed a Soc, and he and Pony were on the run.

Holy shit.