Chapter 4:
Ponyboy's POV:
It was a long week. Every time I inhaled or exhaled my rib responded violently. Taking shallow breaths helped with pain, but Darry told me that increases the risk of infection so everytime I start his eyes burn through mine until my breathing returns to normal.
The first day I missed school I was really upset. I tried to squirm out of bed multiply times but Two-bit would hear me and come upstairs only to lightly push my shoulders back on the bed. I would already be sweating with effort and would willingly surrender every time no matter how hard I tried.
I now realize it was the right call not to go to school considering trying to get up to go to the bathroom was like taking a little adventure to Hell and having to drag myself back was NOT fun.
By Friday, I couldn't tell if the pain had subsided or I was just getting use to the pain but I was definitely feeling better in terms of breathing. Walking and moving around was still a slight struggle but it was tolerable. I woke up Friday with Soda's alarm and bit my lip in pain as I hoisted myself into the sitting position. I heard Soda stop moving behind me
"Ponyboy are you okay? What are you doing up?" I got to my feet and wrapped my right arm around my side trying to relieve the pain as I turned toward him.
"Soda, I'm going to school" He shook his head slowly at first and then it picked up speed as he started to comprehend what I was saying.
"No way Ponyboy! It takes about 3 weeks for a cracked rib to heal and you've had less than 2 days! You're staying home and that's final!" He wasn't shouting. Sodapop could never really 'shout' at me but he was definitely showing how strongly he felt about the matter. If I didn't go to school today and explain that I could make it Sunday, I'd never get to go out with Cherry. Darry came rushing in the room hearing Soda's rant.
"Pony?"
"Darry I wanna go to school" he frowned and made eye contact with Soda who looked like he'd cry if Darry let me go
"Listen little buddy, I don't want you hurting yourself worse. Maybe next week..." but next week would be too late. I heard footsteps in the kitchen and then the TV channel being changed from the morning news to Mickey Mouse. I have an idea. I gathered all my strength as I screamed for the one person I needed.
"Two-Bit!" He came rushing into the room as I layed back down on the bed breathing heavily. Darry and Soda came running over to my bedside to make sure I hadn't hurt myself more.
Two-Bit kneeled right beside me, "Darry…" I breathed, "...Soda… could ya…could ya give us a minute?" They nodded checking me over one last time before leaving. I made eye contact with Two-Bit making sure he was ready for a serious job, "You on your way to school Two-Bit?"
"Yeah, I was heading out when I heard you"
"Alright," I swallowed, "when you get there, I need you to tell Cherry what happened to me. Tell her that I'm still okay with what we talked about and that I'm doing fine" He nodded.
"Anything else?"
"No, that's it. Thanks Two-Bit." I'm glad he accepted my apology yesterday and we were back to being friends. His lip wasn't really swollen anymore, the only indication of the hit was a small slice that was already half-healed anyway.
"Sure kid" He nudged my shoulder and headed off to school. I need to be better by Sunday or I'll miss out on my shot with Cherry. Possibly the only shot I'd get. I knew she was the only girl I wanted, and I was willing to fight for her.