Darry's POV:
"Damn it!" I dropped the few piles of roofing I was about to bring up the latter. I felt it right there. The muscle in my back that's been sore, I felt it pull. I tried to stretch it but that just made it worse. "OW!" I rubbed it trying to sooth it and then Frank came rushing over. He was a good man Frank and he looked sympathetic.
"You're too young to be throwing your back out Darrel" Frank playfully scolded, "But really why don't you just go home, I got your next shift"
"Really Frank? You'd cover for me" Frank was probably in his mid 40's. He told me that roofing wasn't the end for me and that I'd make it through college when the Ponyboy was outta school. He was always worrying about me because despite my build, I was only in my 20's, and he didn't like how fast I seemed to be aging.
"Of course Darrel. You're like a son to me and I'd hate to see your back get any worse" I guess he did kinda remind me of dad. I thanked him one last time and was on my way home mentally scheduling one of Soda's famous back rubs. Maybe that would cool it down. I got to the house as Two-Bit's car pulled out and drove up the road. He was here that long? Was there a Mickey Mouse special on tonight? I shrugged. I walked into the house and saw… no one? Where was Soda, and Ponyboy.
"Anyone home?" I shouted and heard a pair of feet barrelling down the stairs.
"Please don't shout Darry- Wait, are you okay?" I stretched out my back and saw Soda eyeing me and then the clock "Did something happen at work, you're home a little early?"
"Nothing Pepsi, I just threw my back out and Frank said he'd cover for me" I tried rotating my back and lied on my recliner giving up on it all together.
"I can give you a back rub tonight, but right now there's something I gotta tell you" Soda spoke with hesitation and impatience all at the same time, I didn't know what to think, "Pony has a fever of 103. He's been really sick sense school, Two-Bit brought him home before 7th period." Soda looked at his feet as if he was guilty "I shoulda known Darry," he stated tears in his eyes, "I saw how strange he acted this morning I just believed him when he said he was fine" Soda broke down on the floor like I've never seen. 103? Man that was high, that's a degree from a fever for a 'hospital-needed illness'.
I sat down next to Soda despite my back's protests and put my arm around him. I was scared beyond belief, what if something was really wrong with Pony and we had to go to the hospital? But I had to stay strong for Soda's sake. There was no way I was gonna let him know I was just as scared "No, I shoulda known, I believed him when he said he was fine too. But he'll be alright Pepsi-Cola," I soothed, "He's been through a lot, he's a tough kid"