Alright again I apologize that it's been a long time since I've updated, school started and I've been busy with some school work. But I think from now on I'm gonna try to update once a week, every Friday maybe? Thank you so much for sticking with this story, and again I'm so sorry for short chapters and long updates . hopefully I can reverse that soon.
I wasn't sure what time it was when I finally woke up, but the first thing I noticed was that I had a pounding headache. I stayed on the ground for awhile, just not moving, but I knew I would have to open my eyes soon enough. I looked around and to my surprise I was in the park by my house, where the Socs had jumped Johnny and I. A second later I staggered to my feet and allowed my body to adjust, then took a shaky step. When I was sure I wasn't going to fall back down, I started walking slowly back to my house. I stumbled down the street and it took about fifteen minutes longer than usual, but I finally made it home.
I cracked open the door and looked at the clock; it was 3:48 am. I sighed and slid through the door, the house was dark. I didn't care how much trouble I was going to be in, I just wanted to sleep. I carefully close the door and walk to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water. I turn on the lights and that's when I saw the figure on the couch. I almost dropped my cup, but I realized it was just Steve, asleep.
"S-Steve?" I called quietly, and he sat up almost immediately, turning to stare at me for a second. He jumped off the couch and glared at me.
"Where have you BEEN Ponyboy?!" He yelled, staring me down. "The entire gang has been out all night looking for you, hell even a few from Shepard's gang have been looking!" He waited for an answer.
"I was..I can't remember." I said truthfully, looking between him and my shoes. He stepped forward.
"What do you mean you can't remember?!" he nagged, and I just shrugged. He grabbed my shoulders. "Look, just go to bed. Please. I'll go get the rest of the gang and tell 'em you're back, don't go running off again." He commanded. I nodded and watched him dash out the front door, then I turned and tiredly made my way down the hall to my bedroom. I sighed and glanced at myself in the mirror before throwing off my shirt and climbing into bed, turning out the light quickly so my headache would disappear.
I decided to pretend to be asleep so I could hear what they would have to say about me, without them knowing. People always said more about you when you weren't around. Just as my eyes were starting to close I heard six distinct voices mumbling as they walked inside. I recognized Dally speak first.
"Hey where is that little shit anyway? I wanna beat his ass for keeping us out all night."
"No Dal, just give him a break you guys!" I heard Soda protest.
"Yeah man, let Pony get some rest at least.." I smiled to myself as I heard quiet old Johnny stand up to Dally to defend me. I heard a loud sigh that I knew was Darry's.
"Look, everyone just go home and get some sleep. I'll deal with him in the morning." I bit my lip in fear, unsure of what exactly he would say.
"G'night ya'll!" I heard Two-Bit call, and then the door banged shut. I heard Soda and Steve exchange quick farewells, and then he was gone too. A moment later Dally and Johnny had left, and my brothers began talking in low voices I couldn't quite hear. I stood up and crept over to the door, pressing my ear against it and immediately hearing Soda's warm voice.
"Please don't be too hard on him in the morning.. anything could have happened and Steve said he looked pretty shaken up!"
"I wasn't going to So, I was just gonna ask him what had happened. Don't worry. He may get into trouble and not think a lot, but he's still my kid brother." I smiled a little and crept back to bed, as I heard them both laugh slightly, followed by Soda's footsteps. I closed my eyes and was already half asleep when he climbed into bed next to me. I barely remembered him whispering goodnight in my ear and wrapping one arm around me, pulling me to his chest.