Bullets Linger

Chapter 7: Bus Ride Freak-Outs

Disclaimer: We do not own "The Outsiders" or any of the Curtis' Gang. :( The real owner of "The Outsiders" is the fabulous S.E. Hinton. We also do not make a profit from the stories posted here on this site.

Ponyboy's POV

"Curtis? Man, it's great to hear from you. Things sure are different back in the states, huh?" I could hear him grinning. That was Zach for ya.

"Yeah," I agreed wistfully.

There was a pause. "Save it, Curtis. You didn't call me to make small talk. What's eatin' atcha?" He drawled.

"I don't know, I just wanted to talk, I guess. Does it feel weird to be back?" I asked.

"Yeah, it does. Look, I gotta go, my mom's callin' me, but call me anytime, got it, Curtis?" He told me.

"Yeah, see ya," I agreed quietly, my hand still griping the phone. I felt lighter, different, slightly after taking to him. It seemed normal, talking to someone who understood me like he did. It just felt right.

X

I paid the bus driver and sat down in one of the front seats, Two-Bit sitting down right before me so that I got the outside. The bus was quiet, a few kids and their parents scattered around the various seats. I straightened my army hat, it was the only hat I had that kept the unforgiving Oklahoma sun at bay.

I felt a tug at my hat and I freaked. Jerking my head back, making contact with something, I turned around, my hand raised to punch. I was met with the face of a terrified mother clutching her kid, glaring at me. If looks could kill, I woulda dropped dead right there.

She stared at my army hat. "Baby murderer," she sneered. Two-Bit stood up, pushing me along.

"No," I mumbled. Johnny. Bob. Murderer. "I didn't... I didn't wait," I stuttered.

Liar.

The last thing I felt was Two-Bit pushing me off of the bus before my whole world turned black.

X

I felt something wet on my forehead, annoying me. I was cold enough as it was, I didn't need help. I was then aware of voices, but I couldn't grasp all they were saying. I tried to sit up, cracking open my lids.

"Careful, you're still runnin' a fever," Sodapop warned, pushing me gently back down onto the bed.

"Wha...?" My voice was scratchy and hoarse. I tried clearing my throat and winced, it hurt like a sonofagun. "What," I swallowed thickly. "What happened?"

"You passed out, buddy. You stressed yourself sick, been runnin' a pretty high fever for two days. Screamin' for Emilio and Charlie and-and Johnny. Darry had half his mind to take you to the hospital, but Steve calmed 'im down, some. You hit your head when you hit the sidewalk, be careful. Anyway, how ya feelin'?" Soda questioned, his smile in place, seeing as how I was awake now.

"'M fine," I told him.

"People are stupid, Ponyboy," Soda said me after minute of silence.

"What?" I asked and he repeated himself.

"You heard me. People are stupid," he grinned.

I couldn't help but start laughing, though it was quickly cut off by a rough cough. "Ain't that the sad truth," I agreed in s raspy tone.

X

I was on house arrest, my symptoms subsiding to mostly those of a cold, though my fever still raging. Darry woulda normally have me on strict bed rest with the temperature I was running, but I guess he was finally realizing I was an adult. I would have normally been jumping for joy at the fact that I was being treated like an adult, but it seemed like just another thing wrong, another thing different then when I had left.

Stay Gold,

~ Chicago Fire Buddies and Pony'sgirlfriend