(I don't own the Outsiders)

Chapter 9

"Merry Christmas!" Corey yelled at the top of his lungs. Dally and Tim walked out of the kitchen with a plate full of cookies. The cookies were cut into a sorts of different shapes: Santa Claus, a Christmas tree, and a reindeer. What more can a little boy ask for?

I sat next to Johnny cradling my cup of hot chocolate. He had his arm wrapped around me and we sat and watched Christmas cartoons. Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer was on, then next would be Frosty the Snowman. Steve and Soda was sitting on the end of the couch while Paul and Darry sat in the chair.

We had to get a new chair so it could fit the two of them. I didn't even know they made chairs like that? Two-bit and Corey were laying in front of the TV. Corey laughing when Two-bit would do his childish antics. Tim and Dally sat on the floor in front of me and Johnny.

It's been four weeks and still no sign of Curly. I knew Tim was secretly hopping we'd find him in time for Christmas, but to no luck. Angela called earlier saying she was having fun and might be staying in Ohio longer due to a snow storm up in that region.

I felt sorry for Tim, I really do, having a member of your family not there. This is just another Christmas without Mom and Dad. Maybe they're having fun?

"Oh," Two-bit suddenly gasped, "Look who's under the mistletoe." He pointed up, with a devilish grin. I looked up and saw the dreaded leaf hanging above me and Johnny. I looked away blushing and Johnny was too. Two-bit and Corey both giggled.

I knew when I caught them earlier doing something funny they were up to no good. He's devious as Dally. I let out a groan and gave Johnny a peck on the cheek. He'd gave a smirk. I stuck my tongue out at the both of them when they let out groans of disappointment.

"You didn't say how to kiss now did you?" I teased, giving Corey a wink. The little boy smiled and turned his focus back on the TV. Corey was fitting along with us just nicely. Dally got court approved papers on the adoption since Corey's grandmother lived in Washington and didn't have enough money to take him. Corey was upset about that at first, but he latched onto Two-bit and he started laughing again.

It also changed Dally's life too. He was more open to us than he used to be. Found out, he had Buck take care of Corey when he was over at our house and he would go there every night and watch over Corey. He kept him safe and wanted to make sure that the vampire who killed his mom didn't kill him too. He also help Tim and Dally get together.

That was what I secretly hoped for since Tim showed up one day- before I knew they were vampires- and blushed when Dally took his shirt off. He ran to our bathroom quick.

After the cartoons went off, everyone went to bed. Ready for the gifts tomorrow. Johnny wrapped his arm around my waist and gave me a kiss. "Merry Christmas." He whispered.

"Merry Christmas." I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of a door being slammed. Johnny and I bolted away and we both saw Corey with a smile that almost reached his ears. Boy, was he an early riser. The kid sometimes comes into our room just to sleep with us. I asked him about it.

"You're the only warm person here. I like Darry and Tim, but they're cold. Why's that?" I didn't answer. I pretended to sleep.

"Wake up! PRESENTS!" He zoomed back down the hallway. His excited squeals echoing through the house.

"I hope I didn't have that much energy when I was little?" I groaned, flopping back onto the bed.

Johnny flopped on top of me. "Off." I weakly commanded. Johnny pretended to snore. I pushed him with all my might and he just laughed and rolled off me.

"I don't see how he has the energy." Johnny sighed.

"Let's go before the tornado comes back." He plucked me up with ease and carried me down the stairs. Discarding me on the couch. I gave him a glare when he snickered. Everyone was slowly getting up and making their way down to the living room.

Under the tree was a wide variety of different colors and sizes of packages. Corey was so excited he almost spilt his milk. "Easy champ," Tim soothed him down by rubbing his back. "Eat your breakfast, then we can open gifts." Corey inhaled his breakfast by the mention of gifts.

Gifts were handed out. Soda got shoes, which he sheepishly looked at Steve who smirked. Steve got a new pair of pajama bottoms. We had to cover Corey's ears when Soda said, "You get the tops later." With a seductive smile. Paul got a jacket with his old college number on it. He gave Darry a kiss. Two-bit got another set of Mickey Mouse Tapes. Tim and Dally gave each other cologne of some kind. I gave Johnny a new leather jacket since his old one was ripped during the fight with Curly. Johnny gave me some new books.

Corey got one from each of the gang. A car, rocking horse, a Mickey Mouse stuffed doll, and three model cars. Everyone got one except…

"Darry?" I asked, "Where's yours?"

Paul stood up and coughed. "I have an announcement." Everyone stopped toying with their gifts to look at Paul. He turned and grabbed Darry's hand. "Darryl, I know you and me never saw eye to eye back in college. I'm sorry for ever turning you into a vampire."

"Paul-"

"Let me finish." He stopped Darry. "I was selfish. I didn't want to let the most important thing for me to go away. So," He got down on one knee. Everyone held their breath. Darry looked shocked and he looked teary eyed. "Darryl Curtis, will you marry me?" He held out a black box. The ring was a simple gold band.

"Yes, and don't think I regret being a vampire. I wouldn't have meet you." He fell into Paul's arms and he gave him a kiss. A round of applause. "Get him Paul!" Two-bit cheered.

Man, my brothers were getting married. I was happy for them. I hope they have a happy marriage.

It was ten o'clock when Johnny pulled me up and put me into a coat. "I have to show you something. It's another present." He led me outside and we walked for several blocks. I stayed huddled next to Johnny, having the charm hanging around my neck.

We walked until we got to the vacant lot. I gasped at what I saw. The lot was covered in a beautiful layer of snow. On top of it was a message written in the snow. 'I love you, Ponyboy Curtis! Please turn around.' I was confused but I turned around.

I didn't expect to see this.

Curly was standing there. Johnny was pinned underneath his foot. His arm was twisted behind his back at an uncomfortable angle. "Curly! What are you doing?" I yelled. He looked at me with deep red eyes. I glared back. With the charm on the hypnotism that vampires have doesn't work on me.

"I wasn't expecting to see you soon. I was going to come get you later but Johnnycake here-"Johnny sneered at him. "-led you right to me. Isn't that sweet. Merry Christmas to me." His voice was sickening sweet.

"Let him go!" I yelled at the monster. He wasn't my friend I used to play with. He was replaced by that.

"Now, now, don't be harsh. I just wanted to know what was going on. I have an idea," he smirked. "I will let Johnny go, if you come with me." He held out his hand. Johnny was struggling beneath him.

"Don't listen to him, Pon-"CRACK! "AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!" Johnny screamed. Curly completely made his arm get out of joint.

"DON'T HURT HIM!" I couldn't do nothing but stand there. Johnny was getting hurt. Because of me.

Suddenly, Johnny bucked and launched Curly off. He pushed his arm back into joint. The pain on his face was noticeable. "Pony, listen to me, I want you to run. I'll distract him." I didn't bother to argue with him and took off running in the direction of the old house. I didn't want to spoil the others fun. I ran down the familiar path to the old house. Which was getting remodeled.

The framework was up and the walls were getting put up. The only place to hide. I quickly ducked behind one wall and tried to catch my breath. The cold air was seeping into my lungs, making it hard to breathe. I've never been so happy that I took track.

I peeked around one side of the wall and everything was quiet. Not a good thing. I put my back against the wall and slid down it. Landing on the wood floor. I let out a quiet sob. Why does this keep happening?

I didn't know how long I stayed there for but soon I heard footsteps. I peeked around the corner and saw a black silhouette. I wonder if that's Johnny. The silhouette was taller than him. I started to panic. What if Curly found me? I got up and went further into the construction, jumping down on the other side and hightailing it out of there. I kept running hopping I could make it to Buck's. But before I could do that, a solid force collided with me.

I fell on my arm and I felt something gave way. I held my throbbing arm and turned to face my attacker. I felt something hit the side of my head and pretty soon I was out.

(I'm evil...and I like it! Hope you enjoyed and please review!)