Chapter Nine

Johnny P.O.V

Steven liked the idea of staying with us and Ponyboy adopting him. He really liked it, but he was still scared to go back to school that Monday. I would have been too, but Ponyboy would be with him. Though, Ponyboy couldn't always be with him. If I were Steven I would have dropped out and buried my head in the dirt.

Steven's too smart to drop out. He had perfect grades and a chance to go to college anywhere he wanted. But it all changed when the other teachers figured out he was gay. Within a couple of weeks he was failing almost every class and there was nothing we could do. He was torn about it.

"How's your homework coming, Steven?" Ponyboy asked, putting his hands on his soon-to-be-son's shoulders.

"What's the point anymore? I'm gonna fail Algebra anyway…" Steven said, dropping his pen and putting his head in his hands.

I gave him a sympathetic look as I cooked dinner. "Don't talk like that, Steven," I said.

"It's true. I've had you both check it over every night. I'm doing this right," he said, pushing his books off the table.

Ponyboy moved out of his was as Steven got up and went to his room in the basement. Ponyboy sighed and went over to me. "We can't keep him at this school anymore. He might never graduate," Ponyboy muttered.

"I know, but what can we do?" I asked, not looking at him.

"Move," Ponyboy answered. "Back home,"

I sighed and looked at the food I was cutting up, "You're not happy here?"

"It's really hard to be. It's so different and just hard to get adjusted to. I haven't talked to Soda in a long time and I really miss everyone," Ponyboy explained. "Please Johnny,"

I nodded, "Okay, just give me some time to get the money and sale the house and stuff in it," I said, looking around. "You should go talk to Steven,"

Ponyboy nodded and went down to his room.

The basement was cold and dark. There was a lamp, a bed, and a dresser. I wished that we could do better for Steven. It was depressing down there, but Steven said he loved it and thanked us.

Things at work were getting weird. Mary wanted to be with me all the time and I was starting to see her crush on me. It scared me cause I didn't want to hurt her. I hoped it would just go away. Or she would just go away. Mary didn't seem to have any interest in Dixie. Most weekends she'd want me to come to her house to do random handy man stuff while Ponyboy and Steven took care of Dixie at home. It was weird and uncomfortable.

Ponyboy was starting to get suspicions that something was going on between Mary and I. I didn't blame him at all. But it made me sad to have him think stuff like that. I loved him so much.

I looked out the window about the counter I was working at and sighed. It was a nice day. I would spend it cooking and worrying over Steven and Dixie.

I wanted to take Dixie form Mary so badly. Mary just wasn't made to be a mother and never would become a good one. The baby deserved to have someone like Ponyboy to pay attention to her.

I sighed when I heard a knock on the door. Right on time.

I went to open the door and wasn't surprised to see Mary and Dixie on the other side of it.

"Afternoon," I greeted, letting her in.

"Johnny, I just had to come and talk to you," Mary said, quickly as she put Dixie on the couch.

I sat down and put Dixie in my lap before she could roll off the couch. "What about?" I asked.

Mary sat beside me, taking one of my hands, the one I had a ring on that showed I was with Ponyboy. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts to notice. "Johnny, I really like you," she said , looking me in the eye.

I looked away from her and took my hand back.

"Could you just give me a chance?" she almost begged.

"No," I answered, simply.

"Why not?" Mary asked, crossing her arms. "You're not with anyone; you're never around any other girls. Why can't you give me a chance?" she asked, putting her hand on my arm. "Is it because of Dixie? Johnny I can get rid of her, I just want you,"

"That's horrible," I said, looking down at the baby. "I don't want to be with you, Mary. I have someone else,"

"Who? The only person you're ever around is Ponyboy," Mary said, not buying it.

"It's someone back in Oklahoma," I lied.

"She won't know anything. Please," she said, putting her hand on the side of my face.

"No," I said again, looking away.

She just pushed my face closer to her.

"Stop it," I warned, pushing her away.

"Just kiss me," Mary said, "What if you like me too?"

"Mary, we're just friends," I said, looking away from her.

"But I want to be more, Johnny," she said, getting closer to me.

"I just don't like you like that," I muttered, looking at my ring.

"Why?"

"Because I'm with someone already," I answered, holding Dixie.

Before I could do anything she forced me to look at her and she kissed me.

I was in shock and couldn't remember how to move until I heard him.

"Johnny…"

I pulled away quickly and looked at him. "Ponyboy… it's not…"

"Shut up!" he yelled, letting tears flow to his eyes. "I can't believe you!"

I gave Dixie to Mary before I stood up. "Please Ponyboy, let me explain," I said walking closer to him.

"No… I trusted you, Johnny Cade! I trusted you!"

"What's going on?" I heard from the door.

Steven was standing there, looking at us with wide eyes. He'd never seen our fights.

"Ponyboy… I didn't want to kiss her," I said, putting my hands on his shoulders.

"Why should I trust you?! That's it Johnny Cade, I'm going home and taking Steven with me," Ponyboy snapped, pushing me away. "Have a great life, asshole!"

Sorry it took so long and sorry it's short. I'll update as soon as I can~ JohnnyPonyboy