I went to go find David. He jumped Clarissa. From the scars on her back he got her pretty good. I was gunna beat his ass for that. When I went to Buck's he was there at the bar, drinking.

''Hey David, I gotta bone to pick with ya.''

''What do ya want, grease?'' I punched him so hard he fell off the stool. I picked him up by the collar of his madras shirt.

''You fucked with my girl, so I'm gunna fuck with you,'' I said in a deadly tone.

Do it, Pony. Give him a beating he won't forget, Leah said. I threw David across the bar. He knocked everyone's drinks over. I went to the side where he landed. I threw a couple of punches at him. No one helped him, they just watched. David did all kinds of things to people. This was their revenge;watching me beat the shit out of him.

I body slammed him on the ground. I kicked him int he ribs and stomach. His face was all bloody. It felt so good hitting him. I loved the pleasure it brought. I could do this all day.

He got up and threw a punch at me. I grabbed his arm and bent it back. He yelled. I had a feeling I broke it. I took out my switchblade and grabbed his chin. I cut him in the very same place that once Soc cut me when I was jumped a year ago. For the finale I grabbed him by the back of his head and slammed his face onto the bar. I thought he had enough when he coughed up blood. I stole a beer then left.

I was walking back to Clarissa's. On my way there I was stopped by Randy.

''Ponyboy, come here.''

''What is it, Randy?''

''I heard what ya did to David. I wanted to congratulate ya. He's been fuckin' with everyone ever since Bob died. It's 'bout time someone threw it back in his face, hard.''

''Where's the cocksucker now?''

''At the hospital.''

I smiled. I hurt him and I was proud of myself.

''Thanks Pony. Ya did me one.''

''I thought David was ya buddy.''

''He was,'' Randy started, ''but he had it out for me after I became a greaser.''

''I get it.''

''Well I should get goin'.''

''See ya, Randy.''

''Oh and I told Clarissa. I have a feelin' you're gunna get lucky tonight.''

I walked away and went to Clarissa's house. She was sitting on her bed. The minute I walked through the door she ran into my arms.

''Thanks Ponyboy.''

''He ain't gunna hurt ya no more.'' I kissed her head. She was holding on to me tight. She's a tough girl, but with her reaction to everything he got her bad.

''Thank God.''

''Clarissa, I have to leave.''

''I love you.''

I froze. Did she just say she loves me? I never heard a girl (besides my mother) say that to me. I liked Clarissa, I don't know if I love her ,though, but I said it any way.

''Love ya too.''

The voices chewed me up. Are you really going to believe that? Why the hell would anyone love you? A worthless greaser whose only talent is ruining people's lives. Here's what will happen, you'll fuck around, she'll get pregnant, and you'll run out on her because you're nothing but a coward!

''What do you know, Leah?You're just a bitch!''

I'm telling you if you don't listen to me you'll kill someone else. Do you want that?

I sighed, ''No.''

Then shut up and listen. End it ,Ponyboy. End your life and everyone will be happy.

The moment when I walked through the front door Darry rose to his feet and got in my face.

''You were gone the whole day! Where were you?''

''Clarissa-''

''Is that the only place you go? Tell me right now what you did with her!''

''She was sick, God dammit! Mind your own business, Darry. Leave me alone! All you do is accuse me.''

''I swear to God, Ponyboy if she turns out pregnant I will throw you out of this house so fast your head will spin.''

''Go ahead! I'd be better off on my own anyhow.''

''Oh really? How.''

'' I'D KILL MYSELF! I'D HIDE AWAY AND END MY LIFE!'' I yelled at the top of my lungs. Darry's eyes went wide. I started to cry. Iran to my room and slammed the door shut. I climbed into the bed and cried myself to sleep. My nightly activity.