Disclaimer: I do not own the Outsiders of benefit from anything that S.E. Hinton writes besides the enjoyment of reading it.

A/N: I don't have asthma, but FrankElza has been helping me with the details and medicine and stuff like that. Thank you to her and all who reviewed/gave suggestions.

I had some really good ideas but they were deleted. Ugh. I'm really mad, but I hope this chapter is good.

Ponyboy's POV

"Welcome to the team, son." I froze. I was on the team? Darry would be so proud of me. I shook his hand without a second thought.

"Thank you, sir." I replied.

"Practices are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Meets are Tuesday and Thursday." The coach told me. I nodded, today was Tuesday. Tomorrow was my first track practice.

How was I going to trick Darry and Soda? I thought.

X

I told them I was going to the movies.

I got on the field and saw the cheerleaders. There was a really pretty Soc who glanced at me. I smiled but she quickly looked away. I looked down at my worn out holy shoes realizing she would never look at me.

I took extra medicine this morning, hoping I would be okay. I lined up with the other team members and took off. Soon, I was way ahead of them all, pushing as fast as my legs could go.

I ran the mile under six minutes and my 100-meter dash was fourteen seconds. I was so proud.

I was pretty soon wheezing too hard to continue, but luckily practice was over.

At the end of practice the redhead came and talked to me.

"Aren't you that greaser with asthma who moved up a grade?" She asked. I nodded.

"How did you get on the team then?" She asked. I was about to reply when I felt a hand on my back. I came back swinging, but never felt the return punch.

"Cherry, what are you doing talking to a greaser like him. Get lost, wheezy." He spat at me. I couldn't help it, hurt flashed across my face as I stalked off.

I hurried home angrily before I could get caught in my lie.

X

It was Thursday, the day of my first meet. I was so antsy about getting caught that I had a small attack this morning. I took extra medicine from Soda's inhaler. I didn't want to ask for more medicine, so I switched with Sofa giving him the empty one without him knowing, and when this one runs out I'll let Darry know.

He already worked to much, he didn't get home till late and left before I got up. It wasn't fair for him, it is my fault. Maybe I could get a job.

I changed into my uniform and excite the locker room when I heard my name being called.

By Steve Randle. Uh-oh.

"Ponyboy? What the heck do you think you are doing?" He asked/yelled. He grabbed my arm and yanked me, growling curse words.

"This was so dumb. What are you trying to do?" He asked. I pulled away.

"Trying not to be just the sick little kid. That's what you always say, Randle. I needed to do this, but I didn't do it on purpose. I ran a lap without knowing the couch was there and he invited me on the team." I screamed. He softened a touch.

"I'm telling your coach your quitting, but I ain't gonna tell Darry or Sodapop, got it?" He asked. I nodded, it was a lot better than I expected.

Steve told on me to the coach while I sulked. I was just mad at everything right now.

"Is this true, Ponyboy?" Coach asked. I nodded sharply.

"I'm not going to kick you off, but you are quitting. Goodbye, Ponyboy." I mumbled a "bye" as I stalked to the locker room to get changed.

I was met in the face with four senior Socs.

"Look, it's wheezy who tried to take our place on the team. Get him!" The dark haired Soc yelled. I think it was Cherry's boyfriend.

Oh no. This wasn't going to turn out good for me.

(A/N: I was so close to leaving it there… But I won't :) )

They had me down in a second, I already was tired from my asthma attack this morning.

I screamed as loud as I could and they socked me in the jaw. After a few more kicks in the ribs, Steve came running in, his switchblade flicked out and ready.

All the commotion brought out the teachers, but luckily the Socs were without bruises to blame on us and Steve had put away his blade. The Socs of course were let go but we were kicked out. I shakily stood up, the pain in my ribs making it difficult to breathe.

I got home and saw Darry's truck. I was confused until I walked in to see Darry's frantic face.

"We got to go to the hospital, Soda was in a car accident."

A/N: Yay, super long chapter! Thank you Iwatchsunsets2 for the suggestion.

Before anyone gets confused, attack is short for asthma attack. It may or may not be obvious. Please review and I'll still take suggestions, if it wasn't for them this story would probably already be over and it would suck. :(