Okay, well so sorry I've been late getting this out. I'm just TOOO lazy. And my mind is just like not working well. so sorry if this chapter sucks. Yea, it's short too... sorry about it.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Outsiders.


Soda's point of view.

I stood there, my back aching from the force Dally was pressing on me against the wall. A few months back this sight would've scared the living shit out of me, now however he didn't seem all that tough. A few punches a few curses, it's all nothing to be bothered about. In a few years I wouldn't remember the pain it caused me.

Punch.

On the other hand, I didn't want to be beat up. Especially not by a guy I once considered to be a brother. His eyes looked ready to kill, why? Was it something I'd done? Was it me?

Hit.

If Spitfire had taught me one thing it was that your mouth was the most powerful weapon. Talk your way out of it, talk. Spitfire had told me about when his brother was trying to beat him up when he got into trouble, he'd just mentioned his sister's death. Told him it was his fault.

Slam.

His fault. Harsh, yes. A lie? No.

"Do you understand me? You're so stupid." Dally pushed me hard against the wall again. My head made contact with the wall.

"You sound like your dad right now." I spoke calmly, ignoring the newly formed injuries.

Freeze.

In our minds is was just me and him, fighting.

"What?" He hissed at me, letting his hands drop. I knew by that point my mouth had won. Now, was I supposed to continue or stop?

I was about to say something when Steve's voice brought me back to where we were.

"We're scared for you, buddy. Don't do this. Just stop." His voice wavered and his eyes pleaded.

"Scared for me? No, you're scared for yourselves."

"What do you mean? Of course, we're scared for you Sodapop." Two-bit said, shocked.

"You know what, Soda? You're just like them. Using minds and words against people, they're not good people Soda. They'll tear you down." Dally growled, running his hands through his hair.

"Leave me alone. God dammit, why can't you guys just leave me alone!" I shouted, fed up. Why was everyone caring about me so much?

"Why do you want us to leave you alone, Sodapop?" Pony spoke up, nervously.

"Just leave me alone." I hissed. Pony flinched, not used to me being mean.

I turned around, facing the wall and punched it. I was so tired, and all of a sudden everything just started rushing into my brain. Intoxicating me more. I slid down the wall and grabbed my head, nearly crying.

"Soda..?" Darry asked, calmly. They were all eying me, I was sure I looked pretty bad.

My head started pounding, it felt like it was gonna explode or something. I would've tried to get the hell out of there if my feet would let me. I suddenly felt very sick.

Darry crouched down next to me and put his hand on my shoulder. Everyone, even Two-bit, were quiet.

I tried to stop the tears, tried to remain tough. I couldn't cry right now, not right now. I felt a tear fall and I cursed at myself mentally.

"It's okay little buddy. It'll be alright." Darry said, trying to comfort me. Man, I must look like shit.

Stay tough Soda, Stay tough. Spitfire didn't go crying to his brother, you shouldn't either.

I glanced at Ponyboy, man, he looked just about ready to start bawling.

It was still quiet, until the phone rang.

Two-bit's point of view:

It looked like no one was gonna answer the phone. So, I went over and grabbed it.

"Hello?"

"Uh. Is Sodapop Curtis there?" A girl's voice asked, I rolled my eyes figuring it was one of Soda's fans.

"Yes. Who is this?"

"Tammy. He'll know who I am."

I covered the phone with my hand.

"Soda, it's for you. A girl named Tammy."

Soda jumped up and grabbed the phone. Must be a really special girl.

Soda's point of view:

I grabbed the phone from Two-bit.

"Tammy?"

"Are you coming or what?"

"Yea. I'm coming. Just give me like... ten minutes okay?"

"Need help?" I never understand how she automatically knows things.

"Yea... if you don't mind." I rubbed my eyes.

"Sure thing. Be there soon." She hung up.

I glanced at the gang.

"What?"

"Where do you think you're going?" Darry asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged and sat down on the couch, nothing left to do but wait and stall.

"So, how's school Pony?" I smiled up at him.

"Fine." He looked down, avoiding my glance.

"You've really grown up, how old are you now? Twenty?" I chuckled.

Everyone was silent.

I heard a knock, finally. Darry walked toward the door and answered it.

"Hey. Is Soda there?" I glanced toward the door to see Beast, Danger and Tammy.

"Oh there he is! Hey Sodapop. Is this your brother?" Tammy said, giving Darry a once over.

"Yea." I stood up and walked by the door.

"Well. Aren't you a cutie." Tammy grinned up at Darry. She pushed past him and walked inside, curiously.

I groaned, knowing she'd give anything to be the center of attention.

"Come introduce me Soda!" She giggled.

I looked at Beast and Danger, they just shrugged.

"Okay.. Guys this is Tammy."

She looked around, smiling wide. She frowned when she saw Dally. Dally smirked at her


Um... review? I feel SO bad, btw. Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. :[