Chapter 14:
Darry's POV:
The week went on like any other. The only thing different was Ponyboy. He barely ever talked anymore. I had Two-Bit tell me everything that went on at school and the rides to and from but he'd usually just tell me Ponyboy was silent.
Pony's grades stayed the same. Mostly A's. If anything his grades were getting better. He focused every ounce of his free time into school. He never wanted to be left without something to do.
Sodapop was healing slowly. He was back to work and was looking better but he didn't get a lot of sleep because Ponyboy talked and screamed all night. He constantly had nightmares. When I asked him about them he said he didn't remember the dreams, it was just like Mom and Dad had died again. I was worried he was going into depression, or isolating himself from the world like Dally.
Friday evening was worst of all. It was the night of the rumble, Two-Bit and Steve had come over to get ready. Sodapop coughed every now and again but other than that he was pretty much better. Ponyboy just sat on the couch pensively watching as the guys tackled each other laughing. I sat down next to him as the gang tumbled into the next room over. Pony didn't even notice me.
"Hey Ponyboy, do you really wanna fight tonight?" He didn't move a muscle for a long time. Then he turned to me and spoke the most he had since Cherry left.
"I don't know Darry," he snapped, "what's the point anyway? What are we gonna win from this? It's not like we won anything last time! It's not like if we win, she's gonna come back!" I just looked at him, it scared me that he couldn't even say her name. I hoped he had gotten it all out of his system. I didn't want him carrying that sadness any longer.
"I know it's hard Ponyboy but you can't stop living-"
"I know Darry! I've been trying to get along fine without her here! Haven't you seen my grades? I don't know why it's so hard to get over her. Maybe it's because after the last rumble, I was able to like her by myself without knowing what she thought. But now that I can't even look at her… I don't know… it just… it sucks" he put his head in his hands breaking down.
"Look Pony, Tim's gang is gonna be there tonight. We'll have backup. You don't need to come if you don't feel up for it" He got off the couch and looked at me as if he was enraged.
"No Darry. I'm going. I'm gonna stomp those Socs' heads in for scaring Cherry out of our relationship." He just stared at the door as if he was waiting for me to give him the okay to run outside and tackle the first Soc he could find. I stood up and put a hand on each of his shoulders.
"Calm down Ponyboy. I'll let you go, but I don't want your emotions to get you hurt alright?" He made eye contact with me and clenched his jaw as angry tears started to form in his eyes,
"They already have" he snarled, ripping himself away from my grasp and running out the door toward the park. Then the rest of the guys came running in quickly following him after hearing the door close and assuming we were ready to leave for the rumble. I nodded to Soda on the way out.
It was time to get revenge on what they did to our brother
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE! Next Chapter is the big scene! Can't wait! Hope you're all liking it so far!