*I don't own The Outsiders.

(Soda's Point of View)

Darry and I sat at the table eating breakfast. Another morning, another breakfast, and another day that just felt wrong because my little brother wasn't here. Every time I turn around there is something that reminds me of him, or something else I realize I got to do because he usually does.

I feel guilty when I realized how much we had him doing. He cleaned the bathroom, our room, and most of the time he was the one who gave the kitchen a good scrubbing. Now me and Dar were trying to keep up with it all, and I'll admit my house wife skills aren't near Ponyboy's. Darry has to keep going over everything I do. In my defense, I can't help it! I just get distracted by better things to do and forget about it…sometimes on purpose.

I missed how Pony would come through in the morning (or when he first woke up) and no matter what we said he would answer with a grunt. Over the years, I learned what he meant with whatever noise he made. It would've been easier if he would just answer by talking, like a normal person, but it was Ponyboy. He has never been a morning person.

Who knew I would miss something as dumb as the fact Ponyboy isn't a morning person. I feel kind of dumb thinking about this, but I can't help it. It's just another thing missing that should be here. God I hate that woman who took him from me. Dar and I can take care of Pony no sweat; we would never lay a hand on him.

"What do you think Pony's doing now?" I asked Darry. Much to his annoyance, this has become somewhat of a habit. I don't think one day has gone by that I haven't asked him this at least once, it was worse in the beginning though, so he can't really complain.

"Well its seven o'clock on a Saturday morning, me and you both know he's asleep. Either that or whoever is taking care of him is struggling to get him up," Darry added with a grin.

I chuckled, "Nah, Pone would be better for them than us. He wouldn't want them to think him a nuisance or something," I said.

Dar looked thoughtful for a moment, but didn't say anything 'cause the phone started ringing. Both of us shared a look of confusion, who the hell is calling this early. Must be work or something, I grab our dirty dishes and start washing them in the kitchen.

I hear Darry murmuring quickly on the phone, I notice that he sounds agitated. Definitely work then, I grin to myself.

"Soda!" Darry called, I turn immediately because I hear panic in his voice.

He looks at me wide eyed and utters, "Pony." The plate in my hand drops, without another word we're out the door. I scribbled a note quickly explaining to the gang we're heading to Oklahoma City. I call work quickly, taking the day off.

I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

XXX

The two of us all but ran into Saint Anthony Hospital. All we knew was Pony was somewhere in here, but why I couldn't tell you. Some knew case worker had been assigned to the case, getting rid of that old wrinkly bag, and they called us.

We went to the front desk, Darry was trying to act cool and calm but I could see the concern in his eyes and his tense posture gave him away. I doubted I looked any better. I couldn't hide my feelings; I bounced from foot to foot as the lady looked up Pony's name and all of that. Could she be any slower about it?

She scanned the two of us over, "He's in the Pediatric Unit, room 103."

"Thank you," Darry murmured, politely.

We headed off without saying anything, both of us caught up in our own thoughts. Pony can be awfully clumsy sometimes and I couldn't help but wonder if this was his fault. There are more than a few incidents where we had to go to the hospital as kids because Pony hurt himself.

I remember the one time where he tripped over his own feet and bashed his face on the edge of the table. His nose just kept on bleeding and eventually Ma and Dad got so worried that we all had to go over to the hospital. He was fine, but there are a lot of accidents like that.

He was better when he got older, but maybe his good streak is over. Hopefully, I'm worrying for nothing. That's what I'm trying to convince myself, but for some reason it's not working.

There was a young guy sitting in a chair outside of Pony's room. He has some paperwork in his lap and a briefcase at his feet. Darry and I slowed are pace as we approached the door. The guy flashed a small grin and asked, "Are you two Pony's brothers?"

"Yes we are, I'm Darrel Curtis and this Sodapop," Darry answered.

The guy nodded, "I can tell, family resemblance. I'm his new case worker, Alexander Frangello," he reached a hand out and shook both our hands. I wanted to get this over with and go see my little brother; I could really care less about Franny here.

"I saw your case and I know you're not supposed to be anywhere near him, but I didn't agree with the decision made. Technically, I can get fired for this, so please keep this between us," Franny said.

We both nodded. "How is he? Can we see him? Where are Mr. and Mrs. Lucas?" Darry shot off questions.

The case worker's face turned grim, he looked down at his feet. Dar and I shared panicked looks.

"Pony is a ward of the state, meaning they have custody of him for now; Mr. Lucas's guardianship has been revoked due to charges of first degree murder for two people, one being his wife and the other Robin McLaren. Other charges include attempted murder, child abuse, child neglect, and others may be added later on," he said, straight faced.

I stumbled back with a thump against the wall. Darry looked completely horrified. My baby brother...was...a-abused? No he would've told us when we saw him! How could this have happened?

I shook my head in denial.

"How is he?" Darry asked again, his voice cracking. I could tell he didn't want to believe that the man Pony had been living with for almost half a year was this sick. He killed Robin, she was fine and he killed her. I liked her too; she was such a smart ass it was funny to watch her and Dally go back and forth.

He ran a nervous hand through his hair, "Well you said two murder charges so he ain't dead right!?" I exclaimed in panic. It was completely irrational considering the lady at the front desk told us he was in the room right next to me; I just realized this a little late.

"No, he's not dead. There are signs of malnutrition, he's dehydrated, but the biggest concern is his head injury. He has severe head trauma, it appears he hit it on the edge of a table. His skull cracked and fragments plunged themselves into his brain tissue. He was immediately brought in to have open head surgery to remove said fragments, but while operating he slid into a comma," he said, softly.

My head spun, I didn't understand all of it but I knew it was bad. A comma, not everyone wakes up from those. Oh my God, my little brother. A little whine escaped my throat and I was startled when I realized I was crying.

I sniffed wiping away tears from my cheeks. I looked up at Darry, scared, he looked like he was in shock. His face had gone an awful pale color. My stomach churned uncomfortably.

"What now?" Dar whispered.

Even Franny looked upset by the entire thing. "We wait," he muttered. "Go on in, I won't tell anyone. Just don't touch any of the tubes. He doesn't look good," he warned.

Neither of us could care less. We turned and headed in, despite our stunned state, I think we both nearly choked when we saw Pone.

He laid completely still, his face the color of the crisp white hospital sheets behind his head. He had an IV dripping with some clear fluid and blood into his body. The bandages were wrapped tightly around his wound. I was positive that there were probably bruises and cuts all over him, then I saw something that horrified me even more. Handprint shaped bruises covered his neck.

I squeaked out, "His neck."Darry patted my back, telling me it would

Darry's eyes, impossibly, got larger. I turned and threw my guts up in the garbage can near the door. Darry patted my back and told me it would all turn out alright. How was I supposed to believe that?

I wanted to kill whoever did this to my brother. I wanted to cry and scream.

How is Pony going to deal with this?

That is if he wakes up.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Poor Ponyboy...I felt bad killing Robin, but that was my original intentions before I even typed the first chapter. I get really attached to characters so I was a little upset to do so. Any fans of Robin and Pony, don't fret, I have a story I'm going to publish about what would've happened with their relationship if she didn't die and if Pony doesn't die. So keep an eye out.

I wrote a one-shot called "Bitterness Glorifies Sweetness." It's a pretty powerful piece and it's been favorited and has a review (thanks, you know who you are) and has hits, yet barely any reviews. So please go and check that one-shot out and review it! It's about Pony coming home from 'Nam and the power of family love. It's good, I promise.

Review!!!!