A week had past and so much has happened. Ponyboy was finally better, I got Soda's old room so that the gang could sleep on the couch again, and today was the trail for Johnny and also to see if Darry would get custody of me. We all had to dress somewhat nice. I was looking at all my bruises and scars that I had on my arms that my fake dad had caused. Johnny flashed into my mind as I remembered how his parents beat him up. I hate to think about it but that is the way things are. I left the bathroom to get my leather jacket out of my closet when I bumped into Soda.

" Sorry Soda."

He didn't say a thing, he kept looking at my arms.

" Val how did this happen?"

" My fake dad that's all. Don't worry about it."

" He beat you real good didn't he?"

" Yeah but no one knows except you."

I walked past him into my room, put on my leather jacket, and waited on the couch for everyone to finish getting ready so we could go.

The trail took forever. Johnny's case was first and pretty much everyone told the exact same story except for Cherry Valance who told what happened before everything happened. They also said that it was strictly out of self defense which I believe. Johnny was not guilty which is great. Then it was my case. I stepped up onto the podium and sat down.

" Valley we have a few questions to ask you. Be honest."

" Yes mam."

I was using my best manners. Oh I almost forgot to mention that my fake dad was taken to the hospital after the police shot him. He was fine so he was at the trail. Also my two sisters went to a girls home.

" Has your dad beaten you in anyway?"

" Yes he has."

" Do you have any proof?"

" Yes."

" You may present to the jury."

I took of my jacket to show all the bruises and scars. I saw Soda, his eyes full of sympathy, Johnny looked terrified, Cherry full of shocked like a lot of people, and my fake dad full of hatred. They asked me some more questions about how it's been living with Darry. I told them great things. Pony had to go up there too and answer some questions about his brother as well.

" Darrel Curtis has custody of both Ponyboy and Valley Curtis."

We all hugged and smiled glad to be together.

That night, I was laying in bed when I heard the front door open. I knew it was one of the gang so I got up to see who it was. I creeped down the hall all the way to the living room. I saw a small figure get onto the couch and try to go to sleep. I started creeping back to my room when I heard a small quiet voice call

" Hello."

I turned around.

" Hi Johnny."

" Val can we talk?"

" Sure."

I walked over to the couch and sat down on the ground.

" You know how you showed your bruises and scars?"

" Yeah why?"

" How did you stay strong? I mean I am kinda strong with all that goes on in my house but I just need more ways to cope with it."

" Okay well first off you are strong and don't you forget it. Second of all, how I coped with it was by hanging around the gang, reading, taking walks around the neighborhood, read books, and watched the sunrises and sunsets but most importantly I had hope. Hope for a better place. "

" That's a lot things."

" You know what. I feel bad for you. You have to deal with all the junk your parents put you through but you stay strong. That's a good thing. Now I have to get to bed."

I got up started towards my room when I heard

" Thanks."

" Your welcome."