Dallas Winston isn't the type to feel sorry for people, hell he even has problems feeling sorry for people in the gang sometimes, but when he saw the hurt and fear in the kids eyes, he instantly felt sorry for him. Sure, he might've threatened to hurt him the first time they met, but he was drunk; and he does stupid things when he's drunk.
So, despite himself, he ran after the kid- not to scare him, mind you, but to actually help. He didn't want another kid to end up cold and tainted by the world like him. And yeah, living on the street in Tulsa isn't as bad as living in New York, but there are still awful people that live here, and could do horrible things to him.
After chasing the kids for what felt like hours, Dallas realized that the kid seemily slipped out of his sight and hid. After a string of cussing, Dallas started making his way back to the curtis house. But, the whole walk there, he couldn't get that stupid kid out of his head. Thoughts such as:
'What did Soda say that caused him to freak out like that?' and
'where does he live? Does he have a home?'
Clouded Dallas' mind. Once he finally reached the Curtis' house, he saw that all the lights were on, meaning everyone was still there, waiting to see if he had the kid.
Walking through the front door, Soda was the first one to meet him. Noticing the kid wasn't with him, he started asking Dally questions;
"Did you find the kid?" Soda asked, hoping that Dally at least knows where the kid is.
"No, That little brat runs pretty fast; I couldn't catch up with him." Dallas replies, taking out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
"Did you at least know where he went?" Soda asked, worry clear in his voice.
"If I knew where he went, he would be here." Dallas replied, after lighting the cigarette and putting the pack, and lighter, back in his pocket.
"...so you lost him..."
"..yeah..."
"Hey, Soda?" Two-Bit called out to his buddy, breaking the silence that filled the living room.
"Yeah?"
"What did you say to the kid that made him run out?"
"Yeah, I also would like to know" Dallas agreed, after taking a drag of his cigarette.
"..me too" Johnny quietly agreed.
"Well, I asked him if he wanted to meet the gang."
"That's it?" Two-bit asked.
"Yeah…"
"Well, maybe he just has a problem with meeting new people" Johnny Spoke up from the couch.
"Or maybe he has had bad encounters with gangs before." Dallas said, finishing his smoke. He flipped the but into the trashcan that was kept by the door for that very reason.
Continuing to talk, they all agreed to keep an eye out for him, next time they go out into town.
—
The next morning, after Ponyboy woke and crawled out from under the tree, he pulled out a sweatshirt he kept in his backpack. After words, he pulled out a bottle of pain meds, and then started on his way.
Walking a few blocks, a library came into view. Excited at the chance to find a new book, he raced (well as fast as he could while he was hurt) to the doors of the library. Luckily for Pony, the library seemingly just opened, so he made his way inside.
Walking in, he was met with warm air, which was a relief since, even with his sweater, he was still freezing. Walking farther in, he was met with a librarian that seemed a little too happy to be there.
The librarian working there had black hair, that was slowly starting to turn grey, that was in a sloppy bun on the top of her hair. And what looked like a permanent smile sketched on his face.
"Hello sir, Welcome to the library. If you need any help finding books, don't hesitate to ask!" She said, way too cheerful.
Nodding at the librarian, Ponyboy headed towards the rows and rows of books. Looking at all the books, he spotted one of his favorite books, Gone with the wind. Picking it up, he walked to one of the many tables the library had out.
Sure, he read the book tons of times, after stealing it from a small bookstore. (then lost it, after almost getting killed a couple of months back), but he loved the book. And usually, when he read it, he felt safe and at home.
Hours later, Ponyboy's stomach growled signaling that he should get some food. With a sigh, Ponyboy gets up, grabs his bag, and puts the book back on the shelf.
'I hope no one checks it out...' Ponyboy thought, hoping he was able to come back and read the book some more before he leaves town.
Making his way towards the Dingo, he searches his pockets and realizes that he only has enough for one more meal; which means next time he's hungry, he's either gonna have to shoplift or find something from a trash can.
. 'I Better make this meal count..'
After sitting down and ordering his food, he looks around and notices that he's the only one here alone. In one of the tables in the back, there is a group of 4 boys, all messing around and telling jokes. Hearing the guys laughing together made something in his body ache; Before now, Ponyboy never realized how bad he wanted a group of friends; ones that would make inside jokes with him or make him feel better when he was sad. I sighed, realizing I could never have that.
Noticing the guys stopped talking and were looking at him; Ponyboy realize he spaced out and was just staring at them. Looking away, he blushed, and Luckily for Ponyboy, his food came out and he put his attention towards eating that instead.
Finishing his meal, Ponyboy's body still aches for friends, but ponyboy trying to remind himself that he's better off alone, he gets up and starts leaving the restaurant.
While walking towards the tree he slept on last night, It seemed that the universe wanted to play a cruel joke on him and have him see everyone out with their friends. This caused the ache to get worse and worse, and when he finally arrived at the tree; His loneliness was at an all time high.
Falling asleep, He told himself that once he's 18, he will have tons and tons of friends. That caused the ache to dull a little bit.
—
Hey guys, sorry that this chapter is late (haha like really late). After next month (April), School should become a lot less stressful! See you guys soon! (Hopefully next Wednesday!)
-Callum 3
