Thank you to all those who reviewed. ( EEEEEEKKKKKKK! I love it! Sorry.so
heres to answer some questions and put you at ease:
Two-BitGortez :
Sorry that that confused you, but thanks for asking, I like to get questions. That had to have been a typo that I missed, I don't know how I missed it considering I have read through this story about a million times, but I must have. It should have said she, Reesa is a girl. And for the rest, just to make this clear as mud.yes mud.Im going to outline the fam for you: Darry(of course), Soda(yes he is the second oldest still), Reesa, Pony and Skye(Twins, ten or so months younger than Reesa. That is the family, so does that clear this up a little? Sorry bout that.
Dark Knight9745:
I hadnt ever really looked at it like that, sorry. but as you know (if you read my bio) this story is written by two people. Now I cant speak completely for my friend, but I think the point that was trying to be put across is that you can use a cliché idea, but the story has to have a plot line (climax and all), the characters that are put into the family must be real and fit in well, and over all it has to be written well to get around the cliché story line. The basic thing is that if someone sees the summary and all it says is that its about a cliché idea, then the reader automatically assumes its bad. Generally we both are against cliché stories, but for the most part it has to do with the reasons listed above. We did this story to experiment and see if it could be done, I mean make a story that people liked with a cliché idea starting it out. It was not the intention of my friend or me to offend anyone or bash anyone's stories, we just wanted to tell our readers that we usually don't write cliché things, it might explain some things to you, but if not that's okay too. Does that kind of explain it? Do you understand what I mean? I might not be able to really make you understand, but I know where you are coming from, and I thank you for commenting on it. Keep reading and enjoy.it only gets better from here on out! I promise.
sodapop'll-be-mine:
I know I should have done this last chapter, but I didn't have time when I put it up, so here goes for you, even if it is delayed. Thank you for your compliment, I am very happy to find that you like our new additions and are enjoying the story. We rather enjoy how the family works also, I think that's the best part. Anyway, enjoy this next chapter, its just starting to get good.
Well I think that that's it. If I have missed anyone, which could very well be with me, then I thank you for you reviews and apologize for myself.
Enjoy the story!
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Chapter 7 (Skye's POV)
"Pony, you got any money?" I asked as we walked down. some street. It wasn't a busy street, still in a neighborhood and all. I didn't dare go out into the real public yet.
"Yes.Why?" He walked along beside me with his hands in his jacket pockets. It was a little cold, but not too bad. It was just one of those mornings, you know? It was actually quite nice.
"Because I'm hungry. Darry didn't give me anytime to eat and I'm starving."
"Yeah, he did. I heard him."
I gave him a look. "Okay, so I forgot. Let's go get something to eat, 'kay?"
"I suppose." He flipped the collar up on his jacket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Want one?" He offered me.
"No. That's okay. I don't wanna smoke on an empty stomach." Hey, I can be a little smart. I usually am when I'm alert. And I was very alert to say the least. It was only around noon or one, meaning that we hadn't been out long enough to go back home to the protection of the house.
"Whatever. Where do you want to go?"
"I don't know. Somewhere were I can get.a steak and some potatoes. I don't know. Just somewhere I can get a real American din - lunch."
It was his turn to look at me strangely. "Yeah, okay. No."
"Why?"
"Because my budget ain't workin' that way."
"Oh."
"IYeah/I, oh."
"Well where ever we go, it can't be the DX."
"Yeah, that took some real thought." He rolled his eyes. He pulled out his wallet to see how much he had with him. "You can spend.up to two dollars."
"That won't be a problem. Shoot, I'm surprised you're giving me that much."
"Yeah, me too. But we can always lower that amount, if you'd like."
Hold on. Did I say that? "No. I'm fine with where it's standing now."
"Thought so."
"You're such a cocky brat, you know that, Pon?"
"I get it from you."
"No, you don't. You get it from.Soda."
He put his wallet away. "What is this? The pass the blame game?"
I shoved him off the sidewalk and kept going. Man, I was hungry. My stomach was growling and it was making me very cranky.
Then something caught my eye. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to shove the kid. In fact, I took it all back and grabbed him to me.
"Shit, don't make me drop my cigarette! That'll cost me money you know."
"Then quit. Let's go."
He stared at me blankly. "Skye, what exactly are you on? We are going. It's not like we don't have time to kill, so be patient. I mean --"
"No, seriously, I'm not hungry anymore. Let's go home."
"Right. and get our asses kicked? I don't think so. You dragged me out here and now you get to stay. 'Kay?"
The truck was getting closer. "Ponyboy..Keep walking. Don't stop."
"What is wrong with you?" He pulled away. "Look. I ain't goin' no where. Chill out." Like that was supposed to give me comfort? "What's going on?"
"Miles."
"What?"
"Miles is coming. Let's go."
"Dude, I thought you liked him. What a way to show it." So he thought I was crazy, huh? Good for him. I don't care what he thinks, just as long as he'll pick up his pace.
"Things change."
They sure do. Right at that point the truck pulled up along side us going at a slow pace. Miles jumped out while it was still rolling.
"Hey, Skye. Where'ya been? We've been looking for you." He came closer to us. And it was probably quite visible when I backed up.
"Yeah," said Pony. "We've been gone. What's it to you?"
Miles looked at him as if he were scum. "Was I talking to you?"
"Might as well be." Pony stepped up. He was just in one of moods today. I don't think he realized he was stepping into bad territory.
"Riiiight. Listen, Curtis. This has nothin' to do with you. So, I suggest you scram."
Like Pony would even. I was really glad he was in whatever mood he was because I don't think I could've lasted very long there if he wasn't. My heart was starting to race and I was beginning to sweat.
"Hey, c'mon, man. Leave us alone. We ain't done nothin' to you," Pony said. He glanced up at the truck that had since come to a stop. "What's he doing here?" he asked Miles. "Whatcha hangin' out with trash like him for?"
Miles looked back to the truck to make sure he knew what Ponyboy was talking about. I think he was high. "Because he's my brother?"
"Oh."
"Pony," I hissed, trying to warn him stay out of this. But did he ever listen to me?
"Look, Miles. We'll leave you alone and you two can just go on your way and let us be. Sound good?" Man, someone better start checking the labels of Pony's cigarettes because I don't think those are normal. Was he crazy?
Miles pretended like he didn't even hear him. Dear God no.
"Hey, Babe," he stepped closer to me. Lucky for me he didn't get too close. I think he wasn't going to push his - whatever luck he thought he might have. "C'mon. We'll have fun."
Fun my ass. "No, I gotta get home soon and -"
"You won't be late. I promise."
Could he not understand that I didn't want to go? I waving the red flag in his face and he didn't even see it. "I can't. I'm hangin' with my brother."
"So? I'm sure he won't mind. Let's go. C'mon. You know you want to." Like that was supposed to be sexy or something? Sly one.
"Mind about what?" Pony chipped in. He stepped a little closer to us, like he was standing guard, but had no clue that he was.
"Nothing, grease. Stay out of this."
"You know what? You're really stupid for looking like you know it all," Pony said. God, he was dumb. I tried to shoot him a look. Any kind of look would've been good for me, but I couldn't get my eyes off the grass. Damn grass.
Again, Miles ignored him. I think that was making Pony mad. He wasn't showing it, but I know it makes me mad when people ignore me, so I can only imagine the King of Center Attention would be too.
Miles stepped right up to me and tried to get my attention. "Skye? Don't you think you're being irrational?" Did he know the meaning of the word? I didn't answer him and I guess he thought it was his last chance to convincing me to go with him, so he forced my chin up with the back of his hand. I know it would've only made him happy to make eye contact with him, so I focused on the tree to his left. But the fact that I was looking up clearly wasn't satisfactory enough for him and he forced me to kiss him.
I don't think any other kiss that I've had was as offensive as that one. I pushed him back and he finally broke away after a few seconds. "Stop!"
He staggered backwards, obviously shocked. The regaining whatever pride he had left he came back over to us. "What's wrong? I thought you'd -"
"Back off, Miles," Pony growled pushing him back again.
I think that was one of the last straws Miles had left in his patients for Pony. He turned towards him, angry. "Listen, Curtis. I've had just about enough of your wise ass comments."
"Good." Pony looked pretty smug with himself.
"Look, if you want we can make this real simple. I got my brother who can just about knock the stuffing outta you and it won't take him much effort either."
"Miles, don't," I said. "Leave him out of this."
But as usual, he found it necessary to ignore at least one of us and he didn't hear what I said. Okay, so maybe he heard me but he wasn't going to let me have the satisfaction of knowing it.
He turned away, acting like it was all over, until tomorrow, and he'd just leave it be.
But Iboy/I was I wrong.
A moment later he swung back around and landed a good one across Pony's face. After that I don't remember a whole lot. I tried to break in between them, because it was obvious who would win and who would lose. But Pony wouldn't let me. For one he was yelling me to run for it and was trying to shove me away. I wasn't about to argue. Clay was out of the truck by that time so I took off.
I knew I couldn't help him, and as bad as I felt about it, I had to save myself at least. I wasn't going stick around and let both of us fall into their trap. Maybe I was doing Pony a disservice, and maybe I was helping him. I'll never know.
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I don't know how long I was hiding. Probably too long. I was so consumed in fear, I couldn't bring myself to go back to find Pony any earlier. But the longer I sat there, the worse I felt. Not only did I not want to see what they had done to Pony, but I didn't want to know what they'd do to me if they were still around.
But after at least a half an hour I decided enough was enough and I headed back there. I could take whatever shit they'd throw at me. I had to at least see if Pony was okay. I couldn't leave him there when he could be dying or something. Which was quite possible with both Miles and Clay working together.
I'm not going to describe what went through my mind during the five or so minute walk back to Pony, all I knew was that I was scared. About what I wasn't sure of. I was probably more scared to see him than anything.
Sure enough, he was where I had left him. He was laying on the cement on his side, his arms sticking out at odd angles. He looked so gross I could hardly look at him. There was dried blood all over him and I could hardly distinguish him from the beaten pulp of a dead man.
"Oh my God," I whispered as knelt down beside him. My hands were trembling as I reached out to try and wake him. "Pony? Ponyboy?"
He didn't respond.
I couldn't tell if he was dead or alive, and it was because of me. Because of me he was in this situation and to think that I left him here. And after he had stuck up for me and all. I felt disgusted with myself to think that I had put him in a position where he could've gotten hurt. I'm sure he would've done it however this came about, but that didn't make up for the fact that he might not have been anywhere near me when it happened. I forced him to come with me, and look where that got both of us. We were some few miles from home and I wasn't about to leave him on account that anything could happen with him in this shape and I'd rather stick around than leave him to have something worse come about it all. After all, he hadn't stepped down from a challenge, and I felt like I owed it to him. I don't think I'd be out of debt anytime soon.
"Pony? Please wake up. Please. God, don't do this to me." I'm not sure how this had anything to do with me anymore, but maybe it'd somehow work. Who knew.
I could feel tears coming on but I did bnot/b want to cry. There was no use in crying over something that was irreversible. I dried whatever tears were threatening to come to the surface. Even if it did do me any good, this wasn't the time. I couldn't do it now, because someone had to be there for Pony and I was the only one around. But all I could do at this point was pray that he'd wake up or that someone would find us so we could go home.
Because of me, Pony was lying in the dirt, half dead.
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(Two-Bits POV)
Man, Dally had better have something good planned. I am soo bored, I think that school is just a waste of time, but I have my reasons for going. I mean, it is something to do and even though some of the girls are pretty cute, they're a little young for the likes of me. You know? Some of the teachers are higher on my list, especially those student teachers. Speaking of which, I think I got a date with my Biology teacher tomorrow night. She is real good looking. I wonder why she ain't married yet. Oh yeah, she went to college with those twits that don't know what a girl is for.
Anyway, I was bored of school. Today they sent me to the principal's office, but he just laughed and I left early. Good for me, huh? More like, he knows me too well to get mad anymore.
"Finally!" Dally called to me as I jumped out of the car.
"What? I got out early today. You miss me that much? You couldn't wait? How touching."
"Shut it."
"Lucky for you, they kicked me out early today."
"I said shut it!"
"How are you two going to keep from killing each other at this rate?" Soda called from under a car. He was being a grease monkey again. I never understood that. Why would anyone want to get covered in grease? Besides hair grease, I mean.
"I was just saying." I tried to say, but Dally hit me over the head.
"C'mon. I got plans. Lets get outta here, man. I need something new on my record. The fuzz down at the station are missing me, they need some excitement in their lives." Dally started to leave without me.
What, was I supposed to follow him? "Right. Okay." I ran to catch with him. "See ya later, Sodapop! Bye Steve!" I called back to the car they were working on.
"Bye," they both said, a little too preoccupied to care we were leaving. Whatever.
"So, what are we doin', man?" I asked Dally as we walked up the street. Where ever it was he didn't seem to care about walking in public. We started to walk through the neighborhood. Sort of. I'm not sure what he was thinking.
"I don't know.something. I got business with Tim so we gotta find him. Lets just go into town, someone'll be there that can tell us where Tim'll be."
"Yeah, alright. Did I tell you I got a date with that real fine teacher?"
"Nope." Dally pulled out a smoke and searched his pockets for a lighter, "You got a light?"
I pulled one out of my jacket and handed it to him. "Listen, do you have the whole day planned out or are you going to let me do my own things later on?"
"I don't care." He lit up and handed the lighter back to me. "You just gotta come with me. I ain't itchin' to go alone."
"I hear ya."
We didn't really talk all that much as we walked. There wasn't anything to talk about. Everything that would be interesting, he didn't think it was, and whatever he had to say was so melodramatic that I couldn't care any less. I just went along because he was my buddy that's what we're supposed to do. Especially after several events around a year ago, we never took any chances going by ourselves. If we couldn't get someone to tag-a-long, then we didn't go period.
"So, when's your date?" he asked me. He was tired of the silence I guess.
"Tomorrow night. I think I'll take her to see the new Paul Newman flick. I hear she likes him. I mean, he's all right and all, but I don't care all that much about him. Whatever floats her boat." I dropped my cigarette and crushed it. One time I almost started a fire when I didn't smother it, and well, it wasn't pretty.
"Man, why don't you do something fun then? Take her to play pool or take her back to your place or somethin'." Dally clearly thought I was the most boring date material he ever heard of.
"Because. I want her to think I'm a classy guy."
He started to laugh. "Classy?"
"Hey, I can be."
"No you can't."
"Sure I can."
"Two-Bit, you're a greaser. Greasers aren't classy. That's a Soc. Don't make me sick." He wasn't thinking it was funny anymore. Oh well, who cares.
"Soda's classy." I tried.
"No, Soda is a gentleman. At least he tries to be. He just knows how to treat a girl good."
"Unlike you?"
".Yes."
After that our conversation died down again. We were walking along way. I was starting to wish we had borrowed Steve's car. I was tired of walking.
"Dally, do you Iknow/I where we're going?"
"Sure. We're just taking a detour."
"Why?"
"'Cause I said so." Whatever he wants. It's not like I'm in a position to argue.
We turned a corner and kept going. I was beginning to regret coming with him. Okay, so I was lazy, that doesn't mean I had to walk everywhere.. And no I'm not just complaining to have something to do.
"Dally, do you see that?" I pointed across the street. There was some kid greaser girl sitting on the grass with her back to us. It looked like she was sitting next to someone who was lying on the ground.
"Yeah. So?" He didn't even look over. I knew he hadn't seen nothing.
"Well, maybe we should go check it out. It looks like someone's hurt." I strained to see who it was, but I couldn't make out any distinct features.
"It's none of our business, Matthews. Leave it be."
"No, seriously, Dal. I think we should check it out. It beats this useless wandering."
"Hey, we're going somewhere."
"It don't seem like it." I headed out into the street. I didn't care if he wanted to go or not. Just because I'm a greaser, doesn't mean I can't be helpful. Although, I think I may be more of a hinder than a help most of the time. "Let's just check it out, man. We'll be quick."
"Two-Bit!" he griped as he stood still on the sidewalk. "I don't have time for this. Besides, it'll ruin my rep, man."
"Hey, you said you wanted to reek havoc with the fuzz. They'll probably think you did it anyway." I kept walking slowly. I didn't want to scare who ever it was. I don't think I'd appreciate some bum greaser strolling over to me if I was them. But, this isn't just some grease, it was a chick, and I can't ignore that. "Um. Miss? Ma'am? Er, um, I mean. I don't know what to call you miz. But, uh, do you need some help? Maybe I can do something for ya?"
She just sat there staring at the kid on the ground. I couldn't even tell if I knew him or not from where I was standing. I inched closer to them, trying my best not to scare her.
"Excuse me? Do you need any help? I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanna. if you need help. Can you hear me? Maybe I should go?"
"Good idea!" Dally called as he crossed the street to me. "It's obvious she doesn't want your help.Shit."
"What?" I asked. Dally was coming up from behind me quicker now. What the hell? A second ago he was all hell bent to get out of there and then he's running towards me? He passed me and slowed quickly a few feet away from the girl. Guess he didn't want to freak her out either.
"Skye?" He was inching through the dirt, kicking it up as he went. The girl still didn't respond.
Dally looked back at me, he flashed me an impatient look. What was up with him today? I can't read minds you know. And how did he know it was Skye? He isn't even around that much.
Going to the right side of the girl, and crouching down beside her he said, "Skye?. Skye, what happened to him, who did this?"
I heard him say Skye, right? He was saying Skye, he had to be because.if it wasn't Skye he wouldn't be.like that. Nice. Oh, Damn.
I ran over to the other side of her, I had to see her face. Was she hurt too?
It didn't look like it. But one never knew.
"Skye," Dally repeated, sounding like he was going to hit someone. "What the hell happened? Are you okay?"
She looked up at him blankly. I don't think she even knew it was him. She blinked a few times and looked back at Ponyboy. Nothing was adding up. Pony looked beat to a pulp, and she looked like she had gotten away without a scratch. Except for the fact that she didn't look like she was all the way there, she looked fine.
"Um. okay," Dally said. "How long have you been here?" She continued to look at Pony all expression wiped from her face. Damn, it made you wonder how long she had seen him like that.
"Dally, she ain't gonna answer you," I told him. Even I knew that much. "She's in shock, bro." There wasn't much we could do for her so I went over to examine Pony.
Well, he didn't look good, that's for sure. He was covered in dry, cracking blood and thick matted dirt was sticking to every inch of him. His face was pale underneath all the discoloration and his skin felt dry but clammy, not to mention how swollen it looked. I don't know what the hell happened to him but it was enough to knock him out, and that couldn't be anywhere near good. His jacket was half off, only a sleeve remained on one arm, and his jeans were torn in a few places. That musta been one hell of a fight by the looks of things.
I took him by the shoulder and shook him slightly, "Ponyboy? You all right?" And like Skye he didn't respond. Well, at least I sort of expected as much. He had a reason not to. She didn't. Not really. "Pony! Wake up. This isn't funny."
"He ain't gonna wake up because you're yelling at him, dumb-ass," Dally remarked and stood up. "We should take them home. We ain't got any idea how long he's been like this, and besides, he just looks. nasty. Let's go. You take him."
"What? Why me?" I asked. "I can't hold a hurt kid. I'll crush him or something."
"No, you won't. For one, you're stronger than me and you can handle his weight, and for another reason I'd like to see you walk with Skye."
"Why? What's wrong with her? Shock ain't that bad." Please, I could handle that. What's he talking about?
"It is when you're in a hurry, and she isn't getting up. Just do it. Run if you can, 'cause he don't look too hot." He paused to look around for a moment. "C'mon, Skye. You too. Get up."
She didn't give any indication that she had heard him. In fact, I would go as far as to say that she didn't have a clue that we were even there. That ain't normal. So, Dally did what I didn't want to do and grabbed her by the arm and made her stand up.
"Come on. We gotta get your brother home. I think you know that. But now we actually have ta do it."
Okay, here we go. It's not like I was given much of a choice. I tried my best to pick up the kid, but he was in such an awkward position it was hard not to have to flip him over. And he wasn't what I would consider heavy, but he definitely wasn't light.
So, after I got a good hold on him and Skye looked like she might be willing to move, we started to walk in the direction of their house. We had about eleven or so blocks to go. It seemed like a lot shorter number than it was, trust me. I was walking ahead of Skye and Dally because I had a more important task at hand. The faster we got Pony home the faster this would all be over with. And it was clear that Skye wasn't in any hurry to go anywhere. Lucky for me Dally had enough patients with her to walk at her leisurely pace.
Every time I brought myself to look down at Pony he seemed to look worse than before. He was limp, and I could tell by looking at him that everything was starting to swell up real quick. It was swollen before, but it wasn't stopping anytime soon.
I tried not to focus on that and walked as quickly as I could. It's amazing how your attitude about something can change when something else is more urgent. I just couldn't even begin to imagine how I was going to tell Darry what we had seen. I couldn't give enough information to even sum up what had happened. I don't bknow /bwhat happened in the first place. I just hoped he wouldn't flip out too badly.
"Yo, you gotta walk faster than that," I heard Dally telling Skye. "This ain't some wilderness walk, Hun. We have to walk like normal, you know?"
I turned my head to see them several yards behind me. And by yards I don't mean a measurement of three feet. I mean peoples lawns, yards. She was barely putting one foot in front of the other with Dally pulling her along side him.
"Everything okay, Dally?" I called. "What's going on?"
"Man, she's like not movin'. I can't get her to go any faster." He went behind her and grabbed her by the shoulders. "C'mon. Walker faster. See. It's not that hard.. No, no, faster. Yeah, like that. Yeah.."
Well, that wasn't my problem. I was more concerned about actually getting this kid home. I didn't have the time to mess around with working on getting someone else there.
I turned away from the scene of Dally leading and pushing Skye by the shoulders and took a few steps, trying to get my momentum back up. The kid was getting mighty heavy now. Dead weight kills. Serious, I was getting real tired at that point, and I had to get going if I was going to get Pony home the last eight blocks.
Then I heard, "Hey, wait up."
I turned back around, "Not if you want me to get him home, I'm not."
"Just do it. This ain't workin. Wait until I catch up to you."
He had got to be kidding me. He had no idea how hard it was. Okay, so maybe he did, but I didn't care. It didn't make up for the fact that he was making me wait for him. This was a waste of time.and me.
"Do you have any idea how bad off this kid is?" I yelled back.
"Yeah, I got a good enough look at him. Just hold on, I got an idea."
"Smart-ass."
"Don't push it."
I mumbled under my breathe. Don't push him?! He was pushing me. First, he tells me to Irun/I. Then he tells me to stop. What next?
It seemed like forever before he caught up. Even with him pushing Skye along, she was damn slow.
"Two-Bit, Im going to take Pony, and try and walk with Skye and Pony. Your going to run ahead to the house and get Darry."
"He ain't home, he's at work."
"Well, he might of stayed home with Rees, she was pretty bad last night. If not, then I'm sure she'll be home. Just get someone."
"Rees aint in any position to help out. From what I heard from Steve, she could barely stand this morning, but she was fighting with Darry over crap. She was in her headstrong mood, I think Darry probably went to work, she would make him."
"Then find someone." Dally came up to me, leaving Skye standing blankly a few feet behind. He took Pony out of my arms, Then turned and tried to get Skye to come over.
It felt so good to have the weight gone, but now I was on to running. It was gonna be a long run. To bad I wasn't on track. Yeah right, like I would ever do that.
"Two-Bit, go bring her over to me."
I stepped over to Skye and grabbed her, "C'mon."
She moved when I pulled her over, and then I hooked her arm to Dally's, "Don't let him go, just walk with him."
I took a last look at Pony, then turned and ran. Holy crap, he looked bad.
Two-BitGortez :
Sorry that that confused you, but thanks for asking, I like to get questions. That had to have been a typo that I missed, I don't know how I missed it considering I have read through this story about a million times, but I must have. It should have said she, Reesa is a girl. And for the rest, just to make this clear as mud.yes mud.Im going to outline the fam for you: Darry(of course), Soda(yes he is the second oldest still), Reesa, Pony and Skye(Twins, ten or so months younger than Reesa. That is the family, so does that clear this up a little? Sorry bout that.
Dark Knight9745:
I hadnt ever really looked at it like that, sorry. but as you know (if you read my bio) this story is written by two people. Now I cant speak completely for my friend, but I think the point that was trying to be put across is that you can use a cliché idea, but the story has to have a plot line (climax and all), the characters that are put into the family must be real and fit in well, and over all it has to be written well to get around the cliché story line. The basic thing is that if someone sees the summary and all it says is that its about a cliché idea, then the reader automatically assumes its bad. Generally we both are against cliché stories, but for the most part it has to do with the reasons listed above. We did this story to experiment and see if it could be done, I mean make a story that people liked with a cliché idea starting it out. It was not the intention of my friend or me to offend anyone or bash anyone's stories, we just wanted to tell our readers that we usually don't write cliché things, it might explain some things to you, but if not that's okay too. Does that kind of explain it? Do you understand what I mean? I might not be able to really make you understand, but I know where you are coming from, and I thank you for commenting on it. Keep reading and enjoy.it only gets better from here on out! I promise.
sodapop'll-be-mine:
I know I should have done this last chapter, but I didn't have time when I put it up, so here goes for you, even if it is delayed. Thank you for your compliment, I am very happy to find that you like our new additions and are enjoying the story. We rather enjoy how the family works also, I think that's the best part. Anyway, enjoy this next chapter, its just starting to get good.
Well I think that that's it. If I have missed anyone, which could very well be with me, then I thank you for you reviews and apologize for myself.
Enjoy the story!
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Chapter 7 (Skye's POV)
"Pony, you got any money?" I asked as we walked down. some street. It wasn't a busy street, still in a neighborhood and all. I didn't dare go out into the real public yet.
"Yes.Why?" He walked along beside me with his hands in his jacket pockets. It was a little cold, but not too bad. It was just one of those mornings, you know? It was actually quite nice.
"Because I'm hungry. Darry didn't give me anytime to eat and I'm starving."
"Yeah, he did. I heard him."
I gave him a look. "Okay, so I forgot. Let's go get something to eat, 'kay?"
"I suppose." He flipped the collar up on his jacket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Want one?" He offered me.
"No. That's okay. I don't wanna smoke on an empty stomach." Hey, I can be a little smart. I usually am when I'm alert. And I was very alert to say the least. It was only around noon or one, meaning that we hadn't been out long enough to go back home to the protection of the house.
"Whatever. Where do you want to go?"
"I don't know. Somewhere were I can get.a steak and some potatoes. I don't know. Just somewhere I can get a real American din - lunch."
It was his turn to look at me strangely. "Yeah, okay. No."
"Why?"
"Because my budget ain't workin' that way."
"Oh."
"IYeah/I, oh."
"Well where ever we go, it can't be the DX."
"Yeah, that took some real thought." He rolled his eyes. He pulled out his wallet to see how much he had with him. "You can spend.up to two dollars."
"That won't be a problem. Shoot, I'm surprised you're giving me that much."
"Yeah, me too. But we can always lower that amount, if you'd like."
Hold on. Did I say that? "No. I'm fine with where it's standing now."
"Thought so."
"You're such a cocky brat, you know that, Pon?"
"I get it from you."
"No, you don't. You get it from.Soda."
He put his wallet away. "What is this? The pass the blame game?"
I shoved him off the sidewalk and kept going. Man, I was hungry. My stomach was growling and it was making me very cranky.
Then something caught my eye. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to shove the kid. In fact, I took it all back and grabbed him to me.
"Shit, don't make me drop my cigarette! That'll cost me money you know."
"Then quit. Let's go."
He stared at me blankly. "Skye, what exactly are you on? We are going. It's not like we don't have time to kill, so be patient. I mean --"
"No, seriously, I'm not hungry anymore. Let's go home."
"Right. and get our asses kicked? I don't think so. You dragged me out here and now you get to stay. 'Kay?"
The truck was getting closer. "Ponyboy..Keep walking. Don't stop."
"What is wrong with you?" He pulled away. "Look. I ain't goin' no where. Chill out." Like that was supposed to give me comfort? "What's going on?"
"Miles."
"What?"
"Miles is coming. Let's go."
"Dude, I thought you liked him. What a way to show it." So he thought I was crazy, huh? Good for him. I don't care what he thinks, just as long as he'll pick up his pace.
"Things change."
They sure do. Right at that point the truck pulled up along side us going at a slow pace. Miles jumped out while it was still rolling.
"Hey, Skye. Where'ya been? We've been looking for you." He came closer to us. And it was probably quite visible when I backed up.
"Yeah," said Pony. "We've been gone. What's it to you?"
Miles looked at him as if he were scum. "Was I talking to you?"
"Might as well be." Pony stepped up. He was just in one of moods today. I don't think he realized he was stepping into bad territory.
"Riiiight. Listen, Curtis. This has nothin' to do with you. So, I suggest you scram."
Like Pony would even. I was really glad he was in whatever mood he was because I don't think I could've lasted very long there if he wasn't. My heart was starting to race and I was beginning to sweat.
"Hey, c'mon, man. Leave us alone. We ain't done nothin' to you," Pony said. He glanced up at the truck that had since come to a stop. "What's he doing here?" he asked Miles. "Whatcha hangin' out with trash like him for?"
Miles looked back to the truck to make sure he knew what Ponyboy was talking about. I think he was high. "Because he's my brother?"
"Oh."
"Pony," I hissed, trying to warn him stay out of this. But did he ever listen to me?
"Look, Miles. We'll leave you alone and you two can just go on your way and let us be. Sound good?" Man, someone better start checking the labels of Pony's cigarettes because I don't think those are normal. Was he crazy?
Miles pretended like he didn't even hear him. Dear God no.
"Hey, Babe," he stepped closer to me. Lucky for me he didn't get too close. I think he wasn't going to push his - whatever luck he thought he might have. "C'mon. We'll have fun."
Fun my ass. "No, I gotta get home soon and -"
"You won't be late. I promise."
Could he not understand that I didn't want to go? I waving the red flag in his face and he didn't even see it. "I can't. I'm hangin' with my brother."
"So? I'm sure he won't mind. Let's go. C'mon. You know you want to." Like that was supposed to be sexy or something? Sly one.
"Mind about what?" Pony chipped in. He stepped a little closer to us, like he was standing guard, but had no clue that he was.
"Nothing, grease. Stay out of this."
"You know what? You're really stupid for looking like you know it all," Pony said. God, he was dumb. I tried to shoot him a look. Any kind of look would've been good for me, but I couldn't get my eyes off the grass. Damn grass.
Again, Miles ignored him. I think that was making Pony mad. He wasn't showing it, but I know it makes me mad when people ignore me, so I can only imagine the King of Center Attention would be too.
Miles stepped right up to me and tried to get my attention. "Skye? Don't you think you're being irrational?" Did he know the meaning of the word? I didn't answer him and I guess he thought it was his last chance to convincing me to go with him, so he forced my chin up with the back of his hand. I know it would've only made him happy to make eye contact with him, so I focused on the tree to his left. But the fact that I was looking up clearly wasn't satisfactory enough for him and he forced me to kiss him.
I don't think any other kiss that I've had was as offensive as that one. I pushed him back and he finally broke away after a few seconds. "Stop!"
He staggered backwards, obviously shocked. The regaining whatever pride he had left he came back over to us. "What's wrong? I thought you'd -"
"Back off, Miles," Pony growled pushing him back again.
I think that was one of the last straws Miles had left in his patients for Pony. He turned towards him, angry. "Listen, Curtis. I've had just about enough of your wise ass comments."
"Good." Pony looked pretty smug with himself.
"Look, if you want we can make this real simple. I got my brother who can just about knock the stuffing outta you and it won't take him much effort either."
"Miles, don't," I said. "Leave him out of this."
But as usual, he found it necessary to ignore at least one of us and he didn't hear what I said. Okay, so maybe he heard me but he wasn't going to let me have the satisfaction of knowing it.
He turned away, acting like it was all over, until tomorrow, and he'd just leave it be.
But Iboy/I was I wrong.
A moment later he swung back around and landed a good one across Pony's face. After that I don't remember a whole lot. I tried to break in between them, because it was obvious who would win and who would lose. But Pony wouldn't let me. For one he was yelling me to run for it and was trying to shove me away. I wasn't about to argue. Clay was out of the truck by that time so I took off.
I knew I couldn't help him, and as bad as I felt about it, I had to save myself at least. I wasn't going stick around and let both of us fall into their trap. Maybe I was doing Pony a disservice, and maybe I was helping him. I'll never know.
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I don't know how long I was hiding. Probably too long. I was so consumed in fear, I couldn't bring myself to go back to find Pony any earlier. But the longer I sat there, the worse I felt. Not only did I not want to see what they had done to Pony, but I didn't want to know what they'd do to me if they were still around.
But after at least a half an hour I decided enough was enough and I headed back there. I could take whatever shit they'd throw at me. I had to at least see if Pony was okay. I couldn't leave him there when he could be dying or something. Which was quite possible with both Miles and Clay working together.
I'm not going to describe what went through my mind during the five or so minute walk back to Pony, all I knew was that I was scared. About what I wasn't sure of. I was probably more scared to see him than anything.
Sure enough, he was where I had left him. He was laying on the cement on his side, his arms sticking out at odd angles. He looked so gross I could hardly look at him. There was dried blood all over him and I could hardly distinguish him from the beaten pulp of a dead man.
"Oh my God," I whispered as knelt down beside him. My hands were trembling as I reached out to try and wake him. "Pony? Ponyboy?"
He didn't respond.
I couldn't tell if he was dead or alive, and it was because of me. Because of me he was in this situation and to think that I left him here. And after he had stuck up for me and all. I felt disgusted with myself to think that I had put him in a position where he could've gotten hurt. I'm sure he would've done it however this came about, but that didn't make up for the fact that he might not have been anywhere near me when it happened. I forced him to come with me, and look where that got both of us. We were some few miles from home and I wasn't about to leave him on account that anything could happen with him in this shape and I'd rather stick around than leave him to have something worse come about it all. After all, he hadn't stepped down from a challenge, and I felt like I owed it to him. I don't think I'd be out of debt anytime soon.
"Pony? Please wake up. Please. God, don't do this to me." I'm not sure how this had anything to do with me anymore, but maybe it'd somehow work. Who knew.
I could feel tears coming on but I did bnot/b want to cry. There was no use in crying over something that was irreversible. I dried whatever tears were threatening to come to the surface. Even if it did do me any good, this wasn't the time. I couldn't do it now, because someone had to be there for Pony and I was the only one around. But all I could do at this point was pray that he'd wake up or that someone would find us so we could go home.
Because of me, Pony was lying in the dirt, half dead.
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(Two-Bits POV)
Man, Dally had better have something good planned. I am soo bored, I think that school is just a waste of time, but I have my reasons for going. I mean, it is something to do and even though some of the girls are pretty cute, they're a little young for the likes of me. You know? Some of the teachers are higher on my list, especially those student teachers. Speaking of which, I think I got a date with my Biology teacher tomorrow night. She is real good looking. I wonder why she ain't married yet. Oh yeah, she went to college with those twits that don't know what a girl is for.
Anyway, I was bored of school. Today they sent me to the principal's office, but he just laughed and I left early. Good for me, huh? More like, he knows me too well to get mad anymore.
"Finally!" Dally called to me as I jumped out of the car.
"What? I got out early today. You miss me that much? You couldn't wait? How touching."
"Shut it."
"Lucky for you, they kicked me out early today."
"I said shut it!"
"How are you two going to keep from killing each other at this rate?" Soda called from under a car. He was being a grease monkey again. I never understood that. Why would anyone want to get covered in grease? Besides hair grease, I mean.
"I was just saying." I tried to say, but Dally hit me over the head.
"C'mon. I got plans. Lets get outta here, man. I need something new on my record. The fuzz down at the station are missing me, they need some excitement in their lives." Dally started to leave without me.
What, was I supposed to follow him? "Right. Okay." I ran to catch with him. "See ya later, Sodapop! Bye Steve!" I called back to the car they were working on.
"Bye," they both said, a little too preoccupied to care we were leaving. Whatever.
"So, what are we doin', man?" I asked Dally as we walked up the street. Where ever it was he didn't seem to care about walking in public. We started to walk through the neighborhood. Sort of. I'm not sure what he was thinking.
"I don't know.something. I got business with Tim so we gotta find him. Lets just go into town, someone'll be there that can tell us where Tim'll be."
"Yeah, alright. Did I tell you I got a date with that real fine teacher?"
"Nope." Dally pulled out a smoke and searched his pockets for a lighter, "You got a light?"
I pulled one out of my jacket and handed it to him. "Listen, do you have the whole day planned out or are you going to let me do my own things later on?"
"I don't care." He lit up and handed the lighter back to me. "You just gotta come with me. I ain't itchin' to go alone."
"I hear ya."
We didn't really talk all that much as we walked. There wasn't anything to talk about. Everything that would be interesting, he didn't think it was, and whatever he had to say was so melodramatic that I couldn't care any less. I just went along because he was my buddy that's what we're supposed to do. Especially after several events around a year ago, we never took any chances going by ourselves. If we couldn't get someone to tag-a-long, then we didn't go period.
"So, when's your date?" he asked me. He was tired of the silence I guess.
"Tomorrow night. I think I'll take her to see the new Paul Newman flick. I hear she likes him. I mean, he's all right and all, but I don't care all that much about him. Whatever floats her boat." I dropped my cigarette and crushed it. One time I almost started a fire when I didn't smother it, and well, it wasn't pretty.
"Man, why don't you do something fun then? Take her to play pool or take her back to your place or somethin'." Dally clearly thought I was the most boring date material he ever heard of.
"Because. I want her to think I'm a classy guy."
He started to laugh. "Classy?"
"Hey, I can be."
"No you can't."
"Sure I can."
"Two-Bit, you're a greaser. Greasers aren't classy. That's a Soc. Don't make me sick." He wasn't thinking it was funny anymore. Oh well, who cares.
"Soda's classy." I tried.
"No, Soda is a gentleman. At least he tries to be. He just knows how to treat a girl good."
"Unlike you?"
".Yes."
After that our conversation died down again. We were walking along way. I was starting to wish we had borrowed Steve's car. I was tired of walking.
"Dally, do you Iknow/I where we're going?"
"Sure. We're just taking a detour."
"Why?"
"'Cause I said so." Whatever he wants. It's not like I'm in a position to argue.
We turned a corner and kept going. I was beginning to regret coming with him. Okay, so I was lazy, that doesn't mean I had to walk everywhere.. And no I'm not just complaining to have something to do.
"Dally, do you see that?" I pointed across the street. There was some kid greaser girl sitting on the grass with her back to us. It looked like she was sitting next to someone who was lying on the ground.
"Yeah. So?" He didn't even look over. I knew he hadn't seen nothing.
"Well, maybe we should go check it out. It looks like someone's hurt." I strained to see who it was, but I couldn't make out any distinct features.
"It's none of our business, Matthews. Leave it be."
"No, seriously, Dal. I think we should check it out. It beats this useless wandering."
"Hey, we're going somewhere."
"It don't seem like it." I headed out into the street. I didn't care if he wanted to go or not. Just because I'm a greaser, doesn't mean I can't be helpful. Although, I think I may be more of a hinder than a help most of the time. "Let's just check it out, man. We'll be quick."
"Two-Bit!" he griped as he stood still on the sidewalk. "I don't have time for this. Besides, it'll ruin my rep, man."
"Hey, you said you wanted to reek havoc with the fuzz. They'll probably think you did it anyway." I kept walking slowly. I didn't want to scare who ever it was. I don't think I'd appreciate some bum greaser strolling over to me if I was them. But, this isn't just some grease, it was a chick, and I can't ignore that. "Um. Miss? Ma'am? Er, um, I mean. I don't know what to call you miz. But, uh, do you need some help? Maybe I can do something for ya?"
She just sat there staring at the kid on the ground. I couldn't even tell if I knew him or not from where I was standing. I inched closer to them, trying my best not to scare her.
"Excuse me? Do you need any help? I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanna. if you need help. Can you hear me? Maybe I should go?"
"Good idea!" Dally called as he crossed the street to me. "It's obvious she doesn't want your help.Shit."
"What?" I asked. Dally was coming up from behind me quicker now. What the hell? A second ago he was all hell bent to get out of there and then he's running towards me? He passed me and slowed quickly a few feet away from the girl. Guess he didn't want to freak her out either.
"Skye?" He was inching through the dirt, kicking it up as he went. The girl still didn't respond.
Dally looked back at me, he flashed me an impatient look. What was up with him today? I can't read minds you know. And how did he know it was Skye? He isn't even around that much.
Going to the right side of the girl, and crouching down beside her he said, "Skye?. Skye, what happened to him, who did this?"
I heard him say Skye, right? He was saying Skye, he had to be because.if it wasn't Skye he wouldn't be.like that. Nice. Oh, Damn.
I ran over to the other side of her, I had to see her face. Was she hurt too?
It didn't look like it. But one never knew.
"Skye," Dally repeated, sounding like he was going to hit someone. "What the hell happened? Are you okay?"
She looked up at him blankly. I don't think she even knew it was him. She blinked a few times and looked back at Ponyboy. Nothing was adding up. Pony looked beat to a pulp, and she looked like she had gotten away without a scratch. Except for the fact that she didn't look like she was all the way there, she looked fine.
"Um. okay," Dally said. "How long have you been here?" She continued to look at Pony all expression wiped from her face. Damn, it made you wonder how long she had seen him like that.
"Dally, she ain't gonna answer you," I told him. Even I knew that much. "She's in shock, bro." There wasn't much we could do for her so I went over to examine Pony.
Well, he didn't look good, that's for sure. He was covered in dry, cracking blood and thick matted dirt was sticking to every inch of him. His face was pale underneath all the discoloration and his skin felt dry but clammy, not to mention how swollen it looked. I don't know what the hell happened to him but it was enough to knock him out, and that couldn't be anywhere near good. His jacket was half off, only a sleeve remained on one arm, and his jeans were torn in a few places. That musta been one hell of a fight by the looks of things.
I took him by the shoulder and shook him slightly, "Ponyboy? You all right?" And like Skye he didn't respond. Well, at least I sort of expected as much. He had a reason not to. She didn't. Not really. "Pony! Wake up. This isn't funny."
"He ain't gonna wake up because you're yelling at him, dumb-ass," Dally remarked and stood up. "We should take them home. We ain't got any idea how long he's been like this, and besides, he just looks. nasty. Let's go. You take him."
"What? Why me?" I asked. "I can't hold a hurt kid. I'll crush him or something."
"No, you won't. For one, you're stronger than me and you can handle his weight, and for another reason I'd like to see you walk with Skye."
"Why? What's wrong with her? Shock ain't that bad." Please, I could handle that. What's he talking about?
"It is when you're in a hurry, and she isn't getting up. Just do it. Run if you can, 'cause he don't look too hot." He paused to look around for a moment. "C'mon, Skye. You too. Get up."
She didn't give any indication that she had heard him. In fact, I would go as far as to say that she didn't have a clue that we were even there. That ain't normal. So, Dally did what I didn't want to do and grabbed her by the arm and made her stand up.
"Come on. We gotta get your brother home. I think you know that. But now we actually have ta do it."
Okay, here we go. It's not like I was given much of a choice. I tried my best to pick up the kid, but he was in such an awkward position it was hard not to have to flip him over. And he wasn't what I would consider heavy, but he definitely wasn't light.
So, after I got a good hold on him and Skye looked like she might be willing to move, we started to walk in the direction of their house. We had about eleven or so blocks to go. It seemed like a lot shorter number than it was, trust me. I was walking ahead of Skye and Dally because I had a more important task at hand. The faster we got Pony home the faster this would all be over with. And it was clear that Skye wasn't in any hurry to go anywhere. Lucky for me Dally had enough patients with her to walk at her leisurely pace.
Every time I brought myself to look down at Pony he seemed to look worse than before. He was limp, and I could tell by looking at him that everything was starting to swell up real quick. It was swollen before, but it wasn't stopping anytime soon.
I tried not to focus on that and walked as quickly as I could. It's amazing how your attitude about something can change when something else is more urgent. I just couldn't even begin to imagine how I was going to tell Darry what we had seen. I couldn't give enough information to even sum up what had happened. I don't bknow /bwhat happened in the first place. I just hoped he wouldn't flip out too badly.
"Yo, you gotta walk faster than that," I heard Dally telling Skye. "This ain't some wilderness walk, Hun. We have to walk like normal, you know?"
I turned my head to see them several yards behind me. And by yards I don't mean a measurement of three feet. I mean peoples lawns, yards. She was barely putting one foot in front of the other with Dally pulling her along side him.
"Everything okay, Dally?" I called. "What's going on?"
"Man, she's like not movin'. I can't get her to go any faster." He went behind her and grabbed her by the shoulders. "C'mon. Walker faster. See. It's not that hard.. No, no, faster. Yeah, like that. Yeah.."
Well, that wasn't my problem. I was more concerned about actually getting this kid home. I didn't have the time to mess around with working on getting someone else there.
I turned away from the scene of Dally leading and pushing Skye by the shoulders and took a few steps, trying to get my momentum back up. The kid was getting mighty heavy now. Dead weight kills. Serious, I was getting real tired at that point, and I had to get going if I was going to get Pony home the last eight blocks.
Then I heard, "Hey, wait up."
I turned back around, "Not if you want me to get him home, I'm not."
"Just do it. This ain't workin. Wait until I catch up to you."
He had got to be kidding me. He had no idea how hard it was. Okay, so maybe he did, but I didn't care. It didn't make up for the fact that he was making me wait for him. This was a waste of time.and me.
"Do you have any idea how bad off this kid is?" I yelled back.
"Yeah, I got a good enough look at him. Just hold on, I got an idea."
"Smart-ass."
"Don't push it."
I mumbled under my breathe. Don't push him?! He was pushing me. First, he tells me to Irun/I. Then he tells me to stop. What next?
It seemed like forever before he caught up. Even with him pushing Skye along, she was damn slow.
"Two-Bit, Im going to take Pony, and try and walk with Skye and Pony. Your going to run ahead to the house and get Darry."
"He ain't home, he's at work."
"Well, he might of stayed home with Rees, she was pretty bad last night. If not, then I'm sure she'll be home. Just get someone."
"Rees aint in any position to help out. From what I heard from Steve, she could barely stand this morning, but she was fighting with Darry over crap. She was in her headstrong mood, I think Darry probably went to work, she would make him."
"Then find someone." Dally came up to me, leaving Skye standing blankly a few feet behind. He took Pony out of my arms, Then turned and tried to get Skye to come over.
It felt so good to have the weight gone, but now I was on to running. It was gonna be a long run. To bad I wasn't on track. Yeah right, like I would ever do that.
"Two-Bit, go bring her over to me."
I stepped over to Skye and grabbed her, "C'mon."
She moved when I pulled her over, and then I hooked her arm to Dally's, "Don't let him go, just walk with him."
I took a last look at Pony, then turned and ran. Holy crap, he looked bad.