Chapter 3: Meet the Gang
The next morning Ponyboy was sitting on the porch studying. He was actually waiting for Louis to wake up. It was nearly noon. He must have been real tired. Steve had came by to catch a ride with Soda to work. He saw Louis still asleep. Steve just said,
"We've got another kid on our hands!"
He then went out of the door with Soda and Darry.
Ponyboy knew that comment was kinda directed at him. Steve always said he was a tag-a-long whenever Soda invited him to go somewhere with the both of them. He lifted his head from his book when he saw two teenagers walking down the street towards his house. It was Two-Bit and Johnny.
Ponyboy bent his page over and closed his book. With Two-Bit around, there was no way he was gonna concentrate on the story.
"Hey, Ponyboy," greeted Two-Bit.
"Hey, Two-Bit, Johnny."
Ponyboy picked up his book and stood up. Two-Bit then asked,
"Where's the kid?"
Ponyboy pointed his thumb towards the door.
"Still sleeping I think. I gotta check."
They walked into the house to see Louis awake. He was still laying down though. He had gotten up, cut on the TV, and went to lay back down. He was watching Mickey Mouse.
"I think I like this guy!" yelled Two-Bit sitting next to the couch.
Louis smiled.
"This must be Two-Bit." Two-Bit answered,
"You know it. But let's be quiet. It's Mickey time."
Louis put on an even bigger smile. He then looked at Johnny. As he looked at him, he just about recognized who it was. He looked like he had trouble at home. Louis didn't want to say anything though. He still felt kinda bad about mentioning Ponyboy's parents. He just asked,
"Who's this?"
"This is Johnny. Remember I told you he's kinda shy."
"I said quiet! It's Mickey time!" shouted Two-Bit.
Everyone laughed and sat down to watch the show. When it was over they decided to go see if a good movie was playing.
It was pretty sunny outside. Ponyboy then asked,
"Why don't you take off that jacket. You'll get too hot in it."
Louis forgot about his jacket. He had been asleep with it all along. He took it off and they all walked out of the door. When they reached the movie theater and watched a movie. As they were there, Louis noticed some other kids looking at them as they at down. Louis looked back at them. They still stared at them.
They were nice looking. Wearing classy clothes. Louis leaned over to Two-Bit.
"Who are those guys staring at us?"
Two-Bit cut his eyes over to the guys. He smiled and answered Louis' question.
"Those are socks. They absolutely hate us greasers."
"Is that the name of you gang or um…friends? Greasers?"
"Well, not exactly. It depends on how much money you have and what side of town you live on. Since you're staying with the Curtis you're a greasers too."
Louis nodded. He had never been close to a gang. He was actually scared of what he heard about them. But this one wasn't so bad.
When the movie ended, they were walking out of the theater. Two-Bit saw a couple of greaser girls and said he'd be right back. Go figure. Pony, Johnny and Louis just stood there waiting for Two-Bit.
Suddenly, three socs walked up to them. Johnny had actually froze. Ponyboy was freezing hard. Louis was actually confused. He didn't know what was gonna happen.
"The janitor forgot to pick up the trash outside," said one soc.
Louis was just staring at one of them. He looked real mean. He had never seen any teenager that looked that mean. The soc looked back at him.
"What are you staring at, grease?"
Louis didn't answer. He didn't have anything to say.
"I'm talking to you!"
"And I'm talking to you!" yelled someone from behind.
The socs turned around to see Two-Bit and two other greasers. The greaser in front was a hard looking character. Louis would hate to meet him at night.
"You plan on taking on six of us?" asked Two-Bit.
The socs didn't answer. They just walked way in different directions. As the socs left, one of the other greasers left. Two-Bit put his hand on Louis shoulder and introduced him to the other greaser.
"Dally. This is Louis. The kid that Darry found. Louis this is Dally. The tough guy."
"Hey kid," said Dally looking at Louis.
Louis reminded Dally of Johnny. He looked so innocent. The scar barely visible between his hair didn't help. Dally wanted to know more about this kid.