Chapter 15: Finale

Whew! That had to be the most nervous time of my life. Well, that's what I thought.

"What!"

Matt's dad jumped up.

"You actually believe my son ran into a pole!"

One of the jurors looked at him.

"This tape Mr. Curtis gave us proved what happened. He did run into a pole."

He held up the tape.

"This is the park's security tape!"

Everyone got real excited. Man, was I happy. We all went outside later on. I had Darry in a bear hug.

"Thanks, bro."

"No problem. I knew you wouldn't start anymore trouble."

Pony and Soda ran up, then Steve and Two-Bit. Yeah, here we were again. I felt real good. I was reminiscing our old days, but a force knocked me forward as I heard a bang. For a second I thought I had gotten shot. I didn't feel anything, so I must not have gotten shot. I turned around and my eyes widened, Danny was falling to the ground with blood on his shirt.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!" I yelled. I couldn't believe what was happening. I could hear Matt laughing, but I didn't pay him any attention.

I dropped down right beside Danny.

"Wake up! C'mon, Danny! Wake up!"

I was on the verge of tears. I had never been so scared in my life. I could feel everyone crowding around us. I suddenly felt someone leave the group in a rush. I looked up to see Houston running to Matt. He must have been just as mad as I was. Ponyboy caught him right in time, before he reached the kid.

The ambulance showed up again. It reminded me about when I first saw Danny in the lot. Not again. They hurried him into the van and took off. I stood there watching the ambulance take off. Soda then grabbed my shoulder and I turned around and stared at him.

"C'mon. We're going to follow it," he said.

I nodded and we all got into the separate cars. Soda must have known have anxious I was to get there, because he sped there.

We were all in the waiting room. Houston had been crying ever since we were in the parking lot. Rachel was crying then. That was the first time I had ever seen her like this. Cathy told me she hadn't cried in a long time. Jack was just sitting there. He looked like he couldn't believe what had just happened. Everyone else was just calming each other down.

I just sat there staring at the door. Waiting for a doctor or nurse to let me know what was going on. I caught the doctor right when we entered and he said that Danny was critical. About five minutes later, he came back. We all stood up.

"He'll be fine. He should wake up any time now."

We all sighed. That was good. The doctor caught my attention.

"You can go up to his room now."

I nodded and the doctor told me the room number. I knew no one would follow me because they knew that I wanted to be alone with him.

As I entered the room, I saw Danny lying there. Looking like an E.R. patient. I sat down in a chair, and prayed.

"Dear Lord. I have done much do get my life back together and not going back to jail. Please, don't take my son away."

"Dad."

I looked up instantly to see Danny. Wide and awake. I then realized that I had been crying.

"Aw, Danny. You gave me a good scare."

"I'm fine. What's this on my side?"

"It's a bandage."

"Oh."

I sighed.

"Son. You saved my life you know that."

"I know."

"I just wanted to say thanks…Your mother raised you good. I know most people would hate their dads for never being around."

"Well I'm not most peoples."

I laughed, then but there was one thing he had to do. I wanted to talk to him more but he knew he needed rest.

"Danny. You need to go to sleep now. Me and your uncles will be here tomorrow."

"Okay."

Danny went to sleep. As I walked towards the door, I looked up and said, "Thank You".

3 week later…

I had just gotten Danny a ride home from school. He had to stay for a study session. As we walked inside, Ponyboy was on the phone. I put his hand over for a second and smiled.

"Kasie said she's coming down here. She convinced her boss to have her job down here."

"That's great!" said Danny. Ponyboy was smiling.

"I've already got a house picked out for you guys."

We're getting back together I thought.

"Well then I might as well tell my good news then," I said.

They both looked at me.

"I got the job!"
I finally got a job. At the radio station. It paid a little good money. At least it was a start. A start of the old gang getting back together.

FlipWise:

10th story coming

Right after this

I'm telling you guys

It's something you wouldn't wanna miss

It'll be a good story

Might be at the top of your list

It's gonna be so great

It's hotter than grits (ha! Ha!)