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Chapter 20: Problem

Right then, the phone rang. I was just about to leave with Darry to go talk to Ponyboy.

"Hang on a minute, Darry."

I walked over and answered.

"Hello."

"Dean. Well, well, well."

I was confused.

"Who is this?"

"You don't recognize my voice."

"If I did. I would know who you were."

"This is Chris, stupid."

"What do you want? And how did you get my number?"

"From your little girlfriend."

"Excuse me."

"I know all about you and Cherry Valance. I've got her right here."

I froze. This better not be a ransom or something.

"What are you doing with her?"

I could see Darry staring at me. He probably could tell that something was wrong also.

"It was a mistake having you and your greasy friends jump me. Socs are supposed to jump greasers. I thought you knew that. You are an ex-soc."

"Look man. Just let her go."

"How about I don't. You can come down to the end of your old neighborhood. We'll all be waiting."

With that he hung. I desperately tried to get back to him. Like a dummy.

"Hello! Chris!"

I slammed the phone down. Darry walked towards me.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I've been hanging out with Cherry Valance too and-"

"I know that part. Pony told me. What was that phone call about?"

"A soc has got her ransom or something."

Darry looked at me. I guess he was trying to come up with something. I was supposed to go see Ponyboy.

"Go on and get her. Pony will understand."

"But-"

"Go on. I'll get everyone else."

I let it soak in. I had to get Cherry.

"Okay. Call Shepard too. He said he'll help me out anytime."

"Alright. Get going. We'll be there as soon as we can."

Darry and I ran out the door and I headed in the direction of the soc neighborhood. This really put delays on my plans.

I reached the neighborhood quicker than I thought I would. I must have been running faster than I had ever run in my life.

I reached my neighborhood. I slowed down a little when I approached my house. It hadn't been bought by anyone, so they were going to tear it down. It reminded me of my mom. I was about to stop and reminisce but I to remember that Cherry was in danger. I picked up my speed again.

I reached the end of the neighborhood. There were millions of socs sitting there. I hoped that Darry would get here soon. They noticed me and all started clapping. Like I won an award or something. They were just being stupid. And I was not in the mood for jokes. I looked past everyone. Cherry was tied up in the back of a truck. And none other than Tyler and Rick were guarding her.

"Well he showed up, boys," said Chris walking towards me. "This is one brave greaser."

"Let Cherry go. She didn't do anything," I said.

"Oh she's just the bait. We're still deciding what to do with you."

I stepped up to him and he backed a little. Then a grin spread across his face.

"What are you gonna do greaser? It's one to a million."

He was right. There were way too many for me to handle. I fight okay, but this was way too much. I had to wait for Darry.

"This is enough!"

I looked past Chris. Chris had turned around and as well as the other socs. They were looking at Tyler. He yelled that out.

"Chris. I don't think this is right. This is too far. We're interfering with his life. His mother committed suicide for God's sakes. You can't seem to leave him alone? I'm tired of this."

"Same here!" yelled out Rick.

They jumped into the truck. They were untying Cherry. I was real surprised. They were being my friends. I guess they knew how tough it was for me. I sighed when I saw them changing sides.

"Untie here and suffer," said Chris pointing towards the truck. The socs stepped towards them and Rick and Tyler stopped instantly.

Suddenly I heard cars speeding behind me. I turned around and smiled. There was Darry's truck and the Tim Shepard gang rolling up towards us.

They all filed out of the car. Just enough to match the socs. I looked at all of them. They were stunned.

"A million to what number?" I asked sarcastically.

He was angry. Too angry. Suddenly, he took a swung at me but I ducked. I shortly realized that a rumble had just started. I wanted to get to Cherry. But luckily, Tyler and Rick moved her out of harms way.