"How could you?" I yelled. I was going insane. Dally just took out a cigarette, lit it, and started smoking.
"How could you?" I repeated, madder than ever. "How could you send a couple of kids off like that?"
"They're not kids," said Dally stiffly. "Johnny is sixteen years old, and Pony is fourteen. When I was their age-"
"Well, hell!" I said sarcastically, "excuse me, Mr. Bigshot! Yeah, it's totally fine sending a couple of teenagers out there, with nothing but a gun and a roll of bills, while the cops are on their tail. What the hell was I thinking?"
He smiled and got up. "It's no big deal. They'll be fine." He sounded sincere.
I couldn't stand it though. He can't say that everything will be fine. That would be a damn lie. I couldn't think of what to say. The sudden love for Dally Winston faded. He was now just a buddy. For now.
I sighed. "What happened?" I tried to sound calm.
"Some Socs were messing around with Johnny and Pony. One of the Socs got a hold of Pony and tried to drown him. So Johnny pulled a blade on them, and killed one of them. The rest of the Socs ran. Then I sent them to Win-"
He paused and looked at me. " . . .sent them to a place where they can hang low for a while."
I stared back. He didn't want to tell me where he sent them. He didn't trust me.
"That's the stupidest thing you've ever done," I grumbled, clenching my fists. "And that's the worse thing you've ever done to any of your friends. How can you lead them to a road like that? You're only making it worse! Worse for everybody!
"
I was shook. I couldn't help it. Johnny and Pony weren't safe out there. They were only kids, and the cops would find them sooner or later. And plus Johnny and Pony weren't the greatest team out there. Pony hardly used his head, and Johnny could turn white as a ghost in any situation. But, then again they both cared about each other. Even if it meant murder, and life imprisonment. But they're out there. And we're right here. There was something wrong with that picture.
"Dally, I can't believe you," I muttered putting my head down. I knew I was going to break.
Thinking that I would probably never see Pony or Johnny again, hurts me. They were so innocent, the both of them. Pony was such a sensitive kid, and shy, too. He always told me that he dug poems, and would sometimes recite some for me. Whenever we talked, I usually took him out to see a sunset. He loved just sitting there watching it go down, as he threw rocks in the lake. And Johnny. He was so brave, putting up with his parents. Sometimes I'd see scars across his face, and he wouldn't even flinch. He was polite too. I had him over dinners a couple of times, and he was always polite. He doesn't deserve his parents. I already miss them.
I started thinking back on what my last words to them was. You know, just in case something happens to them. I didn't remember what I said last to Pony very well. It was kind of hard because we had a thousand conversations today. But I remembered what I said to Johnny. He said he wished that his parents were like mine. And I said, "Huh? Well . . ." I didn't even finish my sentence!
Though you couldn't see it, there was a knife plunged through my heart. My skin felt ice cold, and I thought I was going to be sick. I held on to Emjay for support.
"Don't worry. Everything will be all right," said Dally as he put a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off.
"You can't say everything's all right when you know damn well it's not," I said harshly. "Darry's going to kill you, and you can be damn sure I'll be the one cheering him on. The gang's going to freak. No one's going to think this is funny."
"I didn't say it was funny," he said leaning on Emjay. "Geez, Danny, knowing the crush you have on me, I didn't know you'd ever get this mad."
I broke. I threw a punch at him, but he blocked it with his hand. I kicked him in the shins, and slapped him hard across the face. I would have liked to stay and see the mark on his face, but I left hurriedly. I was too mad, too angry, too embarrassed. I would have expected Dally Winston to have followed me, and yell at me. But he didn't. I decided to go home.
"Honey, are you all right?"
Mom's been trying to get the nerves to ask me that since I got home. It was a weekend so my parents didn't have any work, and they hardly got any sleep at night. Once I got home, I stormed into my room, and locked myself in. I guess it shocked my parents a bit, seeing me stomp like that, in the middle of the night. They got the hint.
"I'm fine," I said, as I laid on my bed, hugging a pillow tight. I didn't bother to change out of my clothes.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk?"
"I don't know," I sobbed.
I heard the doorknob turn and mom let herself inside. I couldn't look at her. I knew I had no reason to bawl like this, but I was so confused. Mom closed the door and sat next to me. She started rubbing my shoulders, and playing with my hair. I started to calm down, and I finally faced my mom. She was plumped, but she had the most beautiful face. But then again, she does work night shifts, and sleep days, and I die hard working out. But her face was soft, and had big dark eyes. I have her eyes. I also have her hair. Her hair was dark brown and went down barely passing her shoulders. It was straight, and she had the prettiest smile.
"How do you know when you're in love?" I whispered hoarsely.
It was quiet for a moment. Then she spoke,
"You just know. It's like strobe lightning. It just hits you, and all your problems are solved, and all your questions are answered. All you want is to be with him, and almost nothing else matters. Does that help?"
I nodded, though it really didn't. "Thanks mom."
She nodded and smile. Then she looked at me from the corner of her eye. "Who is it?"
I grinned turning red. "It's no one, mom."
She rocked me, and laughed. "Come on, who is it? Is it that Steve Randle guy?"
"Mom," I said. I looked at her. Her eyes were pleasing and soft.
"You promise you won't tell?" I whispered.
"I promise," she whispered back.
"It's Dally Winston."
The next day I decided to go to the Curtis's house. I wanted to make sure they knew if Dally hasn't already told them. Not too surprised, I found the whole gang gathered around the living room. It seemed like they were waiting for something. For someone. For me?
"You know," I said. It wasn't really a question. The sad look in their eyes explained everything. Two Bit shifted forward.
"You should have seen it," said Two Bit scowling. He had that amused tone of voice, yet he was scowling. "When Dally came in and told the news, Darry burst. The whole gang was here . . . well except for you, Danny. When Dally told us that Johnny and Pony were missing, Darry went ahead and slugged him. But missed."
"This is all my fault," muttered Darry. "If I hadn't hit Pony, just maybe-"
"You hit Pony?" I asked bewildered. Darry would never hit Pony.
Darry shook his head in shame. "God, I'm so sorry."
"Hey there, it's not your fault," whispered Soda as he wrapped an arm around him. "Everyone loses steam. It's not your fault."
"Where were you Dan? We were worried sick about you," said Steve.
"Yeah, if I didn't know any better, I thought you were gonna go after them yourself," said Two Bit.
"I would have," I said slowly. "But I don't know what direction they went."
Suddenly sirens started approaching closer toward the house. I looked at the gang, and they all sighed and groaned.
"Here they are," muttered Darry. A loud bang came from the door.
"Police!" the cop yelled.
"Let me ask you again, Ms. Harrison," repeated the cop, impatiently.
"I said I don't know!" I growled. This guy was getting on my nerves.
"Miss Harrison, please. What direction did these two criminals head to?" asked the cop, after numerous times. They were questioning us in the living room.
"After the fourth time, I don't know! Geez," I said.
"Miss Harrison, where . . ."
"They're in Texas, damn you!" grumbled Dally. "TEXAS! Would you quit asking the same damn question?"
"I was not asking you Mr. Winston, keep your trap shut," snapped the cop
"Damn," breathed Dally.
The cop turned back to me. "If you were with Dally this whole time, then you should know where they are. Are they in Texas Miss Harrison?"
"I don't know," I said. And I was telling the truth, damnit. Damn cops.
"Miss Harrison-"
"Fine!" I said. I had it. "They're in damn Texas! They packed their bags and went to Houston, Texas. They're wearing big, brown boots, and go by the name Howdy and Doody!"
I stopped, breathlessly. I looked at the gang. They were all looking down, so I couldn't tell if they were going to burst out laughing, or just put on a straight face.
"They're in Texas," I cried. "Are you happy? Can you leave me alone now?"
"Get a search out in Texas," the cop said to the other cop. "We'll keep you updated. In the following couple of weeks, or so, maybe month, there'll be a trial. We're trying to hold that until we find these hoodlums, you call friends. Have a good day."
The cops left, and the sirens with them. The gang bursted out laughing.
"Oh, Texas! They're in Texas, sir!" mocked Two Bit.
"Not funny," I muttered. I got up.
"Hey- where you going?" asked Soda.
"I'm just gonna visit Emjay. You guys do what you want."
And I left, leaving them stunned.
"You think they're all right, Emjay?" I asked softly, as Emjay neighed. We've been riding for a while. It was nice talking to her because she'd listen. Listen and just not say anything back. She was a good listener.
I suddenly had a hatred for cops. They always had to know your business. And if you don't give them a straight answer, they'll force it out of you until you give them what they want. Stupid cops! I hated them. I hate cops.
The nerve of Dally . . . I just suddenly thought of Dally, when she thought of cops. Maybe because Dally always was in trouble with the cops. Dally was such a jerk. How the hell did he find out I had a crush on him?? Well, maybe I hinted far too much. I do always seem to be there with him. Well I can't help it. God, sometimes being a girl sucks. Stupid Dally! Why did he have to move to Oklahoma anyway? He could have just rotted in New York!
Would have it been different if I just lead a normal life? Just as a normal girl . . .
"Danny?"
I looked up. It was Darry.
"I thought you'd never step foot in Buck Merril's place," I said.
He shrugged. "I was wondering if we could talk. You were always good with that. Plus, I'm worried what ol' Buck here might do to you."
I grinned as I trotted over to him. He smiled and petted Emjay, admiringly. I patted Emjay's back, and said, "Hop on."
He looked at me seriously. The gleam in his eyes expressed all emotions. Hurt, shock, worry, happiness . . . and one other emotion I couldn't put my finger on. He hopped on. He didn't have any trouble either. He was strong and tall. Emjay neighed.
"Shh," I whispered to her, patting her mane. "It's all right, girl." I turned behind me to look at Darry. He was looking down, almost smiling. "We'll gallop a few, and maybe jump that fence over there. That's one thing I like about Buck's place. Right over that fence is open field."
I held onto Emjay's mane and we galloped. The air felt good, but still we know we were worried. Worried about Pony and Johnny. Come home, I thought. Come home safely.
I finally led Emjay to jump the fence. I thought we weren't going to make it. I haven't really practiced jumping with Emjay for quite a while. But we made it. All was nice. Darry started enwrapping his arms around my waist. I was nervous, but I didn't do anything.
"You know what I've been wishing for a long time?" he whispered in my ear.
"What?" I asked slowly. A chance at college? That his parents was still with him?
"You."
"How could you?" I repeated, madder than ever. "How could you send a couple of kids off like that?"
"They're not kids," said Dally stiffly. "Johnny is sixteen years old, and Pony is fourteen. When I was their age-"
"Well, hell!" I said sarcastically, "excuse me, Mr. Bigshot! Yeah, it's totally fine sending a couple of teenagers out there, with nothing but a gun and a roll of bills, while the cops are on their tail. What the hell was I thinking?"
He smiled and got up. "It's no big deal. They'll be fine." He sounded sincere.
I couldn't stand it though. He can't say that everything will be fine. That would be a damn lie. I couldn't think of what to say. The sudden love for Dally Winston faded. He was now just a buddy. For now.
I sighed. "What happened?" I tried to sound calm.
"Some Socs were messing around with Johnny and Pony. One of the Socs got a hold of Pony and tried to drown him. So Johnny pulled a blade on them, and killed one of them. The rest of the Socs ran. Then I sent them to Win-"
He paused and looked at me. " . . .sent them to a place where they can hang low for a while."
I stared back. He didn't want to tell me where he sent them. He didn't trust me.
"That's the stupidest thing you've ever done," I grumbled, clenching my fists. "And that's the worse thing you've ever done to any of your friends. How can you lead them to a road like that? You're only making it worse! Worse for everybody!
"
I was shook. I couldn't help it. Johnny and Pony weren't safe out there. They were only kids, and the cops would find them sooner or later. And plus Johnny and Pony weren't the greatest team out there. Pony hardly used his head, and Johnny could turn white as a ghost in any situation. But, then again they both cared about each other. Even if it meant murder, and life imprisonment. But they're out there. And we're right here. There was something wrong with that picture.
"Dally, I can't believe you," I muttered putting my head down. I knew I was going to break.
Thinking that I would probably never see Pony or Johnny again, hurts me. They were so innocent, the both of them. Pony was such a sensitive kid, and shy, too. He always told me that he dug poems, and would sometimes recite some for me. Whenever we talked, I usually took him out to see a sunset. He loved just sitting there watching it go down, as he threw rocks in the lake. And Johnny. He was so brave, putting up with his parents. Sometimes I'd see scars across his face, and he wouldn't even flinch. He was polite too. I had him over dinners a couple of times, and he was always polite. He doesn't deserve his parents. I already miss them.
I started thinking back on what my last words to them was. You know, just in case something happens to them. I didn't remember what I said last to Pony very well. It was kind of hard because we had a thousand conversations today. But I remembered what I said to Johnny. He said he wished that his parents were like mine. And I said, "Huh? Well . . ." I didn't even finish my sentence!
Though you couldn't see it, there was a knife plunged through my heart. My skin felt ice cold, and I thought I was going to be sick. I held on to Emjay for support.
"Don't worry. Everything will be all right," said Dally as he put a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off.
"You can't say everything's all right when you know damn well it's not," I said harshly. "Darry's going to kill you, and you can be damn sure I'll be the one cheering him on. The gang's going to freak. No one's going to think this is funny."
"I didn't say it was funny," he said leaning on Emjay. "Geez, Danny, knowing the crush you have on me, I didn't know you'd ever get this mad."
I broke. I threw a punch at him, but he blocked it with his hand. I kicked him in the shins, and slapped him hard across the face. I would have liked to stay and see the mark on his face, but I left hurriedly. I was too mad, too angry, too embarrassed. I would have expected Dally Winston to have followed me, and yell at me. But he didn't. I decided to go home.
"Honey, are you all right?"
Mom's been trying to get the nerves to ask me that since I got home. It was a weekend so my parents didn't have any work, and they hardly got any sleep at night. Once I got home, I stormed into my room, and locked myself in. I guess it shocked my parents a bit, seeing me stomp like that, in the middle of the night. They got the hint.
"I'm fine," I said, as I laid on my bed, hugging a pillow tight. I didn't bother to change out of my clothes.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk?"
"I don't know," I sobbed.
I heard the doorknob turn and mom let herself inside. I couldn't look at her. I knew I had no reason to bawl like this, but I was so confused. Mom closed the door and sat next to me. She started rubbing my shoulders, and playing with my hair. I started to calm down, and I finally faced my mom. She was plumped, but she had the most beautiful face. But then again, she does work night shifts, and sleep days, and I die hard working out. But her face was soft, and had big dark eyes. I have her eyes. I also have her hair. Her hair was dark brown and went down barely passing her shoulders. It was straight, and she had the prettiest smile.
"How do you know when you're in love?" I whispered hoarsely.
It was quiet for a moment. Then she spoke,
"You just know. It's like strobe lightning. It just hits you, and all your problems are solved, and all your questions are answered. All you want is to be with him, and almost nothing else matters. Does that help?"
I nodded, though it really didn't. "Thanks mom."
She nodded and smile. Then she looked at me from the corner of her eye. "Who is it?"
I grinned turning red. "It's no one, mom."
She rocked me, and laughed. "Come on, who is it? Is it that Steve Randle guy?"
"Mom," I said. I looked at her. Her eyes were pleasing and soft.
"You promise you won't tell?" I whispered.
"I promise," she whispered back.
"It's Dally Winston."
The next day I decided to go to the Curtis's house. I wanted to make sure they knew if Dally hasn't already told them. Not too surprised, I found the whole gang gathered around the living room. It seemed like they were waiting for something. For someone. For me?
"You know," I said. It wasn't really a question. The sad look in their eyes explained everything. Two Bit shifted forward.
"You should have seen it," said Two Bit scowling. He had that amused tone of voice, yet he was scowling. "When Dally came in and told the news, Darry burst. The whole gang was here . . . well except for you, Danny. When Dally told us that Johnny and Pony were missing, Darry went ahead and slugged him. But missed."
"This is all my fault," muttered Darry. "If I hadn't hit Pony, just maybe-"
"You hit Pony?" I asked bewildered. Darry would never hit Pony.
Darry shook his head in shame. "God, I'm so sorry."
"Hey there, it's not your fault," whispered Soda as he wrapped an arm around him. "Everyone loses steam. It's not your fault."
"Where were you Dan? We were worried sick about you," said Steve.
"Yeah, if I didn't know any better, I thought you were gonna go after them yourself," said Two Bit.
"I would have," I said slowly. "But I don't know what direction they went."
Suddenly sirens started approaching closer toward the house. I looked at the gang, and they all sighed and groaned.
"Here they are," muttered Darry. A loud bang came from the door.
"Police!" the cop yelled.
"Let me ask you again, Ms. Harrison," repeated the cop, impatiently.
"I said I don't know!" I growled. This guy was getting on my nerves.
"Miss Harrison, please. What direction did these two criminals head to?" asked the cop, after numerous times. They were questioning us in the living room.
"After the fourth time, I don't know! Geez," I said.
"Miss Harrison, where . . ."
"They're in Texas, damn you!" grumbled Dally. "TEXAS! Would you quit asking the same damn question?"
"I was not asking you Mr. Winston, keep your trap shut," snapped the cop
"Damn," breathed Dally.
The cop turned back to me. "If you were with Dally this whole time, then you should know where they are. Are they in Texas Miss Harrison?"
"I don't know," I said. And I was telling the truth, damnit. Damn cops.
"Miss Harrison-"
"Fine!" I said. I had it. "They're in damn Texas! They packed their bags and went to Houston, Texas. They're wearing big, brown boots, and go by the name Howdy and Doody!"
I stopped, breathlessly. I looked at the gang. They were all looking down, so I couldn't tell if they were going to burst out laughing, or just put on a straight face.
"They're in Texas," I cried. "Are you happy? Can you leave me alone now?"
"Get a search out in Texas," the cop said to the other cop. "We'll keep you updated. In the following couple of weeks, or so, maybe month, there'll be a trial. We're trying to hold that until we find these hoodlums, you call friends. Have a good day."
The cops left, and the sirens with them. The gang bursted out laughing.
"Oh, Texas! They're in Texas, sir!" mocked Two Bit.
"Not funny," I muttered. I got up.
"Hey- where you going?" asked Soda.
"I'm just gonna visit Emjay. You guys do what you want."
And I left, leaving them stunned.
"You think they're all right, Emjay?" I asked softly, as Emjay neighed. We've been riding for a while. It was nice talking to her because she'd listen. Listen and just not say anything back. She was a good listener.
I suddenly had a hatred for cops. They always had to know your business. And if you don't give them a straight answer, they'll force it out of you until you give them what they want. Stupid cops! I hated them. I hate cops.
The nerve of Dally . . . I just suddenly thought of Dally, when she thought of cops. Maybe because Dally always was in trouble with the cops. Dally was such a jerk. How the hell did he find out I had a crush on him?? Well, maybe I hinted far too much. I do always seem to be there with him. Well I can't help it. God, sometimes being a girl sucks. Stupid Dally! Why did he have to move to Oklahoma anyway? He could have just rotted in New York!
Would have it been different if I just lead a normal life? Just as a normal girl . . .
"Danny?"
I looked up. It was Darry.
"I thought you'd never step foot in Buck Merril's place," I said.
He shrugged. "I was wondering if we could talk. You were always good with that. Plus, I'm worried what ol' Buck here might do to you."
I grinned as I trotted over to him. He smiled and petted Emjay, admiringly. I patted Emjay's back, and said, "Hop on."
He looked at me seriously. The gleam in his eyes expressed all emotions. Hurt, shock, worry, happiness . . . and one other emotion I couldn't put my finger on. He hopped on. He didn't have any trouble either. He was strong and tall. Emjay neighed.
"Shh," I whispered to her, patting her mane. "It's all right, girl." I turned behind me to look at Darry. He was looking down, almost smiling. "We'll gallop a few, and maybe jump that fence over there. That's one thing I like about Buck's place. Right over that fence is open field."
I held onto Emjay's mane and we galloped. The air felt good, but still we know we were worried. Worried about Pony and Johnny. Come home, I thought. Come home safely.
I finally led Emjay to jump the fence. I thought we weren't going to make it. I haven't really practiced jumping with Emjay for quite a while. But we made it. All was nice. Darry started enwrapping his arms around my waist. I was nervous, but I didn't do anything.
"You know what I've been wishing for a long time?" he whispered in my ear.
"What?" I asked slowly. A chance at college? That his parents was still with him?
"You."
