"Danny check it out!" said Pony throwing the morning paper at me. "Heroes! They told us we were heroes!"
I looked over the stories about how Johnny, Pony, and Dally saved the kids. It was the highlight of the front page. There was also another article about Darry, and how he supported his brothers. I felt a great solace, and pride in me. I was so proud of them.
"Hey Soda, Steve you guys have work, don't miss it. I'm off myself," said Darry.
Something that mentioned 'trial' and 'juvenile court' caught my eye. Darry came over to me, and I showed him the paper.
"They're going to take them away from you," I whispered.
He looked at me earnestly. "No they won't. . . Hey Pony, dishes. On the other hand, maybe I should just stay. . ."
"Don't worry Darry, I'll baby-sit," offered Two Bit, giving Pony a nudge.
"Oh Lord. . ." said Darry pushing his hair back.
"I'll co-baby-sit," I said. "Go to work, don't worry. That's your problem, you gotta let things go."
He stared. Finally he sighed and nodded. "You be all right Pony, and please don't get in any trouble. And clean this place up."
Steve, Soda, and Darry left, and we started cleaning up everything. Well Pony and I started cleaning up, and Two Bit sharpened his blade. He was telling us stories of his so called expeditions, and I couldn't help but laugh. Two Bit was such a funny guy, and I couldn't stay mad at him forever. We finished in time to see Johnny and Dally at the hospital.
"Come on, I'll race you! It's the next best thing since I couldn't bring my wheels," said Two Bit running to the sidewalk.
"No, Pony needs to rest, and I'm not feeling too-"
"Aww, just one of you. Come on, I'm not gonna race the both of ya! You both are the fastest runners on Earth!" said Two Bit. It was true. Pony and I were fast runners. Pony was the fastest in his track team, and I just liked to run.
"I'll do ya better," I said. I gave Pony a look. "I've still got some of my strength. Pony, hop on." I remembered doing this when Pony was younger.
Pony hopped on my back, and I gave him the fastest piggy back ride ever. It was the funniest, greatest sight ever, and the extraordinary thing is we still beat Two Bit. We were all grins when we slowed down, and Pony was laughing again. I was so glad to hear him so happy. Suddenly a Mustang pulled up, and Socs came out. I slowed down, and Two Bit went in front of me.
"You know the rules, no jazz before the big rumble," said Two Bit.
"I know the rules," he said.
"It's Randy. Danny, I can handle this," he said softly, and I let him down. A sudden anger ran across my spine. I knew him, and knew that he had something to do with Bob's death. I had to see Johnny. I couldn't stand around and wait.
"Two Bit I'm gonna go ahead of you guys. Stay with Pony," I said softly to him, while Pony and Randy talked things out.
"I can't leave you alone," he said.
"Stop it, just stay with Pony," I said and started for the hospital, but he grabbed my wrist, and pulled. It hurt a little. He held his sharp blade in front of me, and pointed it to the sky. The blade was between my eyes, and I looked at him coldly.
"Take it," he said. "Just in case you get in trouble."
"Don't sweat it, I have my chain-" I paused. No I didn't. I didn't have my chain. "Dammit, I don't have my chain- dammit Two Bit!"
He gave me the blade, and pushed me along. "Go," he said. And I did.
When I arrived at the hospital, and told the nurses that I needed to see Johnny Cade immediately.
"Are you a family relative?" the nurse asked.
"No but we're like family-"
"I'm sorry but only relatives can see him at this point," said the nurse and left.
I cursed, and punched the wall. I attracted a couple of people's attention, but I just let it go. I needed to see Johnny. I snuck into a room, unfortunately I had no idea which room. I looked around and noticed that it was the same room Darry and I was in yesterday. I went to exit out, but someone spun me from behind. I held the blade to him.
"It's just me," said Dally.
"Aren't you suppose to be in bed?" I inquired.
"I'm fine," he said shaking his head. He looked at the blade. "You can put that down now." I put it down to the side, my hand still gripping at it.
"Where's Johnny?" I asked. He motioned his head over to the other room.
"I'm going to fight Danny," he said.
"What? Are you crazy?" I questioned. "You're in the hospital! And you need to stay."
He shook his head. "I need to fight. We need to win for Johnny. This is all for him."
"You're crazy," I hissed. He was going to put himself in worst condition.
"I saw you," he said quietly.
"What?"
"I saw you yesterday with Darry in this room. You guys thought it was empty but I was in that bed in the corner, behind the curtains. I heard noises, and a headache from hell, but I saw you and him. . ."
I just looked at him for several minutes. I didn't know what to think. I thought everyone in the gang knew that Darry liked me. I didn't think it was that big a secret.
"I didn't know you would kiss him back," he said almost laughing, yet he sorrowed the moments. "Damn, I wanted to punch his lights out."
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't know," he said. "You were like my little sister, Dan. Next to Johnny, you were the one I would have taken care of. Sorry I don't like you, you know, that way. But, I always thought of you as my little sister. Just wanted you to know."
I smiled. Everything was resolved, and worked out. But still, I couldn't help but feel the strange awakening of a new love, and sadness of a loss. I took a breath.
"Get outta here, Winston," I said. He grinned, and gave me a hug. I pulled away shortly.
"Danny," he said. "Two Bit's blade? I need it."
"What for?" I asked.
"Just trust me on this one."
Hesitantly, I have it to him. He smiled, and walked to his bed. I decided to leave since I thought it was what he wanted. I went to the room next door to see Johnny.
Two Bit and Pony were already there and I joined them. I smiled at Johnny.
"Gee kid I'm so glad you're doing great," I said holding his hand.
"Don't worry Dan," he said weakly. "Hey did ya know, I read Gone with the Wind?"
"Really?" I said. "That's cool. Did ya like it?"
"Yea," he said grinning. He looked beat up so bad. "Man, gallant."
I laughed, and smiled.
"Hey can you give me a minute with Danny?" asked Johnny.
"Sure thing," said Pony. "We'll go to a drug store to get you a copy of that book."
When they left I looked at Johnny adoringly. He was all wrapped in bandages, and IV's were running through his arms. It was silent except for that annoying beeping sound.
He didn't say a word, and he looked so pale and thin.
"Hey buddy, did ya see yourself in the paper? Man now that's gallant."
He grinned fragilely. "Yep, tuff lookin', right?"
"Tuffest guy I know," I replied. He smiled, but then inhaled, and closed his eyes.
"Oh Johnny. . ." I whispered.
"I'm fine," he said taking a breath. "It happens once in a while, but it's nothing. I'll be up and out in a couple of weeks."
"Do you feel much?" I bit my lip.
"It hurts," he said painfully. He tried to move.
"Don't Johnny you'll make it worse."
"I'm so messed up," he said hoarsely. He turned his head slowly, and it looked as if he had so much trouble doing so. Every move he made was painful.
"I think I'll be in a wheelchair all my life," he said quietly.
"Aww, Johnny. . ."
"Danny, I gotta tell you. I think you're right for Darry."
"Wh-what? Johnny boy, what made you. . .?"
"Dally told me he saw you and him kissing last night," he said trying to make a joke. I smiled, but he looked so breakable. "I also gotta tell you. I think I'm gonna die."
"You're not, buddy, it's not that bad," I half lied. I couldn't stand him saying that.
"I don't want to- but I feel it, you know?"
"Excuse me?" a nurse came in. They always ruin the moment every single time.
"What?" I demanded.
"Johnny's mother is here-"
"I don't want to see her," he said suddenly.
"But she's you're mom, I can't-"
"I said I don't want to see her. She's not my mom, she' s just another woman in my house. She doesn't care," he raised his voice, "She doesn't-" He suddenly stopped. His hand loosened from the grip from holding my hand.
"Johnny wait-"
"Oh!" said the nurse and closed the door.
"I'm here," he said faintly. He touched my hands. "Promise me that you'll love him?
"
"Love who Johnny?"
"Love Darry. . .I want you to be together with him. You don't need Dally."
I choked on words, as he slowly passed out. I wanted to wake him up.
"Please get out, all of you," said the nurse opening the door. I went out quietly, biting my lip hard. Two Bit and Pony seemed to have confronted Johnny's mom. She stormed out, and I went over to them.
"Let's go," I said, and we went out the hospital. "By the way Matthews, I gave Dally your blade."
"You don't think he's going to do anything stupid, do you?" asked Two Bit.
"I've seen him do everything so nothing's new," I replied.
Ponyboy suddenly stopped and I stopped too. Cherry, that red headed chick stood in front of us. Ponyboy gave me a look as if to ask if I was going to blow or something. I shook my head, and looked to the side. I should stay there, it was the right thing, but I wasn't gonna enjoy it. They talked a while about the rumble, and how Randy wasn't going to fight. Then I heard Pony say something that I never thought he's quite say.
"Can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?"
"Real good," said Cherry blinking. She smiled.
"You can see it good from the East Side too," replied Pony.
She was startled but she enjoyed his optimism. "Thanks Ponyboy. You dig okay."
When they left, I looked at him curiously. He just smiled, and I really cherished, and appreciated the way Pony started to see things. In everyone's point of view. Not just in the greaser's.
"You know," started Two Bit, "Darry and you, Danny, could have been Socs if it wasn't for us." Pony nodded in sorrowful agreement. I guess he thought we deserved better. That we were supposed to be Socs.
"Kidding me?" I asked. "I wouldn't trade this for the world."
Two Bit said he would meet us when the rumble was set for seven and I walked home with Ponyboy. I told him that there was no use for me to come home, and he said,
"Of course not. Darry's always making plenty for you to eat."
I laughed, and it was nearly six when dinner was set and ready when we walked through the door. Darry and Soda smiled, and they were excited about the rumble. I knew Darry would be a little worried, and so was I, but I was psyched. The guys ate like horses but I only ate as much as I wanted to. I didn't like to eat before a big rumble.
"Hey Darry?" said Pony. "Why do you like to fight?"
"Cuz he likes to show off them muscles," piped in Soda winking at me. I smiled.
"How about you Soda? Why do you like fights?"
"Ooh, let me think of a good one. It might be in the morning paper," he said wondering. Poly rolled his eyes. Soda answered, "Fights are like contests. I always win!"
I laughed, and slumped myself on the couch. Pony jumped on my legs, and a sat up in distress. "Ow, Pony. . ."
"Danny why do you like fights?" he asked.
"I don't," I replied.
He looked at me for a minute. "Yeah you do."
"Not skin fights anyway," I said adding a wink.
"What are you going to do about that, Dan? It's a skin fight," said Soda.
"Wing it," I said shrugging. "Okay Pony, I'll answer. I like fights because I like to show that girls can be just as tuff as any other guy out there."
Pony grinned and added. "You're not that tuff."
"You bet I am!"I said and tackled him to the floor, tickling him.
"It's time! It's time!" Two shouted, running through the door.
I looked over the stories about how Johnny, Pony, and Dally saved the kids. It was the highlight of the front page. There was also another article about Darry, and how he supported his brothers. I felt a great solace, and pride in me. I was so proud of them.
"Hey Soda, Steve you guys have work, don't miss it. I'm off myself," said Darry.
Something that mentioned 'trial' and 'juvenile court' caught my eye. Darry came over to me, and I showed him the paper.
"They're going to take them away from you," I whispered.
He looked at me earnestly. "No they won't. . . Hey Pony, dishes. On the other hand, maybe I should just stay. . ."
"Don't worry Darry, I'll baby-sit," offered Two Bit, giving Pony a nudge.
"Oh Lord. . ." said Darry pushing his hair back.
"I'll co-baby-sit," I said. "Go to work, don't worry. That's your problem, you gotta let things go."
He stared. Finally he sighed and nodded. "You be all right Pony, and please don't get in any trouble. And clean this place up."
Steve, Soda, and Darry left, and we started cleaning up everything. Well Pony and I started cleaning up, and Two Bit sharpened his blade. He was telling us stories of his so called expeditions, and I couldn't help but laugh. Two Bit was such a funny guy, and I couldn't stay mad at him forever. We finished in time to see Johnny and Dally at the hospital.
"Come on, I'll race you! It's the next best thing since I couldn't bring my wheels," said Two Bit running to the sidewalk.
"No, Pony needs to rest, and I'm not feeling too-"
"Aww, just one of you. Come on, I'm not gonna race the both of ya! You both are the fastest runners on Earth!" said Two Bit. It was true. Pony and I were fast runners. Pony was the fastest in his track team, and I just liked to run.
"I'll do ya better," I said. I gave Pony a look. "I've still got some of my strength. Pony, hop on." I remembered doing this when Pony was younger.
Pony hopped on my back, and I gave him the fastest piggy back ride ever. It was the funniest, greatest sight ever, and the extraordinary thing is we still beat Two Bit. We were all grins when we slowed down, and Pony was laughing again. I was so glad to hear him so happy. Suddenly a Mustang pulled up, and Socs came out. I slowed down, and Two Bit went in front of me.
"You know the rules, no jazz before the big rumble," said Two Bit.
"I know the rules," he said.
"It's Randy. Danny, I can handle this," he said softly, and I let him down. A sudden anger ran across my spine. I knew him, and knew that he had something to do with Bob's death. I had to see Johnny. I couldn't stand around and wait.
"Two Bit I'm gonna go ahead of you guys. Stay with Pony," I said softly to him, while Pony and Randy talked things out.
"I can't leave you alone," he said.
"Stop it, just stay with Pony," I said and started for the hospital, but he grabbed my wrist, and pulled. It hurt a little. He held his sharp blade in front of me, and pointed it to the sky. The blade was between my eyes, and I looked at him coldly.
"Take it," he said. "Just in case you get in trouble."
"Don't sweat it, I have my chain-" I paused. No I didn't. I didn't have my chain. "Dammit, I don't have my chain- dammit Two Bit!"
He gave me the blade, and pushed me along. "Go," he said. And I did.
When I arrived at the hospital, and told the nurses that I needed to see Johnny Cade immediately.
"Are you a family relative?" the nurse asked.
"No but we're like family-"
"I'm sorry but only relatives can see him at this point," said the nurse and left.
I cursed, and punched the wall. I attracted a couple of people's attention, but I just let it go. I needed to see Johnny. I snuck into a room, unfortunately I had no idea which room. I looked around and noticed that it was the same room Darry and I was in yesterday. I went to exit out, but someone spun me from behind. I held the blade to him.
"It's just me," said Dally.
"Aren't you suppose to be in bed?" I inquired.
"I'm fine," he said shaking his head. He looked at the blade. "You can put that down now." I put it down to the side, my hand still gripping at it.
"Where's Johnny?" I asked. He motioned his head over to the other room.
"I'm going to fight Danny," he said.
"What? Are you crazy?" I questioned. "You're in the hospital! And you need to stay."
He shook his head. "I need to fight. We need to win for Johnny. This is all for him."
"You're crazy," I hissed. He was going to put himself in worst condition.
"I saw you," he said quietly.
"What?"
"I saw you yesterday with Darry in this room. You guys thought it was empty but I was in that bed in the corner, behind the curtains. I heard noises, and a headache from hell, but I saw you and him. . ."
I just looked at him for several minutes. I didn't know what to think. I thought everyone in the gang knew that Darry liked me. I didn't think it was that big a secret.
"I didn't know you would kiss him back," he said almost laughing, yet he sorrowed the moments. "Damn, I wanted to punch his lights out."
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't know," he said. "You were like my little sister, Dan. Next to Johnny, you were the one I would have taken care of. Sorry I don't like you, you know, that way. But, I always thought of you as my little sister. Just wanted you to know."
I smiled. Everything was resolved, and worked out. But still, I couldn't help but feel the strange awakening of a new love, and sadness of a loss. I took a breath.
"Get outta here, Winston," I said. He grinned, and gave me a hug. I pulled away shortly.
"Danny," he said. "Two Bit's blade? I need it."
"What for?" I asked.
"Just trust me on this one."
Hesitantly, I have it to him. He smiled, and walked to his bed. I decided to leave since I thought it was what he wanted. I went to the room next door to see Johnny.
Two Bit and Pony were already there and I joined them. I smiled at Johnny.
"Gee kid I'm so glad you're doing great," I said holding his hand.
"Don't worry Dan," he said weakly. "Hey did ya know, I read Gone with the Wind?"
"Really?" I said. "That's cool. Did ya like it?"
"Yea," he said grinning. He looked beat up so bad. "Man, gallant."
I laughed, and smiled.
"Hey can you give me a minute with Danny?" asked Johnny.
"Sure thing," said Pony. "We'll go to a drug store to get you a copy of that book."
When they left I looked at Johnny adoringly. He was all wrapped in bandages, and IV's were running through his arms. It was silent except for that annoying beeping sound.
He didn't say a word, and he looked so pale and thin.
"Hey buddy, did ya see yourself in the paper? Man now that's gallant."
He grinned fragilely. "Yep, tuff lookin', right?"
"Tuffest guy I know," I replied. He smiled, but then inhaled, and closed his eyes.
"Oh Johnny. . ." I whispered.
"I'm fine," he said taking a breath. "It happens once in a while, but it's nothing. I'll be up and out in a couple of weeks."
"Do you feel much?" I bit my lip.
"It hurts," he said painfully. He tried to move.
"Don't Johnny you'll make it worse."
"I'm so messed up," he said hoarsely. He turned his head slowly, and it looked as if he had so much trouble doing so. Every move he made was painful.
"I think I'll be in a wheelchair all my life," he said quietly.
"Aww, Johnny. . ."
"Danny, I gotta tell you. I think you're right for Darry."
"Wh-what? Johnny boy, what made you. . .?"
"Dally told me he saw you and him kissing last night," he said trying to make a joke. I smiled, but he looked so breakable. "I also gotta tell you. I think I'm gonna die."
"You're not, buddy, it's not that bad," I half lied. I couldn't stand him saying that.
"I don't want to- but I feel it, you know?"
"Excuse me?" a nurse came in. They always ruin the moment every single time.
"What?" I demanded.
"Johnny's mother is here-"
"I don't want to see her," he said suddenly.
"But she's you're mom, I can't-"
"I said I don't want to see her. She's not my mom, she' s just another woman in my house. She doesn't care," he raised his voice, "She doesn't-" He suddenly stopped. His hand loosened from the grip from holding my hand.
"Johnny wait-"
"Oh!" said the nurse and closed the door.
"I'm here," he said faintly. He touched my hands. "Promise me that you'll love him?
"
"Love who Johnny?"
"Love Darry. . .I want you to be together with him. You don't need Dally."
I choked on words, as he slowly passed out. I wanted to wake him up.
"Please get out, all of you," said the nurse opening the door. I went out quietly, biting my lip hard. Two Bit and Pony seemed to have confronted Johnny's mom. She stormed out, and I went over to them.
"Let's go," I said, and we went out the hospital. "By the way Matthews, I gave Dally your blade."
"You don't think he's going to do anything stupid, do you?" asked Two Bit.
"I've seen him do everything so nothing's new," I replied.
Ponyboy suddenly stopped and I stopped too. Cherry, that red headed chick stood in front of us. Ponyboy gave me a look as if to ask if I was going to blow or something. I shook my head, and looked to the side. I should stay there, it was the right thing, but I wasn't gonna enjoy it. They talked a while about the rumble, and how Randy wasn't going to fight. Then I heard Pony say something that I never thought he's quite say.
"Can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?"
"Real good," said Cherry blinking. She smiled.
"You can see it good from the East Side too," replied Pony.
She was startled but she enjoyed his optimism. "Thanks Ponyboy. You dig okay."
When they left, I looked at him curiously. He just smiled, and I really cherished, and appreciated the way Pony started to see things. In everyone's point of view. Not just in the greaser's.
"You know," started Two Bit, "Darry and you, Danny, could have been Socs if it wasn't for us." Pony nodded in sorrowful agreement. I guess he thought we deserved better. That we were supposed to be Socs.
"Kidding me?" I asked. "I wouldn't trade this for the world."
Two Bit said he would meet us when the rumble was set for seven and I walked home with Ponyboy. I told him that there was no use for me to come home, and he said,
"Of course not. Darry's always making plenty for you to eat."
I laughed, and it was nearly six when dinner was set and ready when we walked through the door. Darry and Soda smiled, and they were excited about the rumble. I knew Darry would be a little worried, and so was I, but I was psyched. The guys ate like horses but I only ate as much as I wanted to. I didn't like to eat before a big rumble.
"Hey Darry?" said Pony. "Why do you like to fight?"
"Cuz he likes to show off them muscles," piped in Soda winking at me. I smiled.
"How about you Soda? Why do you like fights?"
"Ooh, let me think of a good one. It might be in the morning paper," he said wondering. Poly rolled his eyes. Soda answered, "Fights are like contests. I always win!"
I laughed, and slumped myself on the couch. Pony jumped on my legs, and a sat up in distress. "Ow, Pony. . ."
"Danny why do you like fights?" he asked.
"I don't," I replied.
He looked at me for a minute. "Yeah you do."
"Not skin fights anyway," I said adding a wink.
"What are you going to do about that, Dan? It's a skin fight," said Soda.
"Wing it," I said shrugging. "Okay Pony, I'll answer. I like fights because I like to show that girls can be just as tuff as any other guy out there."
Pony grinned and added. "You're not that tuff."
"You bet I am!"I said and tackled him to the floor, tickling him.
"It's time! It's time!" Two shouted, running through the door.
