A wide grin stretched across my face.
"IT'S TIME!" I screamed, and I ran to Two Bit. I jumped on him, and we fell out the doorway, and into the lawn. I quickly got off him because we were both out of breath. I was so excited.
"I beat up people!" recited Soda. "I rob gas stations. I am a menace to society. Man, do I have fun!"
"Greaser... greaser... greaser," chanted Steve. "O victim of environment, underprivileged, rotten, no-count hood!"
"Juvenile delinquent, you're no good!" shouted Darry.
The whole gang was into it. I watched as they did they little song bit, and laughed when Two Bit did his white trash impersonation. They really wanted to beat the Socs, and I guess it wasn't for themselves. No, it wasn't for the sake of beating people up. But I guess it was for pride. For fun. For Johnny. For unity, and friendship. Something in all of them gave them the courage to fight, and that's what makes us greasers. We're not hoods- we're just filthy, no good greasers!
I decided to run , and do a one handed cartwheel, then ended with a back flip. The guys got more psyched, and started to flips, and cartwheels. Darry had taught us how to do acrobatic leaps and junk one summer, and we got really good at it. I was familiar with the flips when I was in gymnastics, so I was the most flexible of the group. I didn't show it off much though. I didn't see the need to really.
"Come on you foul mouthed creatures!" I said proudly, imitating a Soc. "No dawdling, greasers, no good and vulgar rats."
"YEAH!" said Soda, and ran towards Ponyboy, and carried him on his shoulder. "Let's go!"
As everyone followed Soda to the lot, Darry noted, "Hey Pony, don't overwork yourself there. If you need help during the fight just holler."
I smiled. No matter how much you tell him he will never stop worrying. It was just the way he is and even though I want him to stop bugging Pony, I can't. It's also another quality in him that I deeply admired.
"And when the fuzz comes, get outta there," added Darry. "They could put you in a home if you don't."
We arrived at the lot, pumped up, and nervous. The rest of our force were there, Tim's crew and the Brumly kids. Man, those guys were such idiots. They couldn't tell their left from their right, I bet you. They were all waiting anxiously for the Socs to arrive, and they were kind of upset about the weapon free rule. They were lanky guys so they didn't have much on them (while Darry stood prominently with his arms like mountains, him being the toughest guy there). Soda had set Pony down, and Steve came over to me.
"I have a weird feeling about this," he whispered very quietly.
"That's your conscience," I replied. I turned to him and added, "I knew you had one." He smirked, and punched my arm affectionately. Two Bit had emptied his jacket with beer cans.
I rubbed my hands together, and pursed my lips. I was so pumped. Pounding the Socs was a great way of letting out all my anger. And mind you, I had lots of anger. Suddenly about four cars pulled up, and a bunch of Socs filed out. There were about twenty two of them (against our twenty), neat and clean, nicely dressed for such a violent event. I bet they would wear their tuxes in the biggest rumble ever.
"Curtis!" said Tim, and pointed at Darry. Darry came over, and we all knew that he was going to start the fight. He was the most intimidating, and no one would dare pick on him. No one in their right mind anyway.
"Rules," said a Soc. "Just our fists, nothing else." He suddenly looked at me. "No girls."
"What?" I said.
"She's no girl!" said Two Bit, "she's one of us!"
I smiled, and remembered that he said the very same thing long ago, when we were saving Pony from those Socs. How time passed.
"She's been here for a while. That rule never affected her," said Darry in defense.
The Soc shifted uncomfortably. "Fine. Danny stays." I knew him well from school. He knew I was a good fighter. "No chains Dan."
"I know," I said defensively.
"Hand it over," he said reaching a palm out.
"I don't have it!" I said angrily. What a jerk.
"She left it," said Two Bit, "she knows better than that. We all know the rules!"
The Soc just shrugged us off quietly, and cussed us out under his breath. There was a minute of silence, and Darry approached the Socs carefully. They were all lined up.
"I'll take on anyone," stated Darry.
I knew they would have a tough time deciding but moments later a good sized Soc came up to him.
"Hello Darrel," he said.
"Hello Paul," said Darry.
Paul used to go to school with him, and they were actually good buddies. But now, just because of rank and the cruel world we live in, they were now enemies. It was hard to bear something like that. Moments passed.
"Wait!" a voice yelled. Darry almost turned to see who it was.
"Darry, keep your eye on him!" I yelled. Darry looked at Paul coldly. He just stared back. Dally was seen running towards us.
"You're not suppose to be here!" said Steve. "What are you thinking?"
"Johnny?" said Pony.
Johnny had one arm wrapped around Dally's neck, and smiled weakly at us. He looked terrible, but for some reason his condition was better.
"He's better," said Dally. "He could walk, it's just that he looks bad. I threatened the nurse with Two Bit's blade. Don't you know you can't have a real rumble without me?"
"Are you crazy?!" I yelled grabbing Dally by the collar. "You're both sick!"
"I've got it covered," said Dally. "Don't worry about it."
I sighed and I knew I couldn't do anything about it. I guess the good side was that it evened us out with the Socs. Johnny stood, and his knees wobbled at first, but it looked like he could live it through. It was just an innocent skin fight. No weapons. There were no weapons. Everything will be all right. No serious damage would be done-
Suddenly a shout was heard nearby. Paul had took a swung at Darry when he wasn't looking, and the rumble started.
It was crazy. I felt odd not having my chain, but I took on anybody who thought they could take the advantage of beating up a girl good. It got me all pumped up. A guy about Soda's height had took a swung at me, but I ducked in time. I stunned him fast. I slugged twice across the face, and did a backwards flip kick to the jaw. Luckily I was wearing boots with hard souls. I was better at my kicks than my punches so I always reminded myself to wear hard shoes before a big rumble.
Suddenly a guy jumped me from behind, and slugged my back. It hurt bad, but I struggled through it. We rolled over, and he took a punch at my face. I could feel thick blood trickle down my chin. Soda helped me slugging the guy who was on top of me, and picked me up because he had me pinned tight. He pulled me away from the guy, and kept it for himself. Sometimes the guys were a little too overprotective, but I guess can understand their perspective on the case. It wasn't like I wanted to be too dependant of them though.
I had bumped into Tim, and unfortunately I took the slug that missed him when he ducked. Frustrated, I slugged him numerous times, like a punching bag, and I didn't stop even when he slugged me too. I started to take a new approach, and slugged him in the stomach. Suddenly, like a strange madness came over him, he charged toward me and pinned me down. He punched me, not so hard because I was struggling fiercely.
"Shove off her!" I heard someone yell. Darry had came over, and lugged the guy off me. He took one slug at him, and he went down. Two guys jumped Darry for that. Then I heard it.
"Someone! Help!"
I turned, and almost froze. Dally was taking three at a time. Darry was doing what he could saving himself and Pony. Where the rest were, I didn't know. But I saw Johnny, poor Johnny, being slugged endlessly.
"Hey!" I yelled and ran towards them. I grabbed the Soc's fist, and tried to push it away. "Quit it!" I yelled angrily. He just pushed me to the ground, and continued.
I wasn't going to let him do that. I missed too many opportunities to fail Johnny now. I knew I had to do this, and I couldn't give up. I jumped on his back, and tried to strangle him.
"Get off him! Get OFF!" I yelled, and cussed. Man, was Johnny black and blue. Dammit Dally, why'd you have to bring him out here? Me on the guy's back didn't stop him from beating Johnny to death.
"Get OFF OF HIM! GET OFF! DAMMIT GET OFF!" I yelled, and slugged him with all the strength I had. The force I had in me, the one I didn't know I had, came out. I slugged him severely, the punch harder than before. Suddenly he stopped, and dazed out as if he didn't know where he was. I kept on slugging him, and flip kicking him. He finally fell.
So much pain befell on that moment. So much blood, so much violence. What have we gotten ourselves into? For love, for hatred. I didn't know what to think anymore. So much blood. . .
"They're running!" I heard it. A soc picked up his friend, and dragged him to the car. We've won. Why doesn't it feel like it? I looked at Johnny.
"Johnny boy, talk to me," I said. He was bleeding, there was so much blood. His face was all bruised up, and I didn't know what to do. I just put my hand on his face. I didn't care about the blood but I did cringe at all the bumps I felt. The gang gathered round while Tim's crew, and the Brumly kids left.
"Johnny! Johnnycakes, wait," Dally was on the other side. Pony was looking over him near his head, and the rest of the gang was at his feet. We all looked at him.
"I was so stupid, you know, I shouldn't have done this," said Dally sorrowfully. "I'm sorry, Johnny, I knew you didn't want us to fight. . . I knew. . ."
Johnny started going white. I never saw anyone so bruised before. So helpless. He hardly moved. Steve couldn't take it, and left sobbing. Soda took one look at Johnny, and shut his eyes. He left to comfort Steve.
"Can you talk?" I asked quietly. "Buddy if you can't, don't, I'm not forcing you. I love you so much Johnny boy, you know that right?" I stroke him gently.
"You're still a hero, eh Johnnycakes? Still a hero to us," choked up Dally. "You'll always be a hero. We're so proud of you Johnny."
With all his strength, he smiled, or what looked like a small smile. He could still hear us. "Dally-" he tried to speak. He was so hoarse and we could hardly make out the words. But we understood everything.
Although it didn't show much, Johnny was the strongest person I knew. He was a caring human being, and he didn't like getting into fights. He was just a normal guy who wanted a normal life, but he couldn't get it. The problems in his life kept him from doing what he wanted to do. He had no choice but to be a greaser. But, I come to think, is that what Johnny really wanted? If he had the chance to be better, would he have chosen the life of a Soc? I knew he wouldn't be the type to be involved in blood, in fights. He was just one of the many victims that unluckily fell into the hands of violence. Yet through it, he was a hero. I remember Johnny saying that he might be stronger if his parents believed in him. Johnny, I thought desperately, you are strong because we believe in you, and that's the strongest anyone can get. Johnny, believe it. . .
"Stay gold Ponyboy," he suddenly sputtered. I looked at Pony. He was crying. I looked at Johnny and shook my head. No Johnny, don't do it. Don't go.
"Danny?"
I looked at him intensely. "Yes Johnny?"
"Tell him you love..." he suddenly gasped. "I can't- breathe.." his voice faded quickly, and sharply.
"Johnny NO!" said Dally. "Dammit please Johnny. Dammit Johnny don't die, please don't die. . . Dammit don't do it Johnny."
That was it. Johnny was gone.
Author's Note: Sorry. I love him too.
"IT'S TIME!" I screamed, and I ran to Two Bit. I jumped on him, and we fell out the doorway, and into the lawn. I quickly got off him because we were both out of breath. I was so excited.
"I beat up people!" recited Soda. "I rob gas stations. I am a menace to society. Man, do I have fun!"
"Greaser... greaser... greaser," chanted Steve. "O victim of environment, underprivileged, rotten, no-count hood!"
"Juvenile delinquent, you're no good!" shouted Darry.
The whole gang was into it. I watched as they did they little song bit, and laughed when Two Bit did his white trash impersonation. They really wanted to beat the Socs, and I guess it wasn't for themselves. No, it wasn't for the sake of beating people up. But I guess it was for pride. For fun. For Johnny. For unity, and friendship. Something in all of them gave them the courage to fight, and that's what makes us greasers. We're not hoods- we're just filthy, no good greasers!
I decided to run , and do a one handed cartwheel, then ended with a back flip. The guys got more psyched, and started to flips, and cartwheels. Darry had taught us how to do acrobatic leaps and junk one summer, and we got really good at it. I was familiar with the flips when I was in gymnastics, so I was the most flexible of the group. I didn't show it off much though. I didn't see the need to really.
"Come on you foul mouthed creatures!" I said proudly, imitating a Soc. "No dawdling, greasers, no good and vulgar rats."
"YEAH!" said Soda, and ran towards Ponyboy, and carried him on his shoulder. "Let's go!"
As everyone followed Soda to the lot, Darry noted, "Hey Pony, don't overwork yourself there. If you need help during the fight just holler."
I smiled. No matter how much you tell him he will never stop worrying. It was just the way he is and even though I want him to stop bugging Pony, I can't. It's also another quality in him that I deeply admired.
"And when the fuzz comes, get outta there," added Darry. "They could put you in a home if you don't."
We arrived at the lot, pumped up, and nervous. The rest of our force were there, Tim's crew and the Brumly kids. Man, those guys were such idiots. They couldn't tell their left from their right, I bet you. They were all waiting anxiously for the Socs to arrive, and they were kind of upset about the weapon free rule. They were lanky guys so they didn't have much on them (while Darry stood prominently with his arms like mountains, him being the toughest guy there). Soda had set Pony down, and Steve came over to me.
"I have a weird feeling about this," he whispered very quietly.
"That's your conscience," I replied. I turned to him and added, "I knew you had one." He smirked, and punched my arm affectionately. Two Bit had emptied his jacket with beer cans.
I rubbed my hands together, and pursed my lips. I was so pumped. Pounding the Socs was a great way of letting out all my anger. And mind you, I had lots of anger. Suddenly about four cars pulled up, and a bunch of Socs filed out. There were about twenty two of them (against our twenty), neat and clean, nicely dressed for such a violent event. I bet they would wear their tuxes in the biggest rumble ever.
"Curtis!" said Tim, and pointed at Darry. Darry came over, and we all knew that he was going to start the fight. He was the most intimidating, and no one would dare pick on him. No one in their right mind anyway.
"Rules," said a Soc. "Just our fists, nothing else." He suddenly looked at me. "No girls."
"What?" I said.
"She's no girl!" said Two Bit, "she's one of us!"
I smiled, and remembered that he said the very same thing long ago, when we were saving Pony from those Socs. How time passed.
"She's been here for a while. That rule never affected her," said Darry in defense.
The Soc shifted uncomfortably. "Fine. Danny stays." I knew him well from school. He knew I was a good fighter. "No chains Dan."
"I know," I said defensively.
"Hand it over," he said reaching a palm out.
"I don't have it!" I said angrily. What a jerk.
"She left it," said Two Bit, "she knows better than that. We all know the rules!"
The Soc just shrugged us off quietly, and cussed us out under his breath. There was a minute of silence, and Darry approached the Socs carefully. They were all lined up.
"I'll take on anyone," stated Darry.
I knew they would have a tough time deciding but moments later a good sized Soc came up to him.
"Hello Darrel," he said.
"Hello Paul," said Darry.
Paul used to go to school with him, and they were actually good buddies. But now, just because of rank and the cruel world we live in, they were now enemies. It was hard to bear something like that. Moments passed.
"Wait!" a voice yelled. Darry almost turned to see who it was.
"Darry, keep your eye on him!" I yelled. Darry looked at Paul coldly. He just stared back. Dally was seen running towards us.
"You're not suppose to be here!" said Steve. "What are you thinking?"
"Johnny?" said Pony.
Johnny had one arm wrapped around Dally's neck, and smiled weakly at us. He looked terrible, but for some reason his condition was better.
"He's better," said Dally. "He could walk, it's just that he looks bad. I threatened the nurse with Two Bit's blade. Don't you know you can't have a real rumble without me?"
"Are you crazy?!" I yelled grabbing Dally by the collar. "You're both sick!"
"I've got it covered," said Dally. "Don't worry about it."
I sighed and I knew I couldn't do anything about it. I guess the good side was that it evened us out with the Socs. Johnny stood, and his knees wobbled at first, but it looked like he could live it through. It was just an innocent skin fight. No weapons. There were no weapons. Everything will be all right. No serious damage would be done-
Suddenly a shout was heard nearby. Paul had took a swung at Darry when he wasn't looking, and the rumble started.
It was crazy. I felt odd not having my chain, but I took on anybody who thought they could take the advantage of beating up a girl good. It got me all pumped up. A guy about Soda's height had took a swung at me, but I ducked in time. I stunned him fast. I slugged twice across the face, and did a backwards flip kick to the jaw. Luckily I was wearing boots with hard souls. I was better at my kicks than my punches so I always reminded myself to wear hard shoes before a big rumble.
Suddenly a guy jumped me from behind, and slugged my back. It hurt bad, but I struggled through it. We rolled over, and he took a punch at my face. I could feel thick blood trickle down my chin. Soda helped me slugging the guy who was on top of me, and picked me up because he had me pinned tight. He pulled me away from the guy, and kept it for himself. Sometimes the guys were a little too overprotective, but I guess can understand their perspective on the case. It wasn't like I wanted to be too dependant of them though.
I had bumped into Tim, and unfortunately I took the slug that missed him when he ducked. Frustrated, I slugged him numerous times, like a punching bag, and I didn't stop even when he slugged me too. I started to take a new approach, and slugged him in the stomach. Suddenly, like a strange madness came over him, he charged toward me and pinned me down. He punched me, not so hard because I was struggling fiercely.
"Shove off her!" I heard someone yell. Darry had came over, and lugged the guy off me. He took one slug at him, and he went down. Two guys jumped Darry for that. Then I heard it.
"Someone! Help!"
I turned, and almost froze. Dally was taking three at a time. Darry was doing what he could saving himself and Pony. Where the rest were, I didn't know. But I saw Johnny, poor Johnny, being slugged endlessly.
"Hey!" I yelled and ran towards them. I grabbed the Soc's fist, and tried to push it away. "Quit it!" I yelled angrily. He just pushed me to the ground, and continued.
I wasn't going to let him do that. I missed too many opportunities to fail Johnny now. I knew I had to do this, and I couldn't give up. I jumped on his back, and tried to strangle him.
"Get off him! Get OFF!" I yelled, and cussed. Man, was Johnny black and blue. Dammit Dally, why'd you have to bring him out here? Me on the guy's back didn't stop him from beating Johnny to death.
"Get OFF OF HIM! GET OFF! DAMMIT GET OFF!" I yelled, and slugged him with all the strength I had. The force I had in me, the one I didn't know I had, came out. I slugged him severely, the punch harder than before. Suddenly he stopped, and dazed out as if he didn't know where he was. I kept on slugging him, and flip kicking him. He finally fell.
So much pain befell on that moment. So much blood, so much violence. What have we gotten ourselves into? For love, for hatred. I didn't know what to think anymore. So much blood. . .
"They're running!" I heard it. A soc picked up his friend, and dragged him to the car. We've won. Why doesn't it feel like it? I looked at Johnny.
"Johnny boy, talk to me," I said. He was bleeding, there was so much blood. His face was all bruised up, and I didn't know what to do. I just put my hand on his face. I didn't care about the blood but I did cringe at all the bumps I felt. The gang gathered round while Tim's crew, and the Brumly kids left.
"Johnny! Johnnycakes, wait," Dally was on the other side. Pony was looking over him near his head, and the rest of the gang was at his feet. We all looked at him.
"I was so stupid, you know, I shouldn't have done this," said Dally sorrowfully. "I'm sorry, Johnny, I knew you didn't want us to fight. . . I knew. . ."
Johnny started going white. I never saw anyone so bruised before. So helpless. He hardly moved. Steve couldn't take it, and left sobbing. Soda took one look at Johnny, and shut his eyes. He left to comfort Steve.
"Can you talk?" I asked quietly. "Buddy if you can't, don't, I'm not forcing you. I love you so much Johnny boy, you know that right?" I stroke him gently.
"You're still a hero, eh Johnnycakes? Still a hero to us," choked up Dally. "You'll always be a hero. We're so proud of you Johnny."
With all his strength, he smiled, or what looked like a small smile. He could still hear us. "Dally-" he tried to speak. He was so hoarse and we could hardly make out the words. But we understood everything.
Although it didn't show much, Johnny was the strongest person I knew. He was a caring human being, and he didn't like getting into fights. He was just a normal guy who wanted a normal life, but he couldn't get it. The problems in his life kept him from doing what he wanted to do. He had no choice but to be a greaser. But, I come to think, is that what Johnny really wanted? If he had the chance to be better, would he have chosen the life of a Soc? I knew he wouldn't be the type to be involved in blood, in fights. He was just one of the many victims that unluckily fell into the hands of violence. Yet through it, he was a hero. I remember Johnny saying that he might be stronger if his parents believed in him. Johnny, I thought desperately, you are strong because we believe in you, and that's the strongest anyone can get. Johnny, believe it. . .
"Stay gold Ponyboy," he suddenly sputtered. I looked at Pony. He was crying. I looked at Johnny and shook my head. No Johnny, don't do it. Don't go.
"Danny?"
I looked at him intensely. "Yes Johnny?"
"Tell him you love..." he suddenly gasped. "I can't- breathe.." his voice faded quickly, and sharply.
"Johnny NO!" said Dally. "Dammit please Johnny. Dammit Johnny don't die, please don't die. . . Dammit don't do it Johnny."
That was it. Johnny was gone.
Author's Note: Sorry. I love him too.
