-Busy

Chapter 12: The Jumping

"Very, very tough."

"Yup. Let me keep going."

…….

The next day, Johnny was posted against the wall of the school. Waiting for Ponyboy to get out. He slept in his own bed peacefully last night. That was a first. His mom didn't even bother him last night. His father was probably working late again. That was good. He wouldn't have to swing on anyone that night.

The school bell broke into his thoughts and he saw teenagers piling out of the school. He scanned the crowd looking for Ponyboy. He wasn't there. Johnny then remembered. It was Wednesday. Ponyboy had track practice that day.

Johnny sighed and walked over towards the track area. Johnny leaned over the fence and once again, scanned for Ponyboy. He found him. He was over there stretching for his run. Johnny wanted him to cut, but he couldn't grab his attention. Johnny decided to just sit and watch.

Curly had talked to Johnny earlier that day. Curly said that Dally had already talked to Soda, Steve, and Two-Bit about the Tiber Street Tiger war. Sodapop was hazy about the situation, Steve would have to make time, but Two-Bit was all for it. Curly did mention that they all changed facial expressions when he said that Johnny was involved.

Johnny knew sooner or later that that would get annoying. Everyone getting surprised at Johnny being tough. They needed to get over it. He was going to demand his respect.

The track coach blew his whistle which meant practice was over. Johnny sat up and brushed the grass off of his jeans. Ponyboy finally noticed him and walked over to the fence with a towel on his shoulders. His tee shirt was wet from sweat. Johnny met Pony at the fence.

"Hey Johnny. What's up?"

"You wanna help out me and Curly?" asked Johnny.

"By doing what?"

"The Tiber Street Tiger war."

"A war? I don't know."

"Why not?"

"Darry'll kill me."

"He doesn't have to know. Two-Bit and Dally will be there. Steve and Soda might too."

"Let me think about it."

"I need a answer now!" demanded Johnny.

Ponyboy's eyebrows lowered. Surprised by Johnny's tone.

"Sorry. Listen. Just help us with one thing. Then we'll let you go free."

"What do I have to do?"

"I'll let you know later."

Pony sighed.

"I guess."

"Good," said Johnny with a smile. "I'll see you later. Me and Curly are going to be at the lot around six."

"See you later."

Johnny walked off. Nothing was really going on that day. But Johnny made it to six o' clock and walked towards the lot. Ponyboy was already there since his house was right down the street.

"So what do we have to do?" asked Pony as Johnny sat down next to him.

"Curly will let us know. He's on the way."

"You talked to him?"

"I called him from a pay phone before I got here. He was trying to see if he could let Tim lend him his car."

"I don't think Tim will let him use his car."

"Curly will probably steal one then. Who knows?"

Suddenly Tim's car pulled up. Curly was successful in getting a ride. He waved them over and the two greasers got into the back seat.

"What's the plan?" asked Johnny.

"We're going to jump somebody. A certain one I know."

Ponyboy was about to say something, but Johnny cut in by yelling,

"Let's hit it!"

Curly peeled off and Ponyboy decided to keep his mouth shut. The closest he had gotten to jumping someone was during a rumble. Curly then said,

"Here's the plan……."

…….

"You know what to do Pony?" whispered Johnny from an alley.

Ponyboy nodded. He was standing near the alley entrance and was waiting for a kid who was walking down the street alone. When the kid was close enough, Pony said,

"Give me your money."

The kid turned around, obviously mad.

"What did you say to me?"

Ponyboy then punched the kid and swung him around to the alley entrance. Johnny and Curly grabbed the kid and yanked him into the back of the alley. The kid knew what was going on and tried to climb up the alley wall. He was having trouble and Johnny and Curly jumped and grabbed the kid again.

They yanked the young Street Tiger and he hit the ground with force. The kid got up but Johnny rammed him into the alley wall. Curly began kicking him and Pony joined in shortly. It was obvious that he was real nervous. Johnny then started punching the daylights out of him. The kid passed out shortly.

"Nice work," said Curly smiling.

Johnny repeated his process and searched the kid's pockets. Of course he found money, but he stopped when he felt something different.

"What's up?" asked Curly.

Johnny pulled the objects out of his pocket and showed them to the other two. It was drugs.

"Looks like we have a dealer here," said Curly. "Leave it with him. I really don't have time for those. Tim will murder me if he caught me with them."

Johnny and Curly walked off. Johnny then turned around.

"C'mon Pony. We've gotta go."

"Oh! Sorry."

The three greasers walked off leaving the unconscious, young Tiber Street Tiger with a pocket full of drugs.