What woke me up…

Chapter Five: Things would get better

A/N: Okay, I am determined to finish this fic(the chapters will come out pretty quickly). If I put it off I'll never do it…anyway I had this story plotted out before I started it. I'm going to do my best on future sap(not enough to kill, never enough to kill) but you must understand—the closest brother I have would take six months to realize I'm dead. So I'm just winging it. But I have great plans with the Socs yet.

I sat down and waited after the call to Dally. Hours must have passed 'cause one of the nurses told me to go home and get some sleep. I'd probably get a beating if I went home anyway so I stayed.

I closed my eyes and leaned back against the chair. I was happy that Pony was awake, but the shock kinda faded. Now I was just brooding on how he'd hate me. The hospital was as quiet as it ever was. That was until the door was thrown open.

I glanced up cursing myself for flinching at the loud noise.

"Johnny, is it true?" Sodapop was next to me so quick I didn't have time to blink.

He looked flushed and I gave him nod. Darry came in a minute later followed by Two-Bit, Steve, and Dally. The whole gang was here. I looked back up at Soda who was waiting for Darry anxiously. This was his little brother we were talking about. I glanced at the rest of the gang. Two-Bit was holding on the counter to stay up, probably from trying to keep up with the Curtis'. Steve was posted against the wall, watching unamused. Pony had once told me Steve hated him, and that they only put up with each other for Soda's sake.

Where that was probably true, Pony didn't understand Steve would stick up for him no matter what 'cause he was part of the gang.

I meet Dally's eyes and froze. He was leering at me like he was trying to pry into my soul. I kept my eyes vacant. I learned that from my parents.

Finally Darry called Soda's name and we all looked toward them. Next to Darry was that doctor. He repeated the strict orders he gave me, family only. Two-Bit protested but Darry shook his head. They soon disappeared into Ponyboy's room and I let my head drop again to stare at my lap.

Two-Bit went on cussing good-naturally about not being let in but sprawled out on the seat next to me. Steve hung around for awhile before going out for a smoke and Dally leaned against the wall.

I think he noticed something, about the way my story didn't make too much sense and all. Dal ain't dumb, he picks up on stuff. But he never said anything.

"You feelin' all right kid?" Dal asked looking indifferent.

I nodded again hoping my face wasn't going pale. But I couldn't help thinkin' 'bout what happened that night. Ponyboy could probably hate me—I was too damn scared to help him. Not to mention those Socs, I couldn't help but be jumpier than usual when they were brought up.

I was afraid the gang would find out, or Pony would remember and tell them before I could talk to him.

Two-Bit gave me one of his beers he had hidden in his leather jacket to 'calm my nerves' and went on talking about the Dingo or something.

A few minutes later Darry came out and sent us a half-hearted grin. He stopped the doctor who was just about to head down the hall. They started talking to low voices and the doctor shoved Darry a bunch of papers. The oldest Curtis came back up and kicked Two-Bit out of the chair.

"So what'd the doc have to say?" Two-Bit said from his place on the ground where he was too lazy to stand up from.

"No severe brain damage." He said calmly as ever and everyone that didn't know him would have bought. "But he is confused as hell. Concussion too. Doctor still says no family so I can give you guys a ride home if you want…no use in waiting for us."

Darry was good at hiding his emotions, I couldn't pin what he was feeling.

"Shoot, don't the kid remember who jumped 'em? Start a rumble tonight once we hunt them down." Two-Bit asked disregarding what Darry said.

"He doesn't remember anything. Besides, a rumble isn't what we need right now. We'll get them back, but once the we get the state off our back." Darry said straightening out the papers in his hands.

Two-Bit went on to show how they'd crush in the guy's skulls that did this and when Dally stood up all the way, I did too.

"Johnny, where you headin' tonight?" Darry asked me after Two-Bit had stopped his rant to whistle at a blonde nurse.

I was about to say home 'cause I didn't want to intrude on the Curtis' house anymore—Dal, and Steve gave me strict orders that I wasn't suppose to sleep outside or in the lot anymore. After what happened to Ponyboy everyone figured I was gonna get jumped again. They couldn't really stop me but I hate it when the gang is mad at me.

"He's headin' over to the Dingo with me. Buck's gonna give us some rooms over there." Dallas said leaving no room for argument.

"I think I'll head over there too. Tell us if anything happens with the kid." Two-Bit said.

The three of us headed off to grab Steve and catch a bus. I pushed the bad feelings down. Ponyboy was awake. Things would get better.

0-0

This chapter served as a gap filler honestly. I didn't want to have it jump too much by only using Ponyboy's pov. Besides, I wanted to stick one more update in there before I'm off again to my sister's house today.(Yah, 102 weather in a car that has no air conditioning. Whoo! Sorry, had to rant.)