What woke me up…
Chapter Six: Alone
I was scared.
How un-tough does that sound? Not many greasers would ever admit to being scared but I was. It wasn't only because I was being wheeled around from stranger to stranger. It was 'cause some type of doctor called a P.T. told me I'd never be able to walk again without rehabilitation. The worst feeling I've ever had in my life was going to stand up like every other day and feeling my legs give out from under me. Then every stupid rehab activity they had me do hurt like all get out. I was also scared at how tired I got how quick. I'd barely been out of bed for half an hour and I thought I'd collapse. The P.T.'s said this was normal though. But I couldn't help it. I was alone in the hospital room, tired but not sleepy. I stared at the ceiling thinking about home.
When I woke up earlier Sodapop and Darry had gone. I guess they had work…and all the bills I must have piled up I didn't blame them. Ifelt sorryabout that too.I just wished either of them would get here soon. My overactive imagination was acting up, and I was beginning to worry neither of them would ever come back, or I'd never be able to walk again. Or they'd lock me up in some nut house 'cause I was certain Johnny died.
The room was awful quiet and I didn't have anything to do but think. I thought about the 'dream' mostly.
About Johnny
"Useless…fighting's no good… "
About Dally
"You'd better wise up, Pony…you get tough like me and nothin' can touch you…"
About Cherry
"Things are rough all over."
I wondered if things would be the same as I pictured them. Or if that was just what I wanted to hear or something. The things 'bout Dar and Dally were true, I just didn't think it out before but everyone else…?
The door opened and shut and I closed my eyes. I didn't want to hear static from the nurse for not sleepin'. But it was quiet still, and before I went to open my eyes I heard a voice.
"Hey Ponyboy… I know they said family only, but I really need to talk to you man…"
I kept my eyes shut. Johnny, it was Johnny. He wasn't dead. He couldn't be…
"'Bout that night…I coulda done something—I should have…" His voice was real quiet and he sounded upset.
Johnny never got the chance to kill that Soc, Bob. He never got a chance and I still didn't die. We never had to run away, we didn't have to run in to save those kids. Johnny didn't have to die, and Dally didn't have to get himself killed.
"I'm glad you didn't Johnny."
"Pony…" Johnny said going quiet.
I still didn't open my eyes. I was so certain I'd never see Johnny again—so certain.
"You remember?" I could hear him move across the room.
"Not really. I thought I did, but everyone's telling me something different. What happened?" I opened my eyes to look at him. It really was Johnny. Small, puppy dog, scared old Johnny. I cracked a smile which seemed odd even to me.
Johnny just stared at me like I'd gone insane. Maybe I did…but I'd wished so many times it was me and not Johnny that died in that fire. I lead him in, I made him run away with me.
"We got jumped, and they tried to drown you…I could have done something to help…" Johnny's voice was breaking.
"Who was 'they'?" That's all I wanted to know. That's what got me the most…
"Pony, the thing with that is…"
"You don't remember." I'd wish I let him finish talking, but if Johnny didn't know I'd never find out.
I looked over at him. He was awful pale. Something seemed wrong.
"Yeah," He nodded carefully avoiding my eyes. "I don't remember."
I was about to ask something but the door flew open. Johnny jumped. The doctor just stood at the door and raised his eyebrows. Without a word Johnny fled the room, and I watched him wishing he didn't have to leave.
I hated being alone.
"Mr. Curtis, how are you feeling today?"
"What can I say that would get me out?" I said in the voice I reserved for strangers 'course I couldn't look very intimidating.
He tapped his clipboard once.
"I still have to speak to your legal guardian but there is a good chance you can get out tonight. You'll be confined to bed with a reasonably strict diet, and still have to go to rehab three times a week. Do you feel up to it?"
Golly, of course I'd be up to it. I hated hospitals to begin with, anything would be better than this. "I just need approval from Mss. Cussler, the social worker that has been assigned to your case, and you'll be on your way."
"Social worker?" I'd forgotten about them. Great, just the thing to make me feel better.
"Yes, but I do not think she is removing you from your guardian's custody yet. You're quite famous around here. You're lucky, no one expected you to wake up. Ah, yes, I must be going now."
He left me alone again and I wanted to curse outloud. But I didn't. I was worried now. About the social worker for one, but I knew Darry would fight for custody of us. But I was beginning to be bothered by Johnny. I usually didn't pick up on a lot of stuff that went on. I never paid much attention between studying and daydreaming. But something was bugging Johnny something awful.
I fell asleep trying to figure it out.
0-0-0
There has got to be grammar mistakes in that. I just know it… anyway, if there is anyone left out there reading this(or if I'm talking to myself) I have the end plotted out and there will be confrontation with the Socs and a fight and all that good stuff. Don't think this is just a recovery fic basically. Review.