The next thing I remember, I was in a bedroom, with the two brothers Sodapop and Ponyboy. But wait, they're MY brothers, too.
I watched a shiver run through Ponyboy and then his brother Sodapop said, "Cold, Pony?"
"A little." The kid replied. It seemed to me he was scared, not cold.
Sodapop rolled over and placed and arm around Pony's shoulders.
"Hey, listen, kiddo. When Darry hollers at you, he don't mean nothing. He's just got more worries than somebody his age ought to. Don't take him serious, you dig, Pony? Don't let him bug you. He's really proud of you 'cause you're so brainy. It's just because you're the baby. I mean, he loves you a lot. You dig?"
I felt awful. I didn't remember any of this happening, and I couldn't understand yelling at Pony. If he was my brother, I should be nice to him, right?
"Sure." Pony said, a little sarcastically. It was obvious that he didn't believe Soda.
"Soda? How come you dropped out of school?"
"'Cause I'm dumb. The only things I was passing anyway were auto mechanics and gym."
"You're no dumb."
"Yeah, I am. Shut up and I'll tell you something. Don't tell Darry, though." What can't he tell me?
"Okay."
"I think I'm gonna marry Sandy.s After she gets out of school and I get a better job, and everything. I might wait till you get out of school, though. So I can help Darry with the bills and stuff." Why do I have to pay the bills? Where are our parents?
"Tuff enough. Wait till I get out, though, so you can keep Darry off my back." Poor Pony. I must be a real jerk.
"Don't be like that, kid. I told you he don't mean half of what he says. . ."
"You in love with Sandy? What's it like?"
"Hhm. It's real nice."
Then they fell asleep.