The next thing I remember, I was in a lot with Ponyboy and Johnny. It was late, and Ponyboy was asleep. Johnny shook him and said, "Wake up, Pony."
Pony woke up with a start and said, "God, what time is it?"
"I don't know. I fell asleep, too. You'd better get home. I think I'll stay out here all night."
"Okay, but if you get cold, come on to my house."
"Okay."
I followed Pony as he ran home. He must have been scared or cold, because he was shaking.
When he walked in the door, I woke up and said, "Where the heck have you been? Do you have any idea what time it is?" I looked angry, and Pony looked afraid of me. He shook his head no.
"Well, it's two in the morning, kiddo. Another hour and I would have had the police out after you. Where were you, Pony? Where in the almighty universe were you?" I said, my voice rising.
"I. . .I went to sleep in the lot." Pony stammered.
"You what?" I yelled, almost shouting.
Soda sat up from his place on the couch and said, "Hey, Pony, where you been?"
Pony ignored him, and said, "I didn't mean to. I was talking to Johnny, and we both dropped off. . ."
"Well, I reckon it never occurred to you that your brothers might be worrying their heads off and afraid to call the police because something like that could get you two thrown in a boys' home so fast it'd make your head spin. And you were asleep in the lot? Ponyboy, what on earth is the matter with you? You haven't even got a coat on."
Tears were in Pony's eyes as he said, "I didn't mean to."
"I didn't mean to!" I yelled. "I didn't think! I forgot. That's all I ever hear out of you! Can't you think of anything?"
Soda tried to cut in when he said, "Darry. . ."
Turned on him and said, "You keep your trap shut! I'm sick and tired of hearing you stick up for him. You hear me?"
Pony looked mad when he yelled, "Don't you yell at him!"
Then, the unthinkable happened. I turned around and slapped Pony so hard that he was knocked against the door.
We were all silent. I glared at my other self, as I looked at my hand where it turned red.
"Ponyboy. . ." I said.
Ponyboy turned and ran out the door. I glared at my other self, disgusted. How could I do such a thing?