Fifteen minutes passed, and Ponyboy finally came home. Well, I shouldn't say "finally." It hadn't been that long.

I stood up as fast I could, considering I had a broken leg.

"Where were you?" I asked, sounding madder than I meant to.

"Um, I went. . . to the movies." He stuttered.

"Why didn't you go see Soda like you told me you were?"

"Um. . .I got side-tracked?" He sounded like he was making things up as he went along.

"Well, you couldn't have been seeing movies for the past six and a half hours. What were you doing?"

"Nothing!" He screamed, then ran into his room.

I looked to Soda and he shrugged. Neither of us knew what that was all about. I wasn't really being mean, I just wanted to know. He doesn't usually get mad. Why now?

Soda and I walked to Pony's room. He was laying face down, and his shoulders were shaking slightly. He looked like he was trying to keep from crying. Tough little kid.

"Pony?" Soda asked gently.

"What?" He spat.

"Why won't you tell us where you were? It's nothing bad is it?" Soda asked, still gentle.

"NO! I wasn't doing anything bad! I just don't want you to know!"

"Why?" I asked.

"It's a secret." He said lamely. I wasn't buying that.

I shook him slightly. "Come on, Ponyboy. Tell us where you were, and where you've been going these last three weeks. Ever since you started school you've been gone almost all day. Plus, you look like you haven't slept in weeks."

He sighed. I figured he'd tell us soon.

"I didn't want you to know." He said.

"Know what?" Soda asked.

"That I-" He started, but then turned over. He took something out from under his pillow. It was an envelope. I wondered what was inside.

"Um, this is for you." He handed it to Soda.

Soda sat there for a minute, reading what was inside. When he looked up, tears were in his eyes.

"Oh, Pony. . ." He said, and then gave Pony a big hug.

I was kind of confused as to what was going on.

I cleared my throat. "Can someone clue me in?"

"Here. Read it." Soda said, thrusting the envelope at me.

I took it and what I read left me speechless.

Dear Soda and Darry,

I know how difficult this tome is for you. Darry, I know it's hard because you can't work, and, Soda, I know it's hard on you because you have to work too much. So I tried to help a little. I got a job three weeks ago. It's only part time, so, Darry, don't freak. I'm still getting all A's. I just wanted to help out. You never let me. I appreciate all you've done for me. Thanks. I love you guys.

Love,

Ponyboy

Then, inside the envelope was a check for five hundred dollars. It was enough to pay the bills. It'd work while I wasn't able to work.

"Oh, kid." I said, and I hugged him too.

"Well, it's nothing really. At least, compared to what you two do every week. I'm very lucky to have such great brothers. I thought I could at least get a part-time job, for a while anyway. It's the least I could do."

"You're the greatest little brother a guy could ask for." Soda said, tears sliding down his cheeks. He hugged Pony again, and I joined in.

"Thanks, guys. You're the best." Pony said, hugging us each.

"No, Pony. Thank you. You didn't have to do this, really."

"Yeah, but I wanted to. I knew we were running low on money, so I figured I could help."

"You're a good kid, Pony." I hugged him tighter, tears in my eyes.

"Thanks. You're a great brother." Pony said.

We all three hugged, and I knew everything would work out okay. We just needed to get me working again, and it'd be fine. Ponyboy was risking a lot working for us. I was proud of him and Soda. They're wonderful brothers and I love them both more than anything else in the world.

THE END!

I hope y'all liked it! I thought that'd be a good ending. I hope it satisfied you. If it didn't, I'm willing to write an epilogue. Thanks for all the great reviews!

I do love The Outsiders!