Embracing the Future

Chapter 7: Run

A/N: Srry this one took so long to come out, I went out with some friends on Friday to see the Grudge. It was the scariest thing I've ever seen but I was sitting in between Jorge and Erick and they kept making jokes at the scary parts so I had to laugh. So I was laughing and screaming at the same time. It was so funny cuz at the beginning Erick had his feet up on the bar and was like "Plz, this is gonna be so stupid!" and at the end he was curled up in the chair screaming and killing Angela's arm, so if I got scared all I had to do was look at them and I'd laugh. Then he choked on popcorn, and Jorge choked too, and I was horrified of going to bed cuz I was afraid the dead girl was gonna kill me so I made Ang sleep over. Lol, neway on with the story....

Pony's POV

I watched as Arri's Dad forcefully put her in the car so that she hit her head, I immediately felt rage course through me, how could he do that? Of course he had almost killed her. But how could Arri leave with him? She knew he was dangerous, why didn't she stay? I couldn't shake from my mind the look she gave me as she pushed me off her, angry at me, and yet she looked like she was gonna cry. I watched as her Dad climbed in the car and turned and smacked her, that would've been enough to fling myself at the door yank her out and keep her safe in my arms, but I was confused, hurt, shocked, I didn't know what to do.

As the car drove away I saw her turn and look at me with tear filled eyes. I was instantly angry at myself; of COURSE she didn't want to go! How could I have just sat there questioning it!? I'm such an idiot! She'd thought she was protecting us!

Someone grabbed my arm "Pony, we've gotta call the cops. He could hurt her. Plus you're getting soaked."

I looked at Darry, confused, and then looked down at my clothes. Why am I so wet? I looked up, when did it start raining? "The cops can't do anything," I said in an emotionless voice, "We have no idea where he's taking her, they could go anywhere."

Then a thought hit me, why wasn't my brain working? "Did anyone catch the license plate?" Wow I felt stupid.

Two-Bit said slowly, "I think it was 256-GOJ. Not sure though, could be wrong."

"Well its something." said Soda sadly.

"Steve, where's your car?" I said, I wasn't even sure what I was doing.

"Back at the house," he said eyeing me suspiciously, "Why?"

I took off at a run, they had a head start, I would need to break the speed limit if I was gonna find 'em.

I got to the house and flung open the car door suddenly realizing I had no keys, and almost no clue how to drive a car. Crap. Now how did Soda tech me to start the car without the key.... After a bit of messing around I got the engine going. Ok, now how do I back up...? I was surprisingly pretty good at driving, I only knocked over one trash can on the way out of the driveway. Suddenly I remembered what I'd thought when she kissed my cheek that first night, her eyes were green. So much had happened in such a short time. I guess that just goes to show how you never know what's going to happen, how your life can change in an instant, how once you make a decision you can't go back, you can't fix it. With that thought running through my mind, I slammed my foot down on the gas and sped off to find Arri.

Arri's POV

I angrily blew a strand of wet hair out my face, stupid ropes. I thought as I tried to free my hands from the bonds that bound them behind my back, stupid Dad. I thought as I slipped in a bit of mud and my Father smacked me cursing me and calling me a goddamned klutz.

I wasn't even sure where I was going, I was just walking, every once in a while my Dad would angrily redirect me.

We finally came to a small shed that my Dad pushed me into so that I tripped over my foot and landed painfully on my side, I felt a little blood trickle down my arm, Great, I thought annoyed, just frickin great. My Father lifted me up and dragged me to corner where he sat me downthen pulled up an old stool that was on its side and sat down across from me, glaring. I glared right back, no matter how much I hated him I was his daughter and I inherited his toughness.

Finally he spoke, "I'm guessing you want an explanation."

I spat at him and it landed on his face. He wiped it off and angrily kicked my shin, since that was the closest body part to him. I winced but didn't say anything; I wouldn't dare reveal my pain to him that would just be giving him what he wanted. I put my chin up a little bit and said, "I wouldn't mind an explanation considering you threatened to kill my friends if I didn't come with you." I narrowed my eyes at him.

He looked like he might hit me again but it passed and said, "I'll let it slide this time, but you're pushing my patience. Now you are currently my hostage." A wave of shock hit me but I hid it and continued to listen, "I need to talk to your Mom, I still love her, and I knew she wouldn't listen to me unless I had something to make her listen. You, Arri, were perfect for the job. So all we have to do is wait until she shows up, even if she brings the cops she won't let them come in."

I snorted, "And why would that be?" I asked.

He smiled and replied, "Because, if they come anywhere near me, I'll kill you."

My blood ran cold; wow I can be really stupid sometimes. He took out a knife and held it out in front of him, pretending to examine the blade, I was filled with rage, how dare he use me as bait? Nonetheless to lure my Mom here, because he loved her? If he loved her then why did he hit her and attempt to kill me?! "You self-centered worthless piece of shit! How dare you expect my Mom to still love you after what you did?! You filthy little-"

I was cut off by a cold blade being pressed against my throat, "I suggest," he said through gritted teeth, "Holding your tongue or my knife might just slip and cut it out."

I shut my mouth; I knew to take him seriously. He was about to threaten me some more when we heard the sound of twigs snapping. Someone was coming. He got up from his seat, "Don't move." He said before storming out a back door. For an old shack it was pretty big. It didn't have any furniture except for the stool and a fire place in the wall, but fire places aren't really furniture. Why, I thought, of all things am I thinking about fireplaces?

I was about to question my line of thought further when the door banged open and I looked up thinking it would be my Dad, boy was I wrong.

Pony ran over and started to untie my bonds; I opened my mouth and closed it again. I couldn't think of anything to say, what could I say?

"Arri?" said Pony trying to get me to stand, "We've gotta leave now! Before he comes back!"

I flung my arms around him and buried my head in his neck; I had to try really hard not to cry. I mumbled into his neck, "Gosh, Pony, I love you so much. I was so scared."

He hugged me back and said, "I love you too Arri, it's ok, I'm here now, we've gotta go now alright?"

I pulled away and nodded and we were about to head out the door when we saw my Dad blocking it, his eyes filled with rage. Pony pushed me protectively behind him. I squeezed his arm and pulled it gently so that we were backing up, he glanced at me and I shot a quick look at the window near us and we continued to back up.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" said my outraged Father.

"I wasn't gonna let you take her without a fight." Said Pony, I was surprised at how he showed no fear under my Dad's glare. Almost to the window.

"Ha!" barked my Dad, "My daughter isn't worth fighting for, now leave before I'm forced to hurt you." He added in a low intimidating voice.

Pony didn't flinch, we were now at the window, Pony casually moved to cover me and the window, and I silently slid it open. He squeezed my hand, "Ready," he said under his breath so that only I could hear him.

I swallowed and nodded he whispered, "As soon as you hit the ground start running the way you came, don't look back, don't wait to see if I follow."

My eyes widened and I was going to protest when he squeezed my hand and yelled, "Now!" I didn't know what else to do so I leapt out the window hit the ground and ran, and I didn't look back I heard an outraged scream and another pair of feet hit the ground I glanced behind me and saw Pony, man he could run. I slipped in some mud and fell. Pony scooped me up and carried me bridal style, never breaking his stride.

I heard my fathers angry scream as he stood there, not even bothering to try and catch up, Pony had put to much distance between us. I was hit with a wave of relief which was soon followed by exhaustion, I tried to stay awaked but I couldn't. "It's ok," Pony said, "You can go to sleep."

I smiled sleepily and closed my eyes, "Thanks, Ponyboy." I mumbled as I drifted off to sleep yet again to the sound of his breathing.

Again srry this took so long! And just a small note: NEVER SEE THE GRUDGE! Lol, I'm sorry me and my friends are like scarred for life. Thanks again reviewers, I'll update soon!

Em