A/N: I am making the story The Outsiders take place in 1997 to make this story work. Some people had a problem and I am now clearing this up. XD Hope you enjoy. I also put in some of my thoughts on 9/11.
Summery: One Shot. What Ponyboy might be like at the age of 18. Dally and Johnny alive. Takes place on September 16, 2001.
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone except Leslie. S.E. Hinton owns The Outsiders.
(Ponyboy's POV)
I was so worried about what Darry would say when he finds out that I am not going to college. He would probably be upset. I am going into the Air Force. I was really upset about what happened on September 11. It was only a few days ago. I already started training about 4 months ago. This just made me more Determined. They may have hurt us but they also brought us closer together. They made us stronger.
"Hey Pone, you ok?" asked Soda
"Yeah. I am." I stated. I was terribly nervous. I hope I am doing the right thing…I think I am.
"What did you want to tell us?" Darry asked. He looked really nervous. So did everyone else.
"I'm not going to college."
"WHAT! why not and you better have a good reason." Darry was shouting. I knew he wanted the best for me but I wanted the best for my country.
"I'm going into the Air Force. I've already started training." I wanted them to respect me so I told them strait out.
"Why?" It was all that they could say. I didn't blame them.
"I care enough to go fight for my country. I'm not saying that ya'll don't care, because I know ya'll do, but I feel like I have to go. I love ya'll a lot."
"I support your decision." Soda always supports me through anything I want to do. I know that if anything were to happen to me, he wouldn't be able to deal with it. He is a good brother.
"We do to." The rest of the gang said. Johnny looked like a lost puppy, more lost than usual. He might loose his best friend. Two-bit was trying to take his mind off it by watching Mickey. Dally was smoking. Steve was looking out for Soda…he would have to do that a lot now that I am leaving.
"Thanks."
"No. Thank you for caring enough to go." Darry said. I loved him the most. He gave up for us, now I am giving up for him. He does love me.
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