I wanted to continue with Pony's POV so just thought I'd start a new chapter…that can lead to other directions. If you like this chapter I'll continue the story…if not just read the last chapter and consider the story over.

There are so many other stories I can tell…I am just still deciding which and don't want you to choke on all the cheese! ;)

I don't want to overstay my welcome!

Let me know if I should continue and what you would want to see for future problems!

Thanks!

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Ponyboy's POV:

"Hey Pone, think you could pull your nose out of that book? It is Saturday after all."

I looked up from my English textbook, blinking away the harsh sunlight that flooded in from our screen door.

"Sorry Darry," I mumbled closing the book. As usual I had lost track of time. We were supposed to be playing football today.

Soda flew in the house, kicked the screen door open and threw the football back outside. Darry and I eyed Soda warily as he nearly tripped over the kitchen table and crashed into the counter.

"I can't believe you missed that Steve!" Soda whooped.

Steve yelled something that sounded like "Duck You."

"Give us a hand with the food willya and lay off the books," Darry told me, helping me off the couch. He gestured towards the kitchen table, which was laid out with chips and drinks.

It looked like my life was back to normal, at least somewhat. I had been relieved that the outcome of 'the talk' was not the loss of my brothers' trust. Unfortunately I had gained a little more safety than was necessary: Two-Bit still walked me home from school.

I had been meaning to have a talk with Soda about that. Or bribe Two-bit with beers to get him to stop.

Yet, I sometimes got a nagging feeling that things wouldn't be normal for quite some time. I usually shrugged them off, reassuring myself.

Then again: Third times a charm.

I grabbed a few bags of chips and absentmindedly strolled outside.

"Heads up Ponyboy!"

"Wha-?" I managed to get out before getting drilled in the face with the football. The chips crunched and fell from my arms. Two-Bit stood behind me, his arms outstretched to catch what I had inadvertently intercepted.

"Geez Steve, what are you trying to do? Put me back in the hospital?" I asked, half-amused, half-angry as black spots appeared in my vision.

"I knew he couldn't go more than two weeks without going back to the ER," I heard Two-Bit quip.

A warm sticky sensation made its way down my face. I wiped at my nose and spread my hands out in front of me to survey the damage. Both hands looked like they had been dipped in red paint. I swayed and reached out to steady myself.

Simultaneously, Steve and Two-Bit both muttered, "Oh, shit," and ran up to me.

"Aw come on, give me a break, give me a break," I whined seeing the blood.

"Is it broken?" Two-Bit gently pulled my hands down and inspected my face.

"It better not be," I griped.

Steve said, "Kid, I'm real sorry, I didn't see you there." He surprised me lately. He had been well…nice I suppose. Soda and Darry chose that moment to come outside. They were laughing and arguing about the game.

"This is one came you can't cheat at little buddy-" Darry stopped abruptly when he saw my bloody face.

"What happened?" he growled, thundering down the porch steps. Soda stepped down and took my face in his hands.

Mockingly Steve said, "I got pissed at the kid and popped him one." Darry rolled his eyes."Whaddya think happened Darry? The football happened," Steve said defensively, holding it up.

"Yah, right into his face," Two-Bit added helpfully.

"Soda, get him an ice pack," Darry commanded.

I plunked down on the front steps and miserably watched the blood drip from my nose. I felt slightly nauseous since the sight of my bloody nose recalled a not so pleasant experience.

Soda returned with a rag and some ice. He helped me clean up the blood. "Steve sure got ya good," he said.

Two-Bit who had come up to assess the situation said, "Kid trouble follows you everywhere."

"Thanks for reminding me," I said grimly. "How's it look?" I asked Soda, tilting my head up.

Soda gave me a reckless smile. "Nothing a little ice can't help." He plopped the ice onto my nose and I gasped at its coldness.

"I think I'll sit this one out," I said as Two-Bit pretended to toss me the football. Over his shoulder, I could see Steve antagonizing Darry by showing him illegal football moves.

If there was anything Darry hated more it was not taking football seriously. But then, why did he play with us?

I watched the football game, thinking about how the teams were even now with me, Johnny and Dally out of the way. I shook off the dark thought with a laugh. Suddenly I heard an all to familiar sound: the rumble of a mustang.

I craned my neck to look down the street. I didn't see anything. I stood up and nonchalantly walked down the road towards the alley, hoping none of the guys would notice me. This was my problem.

Then I saw the car. Something snapped. I had really had it with those Socs always showing up around here. Feeling brave, I walked up to the car.

"Hey guys."

They hadn't been expecting me, and they jumped. I smirked.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence. We came to see you in the hospital you know. And were unfortunately turned away." Rick sneered, having recovered from his scare.

"More like turned and ran away," I shot back. Rick turned red while I saw Dave suppress an embarrassed laugh.

"You know, I wasn't to pleased to hear that you woke up," Rick said, swinging his car door open and getting out. "But now, actually, I am glad. Because we can have it out face to face, Greaser." Dave got out of the passenger side.

"You don't have any knives on you, do you? I'd hate to end up like Bob." He spat at me.

Shaken, I drew back and managed to say, "I'm fresh out."

"Lucky me," he said. Then I saw the glint of the knife in his hand. I gulped, my mouth dry.

Wow. I walked right into that one.

Suddenly, I heard shouts behind me. A football whizzed past me and cracked the windshield of Rick's car. I cringed remembering my nose."Bastard!" Rick screamed at whomever had thrown the ball. Judging from the way it had hit its target, I pegged it to Darry.

"You better get back in that car before I do something I won't regret," Darry said icily to Rick, advancing upon him. Dave was already backing into the mustang.

"You better get yourself a new sidekick, man," Two-Bit pointed Dave out to Rick. Rick turned and glowered at Dave who shrank in his seat.

"Pony," Soda said lowly. Soda and Steve pulled me behind them, their fists clenched and ready. I saw Rick slyly drop the knife back into his pocket. Our eyes met.

"This is between you and me kid." He eyed me impatiently and jumped into his car. He gunned the engine and then turned toward us.

"Maybe next time you'll cut your coke with Drano and do us all a favor." He shot me a cruel smile.

Soda gasped while Steve cursed aloud. Instantly, Darry headed for Rick but he peeled away, leaving us in the dust.

I turned aside and vomited harshly onto the gravel road.

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Review please!

Cheeseball ending?