Kinda short chapter, but at least it's posted! Thanks for the reviews everyone!

Let me know whatcha think of this chapter! I have to write in spurts…which is why this story has so many chapters! Maybe I need to end it soon!

Again: I own none of these characters. S.E. Hinton does!

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Bambola: No bitterness! Cross my heart and hope to die! Keep reviewing and reading please! I like your input! ;)

Pyrojoe, BcChick, jinxy, noname and Curtisbrothersfan: C'mon! It's a dramatic story…where's the fun if they don't get taken away? Hmmm? Any other suggestions then kiddies? Teehee! ;)

Raveangel33: Perhaps they will!

Phaerie-Mage: Thanks for the input…I am glad you're reading and I like your suggestions!

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"There's nothing 'round here I believe in

'Cept you, yeah you

And there's nothing to me that's sacred

'Cept you, yeah you"

--Bob Dylan

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Darry's POV

"Inside. Now." I told Soda as we pulled into our driveway.

We both jumped out hurriedly slamming the doors hard behind us. I wanted to know what the hell he had been thinking tonight while Soda was in a hurry to find out about the boy's home situation.

Two-Bit, Steve and Ponyboy lingered on the porch as we stalked into the house. Pony was being awfully quiet as Two-Bit recounted his and Soda's soc-bashing tale to him and Steve.

"Pon," Soda said lowly, reaching out as we brushed past him but Ponyboy kept his eyes on the ground.

"Darry, you can lay into me all you want, just tell me what's up with the state," Soda said imploringly. He sat down at the kitchen table and shuffled the deck of cards that lay there.

"I was already on the phone with them when Steve came over to tell me," I told Soda.

"Apparently you and Two-Bit have a file over at the station for getting jailed the last time. I never should have taught you two those damn acrobatics; looks like this time, they alerted the state."

"Oh, maaaan," Soda moaned. I leaned against the counter and tried to control my breathing.

I had been on the phone with them when Steve arrived, out of breath. "It's ok," Ponyboy had told him grimly, "he already knows." The annoyed look fell off of Steve's face, relieved that he wasn't the bearer of bad news this time.

"I'm aware you have a younger brother at home also?" the social worker had asked.

My mouth went dry as I shifted on my feet. "Yes ma'am," I had said. I steeled myself to keep my eyes off of Ponyboy and speak in a calm manner.

I heard some papers shuffling and then she had bleated, "Based on this and past circumstances, we will need to stop by and re-evaluate the living situation."

"I'm sure that's not necessary," I tried to say forcefully.

"Oh yes it is Mr. Curtis, we deem it very necessary." I had slammed the phone down in frustration. Ponyboy had met my stare with hard eyes.

"So, a Ms. Barlow will be here at 3:00 p.m. Sunday to speak with you and Ponyboy," I now mentioned to Soda in a casual tone.

First Ponyboy, now Sodapop; these boys were going to give me an ulcer. But if it meant us staying together, I'd gladly welcome an ulcer right now.

He stared at me blankly, the cards slipping from his hands.

"Well, what did you expect to happen if you got jailed Sodapop?" I yelled at him. I couldn't help myself. He deserved it after all we'd done to try and stay together. "You knew the risks."

Soda buried his head in his hands. "I know. I know. I didn't think about it," he said in a muffled voice.

"You're getting as bad as me, Sodapop. Not using your head." Ponyboy entered the kitchen. I could see Steve and Two-Bit lounging on the couch trying to eavesdrop.

Sodapop winced at his words and opened his mouth. I interrupted by quickly slapping the kitchen counter. I didn't wanting Ponyboy to lose it like he had at the police department. It wouldn't do Soda or himself any good now.

Though, after all Ponyboy had been through it wasn't too surprising he had freaked out; I just wasn't expecting it.

"I can't believe it," he had said incredulously as I signed Sodapop's release forms. "Darry, they're gonna take me away now! They're gonna stick me in a home and I'll never see you guys again! I can't believe it, why he'd-"

"Ponyboy, don't worry. I'll take care of it," I had tried to reassure him. I had never seen him this mad at Soda, not even when he dropped out of school.

"Calm down," I suggested currently to my younger brother before he even had the chance to get started.

Pony's eyes narrowed but he kept his mouth shut.

Sodapop took a deep breath, "I couldn't let those Socs…" He broke off, and then started again, "All I wanted to do was settle the situation once and for all."

"Well, I hear it'll be settled on Sunday," Ponyboy said miserably leaning against the wall.

"Don't talk like that Pony," Soda said frowning.

He stared at Sodapop for minute then said, "I have a headache," and left the room, slamming the bathroom door shut behind him.

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How am I doing staying in character? I hope semi-decently! ;) Thanks for reading!