I do not own the Outsiders. I am making this story purely for enjoyment, and am not making any money from it.
I am sorry if I get some of the timing and ages wrong while I make this story, it is not intentional.
Family.
Ponyboy.
At the young age of eleven years old, Ponyboy's intellect and creativity never ceased to amaze. You could look in his eyes and see plainly his curiosity, and want to discover, most of the time hidden by a shadow of sadness and fear.
Something that could never be seen before... that night.
When the once-happy family became a broken trio of orphans.
Sodapop.
Slightly older than Ponyboy, at thirteen, Sodapop was a ray of sunshine and joy. Though he was uncaring about school and grades, unlike his younger brother, he had a shining energy about him that you couldn't help but love.
But even Sodapop, the happy-go-lucky jokester was affected by that night.
Even the usually unobservant members of the gang could see that the energy wasn't quite so bright anymore.
Darry loved his brothers. He knew that they needed him now more than ever. That was evident in Ponyboys sad eyes and Sodapop's quietness. But he wanted, he needed...
Freedom.
Darry had his whole life ahead of him. With his skills in football, he could easily get a scholarship, move out of Tulsa. Go to college, get a good job, start a family.
The problem was, in order to do that, he would have to leave the one he already had behind.
Darry was being forced to chooses between family and freedom. Because he did have a choice. He could put Pony and Soda in a boys home, and continue with his life. They would be released upon turning eighteen and could support themselves. Darry would be able to live his dream. It was such an easy choice.
But then why did it hurt? Why was guilt eating away at him from his very core? He wanted to do this. He wanted to do this. He wanted t-Did he?
Darry took a deep breath, standing up and walking towards the phone. His hand shook as he dialed the number of the lawyer assigned to the situation.
"Mr. Curtis, how might I help you?" The man asked.
Darry hesitated. "Its about my brothers... I think that given the circumstances the best thing to do for them would be to place them in the Tulsa Home for Boys."
There was a long pause on the other line, and Darry sensed the other man was surprised at his words.
"...Arrangements can be made for that. But... Mr. Curtis, you do realize that in the event of being placed in a boys home, your brothers would not be allowed to contact you. A boys home is meant to be a safe place for children who are being mistreated, or have no guardians. The policy is that no contact is allowed between the child and the family, for the child own well-being. I assumed that since you are eighteen and therefore able to take guardianship of your brothers, that is the decision you would make."
"I understand what placing them in a boys home would mean, Mr. Willard. But I think they would be better treated there than in my custody. I only just became an adult, and to be honest sir, I don't think I can be an adequate replacement for my late parents."
Mr. Willard sighed. "If that's what you want, Mr. Curtis. I'll make some calls. Goodbye."
"Goodbye." As Darry hung up the phone, he had a sinking feeling that he would live to regret that decision.
This feeling was increased as he turned around to find Ponyboy and Soda standing at the door of the kitchen, Ponyboy looking like he was about to burst into tears, and Soda standing protectively in front of him, glaring daggers at Darry with his eyes.
