All of a sudden, footsteps thundered into the kitchen. Dallas, Two-Bit, and Johnny ran in. "Soda's home? Did I hear right?" Two-Bit was delighted.

Dally punched Soda on the shoulder. "Come on Mr. Hero, tell us about the war. What was it like?"

"Wait a minute, where's Johnny?" Soda had a worried expression on his face. Thoughts creeped into his mind, bad thoughts. "Oh no, his parents didn't…" his voice trailed off.

"Oh no, shoot kid. Don't be so worried, he's probably picking up his girlfriend." Dally explained.

"Oh, okay, phew. Johnny has a girlfriend? Who? Do I know her?" Soda questioned.

"Pony does too!" Two-Bit teased. "No, you don't know 'em. They just moved here. Right after you left. Sisters, three of them. They got a brother too. Don't know him too well, but he looks okay. They're greasers too. Johnny should be here soon, they only live a couple of houses away."

"Two-Bit! You can't keep your mouth closed for anything, can you? I wanted to tell Soda!" Ponyboy complained.

"Quit talking so much. All of you sit down and eat breakfast. Pony, you're gonna be late for school," Darry hollered from the stove.

"Awwwwwwww, come on Darry. Soda just got home, do I have to go to school? I mean, I haven't seen him for months! Don't you think I should stay home today?" Ponyboy pleaded. "Please, Darry!"

"Yeah, come on Darry, me and Dally stay with them too. Forget school. Soda just got back," Two-Bit said.

All of this whining went through one of Soda's ears, and out the other. He was so hungry, he keep eating and eating. But he was really curious to meet these new people.

Dallas was just as inattentive as Soda. But for a different reason. He had a fight with Tim Sheppard today. Yesterday, Dally had stolen Tim's hubcaps. Curly saw him taking them, and of course, told his brother. Tim was mad, real mad, and Dally knew he was looking for a fight. He didn't tell any of the gang though.

"Fine," Darry had finally given in after a lot of pleading from Ponyboy and Two-Bit. "But this isn't an everyday thing. Tomorrow, you're back to school kid."

"Yay!" Ponyboy shouted.

Just then, there was a sound of the door opening, and two people walked through. "Hey everyone, come on, let's get to school," Johnny's familiar voice came in.

"Johnny, come in here for a minute, guess who's home?" Ponyboy shouted back.

Johnny stepped into the kitchen holding hands with a girl. She was short, and looked about the same age as Johnny. She was a cute little thing. She had reddish-brown curly hair that was about shoulder-length. Her green eyes were sparkling, as she held Johnny's hand.

"Hey, Sodapop! How've you been?" Johnny asked. "We all missed you."

"I missed you guys too, Johnny. Who's this lovely young lady?" Soda replied, eager to know.

The girl smiled. "Hi, I'm Cora Lee. Johnny's told me all about you."

Johnny blushed. "Come on guys, are you going to school or what?"

"Of course not. Soda's back! Me, Two-Bit and Dally are gonna take the day off. You guys in?" Ponyboy asked. "Come on, just one day."

"Yeah, come on Johnny, it'll be fun." Cora Lee added.

"Oh alright." Johnny agreed.

"Bye guys, I'm headed off to work. I might be off early." Darry yelled as he headed through the door.

"Bye Darry," everyone yelled in their own way.

As the door closed, Ponyboy headed toward it. "I'll be back soon." He ran out without a second glance.

"Where's he off to?" Dally asked.

"I was wondering that too." Soda added.

Cora Lee laughed. "Probably gone to get my sister. He forgot to go pick her up. He usually does everyday. She looked pretty upset. Might've left for school already. She'll understand though, his big brother just got home!"

"Okay, let's get outta here." Two-Bit said, grabbing his jacket off the couch. "We'll start walking toward your house, and we'll probably meet him somewhere along the way."

"Okay," everyone agreed. They left the house, and started walking down the street. As they walked, Soda looked around at this town he hadn't seen for five months. Gosh, he had missed this placed. He hoped too many things hadn't changed.

Wow, thanks so much again for the awesome reviews! I'm sorry it took a while to write a new chapter, I was really preoccupied. And yes, this definitely is my first story.