FOREVER CHANGED

CHAPTER 5

MONEY MATTERS

"I admire your devotion to your friend, Mr. Curtis," Dr. Franklin said as he and Darry walked down the hallway to his office.

"Thank you Sir, and it's Darrel", he introduced.

Dr. Franklin stepped into his office and waived his hand for Darry to take a seat, he did.

He opened Johnny's file "It says here that Johnny's parents have not been located as of yet, so the juvenile court appointed a representative to make decisions for his care. He's become a ward of the state, and the state requires persons who are without health insurance, be sent to Lawndale".

"So that's what this is about….money? Johnny doesn't have any, so he gets shoved into some nursing home, where he's forgotten" Darry barked. "Well we wont forget about him". His heart was racing as anger ran through his veins. It always comes down to money, Darry thought.

Dr. Franklin scooted closer to his desk and leaned forward. "I understand how you feel Son, and no, this is not just about money. With his injuries, Johnny will require assistance for the rest of his life…the best place for him, is somewhere that can provide that assistance".

Darry sighed "But Sir, that place is a disgrace, I've heard stories….he'll probably die there".

The doctor looked down at his desk, then up at Darry. "I've heard those stories too….but my hands are tied Darrel, the law demands Johnny's transfer and I have to abide". Dr. Franklin sighed. He looked through another folder, "The only other place is Hill House rehabilitation center…"

"That huge place, two towns over on Hill St. and Second Ave", Darry exclaimed.

The doctor nodded. "But that is a private facility that requires….."

"And were back to the money thing…" Darry interrupted. He scrubbed his hands across his face. "We don't have much, but Johnny got a thousand dollar reward from the parents of the kids he saved, and we got about two hundred when we sold the stuff in his house, before the bank foreclosed.….I could get a second job..."

"I'm sorry Son, but I don't think working four jobs would cover all the expenses, that twelve hundred dollars would barely even cover two months at Hill House. Like I said before, the only person who can make decisions about Johnny's care, is a court appointed guardian.

The doctor rose from his seat, Darry did the same and the two men shook hands. "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help Darrel".

"Thank you Sir, for taking the time to see me", Darry replied, in a defeated tone and quickly walked out of the office.

Darry was tempted to go see Johnny, but he just couldn't, not when he didn't have anything good to tell him.

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"So, what'd he say.….does Johnny get to stay?" Ponyboy asked excitedly as he ran down the front steps to meet Darry at the gate.

Darry shook his head and ruffled Pony's hair. "Sorry little buddy".

The group followed Darry inside and sat in the living room, waiting for him to explain. "Doc said there was nothin' we could do.…there is a place two towns over, but it's private and since Johnny has no guardian yet, the state decides on where he goes".

"Figures….damn soc government", Steve growled.

Pony could feel his temper rising; Johnny had rights, just because he didn't have money didn't mean he didn't matter. He did matter, he mattered to everyone in that room.

Ponyboy jumped off the arm of the couch as if something had bit him on the behind . "That's it Darry…..you could be Johnny's guardian. We could send him to that nice place, that way, he wouldn't have to go to Lawndale.…he'd be close to us, we could visit him and……".

"Ponyboy, it's not that easy; remember, it took months before I was able to become yours and Soda's guardian. Besides, I don't think we could afford to send him to the other place, doc said it's about six or seven hundred a month, I barely make five hundred a month", Darry sighed and put his arm around his brother.

"So that's it, were just gonna let some court decide what happens to our friend", Pony screamed, his face getting red. "Don't cha all care about Johnny ?"

"Of course we do Pony", Soda said, walking over to his brothers.

Darry felt a strong sense of obligation to Johnny, the guys in this room were the only family Johnny had left. Darry had to step up and be the adult again."That's why tomorrow, I'm gonna go down to the court house and file a petition to become Johnny's guardian.….", Darry offered.

Pony hugged his brothers tightly. "You mean it Darry?" he asked breaking the embrace.

"Yeah Kid, I mean it", he smiled, patting his brothers back.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This one is pretty short, I was going to combine it with the next chapter, but I decided against it. Combining the two would have made it way too long.

Thanks to; Blondie 24-7, WhoaaReally53, Flag, SamSammySamantha and Maddiecake, for the terrific reviews, please continue to let me know how I'm doing. Sorry there's no Johnny in this chapter, he'll be in the next one. Please review with comments or suggestions, I'm always open to new ideas.