Darry's POV

I drove home, gripping the wheel tightly as my anger grew. How could the Socs be so damn cruel? He's handicapped for crying out loud!

I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm my racing pulse. I wish Pony didn't have to go through all this.

I pulled into our driveway and jumped out of the truck. I went inside quickly, knowing Pony and Soda would need me.

When I came inside, I found Pony lying on the couch, staring ahead of him unseeingly. He clutched a pillow tightly to his chest and tears streamed down his face.

Soda was sitting on the floor in front of him, brushing hair back from his face. Pony didn't even acknowledge his presence. Soda looked up when I walked in, then stood to his feet. Pony too no notice of his absence.

"How is he?" I asked, looking around Soda to Pony.

"I don't know. He won't talk to me. He's in his own little world."

"What happened?"

"Those damn Socs attacked him. He must have fallen out of his wheelchair, or maybe they knocked him out. I don't know. They surrounded him and beat him. Luckily, Two-Bit and I were around or it could have been worse. Come on." Soda motioned for me to follow.

I sat on the edge of the couch where there was still room. Soda lifted Pony's shirt to show the angry purple bruising on his ribs. I winced, knowing how painful they must be.

Next Soda brushed Pony's hair back to reveal a bandage on Pony's forehead. Blood showed through the white bandage.

There was a bruise on Pony's face and I could see the beginning of a black eye around his left eye.

Looking at Pony's face, full of fear, I felt my stomach clench. "Oh, Pony."

Finally, Pony looked up. Blinking rapidly, he seemed to break himself out of his daze.

"Darry," he cried as he threw himself into my arms.

I lifted Pony onto my lap, holding him tightly against my chest. I could feel him tremble against me and I rubbed his back soothingly in a circular motion.

Soda sat beside us on the couch. He took over rubbing Pony's back.

No sobs sounded from Pony's mouth. He just shook with silent tears rolling down his face. I could feel them dampen the front of my shirt, but I didn't care.

Soon Pony's shakes stopped. I assumed he fell asleep, though I could still feel fresh wetness to the front of my shirt.

I gently pulled Pony off my chest. He had fallen asleep. I noted that the tears had finally stopped.

I lifted him into my arms and brought him to his room. It was early for bed, but I wanted to keep him as comfortable as possible.

I laid him on his bed. Soda pulled the covers over him.

I walked out of the room and soon Soda followed.

"Are you okay, little buddy?" I asked as I noticed a bruise on his cheek.

"Yeah. The Soc I landed on got the worst of it." He smiled ruefully, and I had to return it.

"I'm glad. It just makes me so furious that they'd be that stupid." My fists clenched, proving my point.

"I know. I just hate to think what could have happened if I wasn't there when I was. People were standing around them, watching it happen! What kind of person with half a conscience would do that?" The fury on Soda's face surprised me. He never got so angry. He was always a happy guy.

"Did you check Pony's leg?" I knew Pony wouldn't have been able to complain about it hurting. It was a fact I was still having trouble getting used to.

"No."

"I'll do it."

I got up, placing a hand on Soda's shoulder when I passed him sitting on the couch.

Pony was resting fitfully. I heard a soft whimper escape his lips.

I rubbed his shoulder.

"Sh. You're okay," I soothed.

When Pony seemed more comfortable, I moved to the end of the bed. I rolled up Pony's pant leg, inspecting the damage.

Besides a few bruises, it seemed fine. I even felt around the bone, just to make sure.

When I reassured myself that his leg was fine, I left.

Soda was sleeping lightly when I came back. I smiled. He seemed tired more often than usual. Again, I felt the pangs of guilt, knowing that it was my fault that he had to work so hard.

Smiling through the guilt, I went to the kitchen to start supper. I took pleasure in being able to make a meal for my two younger brothers. It was the least I could do.

I knew I shouldn't have left work. I couldn't afford to miss, but I had a commitment to my family first.

I made grilled cheese sandwiches and vegetable soup, knowing it'd be something light.

When I finished the sandwiches, I went to the living room to wake Soda.

"Hmm?" He mumbled when I shook his shoulder.

"Come on, buddy. Supper's ready."

He shook a hand at me, turning back over for more sleep.

I smiled, knowing Soda was always once to like his sleep.

I shook him harder and he jumped up.

"What?" He exclaimed, looking around.

I laughed.

"Calm down, Soda. I's just time to eat."

He rubbed a hand over his face and stumbled toward the kitchen.

I went down the hall to get Pony.

"Pony? Come on, kiddo, wake up."

He moaned and moved to look at me.

"It's time to eat. I made some soup and sandwiches."

He moaned again, but sat up.

"Where's my wheelchair?" He asked as he looked around the room.

"It's in the living room."

"Can you get it for me?"

I sighed, but complied to his wishes. I liked feeling that he needed me. When I carried him, I felt like I was actually doing him some good.

I wheeled his chair to his room.

He got himself in. I noticed the sharp intake of breath when he finally got in.

"You okay?" I asked.

He nodded. I didn't believe him because I saw the way he clenched his teeth, fighting off pain.

I didn't pressure him anymore, though and followed him out to the kitchen.

Soda had his elbow on the table and his head leaning on his fist. He looked like he was about to fall asleep and dive head-first into the grilled cheese.

I ruffled his hair when I passed him.

I took out the bowls and poured soup for the three of us.

Soda ate hungrily but Pony just picked at the food.

When Soda was finished, he went out to the living room and stretched out on the couch.

Pony went back to his room, leaving me to do the dishes.

I worked in silence, knowing that Soda was trying to get more sleep. I thought it a blessing that he got to take the afternoon off. Again, we needed the money, but he had to be capable of doing the work.

A sudden pain in my stomach had been doubled over a the sink. I grabbed the edges of the counter, keeping me on my feet.

Feeling a wave of nausea, I rushed out of the kitchen and to the bathroom where I threw up.

I leaned back against the wall, hoping Soda and Pony didn't hear me.

I looked in the toilet, only to find something that disturbed my stomach even more.

The contents were red, colored with blood.

I didn't need this right now.

Soda's POV

I was suddenly jarred awake. I looked around, wondering what woke me.

I saw that Darry wasn't in the kitchen, so I stood to make sure it wasn't him.

I peaked into mine and Pony's room. Pony was sleeping peacefully.

I went to the bathroom door and knocked.

"Darry? Are you all right?"

"Um ... yeah, Soda, I'm fine." His voice was uncertain, scaring me.

"You sure?"

"Yes!"

I shrugged. If something was wrong, Darry would tell me.

Wouldn't he?

Okay, that was a little short and I know it was mostly in Darry's POV, but you know how I love him! I'll add more of the gangs' POVs in the next chapter.

Happy 4th of July!