The house was spotless and I was antsy. I had never wanted my brothers to get home so fast; but at the same time I wish they would stay the hell away from me. I was about to see if I had the guts I thought I had.

The door slammed and I jumped. "Hey Ponyboy!" It was Soda…and Steve. I smiled broadly and looked up from my book. Steve flashed me a quick grin and made way for the kitchen. I heard the swoosh of a beer opening.

"Where's Darry?" I asked him.

"He went out for some drinks with the guys at work. He said to tell you he'd be home later." Soda nodded at me, impressed with our older brother.

"He's sociable now?" I asked, also impressed.

"I guess so," Steve answered for Soda. "I bet twenty-bucks he comes home wasted. He hasn't touched a drop of that stuff in so long it's gonna hit him hard."

Soda and I both laughed at the truth of Steve's words. "Looks like it's just us guys," Soda said. "Wanna play pool tonight at Lucky's?"

"Not me," I said. "I have plans."

"With who?" Soda asked.

"Mark Jennings from school. We're planning on seeing a movie." I cringed inwardly; I hated lying to Soda.

He raised an eyebrow. "I don't see how you can sit through two-hours of dopey dialogue."

"Easy," I said, "you do it every day with Steve."

Steve barked out a laugh. "Smart ass," he said as he walked back into the kitchen and opened the freezer. I was amazed…every day I tested the waters with Steve and found that he didn't hate me as much as I thought he had. He still didn't like me to tag along all the time and I still thought he was too cocky for his own good, but we did co-exist peacefully now.

"Soda! Is there any more cake left?"

With a sigh, my brother heaved himself up and started digging around in the freezer. Quickly, I grabbed Soda's wallet from the coffee table. I whipped it open and pulled out his driver's license, putting it in my back pocket. Then, I tossed it back into its place.

"There's none left," Sodapop said. "Guess we'll pick something up at "Lucky's".

"Have fun, Soda." I wiped my hands on my pants. They were slick with sweat. Of course, Soda noticed.

"Hey Pone, are you alright?"

"Fine, Soda." He gave me a concerned look than flashed me a wily smile. That made my stomach dropped to my feet. He turned to go and I grabbed his arm and hugged him quickly.

He seemed surprised but hugged me back just as hard. Steve entered and sighed loudly. "You want one too?" Soda offered holding his arms open.

I watched them leave and then locked the door. In my bedroom I grabbed the bag I had packed that afternoon. In it contained a few books, clothes and the letter I had took from the mail pile.

Leaving Darry and Soda was going to kill me but I could do it. I would do it for them; they had done so much for me. Besides I felt ready, like I needed to do this.

I wasn't going to leave a note. They would get to me to quickly. I was planning to call them tomorrow before I left for wherever "Sodapop" would be going. I would leave tonight and spend the night at Buck Merril's. He always had a room to crash in. Suddenly Dallas flashed into my head. The night Johnny and I had went there for help.

Pulling out Sodapop's driver's license I stared hard at it. I sure as hell hoped that the army bought the fact that I was Sodapop.

There was a whole lot riding on this.

That's all for now. I don't know much about Vietnam and am admitting it now so please no criticism. If you have suggestions or know more than I…let me know! Help is always appreciative. I almost feel bad for writing about it since I know nothing….but we'll see how it goes.

Also…I am not sure if I will continue. Let me know folks!