(Saturday, September 26, 1965, 7:50 PM)
(Pony's POV)
My entire body was incessantly trembling. I couldn't stop pacing in the darkness that was in my bedroom, feeling dizzy. Tonight was the night; the rumble was finally here. Usually I would be pumped, ready to beat those Socs faces in, but I just wasn't tonight.
If anything, I was terrified of facing them. I trembled in panic, my stomach twisting inside of me. I reeled in horror about what was gonna happen tonight, my head was spinning. Sitting down on the bed, I pulled my knees up to my chest and hugged my stomach with my arms tightly.
I wasn't ready for this... I wasn't. It was as if I was suffocating, unable to take a breath. I started sobbing dryly and I felt like I was gonna vomit. Every single shadow around me made me think that they were the Socs.
It played with my mind like a fiddle, the blade was up against my throat and I felt the blade cutting into the skin. I suddenly felt someone touch my shoulder, causing me to jump out of my skin and let out a shriek.
"Whoa, easy Pony. It's just me. Johnny's here too." Bexley exclaimed, jumping back a little bit at my reaction. I looked up to see my sister and my best friend sitting on the bed next to me, watching me with wide, concerned eyes.
"D-Don't do that, Bexley... It scares me." I whimpered, rubbing my arms frantically. "I'm sorry, Pony. We were coming to check on you. Are you okay?" she asked, carefully sitting down next to me.
Quickly, I shook my head as my teeth started to chatter. "I can't do this... Fighting isn't going to solve this. It's just gonna m-make it worse..." I replied, shaking uncontrollably.
Bexley brought me into a hug, my face was in the nape of her neck. "We know, Pony." Johnny said, his voice a little bit low as he rubbed my arm, "I know you're scared. But, what I also know is that you're tough. You're strong enough to make it through this, just like those other times. We gotta prove to those socs that we ain't scared of them. Remember when I got jumped, he had to prove it to the gang."
I contemplated what he said, and I remembered when Johnny got jumped. He was just like me, jumpy and scared of their own shadow, white as a ghost. His first rumble was something that we hadn't expected, he was one of the most reliable fighters out there.
Johnny wasn't a coward when it came to rumbles; despite being jumpy.
"B-But they didn't try to kill him. There wasn't anything that they had against him other than him being one of us. They had something against me. Bex, I... I thought they were gonna do worse to you..." I tell both of them, tears threatening to fall.
I felt their empathetic eyes on me. "Don't be afraid, okay? Besides, when you're with us, you can certainly beat some of those Socs heads in. I'll tag team with you." Bex assured, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "Yeah, she's right, Pony. We're gonna stick together. We'll tag team." Johnny replied, giving me a reassuring grin.
I sucked in a breath, carefully listening to what my sister and best friend was telling me. I smiled at them, wiping the tears from my eyes. "Thanks Bex. Thanks Johnny." I muttered, meaning what I said.
"You're welcome, Pony. We're always here to help. You know that. Now c'mon, let's get out there. Everyone's waiting for us." Johnny said, helping me to my feet.
"Everything's gonna be fine, Pony. Don't freak out. We're gonna beat those Socs, gonna get even with 'em. This'll be the last time that they're gonna fuck with us greasers." Bex tells me quietly, rubbing my clothed arms reassuringly. "Thanks, Bex." I tell her, seeing the calm look in her eyes.
Afterwards, I leave the bedroom where the guys were, swallowing the lump in my throat. Despite reassuring myself, I couldn't help but cringe at their excitement. I saw that Steve and Soda were playing a game of poker, the sneaky flare in my brother's chocolate brown eyes said that he'd usually do his usual tricks.
Steve was grinning obnoxiously, oblivious to his childhood friends' scheme. Two-Bit was slightly inebriated, balancing a pen on his nose. I've even heard from them that drinking is the best way to get excited for a fight; makes you numb enough to not feel the blows.
Two-Bit was the one to tell Bex and I that, although neither of us had touched a drop since the last time we tried drinking. Not to mention, Darry had nearly skinned us for it, he only grounded us for a week.
Dally was standing by the front door, lit cigarette in hand and taking a drag of it every few seconds. Although having a smoke would calm both of our nerves. Johnny sat down on the couch with Two-Bit. Bexley didn't leave my side.
Finally, Darry was sitting in his armchair but got up the minute he saw Bex and I walk out. He came over to observe my fading bruises and the scar on my cheek.
Ever since Bex and I were jumped at the park, I couldn't look my brother in the eyes, I couldn't help it. I was afraid of him, seeing him as a soc with a blade and not my brother.
"Are you alright, Pony?" he asked me, a large hand on my shoulder. I couldn't stop myself from shaking, my attempts to look brave were unsuccessful. Truthfully, I was terrified as hell. I didn't realize that I was squeezing Bex's arm a bit too tightly.
"Ow, Pony, you're squeezing my arm." Bex winced. I glanced down and saw that my fingers were digging into her skin, barely sinking down into it. "Oh, s-sorry." I said timidly, letting go of her.
"Pony, you don't have to come if you don't want to." Darry tells me, "Bexley can stay with you." "I-I'm fine, Darry. Really." I said, almost grimacing when I stuttered.
After all the shit that I went through, I was the opposite of okay. I was scared out of my mind, but as long as I had my brothers, my sister, and my friends, I'll be okay in the end, right? They wouldn't let anyone hurt me or Bexley.
"That's the spirit, Pony! Our tough kid brother is finally back!" Soda exclaimed, breaking me out of my thoughts. He ruffled my hair and Bex's hair as he walked passed me, smiling his famous movie-star smile.
"Soda, stop! You know I hate it when you guys mess with my hair!" Bex whined, pushing his hand away. There was not a time where Soda could make you crack a smile, no matter what it is. "Let's go, ladies! Time's a wastin'! I've got some Soc's heads to beat in!" Two-Bit shouted in excitement, cracking his knuckles.
Darry gave me a look and nodded. As usual, there were excited whoops and yells broke through the night as everyone rushed out of the door. My knees shook as I walked towards the door, my hand gripping onto the doorway.
They all did their usual back flips over the fence, unable to contain their excitement. My heart was racing a million miles an hour, my breathing seemed to be lost.
"Pony, what's wrong?" Johnny asked, staying behind with me. "I can't do this... I can't do this..." I shakily said, hand on my chest. Bexley and Johnny saw my hesitation of walking out the door.
"C'mon, Pony. One step at a time. You're gonna be fine, okay? We're right here with you." Bexley said, putting a reassuring hand on my arm, prying my hand away from the door. Afterwards, they guided me off of the porch and out of the front gate, arm wrapped around my shoulders.
My hands wouldn't stop shaking, I was that nervous. "You guys got a light?" I asked, my lungs hurting for a smoke. Bexley checked her pockets for some. "Nah, I'm out." she replied.
"Don't worry, I got you." Johnny said, fishing in his back pocket for a cigarette. "Here." he says, handing it to me. Bex lit up my cigarette and took a drag in, feeling it go in my lungs like it was fresh air.
Having a smoke calmed my nerves, my hands slowly stopped shaking and my heartbeat steadied. I was able to breathe again, and I didn't feel light headed anymore.
Everyone else was doing their usual chants into the night air, enjoying the calm before the storm. I wish I could share their excitement as I always had, but tonight was different.
I just couldn't, fear and anxiety was the only thing I could feel. I couldn't let a panic attack take over while the rumble was happening; I thought I'd lose my mind.
(Saturday, September 26, 1965, 8:12 PM)
We made it to the lot, where Tim Shepard and his gang were already waiting for us as well as the boys from the Brumly. They wore their usual tuff glares at the road that the Socs would surely come down.
Tim's gang were all hoods, much like the rest of us. Doesn't matter if they're young or old, that's what they'll always be. And Bex'll always be a she-grease; that'll never change.
We made our way over to Tim, who stepped forward to greet us. "How're you doin', Tim?" Darry greeted, swaggering confidently towards him. "Pretty good, you?" Tim responded, shaking Darry's hand.
Darry reciprocated that same response, giving a confident smirk. The Brumly boys shook each of our hands, to prove we were on the same side, but not exactly friends. Bexley didn't mind being the only girl in this rumble, they didn't treat her any different than the guys.
I stayed close to Bex and Johnny, the craving for another cigarette coming on strong. "Here they come." Dally said over the din, getting me to look over my shoulder to see the mustangs of the Socs coming down the street.
Even the same Socs that jumped Bex and I at the park; my blood drained from my face in fear. I couldn't face them... not yet. My body began to shudder, the ground seeming to move beneath me. 'It's alright... take a deep breath. You aren't alone in this.' I think to myself, trying to calm the panic in my veins.
As usual, we stood side by side as the socs, 21 total, silently lined up in front of us. The blonde soc who first attacked me smirked at me evilly, a wicked glint in his eyes. My gut was telling me to bolt, but I ignored it, my senses on high alert. I kept my eyes and ears open.
Darry was the one to step forward, a flare of anger in his eyes. He didn't know what he was getting himself into, or did he? "I'll take you there." he growled, chest puffed out at his threat.
I saw his muscles tense under his black t-shirt, tall and broad shouldered. Darry was the toughest looking guy on our side, so no one looked courageous enough to take him on. But, the blonde soc stepped forward among the group of faceless Socs.
My chest tightened even more, making me suck in a sharp breath audibly. 'No... don't hurt him...' I thought to myself. "Hello, I assume you're Darrel?" the blonde Soc said, his voice as smooth as a snake.
I saw Darry's fists clench together, "How do you know my name?"
"The name's Danny Lewis. You're Little Colt's and she-grease's brother, yeah?" the blonde said with a cackle. My breath hitched in my throat, feeling like I was gonna vomit, "Please god no..."
Then, I felt a hand on my shoulder; Soda's. But I jumped at his touch, not wanting anyone to touch me. "Huh. Looks like I'm right." Danny said with a smug grin, taking short glances at me and Bex.
Both of my knees buckled from underneath me, only for Soda and Bex to catch me. Hearing this pissed my eldest brother off, "You touch my kid brother and sister, you'll regret it!"
"What do I have to regret? You're a little late telling me this." Danny chortled.
Darry's eyes turned icy, filled with rage. He was filled with an anger that didn't come remotely close to when Darry was angry with Bex and I, it was much, much darker.
In fact, it was scary dark. It was as if anyone who got in the path of Darry, would meet his relentless wrath. But it was obvious that the control was slipping through his fingers.
"Damn, The way that brother of yours screamed like a little girl. And I surely would've done more than just strangle that sister of yours. She'd feel super good." Danny said, making me grab onto my sister's hand instinctively. She squeezed back, eyes widened in slight fear.
At that moment, Darry had snapped, throwing a tight left fist to Danny's jaw. That one punch sent Danny to the ground on his back.
The rumble had begun.
In just a few short moments, everyone else in our gang was slugging the Socs around, from punching, throwing each other over their shoulders, stomping and kicking their opponent.
Bex, Johnny, & I eyed each other, nodding in silent agreement. We found the smallest Soc, and started to slug him around. I wrapped my arms around the smallest Soc's neck, while Bex punched him as hard as she could in the stomach, and nose. Johnny kicked him in the ribs and legs.
Three against one wasn't really fair, but then again, when were the socs ever fair? So why should we follow that same rule? For a while, Bex, Johnny, and I fought side by side, having each other's backs. As long as I had them by my side, I would be just fine.
Steve and Soda were tag teaming just like Bex, Johnny, and I, taking on a soc that challenged them. Two-Bit's had this killer look in his eyes, gritting his teeth, the one that he always carried whenever a Soc was stupid enough to take him on.
The rusty haired greaser punched the hell out of that soc.
Although, I couldn't see Darry anywhere, and I was terrified that something had happened to him. Danny was unpredictable, I've learned, like wolves when they're on the hunt.
Johnny caught on what I was thinking since he gave me a nod. Bex, however, was unsure about me leaving. "Please, be careful. I don't want to lose you..." she told me, her voice filled with uncertainty. I gave her a nod and watched as she and Johnny ran off into the fray.
The very minute I ran, I saw one of the Soc's with their blade out, gripped in his hand. As for me, I was left defenseless, no bottle or a blade of my own. I was vulnerable in the battlefield, which was now crimson from the blood of the two rivaling groups.
The only thing that could save me was my speed and wit. Bexley and Johnny had disappeared into the fray, I couldn't see him anywhere. The Soc's madras and slacks were the only difference between them and what the greasers wore.
There was no else that I could team up with. I gained the uneasy feeling that I was in danger, and I was correct.
I didn't hear one of the socs come up from behind and ended up getting grabbed from behind, an arm around my neck, like how Two-Bit would with Bex and I during one of our play fights, but this wasn't that; it was a real fight.
Everyone by now was an obscure blank canvas, the only difference being jeans and madras. Darry wasn't in my sight, but he was the last thing on my mind. For a reason, I had a sense that I was in danger.
As expected, I started to fight against the strong arm, choking the life out of me. I managed to get out of this Soc's hold and struck him in the ribs with my elbow, causing him to release me.
I shot up to my feet and spun completely around to see the rage filled eyes, staring at me as if I was his prey. He held something tightly in his hand, something shiny under the pale moonlight. My eyes widened when I saw what it was; a blade.
He charged forward with the blade aimed at my stomach. Luckily, I was quick enough to dodge the attack and threw a punch at his nose. However, I didn't realize just how weakened I had become because he grabbed my arm with his free hand and punched me in the face, knocking me down to my back.
Before I could get up, the Soc grabbed the blade and jumped on top of me. "I'm gonna make you bleed!" that Soc growled, jabbing the knife towards my chest.
The only thing I could do was grab the guys' wrist with both of my hands, using all of my strength to hold back the knife. The eyes of this Soc didn't represent a human being, he had the eyes of a wild animal, blank with no feeling.
I felt my strength starting to leave me, my arms starting to ache horribly. This Soc was determined to kill me. There was no way that I could beat this son of a bitch, I was too weak against him.
"I'm gonna make you beg for mercy, I'm gonna make you wish that your kind hadn't fucked with us to begin with! You're gonna- agh!" the Soc threatened, before he was struck in the head by a sharp punch to the side of his head.
"Pony, run! Now! GO!" Bex screamed, pushing the Soc off of me. I looked up with tears in my eyes that Bex had jumped on top of the Soc, her arms wrapped around his neck to choke him.
While he was distracted, I quickly got up and made a run for it. I ran as fast as I could from the lot, my lungs were aching and begging for air, but I forced myself to keep moving.
(Bex's POV)
"Pony, run! Now! GO!" I screamed in determination, getting the Soc off of my brother. Both of my arms were around the Soc's neck, cutting off his air supply. Pony had gotten up and he bolted out of there, running as fast as his legs could carry him.
When Ponyboy got far enough, the Soc growled in fury. He grabbed me by the collar of my denim jacket and flipped me over his shoulder onto my back, ultimately knocking the wind out of me.
I gasped loudly from the pain and shock of the contact of the ground, my mouth wide open. "You stupid... BITCH!" the Soc bellowed, swinging his left foot towards my stomach. The second he kicked my stomach in, I wailed out from the pain, a little bit of blood . He kicked me again. And again. And again.
Every blow was worse than the last. "You stay the fuck out of this, she-grease. Or you're gonna get much worse than what he got." the Soc snarled furiously, he then kicked me a final time. I was out cold for a whole minute.
(Ponyboy's POV)
"GET THE FUCK BACK HERE!" the Soc growled from behind me. I didn't stop running, my legs pumping as fast as I could get them, running wherever they'd carry me. Every part of my body was burning like fire, mostly my arms, causing me to let out a whimper filled with pain with each forceful stride.
The whole time I sprinted, I couldn't help but think about how Bexley saved me back there. She saved me from the Soc that could've easily killed me with that blade. I didn't want to leave her there to take the blow for me. I was petrified that Soc was doing something horrible to her. 'Please let Bexley be okay... I can't lose her... I can't...' I thought, silent tears running down my cheeks.
Before I knew it, I was in town, the East side of town. I thought I could lose that Soc by the time I reached it, but I was wrong when I felt his arms around my waist. The hold was as strong as a vise. I knew that I couldn't overpower him because of how small and weak I actually was.
"Let me go! Let me-!" I yelled, feeling the concrete make contact with my already beaten body. "You little bastard! You're gonna learn a fucking lesson! I'm gonna do more than fucking drown you!" he yelled, quickly getting on top of me and he started using his fist to beat me viciously.
Blood flowed from my nose, my mouth filled with blood, and I thought one of my eyes was swollen shut. Everything hurts so much... I thought he was finished with me, but I was wrong when I heard him take out his blade.
My heart sank in horror... I felt the tip of the blade caress my crimson covered cheek, the cheek had the scar on it. "You don't know how much I want to plunge this blade into your damn throat. But, death would be too quick. That's not enough punishment." that Soc snarled, pressing the blade into my cheek, the cheek with the scar.
"You know, I almost feel sorry for you. Maybe I should just... put you out of your misery. Nobody'll miss you anyway." that Soc said, his voice as sharp as the switchblade. In my blind panic, I screamed, "Darry! Soda! Bex-!"
I was begging for someone to hear me but felt the coolness of the blade digging deeper into my cheek, making me gasp from the stinging pain. I felt my flesh being cut, letting the warm blood seep out down my cheek and into my hair.
He then dug the knife in my shoulder, the blade penetrating my flesh. The pain was so immense that I couldn't even scream. But, oh god, it hurt so badly... He then pulled it out, causing me to audibly cry from how rough he pulled out the blade.
I could easily tell that he had been drinking, the smell was all over him. It was as if he was bathing in it instead of drinking it.
"Now, listen up, Greaser. If you want this to stop, then meet us back in the lot at 10 pm in two days." the Soc spat, getting up and kicking me hard in the head, knocking me out instantly.
