The Outsiders: Nothing Gold Can Stay

Discovery

(Darry's POV)

"Where did they go, Johnny? I know you know." I bellow, whirling around to face Johnny dangerously. He was the only one to know where Pony and Bex went. He cowered down at the tone of my voice, his eyes widened. "I don't know where they are." he whimpered, looking down in shame. That alone gave himself away that he knew the answer.

"You don't think they're in trouble, do you?" Soda whimpered, his voice sounding strained, trying not to sound panicked. Steve, Two-Bit, and Dally were standing in the doorway, each having a worried look on their faces. Johnny was about to talk, but he closed it with a shaky breath.

He then walked over to the desk that sat beside the bed and he picked up a piece of paper that was folded over. He gives it to me with a shaky hand before walking over to the door, standing next to Dally and them.

I unfolded the paper, careful to not tear it in my haste. Almost instantly, I recognized Ponyboy's neat handwriting. Soda came over to read the note with me. I felt my heart sink as I started to read it out loud to the others.

"Dear Soda, Darry, and Bexley,

If you're reading this, then I'll be at the lot, possibly dead. The socs had asked me to meet them at the lot tonight so we could settle this. I'm scared to fight them, but I know I have to do it.

I can't let them hurt you guys any longer. I'd never forgive myself if they get a hold of you guys." On the page, I made out the smudging where a tear must've fallen. Even my own voice was starting to break as I continued to read it.

"I love you guys so much. And I know Bex is gonna probably come after me, please don't let her if she tries. I can't risk her getting hurt again. Please don't stay up for me and don't come after me either. And if I don't get the chance, let Johnny tell you guys everything. Say hi to the gang for me. And please don't be mad at Johnny, he was only helping me.

Love Ponyboy Curtis."

After reading this letter, I looked up at Soda, both eyes watering with horror. The faces of the gang mirrored the same reaction Soda had. We all stood still for what seemed like forever, unsure of what might happen.

"Oh shit." Dally swore, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Two-Bit glanced down at his feet, looking as if his eyes were starting to cloud up. Steve had his arms crossed over his chest, looking into nothing. Johnny was still looking down, shoulders relaxed and slumped over slightly. It was like when Ponyboy or Bexley came home late, they were unable to look at me in the eye.

I then realized that we didn't have much time. We had to find them, and we had to do it now. "Steve, call the cops." I said, startling everyone with breaking my immense silence. Steve stirred a bit from his still form, more stiff than before. "What?" he started.

"Call the cops. Now." I repeated, a hint of panic in my eyes. My air of calm was starting to dwindle. Steve sighs before turning around to go call the cops on the phone. Soda walks over to the bed, sitting down on it with his fists clenched together, pressing them up against his mouth. He was trying so hard to not cry, but I saw tears falling from his eyes.

He was now sobbing, each cry strangled. His eyes were squeezed shut. I saw how distressed he really was, scared to death of losing our baby brother and baby sister. We couldn't lose mom's angels.

I sit down beside my little brother, letting the mattress stir a little. I wrap my arm around his tensed up shoulders. "It's gonna be alright Sodapop." I say breathlessly, unable to sooth my quaky shaking. It didn't calm him down at all.

Steve walked in and placed a hand on Soda's shoulder. "They're tough kids, Soda. They'll make it." Steve assured, breaking through his own world of sorrow. Him saying that surprised both Soda and I, considering that he doesn't like Pony and Bex all that much. At least, that's what he makes it out to be.

Steve stared down at Soda confidently, yet sympathetically. Soda listened to his buddys' comforting words, and nodded with a grin. Steve extended his arm to help Soda stand up, and he grasped his hand, hoisting him to his feet.

Steve was always reliable whenever it came to Sodapop. He showed great loyalty that shined through him. Soon enough, Two-Bit came rushing back into the room. "I called them! They're coming!" he exclaimed quickly.

I quickly shot up to my feet and started running towards the front door. "C'mon!" I shouted. The gang followed Sodapop and I as we sprinted down the street, hoping to find Bexley and Ponyboy. We couldn't let anything happen to them. We just couldn't...