Pony's POV

As I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, I heard Darry and Soda's voices downstairs. Talking.

About me.

At one point I would have gone down there and sat throughout the whole conversation, interjecting every spot I could. But now, it seems after crying myself out, I didn't have the strength to do that. I didn't feel like doing anything.

"I still can't believe you'd say that Dar! Have you ever thought that maybe it was them kids fault?" Soda exclaimed.

"How is it the kids fault that Ponyboy hit em? We should be thankful he wasn't suspended, heck, he could have been expelled Soda! What did you expect me to do?"

"I didn't expect you to yell them horrible things! Can't you see he's in a difficult place? We're his brothers we have to be there for him, we have to consider his point of view in different things, did you even bother to ask Johnny what had happened? That boy ain't ever tell a single lie. Have you asked him?" asked Soda.

Things were quiet, maybe Darry had shook his head.

I knew Soda was trying to defend me, but a small part of me whispered that he had no choice but to believe me. Did he think he'd be a bad brother for not believing me? I sure hoped not, I wanted him to believe me but because he knew I wouldn't do anything as reckless as what had been said.

"Have you even bothered talkin' to him after what had happened? No! You haven't. He cried Darry! Don't you remember the promise we had agreed on after... after they died? After... after out mom and dad died? We're breaking that promise Dar, we're being horrible brothers... we can't be that."

At the last sentence, I got out of bed, and ran downstairs, as I missed the last step, I feel to the floor and gasped in pain. My ribs were never gonna get healed if I kept on falling all over, and kept getting them bruised. Dally would have smacked me.

"Ponyboy!" both of them yelled as they ran towards me.

I raised my hand, "D-don't. Soda... please, you're not a bad brother. Both of you... I... I don't know what promise you made but, you haven't failed as brothers. I have failed my promise to you two. I, I know I'm a disappointment to you two. I... I know it'd be easier to get rid of me, I'm sorry that I'm here. But please dont say you're bad brothers, because I feel like... I made you feel like that and that's not true, I promise,'' I looked at Darry, "I'm sorry Darry. I'm so sorry."

"Pony..." Darry's voice came.

"I promise, I won't bother anymore. I swear on my life, I won't fight with you anymore, I'll try to get better grades. I...'' I swallowed, "I'll apologize to those Socs."

"No Pony, you won't apologize to those Socs because I know you didn't do anything. Even if Darry doesn't believe you, I do alright, don't ever doubt that trust I... we have in you alright. Never?" Soda's soft voice stated.

I looked at Darry, and saw his arms folded as he looked at the ground. His hand seemed to be in a fist.

"Ponyboy, go to your room. Take some aspirin, you have school tomorrow." he said.

I was about to argue, but only nodded my head, I was gonna try to be good. I didn't want to be a burden on his shoulders anymore. I also didn't notice it was night.

"Darry!" Soda exclaimed.

Darry moved to him and told him something in a low tone, and hesitantly, Soda nodded his head.

He looked at me and smiled, "Goodnight baby."

"Good night Soda, good night Darry."

I woke up, Soda by my side.

I nudged him, groggily, "Soda, wak' up."

I heard him yawn, as he stretched, bumping into my stomach, I winced trying not to groan, I tried hiding it, but Soda realized what he had done anyway.

He sat up quickly, "Are you okay?" I wasn't good at lying, I told myself.

I nodded, "I'm fine, wake up for work."

He rubbed his eyes, "No work today, the boss is outta town and he said we could have a few days of vacation."

I nodded in acknowledgement.

"Pony, you don't have to go to school today. You wont tell me how you got those bruises but... they seem to be in bad shape, in if you keep on hurting them, they'll never get healed."

I moved, and sat on the edge of my bed, ''Socs." I whispered.

"What?" he questioned.

"S-Socs hurt me." I said in a low voice.

"They beat you up?!" He exclaimed, as he got out of bed.

"Why didn't you tell us Ponyboy?" He pleaded.

"I...you weren't gonna believe me." I croaked.

"You're not going to school today Pony." He claimed.

"I...I have to Soda, I have a lot of tests today, and if I don't go they'll take points away. Please Soda, you gotta let me go." I begged.

He looked at me, pondering his decision, "Alright, but Two-bit's going with you."

"Heya Pony." Two-bit grinned as I made my way towards him.

"Hey Two-Bit." I greeted, as I opened the door.

"Whats with the long face?" He questioned, as he sat on the seat.

I shrugged, "Just tired I guess."

He hit me on the shoulders, "Well turn that frown upside down princess. Schools sure to make you happy."

I allowed a smile on my face.

Short Chapter! But hope you liked it.

Alot of people have been asking me to update my other story. I'll try to, I promise.

Peace

Out

~BlueJay8083