Chapter 6

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Darry's POV

I gently shook Pony awake. He had the brain scan today and he had spent every night since being told of the test, feeling scared and nervous. We all were. What would happen if he did have brain cancer?

He moaned softly and tried to wiggle away from my hands. I called his name until finally he looked up at me with feverish eyes.

I left to make breakfast and he got up to get ready. He didn't take a shower, he was too exhausted, but he greased his hair and got dressed.

"Eat, Ponyboy," I commanded. He shook his head.

"Not hungry," he muttered hoarsely.

"Fine," I gave in and ate my breakfast alone.

Soda hurried past us with no pants on, shouting to me about the whereabouts of his clothes.

"They're on my bed, ironed, like usual," I shouted back. Pony grabbed his head and groaned.

"Sorry, little buddy," I apologized in a softer tone. He just shrugged as I put my plate into the sink.

"I'm really sorry I can't be with you today when you have your scan. I tried to get the day off, but the boss just wouldn't let me." Soda apologized to Pony as he finally made his way into the kitchen fully dressed. Pony assured him that it was alright.

"Alright, Ponyboy, let's go." I instructed and made my way to the truck. Pony followed behind me, but in a slower manner.

"Good luck, Ponyboy!" Soda called as he left the house also with Steve.

X

Pony's name was called and we slowly made our way to the MRI room. I was nervous and Pony seemed to be too. He was pale and sweaty, but then again, that could be just from the fever.

"Okay I need you to change into this hospital gown for me and remove any watches or jewelry."

I raised my eyebrow; jewelry? Who does she think we are? We can't afford to have anything expensive like that.

The nurse left and Pony changed into his gown, still with a sullen look on his face.

"It'll be over soon, Ponyboy, don't you worry 'bout a thing."

X

The nurse returned with the doctor. "Okay, Ponyboy, I need you to hop up onto the table and lie down and relax," the doctor instructed.

"Is there something wrong Ponyboy?" I asked; he looked as if he wanted to say something.

"Is...is this gonna hurt?"

"No, sweetie, it's really a harmless procedure, there's nothing to worry about."

I was pleased that the nurse reassured my kid brother; she had a nice smile and calmness about her; kinda like mom.

I held Pony's hands the whole time as they gathered images of his brain. I wanted him to know that I was there for him.

"Keep very still for us sweetie, we only have a few more scans left," the nurse spoke.

I could feel Pony getting restless and I squeezed his hand. "I'm right here Ponyboy."

"We should have the results tomorrow morning," the doctor informed me halfway through the MRI. I just nodded wordlessly.

After an hour of being left alone with my thoughts of cancer, chemo, and death, Pony was able to get up. He swayed a little when he got up, but regained his balance quickly.

I paid the fee at the front desk and then got into the truck, hoping for the best news tomorrow.

Ponyboy's POV

I heard my name being called and so we slowly made our way to the back MRI room. I was nervous and Darry seemed to be staring at me. Sweat poured down my back.

The doctor told me to lie down and relax. Darry held my hand the whole time I had to lay there. My nerves got the better of me and I started getting restless. Darry squeezed my hand and told me he was there for me. After that I started to fall asleep just laying there and my head was starting to throb again. I stayed like this until a voice startled me, waking me from my slumber.

"We should have the results early tomorrow morning. We'll call you as soon as we know," the doctor informed Darry. I watched him nod without saying anything.

After about an hour of lying there, bored, I was able to get up. I swayed a little from not standing for so long, but I was able to regain my balance. My legs were asleep too.

Darry paid the receptionist and we got into the truck. He seemed to be deep in thought the whole ride, so we sat in silence. My head was starting to pound and my nose was getting stuffy.

Darry was unaware until I felt my nose tickle. I grabbed a napkin that was stuffed into a compartment, kept there incase Soda spilt something, and sneezed into it.

Darry jumped slightly at the first sneeze. I sneezed three times before blowing my nose.

I wasn't sure what this was, but I knew a headache shouldn't go away in ten minutes, but after I sneezed it started to go away. My nose still continued to run, but as stuffy at the same time.

When we got home I heard the phone ringing. I picked it up and answered it nasally. It was the track coach.

Conversation: ( Pony:Italic bold; Coach: Bold; Darry: Regular)

"Hello?"

"Hello, Ponyboy. Care to explain why you weren't at the track meet today? Slacking off, are we?"

"No Sir. I was sick today."

"Can I speak with Darrel and confirm this story?"

"Yes sir."

I handed the phone to Darry.

Darry POV

I took the phone from Pony's hand wondering who it was.

"Hello?"

"Hello Darrel, this is Ponyboy's track coach here. Is it true that Ponyboy was sick today or did he skip?"

"He is actually quite sick." I replied truthfully.

"With what?"

I knew that he was probably wondering if it was something small. Most kids wouldn't go to track because they are tired or something, so he needed to make sure he was really sick. Just the same, I didn't want to mention the brain tumor possibility. It would make it all too real.

"Umm… he has a bad case of the flu."

Okay, so maybe I lied, a little.

"Tell him to feel better."

"I will, thanks. Goodbye."

"Bye."

I saw Pony watching me as I hung up the phone.

"He didn't believe I was sick." Pony muttered.

"Don't worry about it, Pony, 'sides, Soda should be home soon, so why don't you wash up and rest on the couch in the meantime?"

"Alright, Darry. My head is hurting some anyway."

"Here, take some aspirin before you go."

I watched Pony leave the room. He looked so worn out and exhausted, like an over-worked adult. I just wished he didn't have to suffer like this. He had been through too much at such a young age.