Chapter 20

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, we do not own "The Outsiders" or any of the Curtis' Gang. The real owner, of "The Outsiders" is the fabulous S.E. Hinton, and we do not make a profit from the stories that we write here on this site.

Ponyboy's POV

Darry and I had just finished up in the doctor's office after I had a checkup and got the results back that I was on the mend from my Cluster headache.

The doctor had told us not to rule out the possibility of it never happening again; he actually said it could have been triggered by the stress of everything I went through at Windrixville, Johnny and Dally dying, and me recovering in hospital.

He said the high stress mixed with rest shocked the brain or something; I can't remember; I tuned out after he said I was on my way back to normal.

Darry said if I was well enough I could start up running again. I asked Coach to let me back on the team and give me a chance to run in the big championship meet the following Friday, despite being out for the whole season he agreed, but said I'd have to run a trial first to see if I was up to competing level. I stayed after school that day and completed the trial run.

"Well done Curtis, not quite your best time and unfortunately a bit lacking," Coach praised, "but good to see you healthy and back again."

I sighed, not my best time? Lacking? Did that mean I wouldn't be able to run and qualify for my passing grade?

"Does that mean I won't be allowed back on the track team until the summer season? I need a passing grade and if I don't participate in track I'm going to fail my year," I pleaded with worry.

Coach slapped my shoulder, "relax Ponyboy, you're back on the team, you don't need to worry about failing, and despite that not being your best time out there, you're one of my top runners and I'm going to put you into the championship meet; that is if you feel up to it and can put in the hard work?"

A smile spread over my face, "I will coach, I promise."

"Good that. Get on home Curtis."

I said my goodbye to the coach and grabbed my books and clothes and headed home.

Now all I had to do was get back into shape, if I was going to have any chance at beating the best runners the big meet.

X

Running down the road, I pushed my legs faster and faster; I missed the freedom and the feel of the air surrounding my body. I'd forgotten how much I loved running. I hadn't stopped practicing for the big meet since coach told me I was allowed to participate. I wasn't going to let anyone down.

I ran back into the house puffing after my big run.

"Ponyboy, I know you want to do your best at the track meet but I don't want you overdoing it kiddo."

"I know Dar, I won't," I replied and rushed into the bathroom for a shower.

By dinner I was starving and quickly scoffed down my food.

"Hey slow down Pone. It's all that running huh?" Soda joked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"You excited then Pone?" Soda asked. I nodded my head and swallowed a huge lump of food.

"Um Darry, Soda? I know its late notice but do you think you both might be able to come to my championship meet and watch me run? It's okay if you can't. I don't want you guys losing out on money for me."

I felt a light punch to my arm. "We wouldn't miss it for the world Pony. I'm sure Dar and I can get off work and I'm sure Steve and Two-Bit would be happy to come too."

Soda gave me one of his beaming smiles and I nodded in response, "thanks."

X

By the time the big meet actually came around Friday, I was more excited than ever. This was it, my big meet and I felt as ready as I ever could be! I still had to work on my Cluster Headache awareness project, but I was happy to be free again.

I looked at the runners next to me; some were upper class socs, others from different schools looked middle class; too clean to be a greaser but too scruffy to be a soc. These were all the competition.

I looked over to the stands and saw Darry, Soda, and Two-Bit watching me; I guess Steve couldn't make it. Two-bit was waving madly and let out a loud whistle and Soda was standing up on the seat waving his arms in the air, cheering me on.

I could vaguely see a proud smile on Darry's face, even though he was busy pulling at Soda and probably telling him to sit down and behave. I smiled and gave a wave to them then looked back across the track; I could do this.

"On your marks, get set, go!" The gunshot sounded and I took off beside the other runners.

I was falling behind; runners were in front of me, besides a few behind; I had to pick up my game. I propelled my legs faster, as I rounded the corner I passed several of the runners on the track that had began to slow down.

There was only one person in front of me now; he was a sophomore. I saw him trip over his shoe, but he quickly recovered. I seized the opportunity to speed up and ran in front of him.

I saw the finish line in the distance. I felt relieve rush over me as I knew I had beat everything I'd been through and now I was about to win at something I love.

The muscles in my legs burned but I pushed hard and crossed the finish line; in first place. I had won the championship meet!

"That's our tough kid brother!" I heard screaming from the stands.

The coach handed me a gold trophy and ribbon that said 'first place'.

"Well congratulations Ponyboy. I always had faith in my top track runner. Seems you got a fan club waiting for ya," Coach pointed.

"Thanks Coach."

"Ponyboy!" I turned to see Soda charging towards me with a crazy grin on his face and yelling.

"Hey alright Ponyboy!" Two-Bit's voice came next, following behind Soda.

My eyes lit up and I smiled proudly. I was swarmed with congratulations and a big bear hug from Soda.

"Let him breath Sodapop, he just ran a race." Soda chuckled in my ear and let me go at Darry's command.

Darry looked at me and he didn't have to say anything because somehow I knew he was proud.

"C'mere Pony," Darry instructed and soon I found myself squashed in a tight hug by my oldest brother.

"I'm so proud of you Ponyboy!"

"Yeah Curtis brothers!" Two-Bit yelled, slapping us all on the back. Darry and I laughed and separated from the hug.

"Thanks Dar and thanks for getting me through all this; letting me be able to run today to win, to all of you," I said as honestly as I could and I really meant it too.

"You're welcome Ponyboy," Darry replied.

"Yeah it was easy kid; we're all here to look out for ya." I smiled at Two-Bit's comment.

"Why don't we go out for pizza to celebrate?" Soda suggested and slung his arm around my shoulder.

"And Beer!" Two-Bit suggested rather loudly.

"Two-Bit, half your diet is beer," Soda remarked. Two-Bit feigned a hurt look before laughing.

"You guys can go get pizza, but be home by midnight," Darry told us sternly. I was so happy; midnight was my old curfew before everything happened a few months ago.

"Yep will do Dar," Soda responded.

"Hey Darry can you please take my trophy and ribbon home?" I asked; handing my winning items to him.

"Sure Pone, have fun tonight," I smiled at Darry as Soda, Two-Bit and I headed over towards the DX to wait for Steve to finish his shift to see if he wanted to hang too.

X

"So ya won in the big meet, huh kid?" Steve questioned, as we all sat down at the table in the pizza parlor.

"He got a trophy and some ribbon thingy," Two-Bit said proudly.

I was trying not to blush with embarrassment from all the praise.

"Yeah isn't it great Steve; my kid brother the champ!" Soda said proudly, ruffling my hair.

"Soda," I whined and pushed his hand away.

We all got our drinks while we waited to decide on what we were going to have.

"Hey Soda, check out that cute waitress," Steve said, as I sipped my Cherry Pepsi.

A blond girl was serving drinks to a nearby table; her hair was long, thick, and slightly curly, while her small body had a delicate appearance.

I knew her; she was a gymnast in eleventh grade. Soda got up from out table and made his way over to the girl. I couldn't hear the conversation, but I could see her star stricken expression and Soda's movie star smile.

When Soda came back to the table he had a phone number written on his hand. Steve slapped Soda on the back.

"Good score buddy."

"Yep, couldn't have picked a better one myself!" Two-Bit exclaimed.

Soda smiled at me, happily chewing on a slice of pizza. I grabbed another slice for myself and listened to my family talk on.

We all got home about eleven o'clock and Darry was reading the newspaper.

"How was the pizza and your night out?"

"Great Dar-bear, lover-boy here got a hot girl's number," Two-Bit chimed, pointing to Soda.

Darry rolled his eyes and went back to his newspaper.

"Who's up for a game of poker?" Soda suggested.

"Woo-yah!" Steve whooped.

"Well-up!" Two-Bit added.

"Hey you playing too Pony?" Soda asked, and I nodded silently.

"Hey Super-dope you playing?" Darry gave Steve a death glare; he hated being called that.

A small smirk spread across my face waiting for Darry's reaction.

"Nope, got better things to do and I suggest you don't call me that again Steve, if you know what's good for you." Darry's voice was cold.

Steve stayed stunned, while Soda, Two-bit and I burst out laughing.

"Ah, three Aces, I win Soda! Ya cheatin' ain't gettin' me this time!" Steve exclaimed.

Two-Bit had already lost and it was against Soda, Steve and me; I smiled smugly.

"Actually I win; royal flush," I said, laying the cards out on the table.

"Argh! Beaten by the kid," Steve exclaimed.

I was sure that I saw Darry give a faint smile and look up from his paper at us.

"Alright boys, that's enough for tonight. Ponyboy, go to bed now; you got that presentation to go in tomorrow," Darry said. It was now just after twelve.

I said goodnight to everyone while Steve and Two-Bit left. "I'll be in soon Pone," Soda called.

X

The following day I handed in my assignment on my Cluster Headache awareness project. The teachers said I covered the basics that I needed in order to pass my grade. They wanted to put the poster up in the main hall for everyone to see.

I guess it was an experience for me; one I wouldn't want to live through again, because right now I was happy getting back to my normal life.

I felt like I was no longer fighting that impossible needle in a haystack; the pain of a rare condition that somehow felt so endless; I was winning again, just like I had won on track and it was amazing.

I smiled proudly at my awareness poster in the hall, before making my way down to my next class.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

A big thank you to all the supporters of this story, all those who followed and favored, read and reviewed. Pony's girlfriend and I are very grateful.

- GreaserG1rl201: Thank you for your continued dedication to this story and the lovely compliments on our writing. It means a lot. :)

- Mycookiegirl: Thank you for your lovely reviews and supporting this story. It has been a pleasure knowing you have enjoyed the story. :)

- Lovetoread75: Your dedication and interactive reviews to this story have meant so much and it has always been a joy reading the reviews. Thank you for reading and supporting. :)

- Amanda: Glad you really loved this story and thank you so much for your support, it really meant a lot. :)

- MiniHorseMeadow: Thank you for joining in on the story and leaving your encouraging reviews. :)

-Shattered Aura: Thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave a review for this story. We are so glad you have enjoyed this story and your time has been very much appreciated. :)

- BunnyLuvsU: Thank you for reading and leaving reviews for this story. :)

- NotQuiteRemyLebeau: Thank you for your honest and lovely review and glad you enjoyed the story. :)

- Obsessivebookdiva: Thank you for your lovely reviews and for reading this story. Your compliments have meant so much. :)

- staygold-fandom: Thank you for reading and reviewing this story. :)

Also thank you to: The Curtis Crew, Soccerfan2014, TMNTGFKittySidekick01, the Outsider30, TheOrangeHokageOfTheLeaf, Dani, Mggstaygold, RiseoftheSoulGuardians, Fanfiction by Jen, GrammarJew and anyone else who reads this story after completion. :)