Here is the second chapter to my story. Please let me know what you think. I know that Darry and Dally are a little OCC, that's how the story is supposed to be. Anyway enjoy and have a nice weekend.

DARRY'S POV

Pony blinked back tears, the boys had been at Aunt Lisa's for one day and she was already on Soda's case. They were in the room she'd sent them to. Soda dialed the phone.

"Hello?" His oldest brother answered.

"Darry, it's me," Soda whispered.

"Sodapop? Are you okay? You don't sound good."

"I'm fine," he sniffed.

"Where's Lisa?" I asked knowing she didn't like me and wouldn't approve of them calling me.

"Making dinner, I guess."

"Tell him," Pony urged.

"Is that Ponyboy?" I wanted to know.

"Yeah he's here. Dare, we don't want to be here anymore. We're scared," his voice cracked.

"What are you scared of Soda? Where do you want to be?"

"Lisa, home with you," he told me quietly.

"I'll be there Saturday to get you both. I need to get this done so I don't have to leave you guys again, but I swear I'll be there."

"Okay, I need to get off here before Lisa catches us."

"Too late for that," Lisa screeched.

"Oh God, Pony, run to your room. Now!" Soda screamed. "Run Ponyboy."

"Soda, Sodapop!" Darry heard screams and slaps.

"I told you. Why can't you listen to me? I'll make you wish you did," Lisa pulled out a belt and started swinging. She hit Pony once, but when Soda pushed him out of the way, she concentrated on the older boy. He cried as the leather bit into his bare legs.

"Soda?" Darry yelled again. He heard his brother cry out, then he was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Sodapop!" He slammed the receiver down when the line went dead.

ANYONE POV

"Please don't hurt Pony," Soda managed through his tears looking at the little boy who was huddled in a corner crying.

"You should worry about yourself," she replied hitting him again. When she looked over at the youngest Curtis, Soda stood in front of him.

"I won't let you hurt Pony. He's just a baby."

DARRY POV

Dally came in as I picked up the phone to call Jack at the hotel.

"Jack, it's Darry. You need to check on the boys, I was talking to Soda when he started screaming and the phone went dead," I listened. "I tried calling, but it's busy. Please, just make sure Soda and Pony are all right. I know you think Lisa is great, but I'm begging you."

"All right Darry, I'll get Bree Ann and call you later."

"Thank you," I told him.

"What's going on Darry?" Dally asked.

While we finished packing, I explained what happened.

"I want to head home. I need to get to my brothers."

"We have everything pretty much ready to go. I do think we should wait until you hear from Jack though, and Darry I'll drive because I don't think you are up to it. Whatever doesn't fit in the car Jeff can send," Dally told me. I nodded my agreement knowing it would still be a long time before I was home.

ANYONE POV

As soon as Jack and Bree Ann got out of the car, they could hear screaming from the house. Was that Lisa? He thought running inside.

"Oh God!" Bree Ann exclaimed when she saw her mother and Soda. He was on the floor curled around Ponyboy, protecting his little brother's body with his own as Lisa's arm raised and dropped with the belt. Soda was moaning like he couldn't cry anymore. Numerous cuts and bruises crisscrossed his back and legs.

"Lisa, Lisa! Stop it! My God, stop," Jack yelled at his wife. She finally listened to him when he jerked the belt from her grasp and shoved her away from the kids.

"Get out of here, I can't even stand looking at you right now," he knelt beside the sobbing boys. "Soda, I'm so sorry," he lifted him into his arms, wincing when he cried out.

"Bree Ann check Pony, I'll take care of this one," Jack laid him on the bed on his stomach. He hesitated only a second before calling Soda's friends. It was very clear to him that the Curtis boys couldn't stay with them any longer.

Steve was at work when Jack called and told him to get the rest of the gang over to the house as soon as possible. Pony met the three boys at the door. They could tell he'd been crying, before any of them could ask what was going on Jack walked in.

"Thanks for coming guys. I'm afraid Lisa went nuts today. Soda and Pony can't stay here until their brother gets back."

"Where are they going?" Bree asked.

"I'm sending them to their house."

"Is Soda okay? What can we do?" Steve asked aware that something bad had happened to his best friend.

"I want you to take them home and stay there till Darry arrives. The boys are not safe here. I have some medicine for Soda."

When the phone rang Jack answered it.

"Jack, are Soda and Pony all right?" Darry asked frantically.

"No, Soda's not. They'll be at your house waiting on you. I never thought Lisa would do this.""Are you okay Jack?" Darry wanted to know.

"No, I let this happen. You tried to tell us, but we wouldn't listen."

"Can I talk to them?"

Jack handed the phone to Pony.

"Hello?"

"Pony, are you okay?" Darry asked.

"Darry, she hurt Sodapop," he cried.

"Shh . . . Little Man, we're leaving right now. I'll be home soon. I love you, tell Soda I love him."

"Okay, love you too."

He hung up and went to finish packing his clothes only to find Dally had already done it.

"Thanks Dally."

"No problem buddy. We're ready to go."

"All right," Darry locked the door and got in the passenger side of the car. Dally had been expecting an argument and was surprised that there wasn't one. He was glad of that since they both knew Darry was mentally and physically drained.

Two-Bit was driving with Johnny and Steve up-front while Pony was in back with Soda's head lying in his lap. The group was quiet. Two-Bit watched in the mirror as the younger boy wiped a tear from the other's face.

"We'll be there soon buddy," he said.

Locking eyes with his best friend, Soda whimpered. "Stevie, I hurt so much. My back and legs are on fire."

"I know, Jack gave me some medicine for you," Steve told him.

"I want Darry," he cried.

Pony smoothed his hair back, "We'll be home soon. Just relax and rest."

Sodapop drifted in and out of awareness in a haze of pain. When he opened his eyes, Pony was looking at him intently with tears dripping down his face.

"What's wrong Pony?" he asked gently.

"Why did you do that?"

Soda knew what he was talking about and both of them knew that Sodapop wouldn't have been hurt so much had he not been protecting the younger boy.

"I couldn't let Lisa hurt you."

"Thank you bubby."

"Anytime baby, anytime," he winced.

"Soda, go ahead and take this for the pain," Steve handed him some pop and a little pill.

"Steve, I can't take that. I need to take care of Pony until Darry gets back."

"I can take care of myself," Pony griped.

"We're all here, there is no reason for you to be in pain," Steve argued.

"Sodapop, I promise no one will hurt Pony," Two-Bit added.

"All right," Soda gave in and soon after closed his brown eyes. When Two-Bit pulled up at the house, Soda was sleeping fitfully.

"Soda, we're home," Pony tried to wake him, he just mumbled.

"Pony, look out. Two-Bit and me will get him," Steve told him and once Soda was standing they placed his arms around their shoulders and helped him into the house.

Dally stopped to get gas and tried to get Darry to eat something, but he refused.

"I need to get home."

"I won't be long," Dally got some drinks and snacks, hoping that the younger greaser would eat later. He was worried about the guys at home, but he was more worried about Darry. He'd never seen him this quiet.

After getting water, rags, and iodine ready Steve started to clean his buddy's injuries. When he started to whimper, the tuff greaser sent pony out of the room.

"Soda, try to relax. I'll get this over with as quick as I can, then you can rest."

"Go ahead Stevie, I'm ready," Soda replied and let out a hiss when the iodine was put on. "God, that stings."

"I'll send Pony in so you can go to sleep," Steve left and minutes later his little brother silently entered the room.

"Come here baby, you're worn out," Soda held out his hand.

"I'm not sleeping till I see Darry," Pony grumbled refusing to lie down. After Steve came to check on them, Pony went to the living room, Steve was at the door when Soda spoke.

"Stay with me Stevie."

"All right," he sat by the bed.

Dally looked over at Darry. The man was dozing. It was 2:00 A.M. and they were finally home. He parked the car and turned it off. "We're home, Darry, wake up."

When the two weary men walked into the house, they expected to find the gang asleep. Only Soda was. Pony's tired eyes widened when the door opened.

"Darry," he gasped running to throw his arms around his dark-haired brother. Pony sobbed as he clung to him. "Oh Darry," he whispered. "I'm so glad you're here."

Then as if he sensed all eyes were in them, he tried to step back. Darry however, fell to his knees and held the little boy tighter before finally letting go.

DARRY POV

Worriedly I examined my baby brother's face. He appeared tired, dark shadows were under his green eyes.

"Why Ain't you asleep?" I asked gruffly.

"I had to wait on you," he stammered.

"Everything will be all right now. Where's Sodapop?" I asked looking around the room.

"In our room, he's hurtin pretty bad. Steve is with him."

"Come on, I need to see him," I held Pony's hand while we walked down the hall.

"Hey Steve."

"Darry, I'm glad you're here, he's been asking for you."

"Soda, wake up for me," I talked softly to the sleeping boy. His eyes opened slightly.

"Darry?" He asked hopefully.

"Yeah, it's me Pepsi-cola, I'm here," I told him watching him try to sit up. He held his arms out for a hug. I pulled him to me, then Pony. We stayed that way a long time.

"I was so scared she'd hurt Pony," he sobbed.

"It's all right little brother, she won't hurt either of you again," I told him rocking them.

"I want to check your back, Little Buddy," I said aware that the rest of the gang had come in.

"Go ahead," Soda told me weakly. "Johnny, take Pony in the living room first," he requested.

"No, I want to stay," Johnny pulled him from the room.

I pulled the sheet off and gasped at the damage inflicted on my little brother.

"God, no wonder he was screaming," I said to no one inparticliar.

"I knew you'd come. I took care of Pony. I didn't let Lisa hurt him."

"You did a great job Little Buddy," I told him before turning to Steve. "When's the last time he had anything for pain?"

"About five hours ago. He wouldn't take anymore after the first dose."

"Okay Steve, get his medicine. He will take it now. Dally, will you bring Pony in?"

They went to do what I asked. Soda had dozed off.

"Soda, wake up for me. Come on," I took the pill from Steve and lifted his head. "Take this for me," he shook his head no the moaned in pain.

"Sodapop, you need to take this."

"Pony?"

"Pony's fine. Open your mouth."

After he swallowed the medicine, Dally brought a sleeping Pony in and laid him beside Soda. We watched as the boys moved until they were touching each other. Soda threw his arm across Pony and sighed.

"Guys, go on to bed. Dal, you take my room. I'm gonna stay with them"

"Let me know if you need anything," Dally said. I nodded and settled beside Pony, closing my eyes. God, I was wore out. The night had been excruciating long for me. I tried to sleep, but spent the hours thinking about the last three years. I'd made so many mistakes, the major one had been in leaving home and losing precious time with my family. Then I thought about the attraction to Dallas Winston. I couldn't get him out of my mind.

I honestly thought I'd forgotten the emotions that had long been hidden behind the cool indifference. My face usually a cold, hard mask of self-preservation. The only time it slipped was when Dally came to TX to visit me. I was thankful that money wouldn't be a problem right now since I had quite a lot in savings and my old boss helped me get a good job here. I started in two weeks.

ANYONE POV

The next morning, Dally kept the gang quiet so the Curtis brothers could sleep in. It was late when Pony came stumbling out.

"Hey Pony, you hungry?" Two-Bit asked.

"No, Soda's hurtin and Darry's still asleep."

"I'll take care of it," Dally got a glass of water, the bottle of pills and left the room.

"Soda, Pony said you were in pain?"

"Yeah a little," he whispered so Darry wouldn't wake up.

"Take this, I'll check your back in a few," he handed him the pill.

"Okay."

"Dally, he can't take that on an empty stomach," Darry said sitting up.

"I can't eat guys, hurts to much."

"I'll get you some toast," Darry told him.

"Where's Ponyboy?" Soda asked.

"On the porch with Johnny. Look D.S., I'll make the toast. I think you and the boys need some time together. I'll send Pony in," Dally said closing the door behind him.

Soda was sitting on the edge of the bed with my arm around him telling me what happened. When Pony opened the door he saw Soda's face a stopped.

"Come here Pony," I reached for him.

"It's all my fault," he cried sitting on the floor.

"What is?" I asked him.

"Mama and Daddy being dead, Sodapop gettin hurt, and you havin to come back to Tulsa to take care of us."

Soda slowly stood up and limped over to kneel by the littlest of our family.

"No one blames you honey. Mom and Dad had an accident. You didn't make Lisa mad, I did," he informed him before pulling our baby brother into a hug, which soon included me as well.

:Listen guys, I was ready to come home," when Dally opened the door, his eyes met mine and I knew he saw the moisture there as I barely kept the tears at bay while my little brothers cried.

Darry made sure Soda took it easy the next few days. Before they knew it, it was Sunday evening. Bree called to see how they were and promised to meet them at the funeral home. There wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that tomorrow was going to be pure hell on them all, especially the three brothers. When Pony refused to go to bed that night, Darry simply picked him up and carried him to the bedroom.

"Ponyboy, go to sleep. You're overtired and it's going to be rough enough tomorrow without you being tired and cranky," he told him.

Soda laid down, pulled the younger boy to him and held him until he fell into a unsettled sleep

DARRY POV

Releasing a sigh I went into the hall, where I saw Dally in my room. After closing the door, I walked into his arms.

"You're doing fine D.S., where are you sleeping tonight?" He asked holding me close.

"With the boys," was my garbled reply. He raised my face and gave me a long passionate kiss.

"Go to bed babe, I'm here if you need me. Always remember that."

"I hope so, I can't do this without you."

"Go on," he told me again.

I nodded and went back to my brothers. Pony had nightmares most of the night. Soda and me didn't get much sleep as we tried to offer solace to him. I kept telling myself I had to be strong for them. I couldn't break now.