Chapter Two

Johnny left the Police Station in shock. Officer Schultz had offered to drive him home, but Johnny had said no. It was only a few blocks to his house. Officer Paxton was going to pick him up at 7:00; she was going to take him to the airport and make sure he got on the plane. His aunt was going to meet him in New Orleans.

Johnny found himself standing in front of the Curtis's house. He knew he had to tell everyone goodbye, but he didn't know how they'd take it. Especially Pony, he'd already lost his parents. How would he deal with losing him? Johnny took a deep breath and opened the door.

The whole gang, minus Dally, was in the living room. They looked up at Johnny as he walked in.

"Are you OK?" Pony asked. "Soda told us what happened."

"Yeah, I'm fine," Johnny said.

"Are you sure?" Soda asked.

Johnny sighed, "I have something to tell you guys."

"What?" Two-Bit asked.

Johnny sighed again. "My parents were arrested. I didn't know where I'd live since they're in jail. It turns out that I have an aunt that lives in New Orleans, and she wants me to come live with her."

"New Orleans," Two-Bit said. "That's a long way away."

"I know," Johnny said.

"When are you leaving?" Pony asked. He sounded nervous. He'd already lost his parents, he couldn't lose Johnny too.

"My flight's at nine," Johnny said.

"Tonight?" Two-Bit asked.

Johnny nodded. He looked at Pony, his eyes had filled up with tears and he was slowly shaking his head.

"No," Pony said softly, "you can't go."

"I'm sorry," Johnny said.

There was a long silence, broken only by Ponyboy's sobs. Johnny felt awful. Pony had been through a lot, he didn't deserve to lose another person. But then, didn't Johnny deserve a better life? Finally, Soda broke the silence.

"So…do you need to pack or something? We could help you."

Johnny nodded and everyone in the room stood up. That is, everyone except Ponyboy.

"Pony, are you coming?" Soda asked. He was obviously worried about Pony.

Pony shook his head and walked off toward his room.

"He'll come soon," Soda said. "Let's go."