Chapter 2

Everyone stared at the second oldest member of the gang. Two-Bit's mother had been divorced for a very long time. Back when Two-Bit was only five years old and his sister was a new born. It had been over ten years since he had seen his father, and now there was a chance that his parents would create a family again!

"Two-Bit! That's good!" exclaimed Soda spreading a grin across his face.

Two-Bit only smirked, which was a rare occasion since he had a smile that would beat Soda's, and shook his head.

"It is, but if she does then that means I'll have to move with her."

"Come again?" asked Darry with a lifted eyebrow.

Two-Bit took a seat in the armchair as everyone's eyes were still on him.

"I heard them flirting on the phone early this morning after that hangover from last night. I heard my mom mention Maryland"

"So if you're mom gets back together with your dad then you and your sister will be moving to Maryland with her," concluded Soda

"Yup," said Two-Bit as he got more comfortable in the armchair. "It's not set in stone yet so we'll just have to see where it goes."

The rest of the night went on slightly as usual. Everyone would participate in a conversation or watch two of the teenagers play in a poker game. Still there was no doubt that in everyone's mind what Two-Bit had just informed them.

This carried on to the next day when Ponyboy was at school. The teacher was carrying on with the book they were reading in class, but the young man wasn't paying attention. He was too busy thinking about Two-Bit. What if Two-Bit did move? Soda would be the only one he could talk to, but he's been working a lot lately. He occasionally talks to Darry, but he works even more than Sodapop. There was no point at even bringing up Steve.

"Ponyboy!"

Pony's attention turned to the teacher who had just asked him a question.

"I'm sorry," he apologized and the teacher just responded with,

"Wake up."

Five minutes moved on and the bell rang signaling the end of class and ultimately the end of the school day. Before Pony could exit the classroom, the teacher asked to see him after school.

'Oh crap', thought Ponyboy. He thought he was getting in trouble for daydreaming in class. After everyone had left the class, the teacher asked him to have a seat. Could it be this serious?

The teacher didn't even begin what he asked Ponyboy to stay for. He just started grading papers. Why was he trying to kill time? This couldn't be about his daydreaming. Pretty soon, a familiar face entered the classroom. Mr. Syme, Pony's English teacher from last year, walked in and shook the other teacher's hand. Then they both turned their attention to Ponyboy. His stomach tightened.

"Hey, Ponyboy," greeted Mr. Syme. "How are you doing this afternoon?"

"Fine," he answered plainly. Still confused about what this conference could be about.

"That's good. Let's cut right to the chase. Do you remember that theme you wrote for me last year?"

Pony nodded. He remembered it as if it was a movie he just saw. It was a theme that he had written for a last minute English assignment. It was based strictly off of the events that happened last winter.

"Well after giving you your grade, I sent it to an old school friend of mine who now currently works at Deacon Literature School. Are you familiar with the school?"

This time, Pony shook his head. He was in no way aware of the place. The other teacher spoke out this time.

"It's a private school strictly made for learning how to create excellent literature. It's actually one of the finest in this region of the United States."

Ponyboy had an idea of what was going on, and his insides started to glow. Could he have been…?

"My friend enjoyed your story very much," said Mr. Syme. "And he showed it to their board of admissions and they gladly accept you with all first year tuitions paid."

Pony's heart nearly exploded. He was being accepted to a private school because of the story he wrote! This was excellent news. Mr. Syme continued,

"We have the forms right here. All you have to do is take this to your brother and fill out the necessary paper work. Congratulations Ponyboy."

The teenager nearly ran home from school. He couldn't wait to tell Darry and Sodapop the news. He sprinted as fast as he could to his home. The track team really came in handy as he made it home in record time.

Ponyboy nearly busted through the door. But through all the excitement, he forgot that Soda wouldn't get home until at least 5:30. With the shop closing at 5:00 and the boss making everyone stay thirty more minutes to make sure everything was clean and all the doors were securely locked.

Ponyboy just sat down and decided to re-read one of the books in the house. But happiness blocked his concentration on the story. He decided to just watch television. The excitement grew down over time but rose back up when 5:20 rolled around. Ten more minutes passed and the happiness lessened once again. Where could Soda be? A few more hours passed on and Darry came walking through the door. Pony instantly jumped off the couch.

"Darry! Darry!" yelled Pony.

"What!? Is something wrong?"

"No. My teacher sent a theme that I wrote last year to some private school and they want to go!"

Darry's eyes widened. He didn't fully comprehend what was going on, but knew what Ponyboy was saying. They both celebrated, together for the first time in a long time, and Darry picked his younger brother up and swung him around. It was a glorious night.

When Darry sat his younger brother back onto his feet, Ponyboy asked,

"Where's Soda. I wanta tell him the good news!"

Darry shrugged.

"I drove by the DX but the lights were off. He may be hanging out with Steve somewhere."

"Oh. Wait. You have to fill out these forms and mail them back. I'm going to go finish my homework."

"Alright. Congratulations, Pony. I'm proud of you."

Ponyboy turned around and smiled. That was the first time Darry had ever said that he was proud of his youngest sibling. Darry even felt good saying it. With all the motivational criticism he had given them for the past few years, it felt good to finally say it.