Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THE OUTSIDERS OR THE GANG. I OWN ONLY THE STORY IDEA.

This will be the last chapter for this story. This chapter will have both Darrel's and Soda's POVs. May post a sequal where Darry actually goes to college because of his brothers and where Soda gets an education.

The next morning I rush to get everyone up and get to the hospital. Two-Bit and Steve go to grab coffee and I head to my baby brothers room. Darry is standing outside Pony's room and before I even get a chance tell me why he there and not in the room with Pony.

"Easy there Little Buddy. Their checking his vitals and making sure he know where he is at." I smile at the last part.

"You mean?"

"Yes. He came to his morning, actually, he woke me up too. I don't remember falling asleep." I didn't expect Darry to stay awake all night.

"Darry, when did they say he will be back?" I think my oldest brother knew I was worried but that's OK.

"Should be here soon. Did you sleep at all last night?"

"Some." We talked for about thirty or so minutes before they finally bring in my little brother. He is awake and alert. At least that is a good sign right? But still, he looks bad off. As soon as Nurse Joyce left, I went over to Pony's bed. His eyes are closed and I can't tell if he fell asleep or just closed his eyes. Making sure I don't hit anything that is hooked up to my baby, I tap his hand and say his name.

"Ponyboy? Hey Lil' Colt it's me, it's Soda. Can you open your eyes for me?"

He moans but he wakes. "S-s-Soda? Wh-where is Darry? Is he at college? Why isn't Dad and Mom here?" College? What did he mean by 'is he at college'? OK, something is seriously wrong. Darry dropped out of college when Dad and Mom...

"Hunny, Dad and Mom were in an auto accident last year. I dropped college to be with you and Sodapop. Pony don't you remember?" Pony suddenly, just, cry's. Yeah I think he remembers, now.

DARRY'S POV

Yeah, I think my baby brother remembers now. Maybe I shouldn't have told him just yet. Maybe I shouldn't ask why he did what he did.

"Dare, I'm Sorry big brother. I thought if I ignored it all, the pain and cough would just go away. I asked Soda to not tell you and if you ask to just lie."

"And the aspirin Lil' Colt?" I didn't even get a chance to say anything before Soda asked. I think this really upset him to know that the one thing we have so common in our house and the one time no one in the gang talked, we both nearly lost him again. How much longer can we do this?

"Micheal told me it would help with my depression. I didn't want to worry you guys any more." Worry us? My kid brother took advice from some class mate so he wouldn't worry us? Am I that bad of a brother?

"It's my job to worry about you Pony." Just then Doctor Thomas came in.

"Depression is common Pony. You shouldn't try to hide it from those who love you and if you do, go seek help from a professional. I'm sure there is someone you know who has dealt with or is going through the same thing."

I nod my head in agreement. "That's right Pony. Dad even had it when he younger. Mom told me he had to have help to get through it. We are all here to help. I'm sure even Steve will help you."

"Yeah, hell my old man has it. You can't be no worse than him." Pony please listen to him for once. And then Soda speaks up.

"What is depression anyways Doctor Thomas?"

"It's when you feel sad. It's feelings of guilt, worthlessness, sometimes even helplessness. Like there is no one who can save you and your all alone. If it's OK with you Darrel, we could try some anti-depressants. They might help give him a boost."

After thinking it over, I agree and Doctor Thomas tells me the risks and what to look for if I think he is getting worse. I just can't believe all this. After we are done talking we walk back into the room and the doctor informs us that Pony may go home in a day or so. That brought smiles back to everyone's faces, including mine.

WEEK LATER IN DARRY'S POV

It's been a week since Ponyboy has been home and he has gotten better. I think the medication is really helping him, I hope. Right now, the gang is at the field waiting for me so they can start playing football, so I head out. I get to the field and Pony comes running over to me along with the rest of the guys, even Shepard's gang.

"OK...What's going on Pony, Soda?"

Soda is the first to speak. "Darry we need to talk."

"About what Little Buddy?"

Pony hands me a something about college.

"This is to East Central University of Ada, OK. And the other is Vatterott College. They have a location here and some in MO."

Why are they telling me this?

"Chose one, because Pony and I, hell all of us, think you should go back to college." Soda is serious. They all are.

I sigh and ask my brothers, "Should we move or not?" They all smile and cheer. Maybe I can get Soda to go back to school. At least get his GED. I can't believe this, me go back to college.