Soda pov
Pony started to stir a little bit. He opened his eyes, and rubbed them, trying to wake up.
"Hey Pone," I said. He looked at me and smiled, slightly groggy. He sat up on the couch, and I moved next to him. He still looked tired.
"Are you glad that you got some more sleep?" I asked him, knowing his answer.
"Yeah, thanks Soda." He said, smiling up at me. I couldn't help but smile down at my baby brother. Then, Pony's stomach rumbled.
"Well, kid, I think you're so hungry, you could eat a horse!" Two-Bit said, laughing hysterically. Pony looked at Two-Bit, and rolled his eyes at his joke. I bet that Ponyboy has heard that joke more than a few times.
Ponyboy got up, stretched, and walked into the kitchen to get some breakfast. He came back with a plate, and sat back down in his seat.
While he was eating, I looked Pony over. I still saw a few scratches here and there, some light bruises that were healing, and he had a small limp. At least he was getting better. I hate the Socs. I can't stand what they do to me, and every other greaser in this town. I especially hate it when they pick Ponyboy to jump. I mean, he's only 14, and small for his age!
Ponyboy finished his breakfast, and took it to the kitchen, putting his plate in the sink. Then he walked to our bedroom, and went to the bathroom. A few seconds later, I heard the shower running. After about fifteen minutes, Ponyboy came back out with damp hair.
Ponyboy pov
I came out of the bathroom after my shower, feeling refreshed. While I was in the shower, I realized that I needed some fresh air. I stood in front of Darry's chair.
"Darry…is it okay if I go for a walk?" I asked, feeling hopeful. He looked at me, hesitant to say yes.
"Yeah, Pony. But, be back before dark." He said in a slightly stern tone. I smiled, and got my shoes on. I walked to the door, and when I opened it, I felt the cool breeze on my skin.
I grabbed my cigarettes out of my pocket, and started smoking. I started walking down the sidewalk, loving the feeling that the cigarette brought me.
I was walking when I heard the all-too familiar sound of a car trailing me. I turned around and saw the same blue Mustang from that night. I started to shake a little bit, now wishing I hadn't gone for a walk.
Five Socs got out of the car, and started to close in on me. I started to shout for Darry and Soda, scared out of my mind.
Darry pov
Johnny and Two-Bit left awhile ago. Soda and I were just watching TV, when we heard a voice, yelling our names. We looked at each other, recognizing Pony's voice. We both jumped up from our seats and ran out the door. When we got to the sidewalk, we followed Pony's voice until we reached an alley. I saw five Socs surrounding a scared Ponyboy.
"Get away from our baby brother." I growled protectively. Soda and I were both glaring at them. Pony stood there, looking helpless.
"Well, you're just gonna have to wait. Cause we're not done yet." One of them said, and if to prove this, he quickly brought out his switchblade, and ran it across Pony's right shoulder. I knew it wasn't too deep, but it did start to turn red and bleed. Ponyboy whimpered in pain. I clenched my teeth, angry.
Soda and I both jumped at the Socs. I pushed the one with the switchblade away, while standing in front of Pony. The Socs stood there, glaring at us, and Soda and I glared right back. One of them stepped forward, and I felt Pony ball up the back of my shirt in his hands and digging his face into my shirt, scared.
"You better get out of here." I said to the Socs, daring them to make a move. I didn't want to fight, but if I had to, I would for Ponyboy.
"Fine, we'll leave for now. But next time, greaser, you won't be so lucky." The one who was closest to us, probably the leader, said. They looked at us one more time, and turned around. They walked back to the car and drove off.
I turned around and saw that Pony was shaking. I quickly put my arms around him, and I felt his arms come around me. I held him for a few minutes and let go. Pony had tears silently going down his face. Soda kneeled by him, and wiped them away with his thumb.
"It's okay baby. We're here. You're safe now." Soda said, trying to comfort him. Pony just nodded.
"Come on honey. Let's get you home and cleaned up." I said to him. Soda stood up, and put an arm around Pony's shoulders.
We walked the short distance to our house. Pony and Soda sat on the couch, while I got the first aid kit. I sat in front of Pony on the coffee table, and got out the plastic bottle which we used for cuts like this. I put some on the cut, while Ponyboy whimpered a little. I then put the bandage on it, and was done. I sat on the other side of Pony. He still hadn't said anything, since he was jumped.
"Pony?" I said, and he looked at me. "Are you okay, baby?" He looked at me, and just started crying. I quickly wrapped my arms around him, holding him close. He just kept crying. Then he started to talk quietly.
"I was really scared. The Socs just started f-following me. I d-didn't know how much they would h-hurt me. I didn't know if you two would hear me." He said.
"I know, honey. It's okay. You're okay, now. You're safe." I said, and his arms got tighter around me. He was trying to stop crying, while I kept my arms around him, and Soda rubbed his back.
Finally, Pony relaxed. We all watched TV. for awhile, just three brothers bonding after one heck of a day.