((Chapter 5 is finally here :D

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The usual disclaimer: I do not own the Outsiders. All rights belong to S.E. Hinton.

Chapter 5

Johnny Cade had decided to run away from his problems. He didn't know where he was going exactly, but he needed to get away. The wounded boy had fallen asleep in a train that he had snuck into while the train operators were on their break; Johnny was so sore and sleepy that he thought he would just pass out before getting on that train…the train that would take him so far away.

The dark figure was huge, he stood in front of Johnny and Johnny felt embedded to the floor; he couldn't move though he desperately wanted to. The figure moved closer to him and then all of a sudden, it struck the young helpless boy.

"Ya' cocksuckin' faggot…" the dark figure mumbled to the wounded boy who was lying on the floor.

Holding back his whimpers and groans and the dark figure above him had struck him once more.

The pain was worse than it had ever been; Johnny felt warm liquid pouring down his chin, and then spat out a significant amount of blood. He let out a whimper as he wiped the blood off his chin with a trembling hand looking up at the figure and recognizing the face. His drunken father was staring at him coldly; he tugged at Johnny's denim jacket as his right hand curled up into a fist.

"…no…NO DAD!...PLEASE!"

Johnny's eyes shot open, gasping loudly. The loud ringing whistle of the train had startled him while he was asleep. He had goose bumps all over him and his heart was beating at a fast pace in his chest, his face drenched with sweat.

He sighed in relief while wiping the sweat off his forehead. Get a hold of yourself Johnny…it was just a dream, he ain't gonna hurt me no more. Once Johnny's heartbeat settled down, he lifted up his head; his bangs were sticking to his sweaty forehead. He looked around…it was somewhat dark; all he could see were boxes of all sizes everywhere.

He remembered running away after his dad had beaten him nearly to death. He left behind the gang, he left behind Ponyboy... No, I can't go back…I cheated on him and he ain't gonna forgive me… Johnny's throat felt dry. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, closing them for a while.

After ten minutes of lying down and trying to shake the sleepiness off, Johnny decided it was time to get off the train. He slowly stood up and felt a sharp pain on both his sides; a soft groan escaped his lips as he felt the pain. He slowly lifted up his shirt only to find fresh dark purple and black bruises near his ribs and on his stomach, confused about them. He then remembered what his old man had done to him.

Johnny sniffed once he pulled his shirt back down, not wanting to see the wounds that his dad had given him; he couldn't keep his balance since the train was still moving at a fast pace. Oh…the train! How am I gonna get off this train without killin' myself? Johnny felt terrified, biting his nails nervously. He turned his head to peek out the entrance of the train where he had snuck into last night and was enlightened by the view. It was somewhat dark outside still but the sun was just barely rising behind the mountains; the breeze was cool and there was nothing but green surrounding the outdoors. Johnny's heart was still pounding in his chest but he was trying to gather up all of his courage.

He held onto the side so that he wouldn't stumble around. He couldn't stop staring at the beautiful view though. He had never seen so much beauty in one place. He then looked down at the ground, his eyes widening when noticing how fast the train really was going. Good lord…if I jump off this train, it'll take me to my death. Johnny's breathing became faster and the palms of his hands felt sweaty. He immediately thought about staying in the train, only to shake his head once he looked at the view again. No. I got this far. I can't chicken out now. He watched the sunrise, the sunlight gleaming on his face and making his good eye squint. He inhaled deeply and exhaled heavily once he gathered up all his courage.

He looked down at the ground once again, hearing his own heartbeat growing louder and louder with every thump. The sweat on his forehead began to run down his cheeks and then his neck. Just jump Johnny…you can do it. He inhaled a good amount of air while looking up at the view once more, his eyes began to water up as he felt his heart pounding hard in his chest again. Quickly he closed his tightly and with one huge leap, he was out of the train.

He made a loud 'mmph' sound as he slammed into the dirt; the train whistle went off once more as it passed by Johnny. He was panting and coughing hard, trying to catch his breath since he got the air knocked out of him. He turned his head while he still panted softly, sweat running down his cheek as he watched the train grow smaller and smaller as each second passed. A few minutes later and the train was gone.

Johnny dug his fingers into the dirt once he caught his breath, feeling the soft earth going underneath his fingernails. His body felt numb and his legs were trembling slightly. Get up, Johnny commanded himself. He attempted to stand up, wobbling slightly. He managed to get himself to his knees, the sunlight gleaming on his beat-up face as he took another look at the view. Johnny moved his dirty, sweaty hand in front of his good eye and took notice at how delightful the sight really was. If possible, it was even better than before. Everything was green…the grass was greener than string beans and most of the trees were green; Johnny noticed some trees with red, yellow, and even orange leaves. He could see a small meadow of further up ahead. He laid his curious eyes on a little lady bug inside of a nearby orchid, smiling to himself. Man, it sure is pretty out here. I really wish Pony was here with me… The thought of Ponyboy made Johnny cringe; his smile faded away as he began to feel that familiar ache right in the center of his chest. He felt bluer than the sky.

After a few moments of sitting around and watching the view, the lonely greaser had gained feeling throughout his entire body again. He stood on his two feet and began wiping the dirt off his jeans, and noticed a couple of rips on them. Johnny wiped the dirt off the sleeves of his denim jacket and his black t-shirt.

"Well…I guess I better start walkin'," the lonely greaser said to himself since he really had no one else to talk to.

Johnny took a step, his foot slightly sinking into the ground; the soil was real squishy and wet. The young teenager took another step, grinning to himself at the feeling of the mud underneath him. He wasn't feeling so blue anymore as he looked straight ahead, his walking starting to turn into a jog. His heart was beating faster than a humming bird's flapping wings as he sped up, soon running as fast as he could; his feet slightly sinking into the soil at each quick footstep, he began panting but he was feeling as free as a bird…he just couldn't stop.