Chapter 2
Soda's POV
I shrieked as I ran to my unconscious baby. I carefully lifted Pony's head out of the water with one arm, and supported his legs with the other. As I placed him on the ground next to the fountain, tears started rolling down my face. No, please, not Pony… We had only lost mom and dad… I couldn't lose my baby brother, too…
Darry and Johnny stood on either side of me as I began to press down on Pony's chest to get the water out of him. "Baby, please. Wake up, Pony." I begged as I checked his pulse. Pony was breathing!
We all watched tensely as Pony coughed up water and opened his eyes. "So... da…" he croaked weakly. "I'm here, honey." I gently lifted his head and placed it in my lap. I stroked his hair. "It's okay, I got you, Pony. Those damn Socs can't hurt you no more." If I EVER saw them again…, I thought as I watched my weary brother look around at where he was and who he was with.
Ponyboy's eyes bulged as he looked behind me, and just as I turned around to attack whatever was scaring him, I saw that Darry was hesitating next to me. Oh, right… Darry hit Pony, so he's probably scared of our big brother.
The thing was Dar didn't look scary just then. He looked helpless and near tears.
"Ponyboy", he said hoarsely. Suddenly, Pony jumped out my arms and fell into Darry's. Pony burst into tears and sobbed, "I'm sorry, Darry, I'm so sorry." Darry started to sob, too. "No, I'm sorry, Pony. I thought we'd lose you…" Tears streamed down my brothers' faces as Johnny and I shared a smile.
Suddenly, as Pony held Darry, he asked quietly, "Do you think those Socs will come back for Johnny and me?" Dar and I glanced at each other. WOULD they try to get back at them? Would those jackasses jump Pony and Johnny, to finish what they started?
NO, I thought angrily. I will NOT lose Ponyboy. No Soc was gonna get my buddies while I was around.
Darry sighed, "Honestly, little buddy, I don't know. But we have to be ready." He turned to Johnny, "You're sleeping at our place tonight, okay, Johnny?" Johnny nodded, "Thanks, Darry."
I placed an arm around Pony and Johnny as the four of us walked home.
Pony's POV
As Soda and I climbed into bed that night, I couldn't stop shaking. Because I almost DIED tonight. If my big brothers hadn't come, those Socs would have drowned me.
I shivered. Soda noticed and looked at me anxiously.
"Honey, you okay? You feel sick?" He placed a hand on my forehead as I shook my head. I looked down and mumbled, "I'm okay, Soda. I just am a bit spooked, that's all."
Soda growled, "Pony, look at me." I looked up at my brother and saw the rage in his eyes. "No Soc is gonna hurt you. Me and Darry and the gang are gonna do whatever it takes to protect you and Johnnycakes. I will NOT let them take my baby brother away from me."
I nodded my head with wide eyes. I mean, Sodapop is NEVER angry. He's a carefree, go-lucky kid, and he is the most understanding guy on the planet. But right now, my brother looked like a mother bear whose babies are being attacked by hunters. He was actually kinda scary.
"Thanks, Soda." I whispered as I lay down on my pillow. Soda threw an arm around me and smirked, "Anytime, Pony. Night, little brother."
I attempted a smile and murmured, "Good-night, big brother." The last thing I thought of was how strange it was that Darry hadn't yelled at me for running away...
Darry's POV
I sat in bed, my hands in my head, the day's events going through my head. My Ponyboy had almost been KILLED. My baby brother, who never hurt anyone, was nearly drowned by a bunch of Socs. Anger coursed through my veins.
If I ever got my hands on those dirty cretins...
I growled. I needed a way to protect Pony and Johnny. The gang was going to have to watch them extra carefully, because I was sure the Socs would be looking for revenge. We were dangerously close to a war...
I sighed. I tried to remember that Johnny was on the couch, and Pony was safely in his room with Soda, who I'm sure was watching our baby like a hawk. The thought gave me comfort, and I tried to sleep. I would need rest in order to stay on red alert to protect my family.
Suggestions are welcome! Review, comment, or just say hi! Stay Gold!