Disclaimer- Okay you know by now that I do not own The Outsiders
Last Chapter
"I love you buddy. You be good for Darry. He loves you a lot. He never meant to hurt you."
I placed a hand on Soda's shoulder. "Come on buddy. Johnny will want some company."
He nodded and followed me out the door.
* * * * * * * *
I nodded at Soda. "Hey buddy here's the room. You ready." He nodded slightly. We walked in.
Johnny was on one of those turning beds. I think they are called strikers but I wouldn't' quote myself on that. He had some IVs sticking to him and was being bad. It was an awful site, especially to be Johnny. We all think of him as a kid brother, but it wasn't as bad as Ponyboy.
"Johnnycakes." I said softly. "Johnny buddy?"
He moaned groggily. "Steve?"
I nodded again at Soda and we walked forward.
"Hey buddy."
Johnny
Soda was here. I wasn't sure if he would be here if Pony was dead, I tried to tell myself. I tend to do that, lie to myself. I still couldn't see how in the world he could be alive, not after that.
I couldn't bring myself to look at either of them. "Doc says your going to be okay kid."
Okay, Define Okay. "Yah. I guess."
There was an awkward silence. "I'm never gonna walk again."
Soda sighed. He looked darn well close to tears. "Doc…. Doctors don't know everything kid."
There was something he wasn't telling me. Something about what he said. I'm not the smartest guy around but I'm pretty good at reading people. There was more to that statement then what was said.
I winced. "You okay."
'Yah, it just hurts… sometimes. Usually don't. Cause I can't feel nothing below the middle of my back."
Soda and Steve exchanged worried glances. Two- Bit used to joke about me and Pony like that. We're both quiet, he'd say that we must make such interesting conversation. But Pony and I dig what each other is trying to say without words. I don't reckon Soda and Steve are much different.
"Guys?"
They looked at me. "Ponyboy….." I couldn't finish.
Steve looked at Soda. Soda frowned. He looked down right close to tears, oh no…..
Steve sighed. "We don't know how to tell you this Johnny but Pony, he's…. "
"Just fine." Soda interrupted quickly. Steve glanced at him. Soda glared. Something told me that Pony wasn't just fine. In fact I doubted if he was fine at all.
Okay thank you nightstarz. I am glad you said that. It got me researching. The reason Johnny can't have kids is that his sperm backs up into his bladder or something like that. I did some research after you set me straight. Another factor is Johnny's own self worth. He is very unconfident so he is bound to believe what doctors say.
Besides views on these types of injuries were much different in the sixties then today. Technology was neither more advanced. There is also his economical sitiuationj. Most reabiltation center might not agree to take him as he could not pay. But thank you very much.
Feedback like your makes me able to create a more realistic story. Lots of Love- Goldengreaser