I am sorry but third time's the charm. I think this is a better representation for what should happen in this chapter. I do not own The Outsiders

Soda

I held onto Pony's hand tightly. I gave his hand a squeeze. Then I sat it down again. "Come on Pony wake up. This isn't funny."

I sighed exasperated. He had to wake up. He just had to. I couldn't stand it if he didn't. He's my brother and I love him. He makes me feel special.

To most people I am just some stupid greaser dropout going nowhere. But whenever Ponyboy's around he acts like I'm the greatest person in the world. It like he idolizes me or something and I don't know why. It's a good feeling being, loved like that and I don't want to lose it.

Its more the that even. Pony's so funny, when he actually talks. He always can make me laugh. I love playing football in the yard with him or wrestling. And I love tickling him until he just about wets his pants from laughing so hard. I love how he's so smart and even a little nerdy.

When I was in ninth grade we had to read To Kill A Mockingbird. I was having a hard time understanding it but Pony he read it too, just so he could help me. He sat there for hours helping me get my essay just right and studying for the test.

The thing I love most about my brother is at night when we just lay there talking, just talking. I doubt if he half listened most of the time but I loved to listen to him. It made me feel kind of good because nobody but me was ever to really get my brother talking. He's so shy.

I hate to think all that could be over now. I just can't imagine my life without Pony there, really being there, not just like a shadow or something. Or even worse, dead. I lost my parents and I barley made it through that. If it wasn't for Pony, I don't think I could've. I mean Darry's great and all but I mean we and Pony we just connect on a whole other level. We aint just brothers. He's one of my best friends.

I sighed. There was no color to him, none at all. His cheeks were not the least bit rosy. No brown hair stuck out from his bandaged head. The only color he had was the breathing tube. It was clear blue. Every other part of him was ghostly white.

Please don't be a ghost Pony. I can't lose you. I bit my lip. Ponyboy and I are not even quiet three years apart and I can barley remember my life without him. It's hard enough to live without my parents. I don't think I know how to live without my brother too.

There was the pounding of footsteps. "HUH?"

"Hey Soda." It was Two-Bit. He must have slipped by the nurses. He grabbed a chair and he sat backwards, leg under arms. "How's the kid?"

I shrugged letting go of Ponyboy's hand. "As good as can be expected."

Two-Bit nodded gloomily. "Ma said if you needed anything, dinner, anything…."

"Tell her thanks for us."

"Sure thing." He leaned over to get a better look at Pony and shook his head. "Hope sleeping beauty wakes up soon."

He's kind of insensitive but I know he means well, so I can't be mad."

"I went and saw Johnny a few minutes ago."

I grabbed Ponyboy's hand. "How is he?" "Okay. He's healing up but still in that darn bed, poor kid."

"His folks stop by yet?" I hated that Johnny had such a lousy home life. He was too good to deserve that."

"Poor kid."

Two-Bit smiled. "You know the kid, he's holding up. "

I nodded and looked down at Ponyboy. "Pony's doing the best he can." Two-Bit gave me a sad sort of look.

"Dallas got hauled in." he remarked changing the subject. I looked up.

"What for this time?"

"He got beat down some soc trying to get information on who did this. It wasn't one of the ones who did it and Dallas didn't get to into it before the cops came. He'll be in for only a few days or so. That's what Shepard says anyway. He would be the expert.'

I rolled my eyes. Dallas maybe a hood but I'm glad he has Pony and Johnny's backs.

"Oh yeha Shepard says his gang can be ready for a rumble anytime."

I sighed. "Its not the best idea."

Two-Bit raised an eyebrow.

"Might hurt our case and besides we'd be short some guys." It was Darry.

"Hey Darry."

Darry ran a hand through his hair. "The cafeteria's closed but there is a dinner down the road. "

My thoughts raised to Ponyboy. We couldn't leave him alone. "But Darry, Pony he.."

"They're fixing to run some tests Soda."

"Oh, well."

"Come on little buddy, you need to eat." I looked wearily at my little brother.

Two-bit smiled. "I'll stay with the kid till Doc comes."

"Its settled then."