The ride in the gurney to my hospital room seemed so slow and muffled; I felt the need to think about Shelley. It was hard because of what just happened; everything was a blur. I couldn't think straight-all I remembered was the burn, the pain, the screams of terror from children and most especially Johnnycake. I forced a look at my burnt arm and felt lucky and thankful I didn't get burnt as bad as poor Johnny.
Once we got to the room they tried putting their arms under my back to lift me up.
"I got it." I said, waving them off.
They let me go and I sat myself up, wincing since I forgot about my arm, and got onto the bed. A nurse handed me this paper gown.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with this?" I asked.
"Please put it on, Dallas."
I rolled my eyes.
"Why do you think I would wear paper?"
"It's for sanitation."
I laughed, but the doctors and nurses were serious.
"Okay, fine I'll put it on. Jesus Christ." I said, throwing the paper over my head.
After they all left the room, I tore off the paper, crumbled it up, and threw it out in the small silver trash bin.
I lit a cigarette and sat on the edge of the bed. My back was in a hunch as I thought deeply about what just had happened. What have I done?
The next day I woke up to the sight of Tim Shepard at my bedside, holding a newspaper.
"Oh, hey Tim."
"Hey, Dally. Look at what I've got in the newspaper."
He handed me the newspaper and I took it.
"See, you've got your picture in the paper."
I nodded and read the article with it. Johnny, Ponyboy and my pictures were all together. "Juvenile Delinquents Turn Heroes" was the headline.
"You know, I'm surprised it doesn't have 'Wanted Dead or Alive' written underneath your picture." Tim laughed.
I managed a small smile. I wasn't really in the mood for laughing.
I liked the article in the paper though. It made me feel good about myself. It made me feel like the cops weren't after me and I wouldn't be getting in the cooler for every little thing that I did. It was nice.
"Are you going to be better by the rumble?" He asked.
"Yeah. I sure as hell ain't missing it."
"Well I can't wait for it. It's gonna be cool. We gonna stomp them Soc's real good."
After he said that sentence I blocked the rest of him out since he wouldn't stop rubbing it in about the rumble.
Finally he left, and twenty minutes later, Two-Bit and Ponyboy walked in. Two-Bit handed me a random small present that I put down as I talked to them about Tim Shepard's visit.
Then Johnny occurred to me.
"How's Johnny doing?"
"Look, Dal. I don't know about stuff like this but, he didn't look too good." Two-Bit said with a frown.
Damn.
I had to visit him. Johnny-he had to get better. Right away.
I took Two-Bit's switchblade, and turned the other way so they wouldn't see my stray tear hit the pillow. "You know, we gotta win that fight tonight. Let's get even with those Socs! Ok, we gotta do it for Johnny!" I said with exasperation, then fell on the pillow.
Sorry, this one is shorter than most. :P Hope you liked it though. (: