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Chapter 4-Taking Him Home

Steve's POV:

"The kid out yet?" I asked Soda as we drove in the back of Darry's truck.

"For the fifth damn time Steve, we're going to pick him up." Soda rolled his eyes.

"Oh ya." I chuckled a bit. I haven't been the brightest on this whole situation with Pony.

I've know him for a while, I've just never been all that close to him. I mean, after Johnny and Dally died, I stopped bothering the kid. I wasn't completely nice to him, I didn't pat his back and give him reassuring words, I simply stopped bothering him. I didn't nag him for every little thing he did, and I didn't mind it when he came with Soda and us. But one day he just stopped. He stopped coming with us. Soda would offer, hell, sometimes I'd even offer. But the kid would simply shake his head no. I wanted to say something to him. I wanted to yell, 'Get your ass up and come with us!' But I knew that wouldn't go over well. I was mad at Pony. He was starting to worry Soda, and a worried Soda meant a no fun Soda. And no one likes a no fun Soda. I was just wanted the old Soda back. So I got mad at Pony. I went back to bothering him. I knew I shouldn't have, but I didn't say anything too far. I knew where my boundaries lay, and I knew when I crossed them. Luckily I never crossed that line, but that didn't mean I never had to aplogize. There were countless occasions where I should have said two simple words. 'I'm sorry.' But I was too much of a ass to do that either. I want to believe that I wasn't the reason Ponyboy tried to kill himself, and maybe I'm right? But I know I played some aspect. All he wanted was a friend. If only I'd be more kinder to him. Made him realize that he's not alone. They maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have done what he did. But I can't change nothing. I'm gonna have to live with what I'd did and what I didn't do.

Soon enough we reached the hospital. It was early in the morning, so not a lot of people were there. So we got a fairly good parking spot. We only had to walk around a hundred feet. It may seem like a lot, but for a Hospital, that's a miracle.

Miracle. What is that necessarily? Is it the working of God? Or the Devil? Odd question I just asked. But, wouldn't it make sense? If there is a God, does he produce these miracles in order for us to see it as a sign? A sign that he exists and that we should believe in him. But then again, some miracle have side effects. Things that wouldn't happen if there wasn't a miracle in the first place. Which makes me think. If there's a Devil, does he do this? Does he sometimes give us this little taste of love and hope, only to show us there's more behind that trapped door no one dares open? Does he do it in order to distract us from all he's secretly doing behind our backs? Does he do it to make us think that all in the world truly is good and that God doesn't even exist? Could he be trying to defy us from believing in God? Whatever a miracle is, and whoever produces is, I'm sure as hell glad they gave it to Ponyboy. Now, all I have to do is find what behind the closed door.

After walking into the hospital that same smell rushed over me. The smell that indicates hope, with a hint of suffering. It's an odd combination. One you wanna ignore, but can't help noticing both sides.

We walked up to the front desk. There was an older man sitting there. He looked on his mid twenties. He must be smart to be working at a hospital at his age. But I wasn't worried about him, I was worried about the kid.

"Uh, we're here to pick up Ponyboy Curtis." Darry mentioned to the man.

"Of course." The man smiled and typed a few things on the computer in front of him, "Hallway B, room 27 on the left. A nurse is with him right now, just checking his vitals and stuff. They should have another Doctor in there to explain everything." He smiled a forced smile. But, it was his job, so I can't complain.

"Thanks." Darry nodded back a genuine smile.

We followed Darry down the hallway. A large "B" in blue print lied above it before we entered. I noticed a pattern with the doors. Odds were on the left, evens were on the right. Funny how hospital's work. But, it's not like I run one, so I can't judge.

It took us a little while to reach his door. It was second to last on the left side. But that didn't stop us from hurrying over there. This time there was no hesitation. Soda opened the door as we rushed inside.

The kid was sitting on the edge of his bed. He was wearing some of his clothes. Darry had brought some yesterday, or so I'm told. He didn't look pale, or skinny, or broken down like Two-Bit described him. I wish Two-Bit could be here. He seemed to connect with the kid. But he has to babysit his younger sister.

He looked healthy. I could tell the smile on his face was fake, but I knew he wasn't dying. He looked perfectly fine to me. But I'm not completely sure, I thought he was fine before. And we know where that assumption got him.

A nurse was taking his blood pressure, the faint colored cuff hugged tightly around his arm. She was writing things on her clipboard that I knew I wouldn't understand even if I tried. But, behind her stood another Doctor. He must be the one we need to talk to.

"Ah, you must be Darrel and Sodapop Curtis!" He looked at the brothers brightly and stuck out his hand, "I'm Doctor Greyhouse." He introduced himself and firmly shook hands with the two brotbers, "I would like to talk about Ponyboy's current state."

Soda and Darry nodded in agreement. I followed them as we walked a few feet away from Pony. I don't know why, isn't not like he still won't be able to hear us, but whatever.

"He should have feeling back in his wrists and hands, but he might be weak with lifting or gripping on to things for a couple days. Which is completely normal. We insist that you get him a therapist within the week, and if you don't we will ASSIGN him one. We have prescribed him medicine for the pain and medicine for the depression. You can pick that up at the pharmacy. We could have called Child Protection Services if we liked to, but I have a feeling none of you knew what was going on with him. You truly seem to care about him. So, we'll let this one slide. But, if we find him in the hospital again within the month, they will be called. Do I make myself clear?" His tone was harsh but kind.

"Yes Sir." Darry nodded in understandment.

We fixed our attention back on Ponyboy. He was finally able to leave. Finally able to disperse from this crappy hell hole. Finally! I don't know the kids mind, but I do know he ain't fond of Hospital's. Nobody really is. At least no one I know.

"Alrighty kiddo. Let's get going." Darry smiled and harshly stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Pony only nodded with his fake smile and followed us. As we walked out of the room, out of the hallways, out of the Hospital, I couldn't help but think. Would we have to go back? Would the medicine work? Would the therapy work? Would anything ever go back to normal? Ever again.

I wish I had the answer, or some evidence to conclude an answer. But I ain't that smart. I only go to school around half the day, I'm always working. Sometimes I feel like I'm the dumbest in the group. And I probably am. But I feel kinda left out. Not physically, I'm always apart of stuff. But I feel like I'll never be as good as the others. They achieve so much. Darry had a scholarship! He was great in school. Even if he did turn it down, he has proof that he is smart. Soda's smart too. He may have flunked classes, but he knows everything about everyone. He knows when you're sad. Upset. Angry. Embarrassed. And he knows just how to handle it. Two-Bit still goes to school, and he actually likes it! He likes learning! I don't need to explain Ponyboy. Everyone's favorite genuis. But what am I? I'm good with cars. Great. Where's that gonna get me? I don't do well in school. Sometimes I wanna ask Pony for help, but I can't. That would make me look bad. People would make fun of me. Fixing cars can only get you so far. I guess everyone in the group has a 'label' And I just need to learn to live with mine.

I decided to sit in the back with the kid. I wanted to keep an eye on him. I knew his brothers did too, but you can always use another point of view I guess.

I wanted to start conversation with him. But I really didn't know what to say. There wasn't much I could say. 'Hey, so how are you? Since you're not dead.' 'So, how did slitting your wrists feel?' 'I was wondering, if you plan on doing it again, would you try a different approach?' No! I can't just talk to the kid. All the things I wanna say are either a total douchebag thing to say, or too soon. So I kept quiet. It was best for everyone. Trust me.

It didn't seem like Pony wanted to start conversation either. He simply looked out the window. He didn't say anything. But his fake smile finally faded away. I don't know what interest he found it watching the window. Or the random places and nature rushing past our view before our eyes. I didn't see it. His mind is like a box. It's locked shut. And he only allows certain people to have the key. But, even if you have the key, sometimes you don't understand what's in the box. What's in his mind. I want to understand. Hell, I want a lot of things. So why don't I got for them? Work hard to get where I want?

Because I'm scared. I'm scared of what people will think. I'm scared of what I'll think of myself. I guess fear shadows are over my wants. Stupid, ain't it? Makes me seem like a child. I guess I still am. I just haven't grown out of that stage yet. Let's just hope I do soon.

End of Chapter 4! I will be ending this series soon! I hope you enjoyed this Chapter! Please Review!