Gone
Chapter 2
I don't own the Outsiders

"How is he doc? Why can't he see?" Dally asked, his voice coming from somewhere on the other side of the room. I guess they had just let him in.

"We won't be sure until the test results come in," the doctor said, "It could be only temporary, or it could be peremant."

"Can I go home?" I asked quietly, "I'm supposted to be watching Penny today."

"Penny?" the doctor questioned.

"Our neice. Johnny's just crazy about her. Her carrier just went back to school last week. Johnny offered to watch her today while we were all at work," Dally said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

I leaned into Dally, feeling the muecles of his chest flex under my head.

"Can I go home? Please? I promise I'll be careful," I asked again.

"I'll make sure he does," Dally said, the bass in his voice rumbleing under my ear.

"Alright," the doctor relented, "But take it easy until we get the results back and know what we're dealing with."

"Yes sir," I said, taking Dally's hand and following him out of the room.

Dally lead me through the maze of a hospital that I could barely navagate when I could see, let alone blind. We finally entered a room where the stench of the hospital was masked by the smell of home. A combination of Pony, Soda, and Darry, mixed with Steve.

"Where are Austin and Two-Bit?" I asked.

"They just brought in Austin, he's being checked over now. They just came and got Soda," Pony said, "They still haven't found Two-Bit."

"And Penny?"

"She's here," Darry said, his voice hoarse, "Shepard brought her up."

"Is she okay?" I asked, moving towards the sound of Darry's voice.

"She's a bit fussy, but she's okay."

"And you?" I asked, putting my hand on his shoulder.

"I...I'm scared," Darry said softly, "What if he didn't make it? They haven't found him and the search teams are within three rooms of the blast."

"Don't worry Darry. Two-Bit loves you and Penny too much to leave you like this. Oh no, he'll be much more dramatic and at least have a last good-bye. They'll find him and he'll be fine. Don't worry," I said, sitting next to Darry, Dally on my other side.

"You're right Johnnycake. Keith'll be fine. He won't let this get the best of him," Darry said, his voice a shade lighter, "Thanks."

"You're welcome Darry," I said, leaning back, "So, what now?"

"Now...now we wait," Pony said softly from Darry's other side.