Chapter XII

Avianna tossed and turned in her sleep. "You have to leave," a familiar voice kept saying. "You leave." Avianna kept saying, "No, no, no," but the voice would only reply with, "You're leaving, Avianna. Tomorrow."

Avianna woke up in tears. She couldn't leave not now. Not after everything she'd been through. But, she knew she had to. And the book would make sure it happened. It brought her here.

She saw Johnny, and ran to him in tears. "I'm leaving," she gasped out. "Today." Tears were an understatement for both of them as she explained why she had to leave.

They barely talked all day long. She was leaving. Johnny just remembered everything. Remembering her. Remembering what had happened in the five months she had been here. Avianna bringing light, joy, happiness. The grass got a little greener, the sky got a little bluer, the sun shined a little brighter over the East-side of Tulsa.

It was two o'clock pm, and Avianna heard the voice. "Say goodbye. It's almost time." Somehow, the gang knew. Avianna came to Darry first.

"Darry," she began, tears welling up. "We never talked much...but." She broke down, and he hugged her tight.

"I'll miss you, Sugar." Darry was crying. Avianna was like his own daughter. He loved her. Two-Bit, Steve and Soda cried so hard. Avianna was more than a sister to them. More than a friend. Even though they never talked much, they all were so close. She turned to Dally after the others.

"Dallas," she cried, and she hugged him tight. "You mean so much to me." Dallas Winston bent down and cried. He loved that girl as his sister. And now he was losing her. She turned to Ponyboy and hugged him tight. Ponyboy cried. She was really leaving.

"Avianna don't go, please," he begged through tears. She cried on him. "I wish I didn't have to." She looked at Johnny, and just bent down, in tears. He ran up to her and stood her up, bawling.

"Oh Johnny I love you so much," she cried as she thought, I'm leaving. I'm leaving them. They hugged for what seemed like an eternity.

"Please don't let go," Johnny's cheeks were tear stained. He'd never thought he'd feel this way about a girl. But now she was leaving. "I love you so much Avianna."

"I know. I love you too." She looked into his eyes. His dark eyes, handsome dark eyes filled with tears.

Johnny swallowed some tears on accident as he looked at Avianna. Just yesterday he was waking her up. Just yesterday he kissed her. Just yesterday he was describing her eyes as she tripped him. Just yesterday he was turning red from embarrassment because he wanted to marry Avianna. Marry her...but now...she was leaving. But yesterday was years ago. He hugged her tighter. "I'll never love anyone but you," he sobbed.

Avianna looked at him again. "Neither will I Johnny Cade. I love you," she kissed his cheek. He wiped her tears.

"Hey," he said. "Everything's going to be okay."

Ponyboy just looked at them. Johnny was right, they loved each other, but now they were being separated. And he felt so sorry for them. He felt sorry that he felt jealous, and took precious time away from them to fight. And it was all his fault.

"You still have my picture?" Avianna asked him, tears still coming down. Johnny nodded. Johnny handed Avianna her jacket.

"Don't forget this," he looked sad. They cried again; he kissed her, hugged her and like a dream, Avianna faded away in Johnny's arms.

...

It's not done yet, don't worry! Just one more Chapter!