New chapter! yay

I wish I owned the outsiders:c

"Ponyboy, wake up ," Soda said shaking me. I groaned still really tired. I didn't get to actually sleep till about 30 minuets ago! With the painfully long walk home, pulling out the glass from my skin, applying bandages to my wounds, and then kept twisting and turning trying to get comfortable with my ribs!

"No go away," I mumbled into the pillow.

"Oh come on Pony its a schools day ." Oh man it is a school day! I don't know if I could make it. Well I have to try, not like I can tell Darry and Soda ' yeah guys I can't go because I'm in pain, due to Johnny's dad beating me up :).'

Next I felt fingers running along my sides. I gasp at the pain as they hit my rib area, My eyes shot open and I tried desperately to push Soda's hands away. " Ok soda I'm up! Stop please that hurts ," I said quickly.

He jerked his hands away instantly ," what's wrong Pony!? Do you need Darry to look at your ribs? We old you yesterday to let him look over them!" Shoot! I let it slip!

I shook my head " no I'm good nothing he can do really their just sore ," I quickly explained , sitting up. I gripped the bed sheet with all I had not to cry out. Mental note again don't move so fast with injured ribs!

" I'm going to go get dressed," I said carefully sliding out of bed and down the hall. In the bathroom I took off my clothes. I paused catching myself in the mirror. I studied my chest . I had layers and layers of cuts, bruises, scars, and burns. This made me think about how things seem to be slowly getting worse. Normally I get called in for a beating once a week sometimes twice, but this week I've been called in three times.

Its starting to take its toll. I don't feel well enough to even make it threw half the school day! A sharp knock on the door broke my thoughts," hurry up Pony you have school in 25 minuets." I saved those thoughts for later maybe I can drop by Athena's after school see what she thinks. I finished pulling on my clothes, and walked to the kitchen.

Everyone did their usual routine. Two- bit in front of the t.v. Watching Mickey with Chocolate cake. Steve and Soda at the table shoving it down their mouths, Johnny was at the table as well quietly eating. Darry stood at the counter with his plate and a cup of coffee. I have no clue where Dally is, most likely at buck sleeping of a hang over.

Silently I hopped that Two- bit or Steve go to school so I could catch a ride maybe, no I will sleep on the way. Darry handed me some cake. I sat next to Johnny at the table. He gave me a shy smile, " morning Pony."

I returned the smile ," g'morning Johnnycakes." I began to eat my cake. I glanced over at Johnny, remembering he went home last night. I checked for and sign of being hit or beat. I sigh thankfully not seeing any.

"Come on Johnny, Pony let's get going ," Two-bit said following Steve out the door. I put my plate in the sink, Johnny did the same. I called out a bye to my brothers as we left. Two-bit and Steve were already in the front seats of Steve's car by the time we got there. Johnny and I got in the back.

Steve started up the car as we started to drive. I leaned my head agents the window closing my eyes letting sleep come to me.

Next I was being shakes " hey Pony come on man we're here." I yawned and stretched a bit. I pulled open my door, and got out. Johnny rounded his side of the car and stood next to me. The others were waiting , then all four of us proceeded to the school building saying a good bye as we parted ways.

The day went by, nothing new happened. I went threw all my classes magically managed to stay awake and pay attention. After school I meet up with the other and told them I was going to a friends house to study for a big math test on Friday. Two-bit said he would pass the word to Darry for me.

Now I'm on my way to Athena's. I tried to make it threw the day but I really need her to bandage me up. That and I need to talk to her. I just hope she is home, she works at a near by children's clinic as a nurse. Most of the time she has Monday's off, but you never know.

rounding the corner onto her street, I shoved my hands in my jacket pockets. I picked up my pace when I saw her car in the drive way. When I was in front of her house I waisted no time to rush inside.

Athena was sitting on the couch reading a book when I walked in. She glanced up and put the book down. " Hey pony what are you doing here ?"

I plopped on the couch "Mr. Cade he got me again last night, I need you to-," I didn't get to finish cause she was already down the to get the first aid kit. I smiled that's Athena for you. I took of my jacket and pulled off my shirt wanting her to look at my ribs first.

She came back in and sat next to me and put the first aid kit on the floor, much like a few nights ago. "Why didn't you come last night?"

I sigh knowing this would come up. "I thought I could tough it out alone, and I didn't want to wake you up again."

She frowned at me and pulled me into a hug " oh baby, I don't care if you wake me from the dead, I'll always help you when you need it."

I returned the hug," Thanks Athy." She pulled back smiling and continued with my ribs, and other cuts.

" He burned you! Again!" She looked outraged at my new burn in my inner elbow.

I shrugged " yeah, no big deal. I rather me then Johnny."

She looked up at my from the burn, " you've got a good heart you know that? I've never met anyone willing to take a hit for their best friend before you. A heart of gold, I think that's what I love most about you Pony"

I grinned " aww shoot I ain't that great," I waved her off. The look in her eyes said she wanted to say something else but instead she went back to cleaning the burn.

"Your right you have terrible posture it's not even funny," she laughed.

I glared playfully " hey! You leave the way I sit and stand alone!" She laughed some more.

after that went on slowly I did my homework, Athena made us dinner, meatloaf. The we loaded up in Athena's car so I could go home. Then I remembered my question from this morning. "Hey Athena?"

She Gave me a side ways glance," yeah?"

" Do you think this deal is getting worse? Like the beatings are getting to be more often."

she turned at a green light," I don't know, I know what you talking about, this is the third time in the past few days. Maybe it will blow over just give it some time honey ."

I nodded I'll give it time to blow over like she said, I'm just worn from not sleeping a lot lately. Yeah thats it I'm tired! We pulled up into the drive way , Athena looked at me. " If your ever that hurt and don't come to me I'll beat the snot outta you, savvy?"

I nodded " yes Darry."

She shook her head " go to bed you look tired, love."

I smiled, honestly Athena worries too much. " Mkay," I said as she leaned over and kissed my cheek. I kissed her cheek and got out, walking up the steps, I waved as she drove off.

I walked inside, everyone was watching Mickey, well save for Darry who was reading the paper. "Hey guys"

Two-bit glanced up at me and grinned " who's the lucky broad that won your heart?"

I blinked " huh?" I put a hand on my cheek where Athena kissed me and pulled it back staring at my palm. It was red, like, like Athena's lip cheek heat up as I realize what Two- bit meant. I put two and two together and smirked.

So this is your revenge huh? For me not running to you last night? Embarrass me will ya? Don't worry dear Athena I'll get even with you, just watch.

I could feel a bubble of laughter from my stomach. " I'll get you for this one love," I said. Then I left to my room ignoring the confused faces from the gang.

Tada done ~

I even threw in a Pony and Athena moment in their kinda to explain their relationship. Please know there will be no Pony/Athena in here. It says that he sees her ONLY as a mother figure!

ok leave a review if you want and thanks to all other readers and reviews ^_^ V bye