.::I do not own The Outsiders::.
16. Another heart broken.
May 14th 1966
At work there was a problem, the guy working with me keeps stealing some dollars from the cash register. I knew but as always me being so stupid kept it to myself. Sheesh, very bad mistake. Boss found out and guess what? He blamed it on me! Just cause I'm not from their town. The guy even blamed me too! Im sick and tired of it so Im going somewhere new. I dont know when I'll leave or where but I have my money saved up. It feels good to spend it on something that I like for example beer.
Last night I got drunk all by myself. It was sorta fun though I have no idea how Twobit does it. One lousy hang over today. Twobit...
I wonder how theyre doin anyways. I dreamt of Ponyboy not too long ago. He was shouting some stuff at me. I guess my ears were clogged cause I couldnt hear him. But I did see that he was awfully angry. Which reminds me, his birthday is coming up soon!
He's gonna be 15. Gosh did he grow up so big so fast. I member when Mama brought him home. Such a small little baby. Those green eyes of his. I miss him so much. Damn, I could go back right this instant but...Not now. Soon. I can feel it.
Well nighty night for me tonight. Tomorrow I gotta check things out for my next trip. Wonder where Im gonna head off to this time. Oh and Im prouda myself. I haven't thought of Sandy much. Im pretry sure shes married by now. Yeah it hurts...A little.
I miss you so damn much Ponyboy. You too Darry. That's all for now. I'll write more tomorrow. Yup. Tomorrow...
Twobit whooped pumping his fist in the air jumping of joy as the bells of class rung. It was finally summer vacation time. He was tired of homework, studying and having hang overs while in class. Ponyboy on the other hand rolled his eyes at his immatureness. Steve was with Evie by his car kissing her soft lips telling her he'd see her in the afternoon. She seemed a little hesitant but nodded anyway. Evie mentioned something about having a serious talk with him later on.
Twobit led Pony inside his vehicle, Steve followed behind them. At the Curtis house Dally was eating some left overs that Darry told him to eat. Darry caught him stealing at the local store, he lectured him on how it was wrong and if he was hungry he could eat whatever was inside his fridge. Dally felt embarrassed but listened anyway. Darry was just being nice in his own weird way. Johnny was there minutes later turning on the television. He sat down on the floor searching for a good channel. Both watched a cop movie.
Ponyboy greeted them going to his room to take a nice cold shower. It was very hot so during the day he began to feel sticky. Over the past month and a half Ponyboy let the frustration fade away from Johnny's decision. It was something he couldn't change so instead of being mad he simply accepted it. Just like with Sodapop. He learned to deal with it. Johnny was relieved to finally be able to be okay again with his best friend.
The gang hung around for a while playing a game of poker, eating the rest of chocolate cake. Around seven at night Twobit suggested to Ponyboy and Johnny to go watch a movie at the Drive in to celebrate the first day of summer vacation. Steve left for Evie's date. Dally denied it wanting to get laid, he was itching for a broad that night. That left Pony, Twobit and Johnny to go. Ponyboy called Darry's office informing him where he was gonna be and what he was going to come back.
They decided to walk since it was hot, the fresh air could cool them down. They made it inside the illegal way like almost every Greaser does. The movie was something about a blonde marrying someone she didn't love and bla bla bla. Twobit was interested at first but only because of the actress. Then in the middle of the film he began horsing around lifting every girls skirt up as they passed by the boys. Johnny scowled at his behavior while Ponyboy was reddened with humiliation. This is why I never bring any of the guys but Johnny. Damn it Twobit leave that girl-never mind. You deserved that slap to the face!
Almost at the end Ponyboy stood up going for some snacks. Johnny went with him seeing how Twobit wasn't going to stop. A girl yelped pushing him off his seat. One man shouted for him to shut up. Twobit simply gave him the bird looking for his friends when he noticed they weren't in their seats anymore.
The line wasn't too long, just four or five people. When it was Pony's turn somebody shoved him hard. Johnny caught him just in time before he fell to the ground. Ponyboy glared seeing who it was. Scott. He sneered at the Curtis who was right in front of him. The woman at the cash register stood stunned at the aggressive move. Ponyboy noticed so he straightened himself controlling his instinct to fight back.
"What's your fucking problem?" Pony said through his gritted teeth.
Scott spat, "You, you lousy Greaser! I can't even enjoy a simple movie 'cause you're here!"
Johnny saw everyone surround them waiting for a fight, he whispered in Pony's ear to take it outside or the fuzz will show. Ponyboy spoke, "Let's go, I'm not even in the mood to fight with this gorilla anyway."
Everyone laughed, Scott was left with a very red face angered. Twobit spotted them so he quickly made his way to them, "Golly, you sure know how to disappear and leave a guy hanging alone. Why the face Pone? Something happen?"
Pony glanced at the snack bar, "Nothing. I'm just tired, let's head on home."
Twobit shrugged, the three were walking for only some minutes until they heard a car behind them it's engine purring lightly. Johnny gulped tensing his body fearing the worst, Ponyboy sighed annoyed obviously knowing who it was that was following them. Twobit put his hand into his pocket stroking the switchblade ready to use it. The car stopped. Four Socs got out with the leader, Scott, grinning mischievously.
"Well well well. Look who we have here. Three filthy greasers. Ain't that just lovely."
Twobit kept his cool, Ponyboy wanted to turn around so badly to punch them in the face. Johnny kept his head down low. Scott growled when he noticed that the Greasers didn't pay any attention to his mockery. He picked up a glass bottle from the ground throwing it at Pony. The bottle hit his back making him fall to his knees. That was the last straw. Twobit spun around getting out his switch blade yelling, "C'mon! I can take ya! C'mon!"
Johnny helped Pony up getting in defense mode, Ponyboy narrowed his eyes. Scott grinned again satisfied with the reaction, "It's four against three, you sure you wanna do that?"
Ponyboy wasn't thinking at the moment, he went right up to Scott punching him on the face. One Soc punched back. Twobit helped his friend while Johnny took on one fighting back very well. Scott saw Ponyboy clutch his stomach, one of them had kicked them. He took the opportunity to take a swing. Pony staggered backwards, with all his might he hit Scott on the nose. Blood spurred everywhere. The leader Soc covered his bloody nose yelling in pain.
"You son of a bitch! Mark, grab him!"
The Soc named Mark hauled him by the waist, Twobit tried defending him but his enemy wouldn't let him. Ponyboy struggled to get free. Johnny was about to punch the guy until the fourth Soc pushed him on his knees. Scott, with blood sliding down his mouth smiled. He took out a small switchblade from his back pocket waving it over Pony's face dangerously. Everybody froze watching him closely. Johnny's face paled, Oh God...Oh God no! Twobit's eyes were wide as a saucer, No fucking way...
"I guess it's time to show you what we're made of huh horse boy?" The switchblade went closer and closer to Pony's neck, he squirmed in the Socs grip. Just as the tip got to his skin somebody shouted something.
"Yooou leave 'em alone yaaa dumb fuck!"
This person quickly threw Scott away from the boy, he hit the pavement hard. Mark the Soc let go of Pony wanting to help but all he received was a hard blow to the stomach knocking the wind out of him. Another one kicked the person on his hip but it back fired. He fell backwards. Scott was under the person trying to get away.
"Soooo you wanteed to mesh with this Greaser huh? Well youuu know what? Fuck you! I ain't letting you do it!"
Scott let out a grunt then another and another as a lot of punches were given to him. There would be many bruises for him the next day, if his nose was broken now it was more. His lips were busted and a large gash was made on his forehead.
Ponyboy shook his head slowly knowing this was getting to far, "Stop..Steve stop!"
Twobit picked his friend up letting Scott free. The Socs carried Scott to the mustang afraid of Steve and his violent attitude. Johnny's mouth was wide open, Steve wasn't acting like himself. He wouldn't just beat up a Soc like that. Ponyboy held on to Steve who was swaying, Twobit sniffed him grimacing at the familiar smell.
"You're fucking drunk!" He exclaimed.
"Let's get him home, he'll cool off by then." Johnny said.
Going home with much struggle they laid him on the couch. Steve had vomited in the back yard and now he was a little more sober. Just a little. Ponyboy went to the bathroom for some aspirins, Twobit for some water. Johnny stayed next to him. Steve drank the pills groaning. A mayor head ache was coming. Twobit smirked, "Ain't being drunk my talent Stevie my man?"
Steve gave him the finger, "Shut up you ass."
Ponyboy sighed, "Why'd you get drunk?"
Randle frowned, his fists were clammed shut remembering, "...Evie left me."
Twobit stopped smirking, Johnny stared at the floor. Ponyboy's hand went to his face rubbing it. Ah damn it. Steve swallowed the knot forming in his throat. He turned over his back facing them. Evie had broken up with him on their 'date.' She had her bags outside waiting for him. She told Steve how she was moving to another state, This just ain't the place for me honey. I need someone who's more than just some Greaser. I understand if you hate me baby. You can find a better chick than me anyways. Bye. He shut his eyes closed feeling tears well up.
"Just leave me alone." He muttered.
Twobit nodded comprehensive of the situation, he said goodbye and left. Johnny asked if he could sleep in Pony's room wanting to give Steve his space. Pony agreed. Later on Darry was home. He was told everything and felt sad. The memory of Sandy and Sodapop popped into his mind. He'd talk to Steve tomorrow at night. Greasers stick together and help each other out no matter what.
At night Ponyboy laid wide awake. Johnny was snoring softly deep in sleep. The Curtis boy tossed and turned something nagging him in his mind. A fear. Sighing he quietly went to the kitchen for a glass of water. Sipping on it he saw that Steve was sitting on the couch his face towards the floor. Ponyboy bit his bottom lip. Should I ask him? Nah he'll just...Or...Maybe I should...But what if... In the end he opted for asking. He stepped closer over to Steve's side. Sitting down there was a moment of silence. Only the clock ticking away the seconds.
Steve murmured, "What do you want?"
Ponyboy cleared his throat, "I just...I just want to uh make sure you...you're all right."
"Well I ain't. Happy now?"
He nodded, "Oh. Ok."
Another moment of silence...
"Hey Steve."
"What?" He hissed.
Ponyboy gulped, "Are you gonna leave too?"
Steve looked at him in the dark, he could easily see with the help of the moon's light Ponyboy's eyes filled with fear. Dread. Like when Sodapop left. Steve let out a tired chuckle realizing everything, ruffling his hair he shook his head, "Naw. I ain't leaving kid. Don't worry."
That sent a whole ton of relief, "Really?"
"Yes. Really. I won't leave you kid. Any of you. It's gonna be hard but I'll manage. I'll be fine... Huh, who woulda thought that you and I could talk like this. We should alert the press or somethin."
Ponyboy laughed, "Guess some things change. For better or for worse...This one is for better."
Steve grinned, "Damn straight kid."
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(Sorry for any grammar mistakes)
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