~The chapter you have all been waiting for! Enjoy!~

.::I do not own The Outsiders::.

20. Ka-boom goes the bomb

As Johnny had said, he left a week later to report himself. In those days left of the week in Tulsa the gang had tried very hard to make it worthwhile. Dally had been detaching from them, he was getting the sadness out of his system his own way. He drank at Buck's until he could remember no more, slashed tires just for the hell of it and two days before Johnny's departure he was hauled into the Police Station. Darry had the emergency bail money, Johnny spoke to Dally in private afterwards. He knew Dally was taking it very hard like Ponyboy, when they were at the Curtis's house outside the porch alone Johnny took the opportunity to talk.

"You gotta stop this Dal."

Dally shook his head, "I just can't believe this man. I just fucking can't." He just couldn't imagine little Johnny Cakes in a situation so violent, he felt he needed to stay by Johnny's side to protect him. To care for him.

Johnny sighed, "I'm leaving soon Dally. Please promise me something before I leave. You have to."

Winston swallowed thickly not allowing himself to break even a little so he nodded.

"Don't do anything stupid while I'm out there. Everybody's had a rough time. You need to be with them. Remember, Greasers stick together...And please take care of Pony. He don't get a lot too well with the others like with me. He needs someone to be there when I can't... Can you do that for me?"

Dally smeared his hand to his face not believing the words that were coming out of his mouth, "I promise, man. I promise."

The day Johnny had to leave was here. Before he left though his mother had stopped him by the entrance door giving him one soft hug. Johnny's eyes widened surprised. She'd last hug him when he was only maybe three. Mrs. Cade caressed his cheek. That moment will never fade away from the tanned Greasers mind ever. It was something so unexpected and so touching. She had a small sad smile.

"I'm so sorry my boy. I really am."

"It's ok Ma. I'll come home soon."

"I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the way I've behaved with you."

He looked down at the floor, "Awe Ma..."

His mother lifted his chin, "Your eyes Jonathan... Your eyes are what helped me. They remind me of my brother. He died long before you were born."

Once their moment was over Johnny had to go, he hopped into Darry's truck along with Pony to the city where he had to attend. Steve followed behind in his car with Twobit and Dally. It was a long ride that consisted of an hour, Ponyboy cherished those sixty minutes beside his buddy. Johnny had a serious expression on his face though. Just thinking of going off to Nam was terrifying. Dally stared out the window, Damn it Johnny. Damn it God. You better bring Johnny home. You better.

Darry gripped the steering wheel tightly . Even though Johnny wasn't really his blood brother he was one to Darry. Johnny would always be his brother in the inside and for him to leave was saddening. Twobit chewed on his nails, he didn't want another member gone. He didn't want Johnny to die there. Steve drove carefully his mind on everything. On Johnny, on Twobit, on Darry, Dallas and Pony. The weakest one to probably break was Pony. Poor kid. I could never imagine my buddy going to Nam. But hell, Soda running away is almost the same. He could be dead by now. Stupid Sodapop. Stupid military calling on Johnny. Stupid life. Why the fuck is God so cruel. Why us? We've lost so damned much. Now this...

Unfortunately the Greasers had pulled in. There were buses waiting for the many young men to be departured off to Vietnam. Johnny lifted his small duffel bag standing straight, standing confidently. Darry was the first one to hug him hard, "Just come home Johnny."

Next was Twobit whose eyes were close to crying, "You know what else sucks 'bout this? They're gonna cut you're tuff hair."

Johnny frowned, "Gee thanks for reminding me."

Twobit grinned, "I'm gonna make fun of you when you come back with your bald head."

Steve cleared his throat his hands in his pockets, "We're sure gonna miss you, man."

"Me too Steve. It will be hard but I'll make it. I have to."

Dally ruffled Johnny's hair, then he glanced over the small building where he was supposed to enter. "You sure you don't want to run away? Maybe we could-"

"Dally..."

"I know I know. Johnny, kick ass over there and come home."

Ponyboy was last. His eyes were already filled with tears as he smiled sadly as his friend, "I'm gonna write to you every day I can ok? Be careful Johnny. You promised you'd try. You better try your God damned hardest Johnny. Please."

Johnny gulped, "I will Ponyboy. I will. I'll write back too. Hey, I brought the book you bought for me. Thanks again for that."

The Greaser turned around forcing himself to head towards the small building. He waved a goodbye to everybody with his eyes on the verge of tears but blinked them away fast. He disappeared as he entered. They stayed there until the buses drove off to their destination. It was so heart breaking seeing another one of the gang leave. Ponyboy stared ahead praying feverishly in his mind for Johnny to come back home safe. And soon.

Dear Ponyboy,

Already a month in training and golly it's pretty hard. They make us run and run none stop. The food is nasty. How I wish I could have a burger or some pizza. Eat some for me will ya?

The guys are pretty tuff. Some I recognize from Shephard's gang. Some are Socs. But here we're all the same. I made some friends but none like you. I really miss you guys.

I can't see sunsets here but I can see the sunrise.

I've been reading Gone with the Wind. I like it so far. Book seems nice. It has some war stuff in it so I guess that helps.

How's everybody doing? Being the middle of May I think everybody's hanging out more since school is almost over. I wrote a letter to my Ma. I hope you don't mind giving it to her. Last time I saw her she hugged me. I'll never forget it.

Looks like I hafta go. Take care Pony. I'll be back as soon as you know it.

~Johnny

Ponyboy received many letters like that for another month. Already being June with another school year done he re-read the past letter from his pal tucking them away in a box he painted especially for that he had under his bed. Anytime he missed or thought of Johnny he would simply re-read them making him feel better. Darry was at work like every Thursday. Twobit with Steve were at the DX until their shift ended and Dally... well he was off in his own business. Ponyboy turned on the television after making dinner. There was nothing good going on.

He opened a book but quickly got bored by that too. The time was exactly five thirty seven. Pony groaned in frustration not knowing what to do. An idea popped into his head. Grabbing a piece of paper he scribbled down some words and stuck it on the refrigerator. Going into his room he packed into a small backpack a bottle of water and put on his tennis shoes and was running out the door. It slammed shut. An hour passed, the house was silent. It never was before. When Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were still alive the house was alive as well. Having three boys was no easy task especially with the rest of their friends practically living there too. The house was always noisy with the sounds of the boys laughter or Mrs. Curtis's voice singing as she played the piano or Mr. Curtis's laugh booming joyfully. Now it was silent taking all that away with them. They died tragically, Sodapop left and Johnny got sent to Nam.

The house was dead.

An hour later Darry was home, he called out for Pony but got no response. Instead of looking for him he decided to go take a quick shower. When he got out there was Twobit and Steve on the couch arguing over some broad that they saw at the DX. He rolled his eyes changing into his pajamas. Darry went into the living room turning on the television. News of Nam were on. He frowned turning it off instantly thinking of Johnny making his stomach do a flip. Twobit stretched his arms putting his legs on top of the coffee table.

"Say, what's for lunch Superman?"

Darry was already in the kitchen, "I don't know. Pony made dinner. Twobit get your disgusting feet of my coffee table before I beat your ass."

"Hey! I took a shower this morning!"

Steve snorted, "No you didn't. That was yesterday you filthy pig!"

"Oh yeah."

Outside, a taxi parked nearby. The door opened a person getting out. He paid the taxi driver. With two bags on each of his side this person took in a deep breath many memories crashing down. He smiled contently. I'm, back home. He saw the house, his house. The lights were on and very familiar voices inside. He walked towards it slowly. The person stepped up the porch steps one by one his heart racing not knowing how his friends or brothers would react. It was just as scary as exciting. Just as he was about to knock the door opened widely.

"Be right back I'm going to get some bu-bu...Jesus effin Christ..."

The person smiled, "Hey Twobit."

"But-I-You-What?... Soda?"

"That's me."

Twobit was dumbstruck. He never ever thought that in a million years Sodapop would show up so...So unexpectedly. And on that day. Steve shouted annoyed, "Twobit close the damn door! Mosquitoes are getting inside!"

"I-uh-guys. I kinda have something...Someone to show you." Twobit said uneasily.

Opening the door wider Sodapop Patrick Curtis was shown. Steve, who had a slice of cake in his mouth, stopped chewing. He swallowed what was left of it and stared at the long lost Soda he had dreaded for. There was some utter silence. Twobit closed the door as Sodapop walked inside putting his bags down. The expression on Steve's face was of pure shock.

"Hey Stevie. Pretty surprised huh?"

Darry's voice sounded from the kitchen, "Hey Steve! You want some spaghetti?" The oldest Curtis had a plate in his hands as he stepped out and saw who was in the living room. He stopped on his tracks. The plate fell from his hands making it shatter into pieces. Sodapop winced hearing it break and looked at his brother, he smiled again. The room got tense. Twobit stayed silent now really knowing what to do.

"Darry..."

"S-Soda? Sodapop?"

"The one and only."

Steve stood up from the couch, his eyes were on Soda. He noticed how he hasn't changed much. Sure, his hair a bit longer but Greased as always. His eyes had the usual shine but he was taller. Same as his own height, his muscles were bigger. Steve's friend was back and smiling like nothing ever happened. This maddened him. Suddenly in one fast move his fist collided with Soda's face making him stumble backwards.

Sodapop rubbed his jaw, "Owe...Guess I deserved that..."

Steve growled, "And more you stupid bastard! What? You think you could just come like this and expect us to be all happy?! Welcome you with wide arms? Well you got something coming-"

Darry intervened, "Stop. Steve, this ain't going to solve anything. Just calm down." He turned to Sodapop, "Soda I-"

"It's ok Dar. I really didn't know you guys were gonna react. I did deserve that though. I woulda done the same thing."

Even though mad Darry took one step towards his brother and wrapped his arms around him although he wanted to strangle him for leaving, for running away. He put aside the anger, him missing his middle brother and for him to come back was a much stronger feeling. Steve sat on the couch fuming, Fucking bullshit. He wasn't so comprehending as Darry. Twobit sat next to him not knowing how he felt. Darry held him by the shoulders scanning everything. It was true, Soda was still the same except now, he has grown up.

The door flew open with the youngest Greaser walking inside tiredly, Steve crossed his arms amused of what was going to happen next. Under his breath he muttered, "And ka-boom goes the bomb..."

Ponyboy was breathing hard as he let his small backpack drop to the floor not noticing anything strange, "Hey Dar. I left a note on the fridge saying I was gonna take a run. Gosh I'm so tired. I'm going to take a shower."

Sodapop's eyes twinkled seeing his brother walk to the bathroom, in a soft tone almost whispering, "Pony."

Ponyboy froze, he recognized that voice. He knew it so well. After almost two years that voice was engraved into his brain. His head spun slowly as his eyes widened. There, next to Darry was Sodapop Curtis. His middle brother he had yearned to see. The brother who had caused such great pain. The person he thought would never abandon him was there, present. Pony blanched suddenly the air felt harder to breath in.

Pony backed away not believing he was actually there, He's not supposed to be here. Soda's gone. He ran away! His heart beat fast against his chest excitedly, He's back..Soda's back! Then he remembered all he suffered from his absence. Those days he wouldn't stop crying or feel like shit, those days he felt like simply dying without Sodapop thinking how cruel he was to abandon his family and friend. Instantly the excitement faded as rage was replaced. Anger flashed in his eyes while shaking his head furiously, "Is this some kind of joke?!"

Sodapop was taken aback, "Ponyboy." He put a hand on his own chest, "It's me. It ain't a joke. I'm back home..."

"Oh! Am I supposed to feel all better now? You think that's gonna make things all better?!" Pony spat.

Soda started walking towards him, "Pony I-"

His younger brother pointed a finger at him signaling to stop, "Shut up! Just shut up... I don't want to see you right now. I don't even know why you bothered to come back." With that said Ponyboy ran out slamming the door behind him.

Steve snickered at Soda, "Welcome fucking home."

oOoOoOo

(Sorry for any grammar mistakes)

Thank you for reading and reviewing! Make me real happy!(: