A/N: Hey guys. I'm so sorry for the long wait. I wanted to take my time with this chapter. I really hope you like it. Please review and let me know what you think. Love, Ellivia22

AN: I'd like to thank SimonaK1 for all her help with this chapter. Her writings are amazing and she's really helped me put things into perspective. Check out her story "Blizzard". It's amazing!

Disclaimer: I don't own The Outsiders. I wish I did though.

Broken Bond

Part VII

Darry

The white phone hanging on the wall next to the refrigerator was cool and clammy when I picked it up. Either that or it was because my hands were sweating profusely. The shrill sound of the ringing finally stopped. All I could hear at the moment was the loud pounding of my heart. I didn't take my eyes off Sodapop's horrified expression as I answered the call. "Curtis residence."

The voice on the other end was a young female. She spoke in a professional tone. "Good evening, my name is Victoria. I'm calling from St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. This message is in regard to Ponyboy Curtis."

As soon as I heard my baby brother's name the blood in my veins turned into ice. All the air left my lungs just from one word: hospital. I couldn't breathe, couldn't speak. The only thing I could do was listen as the woman continued. I kept my eyes on Sodapop as I listened. My younger brother was looking more upset with each passing second.

"He was brought to our hospital along with two other boys: Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston. All three victims have sustained injuries from a church fire in Windrixville. Ponyboy gave me this number to call."

So many words ran through my brain at a high speed, making me feel physically sick: hospital, fire, injured. This had to be a dream. A really bad one. When reality sank in, I finally managed to find my voice. "We'll be right there."

I hung up the phone, my body visibly shaking. Sodapop continued to stare at me in horror, his eyes huge and face dangerously pale. "What?" he asked anxiously in a high-pitched tone.

I wanted so badly to say something comforting to my little brother, but all that came tumbling out was the truth. "There was a fire at a church in Windrixville. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally are in the hospital."

After that very troubling phone call, dinner was completely forgotten. Sodapop and I didn't waste any time throwing the food in the refrigerator and then jumping in the truck-which is where we've been sitting in heavy silence for the past fifteen minutes. We still have fifteen minutes to go. My heart won't stop pounding hard in my chest and my hands are shaking so much that I can barely drive straight. I haven't felt this scared since the night Ponyboy ran away. My mind is racing.

What happened in Windrixville? How did Ponyboy get hurt? Is he okay? And the biggest question of all: how is he going to react when he sees me? At this point, I don't care if he hates me for the rest of our lives. All that matters is that my little brother is all right.

I glance at Sodapop who is staring outside the passenger window. He looks utterly distraught. Even though I'm just as worried about Ponyboy I do my best to offer my brother some comfort. "He's fine," I tell him, trying to convince myself at the same time. "Ponyboy is fine."

"I know," he answers, keeping his gaze outside the window. "How did Ponyboy and Johnny end up all the way in Windrixville? That's hours away."

I wonder the same thing. "I don't know. I just feel better now that we know where he is."

Another long silence passes between us. I continue to watch him out of the corner of my eye every time I reach a stoplight. His shoulders are tensed up and I know it's not just because of his worry about Ponyboy. He's still angry with me for considering sending him to the Boy's home.

Please, big brother. I love you. Don't do this.

I swallow the large lump in my throat as the overwhelming guilt comes rushing back. I was so sure that I was doing the right thing by sending Sodapop to the boys' home. I thought it was the best way to protect him. It wasn't until I heard his desperate plea that I realized that I would've been doing the exact opposite. I couldn't hurt him like that. Good thing I hadn't contacted social services yet. That would've been another big mistake I couldn't take back. Still, I owe him an apology.

I clear my throat. "Listen Soda. I'm sorry that I thought about sending you away. After everything that happened with Ponyboy, I thought that sending you to the Boy's home was the best way to protect you. I was wrong. I want you to know that I haven't contacted social services yet. Everything is going to be okay. I promise."

Sodapop looks extremely relieved. Some of the anxiety leaves his face and his blue eyes look a little brighter. He smiles at me for the first time all evening. "Thanks Darry."

As I continue to drive, I ponder on the words I just spoke. Honestly, I'm not sure if I really believe them. Will everything be okay if Ponyboy doesn't forgive me?

By the time we reach the hospital, it's nearly 7:30 PM. The sun has completely set, and all the streetlights are on. Soda hops out as soon as I park close to the entrance. I remain in the driver's seat, unable to move. The sudden fear I feel is so strong it's seizing my entire body. My muscles constrict and my breathing is labored. I'm not sure that I can do this.

What if Ponyboy is badly hurt by the fire? What if he hasn't forgiven me for what I did? What if he never forgives me? What if he hates me? What if my nightmare becomes real and I lose both my brothers? What if-.

Soda shakes my shoulder, pulling me out of my troubling thoughts. He has a very concerned look on his face. "Are you okay?"

My hands grip on the steering wheel so tight that my knuckles turn white. "Maybe…maybe it would be best if you went and got him." I swallow hard. "I imagine Pony doesn't want to see me after…after what I've done."

"Hey," Soda says, slinging an arm across my shoulders. "It'll be okay. Once Pony sees you, he'll know how sorry you are. I'm sure he'll forgive you."

I look at my brother. He smiles at me encouragingly, squeezing my shoulder in reassurance. I look back at the steering wheel, the doubts still weighing heavily on my mind. "I know what Ponyboy thinks about me. I know he thinks I'm mean and cruel and I proved him right that night by hitting him. I want to show him how sorry I am and to tell him that I love him, but to tell you the truth, I'm terrified. I don't think I can bear it if he never forgives me."

"Ponyboy loves you," Soda says gently. "All he wants is to know that you care about him. I promise that once you show him that you do, he will. Now come on."

Slowly I get the energy to leave the truck and follow my brother into the hospital.

Oh Pony I plead silently. Please forgive me.

Sodapop doesn't waste any time once we enter the hospital. He heads straight to the circular reception desk a few feet away from the automatic doors. A pretty woman with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes is sitting behind the desk, wearing a white uniform and hat. She looks to be my age, or a couple of years younger. Her name is Victoria, according to her badge. She must've been the one who called me.

Excuse me," Sodapop says. "We're here to see Ponyboy Curtis."

The young woman blushes scarlet when she lays eyes on my younger brother. I shake my head. Sodapop always has that effect on girls. "Just a minute." She begins typing fast on her computer.

A hand taps me on the shoulder, almost making me jump out of my skin. A stocky gentleman with curly black hair and black-rimmed glasses is standing before us. He's dressed in a brown suit. I've never seen this man in my life. "Excuse me, I don't mean to intrude, but I was just coming back from making a phone call and I couldn't help overhearing. You're here to see Ponyboy Curtis?"

I stare at him. Who is this guy and how does he know my brother? "Yeah," I answer.

He holds out his hand. "My name is Jerry Wood. I'm a teacher at Bachman Elementary School in Windrixville. I rode in the ambulance with Ponyboy."

I shake his hand. It takes a lot to talk normally. "I'm Darry, and this is Sodapop. We're his brothers. What happened? Is Pony all right?"

"Your brother is a hero," Jerry states matter-of-factly. His voice is slightly shaken as if he's still in shock over what happened. "I was on a field trip with my students when the fire started. I didn't realize that some of the children were trapped inside the church until it was almost too late. Ponyboy and the dark-skinned kid ran into the church and got them out with the assistance of the tough-looking blonde kid. If they didn't come when they did…" He swallows hard. Then he notices the horrified look on my face. "Don't worry. Besides a couple of burns, your brother is fine. He's in the waiting room. Come on. I'll take you to him."

Jerry leads us past the receptionist's desk and down a long hallway, with several rooms on each side. At least the hallway seems long to me. Perhaps I'm too anxious to see Ponyboy. The older man glances at me. "That kid has a heart of gold. You're doing a great job raising him."

I wonder how he knows about our family situation. I push the question out of my mind. It doesn't matter. Only Ponyboy does.

"He's in here," Jerry says as we approach a tan door at the end of the hall. Sodapop continues to follow him, but I stop suddenly. My heart is pounding even harder. I feel like I'm on the verge of having a heart attack. This is it: this is the moment I've been longing for. I finally get to see my baby brother. Yet, I am absolutely scared to death to face him.

Sodapop notices that I've stopped walking. "Darry?" he asks with uncertainty.

"Go ahead," I manage in a low voice. "I'll be right behind you."

I close my eyes and let out a strained breath. I try my best to calm my pounding heart, but I am unsuccessful. I have to do this. If I don't, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. Besides, my emotions don't matter. All that matters is that Ponyboy is all right.

I can do this.

When I enter the waiting room a minute later, I find Ponyboy and Sodapop already in a tight hug. Ponyboy looks so different from the last time I saw him. His hair is shorter, washed out of grease, and bleach blonde. His face is covered in soot and ash, but it's my little brother all right. He looks like he's lost a bit of weight, but unharmed. Just knowing that Pony is alive and safe makes the anxiety I had been feeling the past couple of days lessen considerably. I can breathe properly again, and I can feel the tension in my shoulders ebb away. My heart starts to slow down a little. I have never felt so relieved. Now if only I could get him to forgive me.

Ponyboy and Sodapop let go of each other. Ponyboy turns to look at me. I so badly want to approach him and give him a big hug, but I hold back. I shove my shaking hands into my pockets and swallow the large lump in my throat. "Ponyboy," I choke out.

He stares at me. Silent tears fall down my face as I see the mistrust on his face and the utter fear in his brown eyes as he relives our last encounter. I wish that I could take back every harsh word I ever said to him. I so badly want to apologize, to tell him that I love him, but it seems that I've lost my voice. All I can do is stare at him and hope with all my heart that he will forgive me.

Ponyboy, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me.

After several seconds of silence, the devastating truth sinks in. He hates me. I've lost another person that I love, and I have nobody to blame but myself.

Pony, I love you.

The silence between us becomes too much. I have to get out of here before I have a complete breakdown. My eyes lower to the ground and I turn to walk in the direction I came.

"Darry, wait!" Sodapop calls.

I ignore him. Nothing he can say will fix this. I leave the waiting room. Once I'm alone in the hallway and the waiting room door closes behind me do I allow myself to fully break down as I feel my heart shatter into further pieces.

I had lost Pony for real.

You are so stupid, Darrel, I berate myself, wiping my stinging eyes. That proves to be utterly pointless for more tears leak down my face anyway. You had the perfect chance to show Pony how sorry you are, and you blew it.

I'm standing in the middle of the hallway, unsure of what to do. I'm not sure how long I've been out here, nor do I care. I had hoped being alone would help ease the anguish I feel, but instead, I feel worse than ever. I can't stop the tears from falling, no matter how hard I try. My chest hurts so bad I feel like I've cracked my ribs from the sobs I've been unable to control. Ponyboy's hate for me is tearing at my very soul.

What am I going to do now? How can I possibly take care of my brothers? How can I care for Ponyboy knowing that he will never forgive me? I'm not sure I can bear it.

Shakily I reach into my back jeans pocket and pull out a folded photograph; my favorite one from the photo album. I swallow hard as I once again stare at a younger Ponyboy hanging on my back. It breaks my heart even more, if that's possible, to know that we'll never be close like this again. Another sob escapes my throat, making me choke.

I was so stupid to think that Ponyboy would ever forgive me after all that I've done to him.

I wish Ponyboy was here so that I had one last chance to tell him that I love him. But he's not.

"Darry."

I turn around slowly. I hold my breath, not daring to hope. Another sob escapes me seeing my little brother standing in front of me, still covered in soot. He is smiling, actually smiling at me. Beside him is Sodapop. "P-Ponyboy," I choke out in disbelief.

He runs toward me. I envelope my little brother in my arms for the tightest hug I've ever given someone. "Darry, I'm sorry," he says quietly.

I stroke his hair. It's soft and covered in soot. This is real. He's really here. I tighten my grip, the tears coursing faster down my face. "Oh Pony…I thought..." I can feel my body shake from the multitude of sobs. "I thought we lost you…like we did Mom and Dad."

The longer I hold onto my little brother, the faster my intense pain and guilt change to relief and something I haven't felt in a very long time…happiness. Real happiness. After everything that Ponyboy and I have been through; after everything that I've done, he still loves me. I didn't lose him after all.

"I missed you so much, kiddo," I say in a low voice once I'm able to speak properly again.

"I missed you too."

I feel Sodapop's arms around the both of us a few minutes later. I grab onto my other brother tightly as I continue to let out my emotions. Now that Ponyboy's back I can make things right between us. I can't wait to show him what a caring, loving brother I can be.

"Come on," I say to my brothers once we pull away a few minutes later. "Let's go see how our friends are doing."

I put one arm around Sodapop, the other around Ponyboy. Together we head towards the waiting room. "Hey, you dropped somethin'," Ponyboy says suddenly. He bends down and picks up the photograph I was clutching just minutes ago. I must've dropped it when I hugged him. He smiles at the memory. "Why do you have this," he asks curiously.

I look at him seriously. "Because it reminds me of how close we used to be. I know that I don't show it, but I miss the bond we used to have."

"Me too." One look into his brown eyes and I know that he really means it. The pain in my heart slowly starts to fade away. Finally, our bond is starting to heal.

The next thing I know Ponyboy jumps on my back, his arms wrapped around my neck. I grin, my arms hooking under his legs. Then together the three of us head back to the waiting room to see how our friends are doing.

The next couple of hours were utterly chaotic. Several reporters bombarded us with questions at us at a rapid speed. Not just about the fire, but about me and Soda and our home life. I tried to keep the fact that I didn't have legal custody of my brothers a secret, but the truth found its way out anyway. That fact has made me anxious all over again.

After a while I could tell that the constant questioning was wearing Ponyboy down, so I told the reporters to back off. The poor kid has been through enough already. Besides I was getting sick of the constant flash from the cameras in our faces.

Now it was nearly 10 PM and we were still sitting in the waiting room. There still isn't any news on Johnny or Dally's condition. The more time that passes, the more upset Ponyboy would get. I tried my best to comfort him, but there was only so much that I could do. Eventually, he and Sodapop fell asleep in the chairs by the door. I'm so exhausted from all the emotions I've felt lately that I so badly want to fall asleep too, but I can't. I have to keep an eye on my brothers. It's my job after all. I hope we get news soon. I want to get Ponyboy home so that he can rest.

The heavyset police officer who stopped by the house days before approaches me. He has a very serious expression on his round face. I stand up, almost losing my balance. Pins and needles are on the ball of my feet. They must've fallen asleep after sitting for so long. I have a sick feeling that I know exactly what he wants to talk to me about.

"Hello Darrel. Can I have a word?"

I nod mutely and follow the officer to the other side of the waiting room. "What can I do for you?" I attempt to say in a normal tone. It comes out as apprehensive instead.

"I've come to inform you that with all the evidence and witness testimony in regards to the death of Robert Sheldon, your brother will not be charged with a crime at this time. However, Ponyboy will have to testify in court about the events that occurred that night. If and when Johnny Cade recovers from his injuries, he will be charged with manslaughter."

I nod mutely. I'd do anything to protect Ponyboy from reliving what happened, but I have no choice. I turn to go back to my brothers who are still sleeping soundly when the officer's next sentence makes my blood run cold.

"It also has come to our attention that you don't have legal custody of either Sodapop or Ponyboy Curtis. Is that correct?"

I feel sick to my stomach. I could puke any second. This is the moment I have feared for over a year. I lower my head. "No," I sigh in defeat. "I've been doing my very best to take care of my brothers after our parents died. I work two full-time jobs, but still make time to take care of them and make sure they have everything they need."

Officer Houseman eyes me carefully. Pure dislike is on his face. Unfortunately, I'm used to the cops looking at me this way. I am a hood, after all. "How old are you, son?"

"Twenty," my voice drops to a level of desperation. "Please, Officer. Sodapop and Ponyboy are all I have left. I-I love them so much and they need me. I beg of you. Please don't take them away from me."

"Social services have already been notified of your situation. However, Sodapop and Ponyboy are permitted to stay with you until the hearing." The officer sniffs as if he doesn't approve of the decision.

I release the breath I didn't realize I was holding. Sodapop and Ponyboy won't be taken away. I can relax. For now. "Thank you, Officer."

When I walk back to my brothers, I realize that Sodapop is starting to wake up. "What was that about," he asks sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

I force the fear down to the pit of my stomach. I rub his blonde hair gently. "Nothin'. Go back to sleep."

"Who is here for Dallas Winston and Johnny Cade?" a voice speaks, tearing me away from my troubled thoughts. A man in a white coat, who I'm assuming is the doctor, is standing in front of the closed double doors across from the door we entered to get into the waiting room. He looks to be in his mid-fifties with black hair, greying on the sides. I don't like the very troubled look on his wrinkled face. Ponyboy jolts awake and immediately stumbles to his feet.

I clear my throat. "I am. How are they doing?"

The doctor eyes me suspiciously. "I'm sorry, I can only relay this information to the family of Dallas and Johnny. Are you family?"

"No."

"Then I'm sorry. I can't tell you anything."

I glare at him. "Dally and Johnny's parents are nothin' but deadbeats who don't give a damn about their kids. We're the only family they've got. Just give it to us straight, Doctor."

After a moment it seems that my words finally sink in with the doctor. He looks at his chart. "Dallas Winston has a bad burn on his arm. He'll be in the hospital for about two or three days until he has full use of it again."

The doctor sighs in hesitation before continuing. "I'm going to be honest with you in regard to Johnny Cade. It's not looking good for him. He is in severe shock and has third-degree burns on 80 percent of his body. Also, he has a broken back from a piece of timber that fell on him. If he makes it through the night, it's most likely he will never walk again."

Ponyboy lets out a terrified cry. I put a comforting arm around his shoulders and squeeze them tight.

The doctor looks at us firmly. "You wanted it straight and you got it straight. Now go home and get some rest."

I look at my baby brother. Ponyboy looks utterly distraught. Tears well up in his eyes, threatening to spill any second. I rub his head affectionately. "We'd better go home. We can't do anything here."

I lead my brothers out of the hospital and back to the truck, ready to take Ponyboy back home where he belongs.

The short ride back to the house is quiet. Unlike on our way to the hospital, the quietness on the trip home is because of my brothers being tired. Ponyboy immediately fell asleep as soon as I got on the road. I wanted to talk to him and make things right between us but now's not the time. He's so exhausted from everything. He needs to sleep. For now, I'm comforted to have him sitting beside me.

My mind is swimming with not only the news of our friends but because of what Officer Houseman said. It would seem that our lives are about to become even more complicated. I have even more worries on my plate now. I have to find a way to force those worries down so that I don't repeat my episode with Ponyboy.

"Darry?"

"Hmmm," I respond absently. I didn't realize that Sodapop was still awake.

"What did the police officer say?"

I glance at Sodapop. He looks really nervous. The last thing I want to do is tell him, especially since I almost gave him up to the boys' home earlier. I don't need him to worry. I decide to tell him only part of the truth. "Ponyboy has to go to court to testify about what happened to that kid in the park. For now, he's not in trouble with what happened."

I don't think he believes me, but Sodapop doesn't press the issue. I park the truck in front of the house. He shakes Ponyboy's shoulder gently. "Hey Pony, we're home."

"Hmmmmm," Ponyboy mumbles sleepily. He doesn't move from his spot in between us.

Soda shakes him a little harder as I get out of the truck. "Oh come on, Ponyboy. We're sleepy too."

"I got it," I say gently, pulling Ponyboy fully into my arms. His head rests against my shoulder, but he doesn't wake up. I'm surprised how light he is. He must've lost at least ten pounds while he was away.

"He's getting mighty big to be carried," Sodapop remarks, opening the gate for me.

"He sure has lost a lot of weight," I comment. I'll have to make sure to fix that as soon as possible.

Gently I toss Ponyboy on his bed a few seconds later. Sodapop collapses next to him soon after, fully clothed. I pull off Ponyboy's shoes and shirt, then put the blanket over my brothers. I feel content now that I'm taking care of them again. Everything is going back to the way it should be.

I look at my sleeping brothers before heading to my bedroom for what is surely going to be the best sleep I've had in almost a week. "Sleep tight, kid," I whisper to myself. "Welcome home."

A/N: I know it's a little different from the way the book did it, but I really hope you liked it. Please review and let me know what you think. Thanks :)

Epilogue is coming up next. Stay tuned!