A/N: Hi guys I'm back! Thank you all soooo much for the reviews. The last scene in the previous chapter is what inspired this whole story. I was so excited to post it at last. I'm so glad you guys liked it. Anyway, here's part IX. Please review and let me know what you think. Love, Ellivia22

Disclaimer: The Outsiders sadly isn't mine.

I Need You

Part IX

Sodapop

Present Day

"That'll be $0.31," I inform a Greaser in a beat-up light blue Chevrolet.

The customer hands me the money, then zooms off. I sigh, wiping my brow then wait for the next customer to approach the pump. Today is hotter than normal, and the fact that I've been moving around so much doesn't help. I'm going to have to chug a bottle of water on my lunch to stay hydrated.

The DX station is busy for a Sunday. A mixture of beat-up Greaser cars and sharp-looking Soc cars have been by for gas, oil changes, windshield cleaning, and other various auto work. A bunch of girls have been by to watch me work with starry eyes. Good looking ones too. Not just blondes, but brunettes, and even a red-haired Greaser with dazzling blue eyes. I really wish they wouldn't. Despite Sandy breaking my heart, I still love her and want to be with her more than anything. It's been two weeks since she left, and I still haven't heard from her. I miss her so much it hurts. The busy workday has been a great distraction from not only missing my ex-girlfriend, but the anger I still feel towards Darry. I know I shouldn't have been so hard on him this morning, but I don't care. I refuse to speak to him again until he finally makes up with Ponyboy.

My eyes feel heavy I have to blink several times to keep myself awake. I'm still so exhausted from being up all night with Ponyboy. While I was comforting him, I knew that there was something else bothering him-something that didn't have to do with Darry, but he wouldn't talk about it. I hate the fact that he's home by himself. I really hope that he's okay. I decide to call him when I go on my lunch break in twenty minutes.

I eye Dally through the gas station window as he looks at the various magazines on one of the shelves. He came by looking for Johnny. I told him he was at the house. Instead of going straight there, Dally decided to stick around for a while. I hope he doesn't try to cause trouble. I can't afford to lose this job.

SCREECH!

I'm startled when a black Plymouth suddenly cuts in front of all the cars waiting in line for service. It doesn't stop until it makes a screeching halt in front of me. It's Two-Bit in his usual blue Mickey Mouse T-shirt. I notice that Johnny is in the passenger seat, blue jean jacket and all. Two-Bit rolls down the window. His brown eyes are huge and utter panic is on his face. Both of them look awfully white like they had just seen a ghost.

"I've told you before, man," I state wearily. "I can't give you free gas. I could lose my-."

"Darry and Ponyboy are on their way to the hospital," Two-Bit interrupts in a high-pitched tone I have never heard from him before.

I feel as though the ground has been pulled out from under me. My stomach drops, like going downhill on a speedy roller coaster. I stare at them. Both of my buddies look completely shocked and fearful.

"WHAT?!" I exclaim once I find my voice again. "H-hospital?! What the hell happened?!"

"We dunno what happened," Two-Bit says shakily. "Johnny and I just left the grocery store and were going to the vacant lot for a quick smoke before heading back to your house when we found them. Darry was on the ground, bleedin' and Ponyboy was hysterical. We already called 911."

"It was the Socs," Johnny says quietly, speaking for the first time. "I just know it."

I feel my stomach lurch again. I'm going to puke any second. I can't hear anything now except the loud pounding of my heart. My brothers are hurt. I have to get to them as fast as I can. I have to make sure they are okay. I quickly put the gas nozzle back in its holder and hurry over to Steve, who is over at the first pump, cleaning the windshield of a sharp red Ford Firebird. There is no time to waste.

Steve, Dally, and I arrive at the hospital parking lot at the same time as Two-Bit and Johnny. St. Francis Hospital is the largest hospital in Tulsa, so it wasn't hard to find a parking space. The only thing I could think about the entire ride there is all the horrible things that could've happened to my brothers. Especially if the Socs are involved. I'm so hysterical at this point that I can't stop shaking. What am I going to find as soon as I step through the hospital doors?

The waiting room is twice the size of our living room. There are two sets of doors in between the large receptionist desk. It doesn't take me long to spot Ponyboy in the middle of the room. My baby brother is pacing back and forth, tears streaming down his face. Dark stains are all over his sleeveless dark blue sweatshirt and his hands are red. Is that blood? Darry isn't in sight.

PONYBOY!" I yelp. I grab him tightly as soon as I reach him. Ponyboy collapses into me. He holds on to me desperately and breaks down completely. His body shakes as the sobs escape him. I want to look him over to make sure there aren't any cuts on him, but Ponyboy is gripping onto me too tightly. "Are you all right?! Are you hurt?!" He doesn't answer. "What happened?!"

He clutches onto me even harder-if that's possible. It's like he's trying to squeeze my ribs together. It's getting harder to breathe. "D-Darry. He saved me."

I rub his hair soothingly, though I'm not sure how much comfort I can give at this point. My body continues to tremble. The fact that Ponyboy is covered in blood and Darry is nowhere to be found, I know that something really bad happened. Through Ponyboy's tears, I can catch a few words. "Bob…Socs…knife…blood….so much blood…Darry…shoulda been me…"

"Shhh," I whisper. I desperately want to know what happened, but it's obvious that Ponyboy is too traumatized. All I can do is stroke his hair. I'm grateful that Ponyboy is safe and unharmed, but it scares me to death that the same can't be said for Darry.

It takes nearly an hour before Ponyboy is calm again. By then the police had come by to take not only Ponyboy's statement but to talk to Two-Bit and Johnny about their connection with the Socs. Then the police went through the door on the right side of the receptionist's desk. I assume they went to talk to the doctor about Darry's condition. I hope we learn something soon. I'm about to go insane.

I can't stop thinking about all the things I just learned: how Ponyboy and Johnny met two Soc girls, Cherry and Marica, at the movies two weeks ago; the fact that Bob, Cherry's boyfriend, had been threatening Ponyboy since their confrontation; and the most frightening of all: Darry stepping in front of Ponyboy right when Bob was going to stab him. Darry bleeding to death.

The waiting room is quiet. The whole gang is here to support Darry as he fights for his life. Dally and Two-Bit are by the hospital doors. Steve is sitting beside me, and Johnny is next to Ponyboy, who is beside me. Nobody has said a word since we arrived.

Ponyboy's head is resting on my shoulder. He's fast asleep. After all the tears he's shed and the lack of sleep from the night before it's no surprise the poor kid is utterly exhausted. As for me, my mind is whirling from everything that has happened so far.

I can't believe that Ponyboy had been going through all of this with the Socs and didn't tell me. He usually tells me everything. How did Darry know what was going on? Why didn't he say anything? Was that what he was trying to tell me this morning during breakfast?

I bite my lip as I think about the last time I saw my big brother. Darry was upbeat, cheerful-something I haven't seen since Mom and Dad died. Yet I was so exhausted from being up all and frustrated that I yelled at him. He deserves it, but I can't stop thinking about the hurt expression on his face.

I'm ashamed you are my big brother!

A small tear slides down my cheek. What if Darry doesn't make it? What if I don't get the chance to tell him that I'm sorry? What if those are the last words I ever say to him?

"I didn't mean it," Ponyboy says softly, breaking me out of my troubling thoughts. I thought he was asleep.

"Didn't mean what?" I ask.

"When I said I wanted Darry to get hit by a train. I-I didn't mean it. I-I was just angry."

I throw an arm across his shoulder. I squeeze them tightly. "I know, honey."

Ponyboy swallows hard. "Before he passed out, Darry told me he was sorry for hitting me. H-he told me he loved me. By the time I told him I loved him too, he was already gone." Silent tears start rolling down his face again. The pain and regret in his tone twist my heart. "W-what if he don't make it, Soda? What if he passes on thinkin' that I still hate him? W-what if he still thinks that I wanted him to d-die?"

I suddenly realize what Ponyboy is talking about. Darry somehow found out or overheard all the things Ponyboy was saying about him the night it all happened. That explains everything: why Darry changed; why he got that third job; why he had been hesitant to apologize to our youngest brother. Darry not only felt guilty for what he had done but he was badly hurt by Ponyboy's words. By working so much, he was hiding his pain, just like he always does.

I stroke Ponyboy's hair gently. "Darry loves you. I'm sure he'll forgive you when he sees you."

Ponyboy looks at me hopefully. "Y-You think he's going to pull through?"

I struggle to keep my optimism. "I hope so."

"Me too."

The door on the right of the receptionist's desk opens. I look up in hopes that a doctor would emerge to tell us news. Instead, a Soc with curly blonde hair is being escorted out by a stocky uniformed police officer. I recognize him as Officer Houseman. He was one of the officers who spoke to Ponyboy earlier. I notice the Soc is sporting a heavy black eye, several assorted-sized bruises on his face, and a bloody nose. His right wrist is in a cast. Next to him, another Soc is also being led out in handcuffs by a blonde officer named Officer Martin. This Soc is darker skinned with dark hair. His collared shirt is dark red.

Ponyboy suddenly bolts out of his chair. I barely make it in time to grab my hysterical brother before he can reach the injured Soc. "Y-You hurt my brother! It's y-your fault he's dyin'!"

The blonde Soc glares at Ponyboy hard, the hate evident in his green eyes. That must be Bob. "That blade was meant for you, but I'm glad I was able to get rid of one dirty Greaser."

I hold onto Ponyboy tightly. I want to beat up Bob just as badly, but my main priority is keeping my brother safe. Dally, Two-Bit, and Steve approach the Socs swiftly. Bob doesn't look fazed. "What are you gonna do?" He taunts.

"Defend our leader." Dally snarls fiercely. At the same time, Two-Bit's hand moves to his back pocket where he keeps his prized switchblade. It would seem they have forgotten that the fuzz are standing right in front of them. "Let's finish this. NOW!"

"Unless you want to spend the night in jail, I suggest you step back now," The stocky police officer says sternly. Dally looks unfazed by the officer's command. He glares daggers at the Soc. "I mean it, Dallas." Office Houseman snaps. "One move and not only will I arrest you, but I'll also lock up the rest of your hoodlum friends. Now BACK UP!"

Reluctantly Dally and Two-Bit step back. We watch the two officers lead the Socs out of the hospital doors. I continue to clutch onto my baby brother, who is still trembling from fear and anger. "It's okay, Pony," I tell him gently. "They ain't gonna hurt you no more."

Ponyboy nods silently. I lead him back to the chairs we were sitting in before. Dally and Two-Bit plant themselves back in front of the hospital doors. Two-Bit pulls out his blade and puts it in his lap as if he and Dally are guarding the hospital. I don't care. The only important thing is my brothers.

The silence resumes. It takes a while, but the adrenaline slowly drains from me, being replaced by utter fear. What if Ponyboy is right? What if we lose Darry for real?

Ponyboy

Darry's hospital room was ice cold when I entered, sending goosebumps up and down my arms. I shivered as my heart continued to pummel hard against my chest. Even though the doctor told Sodapop and me that our brother was going to be all right I was still scared to death to see him. Was Darry all right like the doctor said? How mad was he that I was walking alone? Did he love me like he said he did or was all that not real? Did he still hate me for all that I said?

A lump formed in my throat once I saw my big brother. Darry was sitting up in bed, dressed in a white hospital gown. His face was still a little pale, and his eyes were closed. At first, I thought he was still unconscious but relaxed slightly when I saw his chest rise up and down steadily.

I so badly wanted to run to my brother. I wanted to throw my arms around him and hug him as tightly as I could. I wanted to tell him that I was sorry and still loved him. My feet felt glued to the ground for some reason. I swallowed hard. "H-hey Darry," I managed once I found my voice. It came out as a quiet squeak. "I-I'm so glad that you're okay. How are you feelin'?"

Darry's eyes opened slowly. The moment he saw me his expression changed from exhaustion to a look I had never seen him give me before. Disgust. His blue eyes were ice cold and his lips turned into a scowl.

"Why are you here?" he demanded coldly.

Despite my growing fear I forced myself to answer. "T-to see you."

"Why? You never cared about me before."

"That ain't true!" I protested.

"Isn't it? I gave up my dream of going to college and playing football professionally. I took on two full-time jobs and one part-time job for you. I sacrificed the greatest years of my life to take care of you, but you don't care. You never appreciated all that I've done for you. To you, I'm not even human."

I winced as if he had hit me again. I looked at the floor in shame, my eyes burning with tears. Darry was right. He had given up a lot to take care of me and Sodapop. He had been working himself to death just to make sure we were happy. Instead of appreciating Darry and thanking him for all he had done, all I've done was argue and fight with him. "Darry I…I'm sorry."

His cold tone didn't change. "You're too late, Ponyboy. I don't want to take care of you anymore. It's time I send you to the Boys' home like I should've done in the first place."

My blood went cold. My head shot up and I stared at my brother in horror. No. He wouldn't. "N-no. You can't!"

"I can and I am."

Suddenly I felt someone grab my arms. Behind me were two adults wearing business suits. I struggled hard against their grip, but they held firm. "D-Darry! I screamed. "I-I'm sorry! I love you! P-Please don't send me away!"

"Goodbye Ponyboy."

I began sobbing as I was dragged out of Darry's hospital room. This was the worst day of my life. Not only did Darry not love me anymore but didn't want to take care of me. It was all my fault.

I had lost everything.

A sob escapes my throat as I open my eyes. My neck feels strained and throbs from being in the uncomfortable position on Sodapop's shoulder. I begin to relax as I feel my big brother stroking my hair gently. It takes a couple of minutes before I realize that it was just a terrible nightmare. I'm still in the hospital waiting room with my brother, waiting for news about Darry. I notice that Two-Bit and Johnny aren't in the room. They must've gone to the cafeteria or something. Steve is now over in the corner with Dally, taking over Two-Bit's spot as guard.

I sit up slowly, rubbing my swollen eyes. "What time is it?"

"A little after seven," Sodapop says.

My heart sinks. We've been here for over six hours. The longer we have to wait for news, the more anxious I become. "Why haven't they told us nothin' yet?"

Sodapop sighs. "I dunno."

The door to the waiting room opens. A middle-aged doctor with black hair, speckled with gray emerges. "Who's here for Darrel Curtis?"

Sodapop and I immediately jump to our feet. "We are. How is he," Sodapop asks anxiously.

The doctor eyes Sodapop and I. "And you are?"

"I'm Sodapop, and this is Ponyboy. We're his brothers."

"Where are your parents?"

"We lost them eight months ago. Darry is our guardian. Now how is he?!" Sodapop finishes impatiently.

A look of clarity crosses the doctor's face. He relaxes a bit, but his expression returns to serious. "He's a strong one, I can tell you that. We lost him several times during surgery, but he kept fighting to come back."

"That's our Superman," Dally says proudly from beside me.

"S-so is he gonna be okay?" I ask desperately.

"He's going to be fine. He'll wake up when the anesthesia and pain medication wear off."

A huge grin spreads across my face as I feel relief. Glorious relief. I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. For the first time all day, I feel like I have the energy to run around the waiting room and shout at the top of my lungs. My big brother is going to be okay. Sodapop rubs my shoulders gently. "See…what did I tell ya?"

The doctor just smiles. "Follow me. I'll take you to him."

Sodapop and I follow the doctor as he leads us through the door he just came. After a short ride on the elevator, he leads us down a long hallway. Everything is white: the walls, the floor, the ceiling. It smells funny too, like a strong cleaning solution. I'm so impatient I start counting the room numbers.

215…216…217…218…219…

Finally, we stop in front of door 220. The doctor opens the door. "My name is Dr. Reynolds. Just hit the button on the remote attached to his bed if you need anything."

Darry's hospital room isn't as cold as it was in my dream, but it still gives me the same creepy feeling. The curtains are drawn, and the lights are dimmed low, it's hard to see. There are several machines surrounding a hospital bed. I freeze in fear. I'm not sure I can do this.

Sodapop tightens his grip around my shoulders. "It's okay." One look into his blue eyes and I can see he's just as scared as I am.

I nod. I can't take my eyes off Darry as we slowly approach the hospital bed. He's connected to several tubes including in his nose. An IV is in his right wrist, giving him fluids. I immediately become relieved when I notice that he looks so much better compared to the last time I saw him. Darry's face isn't as pale. Instead, he looks like he's just in a deep sleep. What makes me the happiest is seeing his chest rise up and down steadily. 55 beats per minute is displayed on the heart monitor-much better than when we were in the ambulance. His breathing is nice and even. A tear slides down my cheek. A happy one this time. He's going to be okay.

"You gave us quite a scare," Sodapop chokes out. A tear falls down his cheek, followed by another. I swallow hard. I haven't seen him cry in a long time. He squeezes Darry's shoulder. "But we're so glad you're gonna be okay."

I take the hospital blanket that's at the foot of the bed. I pull it up until he is completely covered in hopes of keeping him warm. After all that Darry has done for me it's my turn to take care of him. I plan to not leave this hospital room until he opens his eyes.

"Sleep well, big brother," I say softly. "We'll be here when you wake up."

To be continued…