YAP ALERT!!!
HIIII!!! :D I'm so happy to be back on this fic! Thank you all for being here through this long ahh journey. This fic is close to ending! Just three more chapters :3. I've been sitting on this chapter for a while, unsure if I should post it or give up on this fic in total. Writers block hit me hard while writing this and I just realized how like bad it is. There so much going on and all of that. But when I realized that, I remembered how much I just love writing to such a degree that I didn't care. I was making this fic a full time job even when I didn't need to. To those who've read, thank you all, you're the best! :D I hope you enjoy!
Steve's face dropped as he looked at the bandages on my neck. Then, I saw something I never thought I'd see- fury. He looked at Buck, silently asking if he knew about it. Buck nodded, and Steve silently picked up the alcohol from the table. "Lift your head kid," he said, his voice steady. I did as I was told and tried not to flinch as the alcohol burned and cleaned the cut on my neck.
After Steve had cleaned the cut on my neck, he wanted to make sure there were no other ones. So, he asked me to take my shirt off. I tried to play it off like Two-Bit would, joking around and rambling on. I tried to stall, but, even Buck was almost silently telling me to just get it over with. I grumbled as I pulled the fabric off, some of the fabric even sticking to some of the cuts I forgot I had.
Steve winced at the sight of my bruised and miscolored torso. Even I couldn't bring myself to look at it, let alone think about it. Still, he was silent as he continued to clean up some of the cuts I learned I had. It scared me that he was silent, hell, him yelling at me would've been better. But, he was just silent as he continued to clean the cuts.
"Who else knows?" Steve asked after he was done. I was on the recliner, trying to put my shirt back on. "Shepards, Winston, and Mathews," Buck answered. Steve glared at the ground before looking up at me, "And ya don't want me to tell no one?" His voice was accusatory again, but, his eyes seemed more concerned. I nodded, "I learned after Dally what would happen if anyone knew…" I felt as if I was going to cry, but, I willed myself not to.
Somehow, my words seemed to have an effect on Steve. He gently nodded, before standing up. "You should head to bed." I nodded, feeling my eyes slowly start to drift as I stood up, wincing as I did so. Buck and Steve watched as I limped my way to me and Sodapops room. I made sure to cover anything that would show that I had been jumped and laid down in bed. Soon, sleep followed, and so did my nightmares.
No POV :3
Steve sat back down on the couch after making sure that Ponyboy was in bed. He looked at Buck, "So this is why y'all were actin' all buddy-buddy in Dally's hospital room?" Buck shook his head, looking at the television in the corner of the room. "I owe that kid Randle. He didn't tell ya everything but I'll tell ya, kid is scary when he's angry," Buck chuckled, hugging onto his ribs when it hurt. Steve just looked at him, "Tell me." The words were clear, and Buck sat up. Buck nodded, delving into the story of how Ponyboy attacked a soc with glass.
But not only that, he talked about the amount of glass that had been shattered around his house. Steve slowly started to put things together, knowing why Ponyboy started to fear just about anything that was glass. His mind reminded him of the rock he threw at the socs windshield, and the flinch that Ponyboy gave when the glass cracked. Sighing, Steve put his face on his hands.
"I saw the kid's hair was wet," Buck added. Steve nodded, unsure of what to say. When he looked up, he saw Buck with a questioning look. "Some soc tried to drown him," Steve explained, sighing. He was fighting with himself as to whether to tell Sodapop or even Darry. Steve thought about how worried both of them were, scared that they were going to lose their baby brother. It hit Steve, how had they not already lost him? The sight of the cut on Ponyboy's neck hit him hard again, causing his stomach to grow queasy.
"Heard some were in the hospital," Buck said. Steve focused on Buck, nodding slightly. "Yeah, me and Johnny were plannin' on gettin' them," Steve informed Buck. Buck nodded, "Shepards are in the hospital too… there's gonna be a rumble soon Randle." Steve nodded, "Hope ta see them all there." Buck chuckled slightly.
"I oughta be gettin' back 'fore they find me 'ere again," Buck said as he got up. Steve nodded, waving as he left. After a moment of silence, everything started to hit Steve. "Glory kid… what did you get yourself into?" Steve asked himself, running his hands through his hair. He sat there for a moment before getting up. He knew that Sodapop would be worried if he wasn't there, but, he knew that he needed to do something. Or more specifically- speak to someone.
Steve got into his car, turned it on, and sped to the hospital. He went to Dally's room, expecting to see him asleep or something. But, Dally wasn't in his room. Instead, the doctor led Steve to Tim's room, where Dallas was. Tim and Dallas looked up at Steve in unison as the doctor walked over to Dallas. "We advised you to stay in your hospital room," The doctor informed him. Dallas rolled his eyes as he walked out. Steve watched him until it was just him and Tim in the room.
"How long have you known?" Steve asked, causing Tim to look up at him. He was shocked for a moment before a small smirk came onto his face. "Since I was jumped. When did ya learn?" Steve rolled his eyes at Tim, "Just an hour ago." Tim's eyes narrowed, "Be careful out there Randle, they ain't gonna go easy on ya."
Steve nodded, his hand going to the cut he had on his side. "Does Dallas remember?" Steve asked after a beat. Tim shook his head, "Naw, but he's gettin' there…" Steve nodded, taking a final look at Tim, "Im going to check on yer brother. He has something I needa hear." Tim glared at him as he walked out, right into Curlys hospital room.
Curly was at the window, clutching his side a bit. When Steve walked in, he jumped up, almost like Ponyboy would've. Steve shook the thought out of his head as he continued to look at Curly. "Tell me everything Shepard," Steve demanded. Curly rolled his eyes, "Look Randle, there ain't much I can tell ya. Some of the things happened without me there." Steve shook his head, "How long has this whole thing been goin' on?"
Curly looked away, "I don't needa tell a hood like you."
Steve glared back, "If ya weren't hurt then I'd beat the tar outta ya." Curly rolled his eyes, "Get outta here Randle 'fore they find out you know." Even though Steve didn't want to, he found himself walking to his car, with more questions than answers.
"Well, what do we have here guys?" A voice called out. Steve turned around to see a blue Mustang and some socs in the car. They all glared at Steve, a small smirk appearing on some of their faces. Steve ran into his car, hightailing it out of there. Yet, the socs followed him, starting to race him on the main roads. Unsure of what else to do, Steve quickly started to find a hiding spot, which led him to Rogers High School.
And, to all the students leaving the school.
Two-Bit saw Steve first, starting to lead Johnny to his car. They watched as Steve continued to look around, and they saw the new bruises on Steve. "Ya go with the hood," Two-Bit joked as he nudged Johnny to Steve's car. Johnny nodded, slightly knocking on Steve's window. Two-Bit made his way to his car. cringing at the blood again. He watched as a blue Mustang made its way around, circling the parking lot, almost as if looking for something.
"God damnit Steve," Two-Bit muttered as he made his way to the Curtis house. Two-Bit got there before Steve, finding Sodapop there, looking worried. "What up Soda?" Two-Bit greeted with his usual smile. But, even he could tell that there was something off with Sodapop. Sodapop shook his head, looking at his and Ponyboys room. Two-Bit cocked his eyebrow up.
"Steve told me there's somethin' goin' on Two-Bit," Sodapop admitted. Two-Bit nodded, unsure how much Sodapop knew. Still, Sodapop just shook his head, collapsing in the couch. "Steve ain't getting no answers from 'im though. Not only that but Pony refuses to tell me anythin'" Sodapop confided.
Two-Bit wanted to tell Sodapop, he wanted it let him know what was happening. But, he just couldn't. His mind ran to Dallas and even to himself. They both had been jumped and Two-Bit knew that Dally doesn't go down easily. Swallowing his doubt, Two-Bit lied. "I'm sure he'll tell ya soon Sodapop."
Sodapop nodded, trying to believe Two-Bit. "How 'bout I go check on 'im?" Two-Bit suggested. Sodapop nodded, watching as the front door opened. Steve walked in, a wild look in his eyes. Two-Bit and Steve shared a look, one that told Two-Bit just about everything that he needed to know. Before Steve could say anything to Two-Bit, Two-Bit made his way to Ponyboy.
~
Ponyboy POV
I laid down on my bed for a while, just looking at the ceiling. Everything in me was telling me that Steve would tell Sodapop. That Soda would end up in this mess. And that my biggest fears would come true.
No matter how tired I was, I didn't let myself sleep. What if they came for me again? Were they already outside? Every small noise had me on my toes, and it wasn't pretty. The pills on my bedside table couldn't even dull out the pain from the jumpings I had been involved in. Not only that, but, it was obvious that I was starting to run low on them.
I cringed at the thought of telling Darry about needing more of them. Would he think I was an addict? Or maybe would he be concerned and start watching every move I made? My mind reminded me of the walk I had with Curly, before everything had happened. Darry had tickled me awake, smiling and showing to me that he would do just about anything for me. Even if it meant putting up with Curly Shepard because he was my friend.
Before I could think any harder about it, I heard a door slam. Steps ran to my door, causing me to get scared. I started to think that it was a soc, that maybe they really had came for me. My hand reached for the nightstand, searching around for anything. After a moment of searching, my hand pulled out a switchblade.
Just as I pulled it out, Sodapop burst through the door. I pointed the switchblade at him, my breathing wild as we looked at each other. I watched as his eyes grew wide, his breathing almost seeming to stop. Before I knew it, tears were falling out of my eyes. I had been so scared that it was a soc, that I didn't think straight!
Sodapop put his hands in the air as if I was a cop. "P-Pony?" Sodapop almost whispered. I threw down the switchblade and started to wipe the tears that continued to fall. As I did so, Sodapop walked over to my side of the bed. He pulled me into a hug, allowing me to cry on his shoulder.
"What happened, honey?" Sodapop whispered, gently running his fingers through my hair. The scent of gasoline was still on him, telling me that he was on a time limit. Not wanting to be the one to waste his time, I shook my head. "Nothing," I hiccuped. Sodapops grip grew a bit, "Not nothing baby, tell me."
I shook my head again, flashes of Dally getting stabbed hitting me. Not only that, but the sight of Two-Bit getting hurt as well. It had all been my fault. All because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. Flashes of what they would do to Sodapop flashed my mind, scaring me more than anything. It scared me so bad to the point that all I could do was shake my head.
"Steve told me somethin' Pony," Sodapop added. I froze, had Steve already told Sodapop? How long had Soda known? Before I could ask, Sodapop continued. "I knew that Shepard kid wasn't good. Glory Pony, what scheme does he have ya in?" Sodapops voice sounded weak, dejected even. "What has he done to ya to make you put up a switchblade when you see yer own brother?"
I couldn't answer him, because I knew that if I did, I would tell him everything. "It wasn't him," I finally settled on telling him. "Then who?" Sodapop asked. I struggled in his grip, pulling away so that he was looking at me. Tears were in his eyes and a worried look etched on his face. He looked like when we were told Mom and Dad weren't going to make it, and that started to scare me.
I shook my head, starting to lay back down. "It's always the socs Soda…" and this time, I wasn't lying. Knowing he wasn't going to get any more answers from me, Sodapop ruffled my hair and left. Tears started to fall from my eyes again, reminding me that I was weak. Well- as weak as a kid who's been jumped numerous times could be.
I stayed on alert, careful for any sound that came in and out of the house. My mind tried to tell me that it was just Sodapop and that I was okay. But, another part of my mind was screaming at me saying that it was a soc ready to jump me. Despite my mind going haywire, I somehow found it in me to fall asleep.
"Ponyboy!" A voice had yelled, causing me to jump up. For some reason, my adrenaline must've made it so that I didn't feel as much pain as I got up. Quickly, I made my way to the living room, looking around and searching for who yelled. As I searched, I found a small trail of blood. The blood led back to me and Sodas room. Something told me that something was off…
Quietly, I walked into the room, expecting to see nothing. However, the window was opened. I couldn't exactly see outside, but, I knew that something had gotten in. "Over here grease," a voice said from behind me. My heartbeat thumped in my ears as I turned around. Bob and Randy stood there, a switchblade to Sodapops neck.
My heart dropped as I looked at the two. They looked at each other, laughing as I looked at Sodapop. Soda looked as if he was going to fight them, or give up. His eyes stayed on mine as tears fell from his eyes. As I looked at him, I started to notice bruises popping up on his skin. Yet, there went any on the socs, showing that he couldn't fight. Fear coursed through my veins as I tried to stand up tall.
"Let him go!" I demanded, trying to put on my best tuff face. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I tried to keep my breath steady. "This is what you get for telling 'em," Randy stated as he started to dig the switchblade into Sodapops neck. Just as I was able to scream, someone started to shake me.
"-onyboy?" A voice whispered above me. A sob came to my throat, causing me to choke a bit as I sat up. Disoriented, I flailed my arms until my hand grazed the switchblade. Yet, the person grabbed my wrist, stopping it in place. As my vision started to unblur, I realized that it was just Two-Bit. His eyes were searching mine, scared and confused. "Kid?" He said, his voice sounding as if he was also the one who just had a nightmare.
"Oh, hey Two-Bit," I greeted, trying to play off how scared I was. "Hey?" He responded, gently taking the swtichblade and putting it on the nightstand. "Are you okay?" A shiver went down my spine for a moment as I tried to forget the nightmare I was just through. Begrudgingly, I nodded, feigning being alright. "Im just fine Two-Bit."
"You can lie to everyone else kid but even I know that ain't true," Two-Bit inturuptted. I sighed, looking down at a moment before rolling my eyes. "Its fine, really, just had a nightmare." I knew that he wasn't going to say anything about it. Mostly because he didn't know how to comfort someone after a nightmare. Yet, he sat down on the bed, and pulled me into a hug.
"Steve knows, doesn't he?" Two-Bit whispered. I nodded, "How do you know? Did he tell ya?" Two-Bit shook his head, "They're after 'im." I felt as if my heart stopped. If they were to go after Steve, then Sodapop would be the next target. My mouth went dry, and I found it harder and harder to breathe. Its all my fault, my brain reminded me, they shouldnt have known. Blinking back tears, I spoke, "Is Soda still 'ere?" Two-Bit nodded, "Yeah, he was tellin' me all 'bout the fact that ya wont tell'im anythin'."
I shrugged, "Ya already know what happens when they find out…" Two-Bit nodded, somehow staying silent for a moment. I knew that it was because he was also thinking about Buck and Dally. Maybe even Tim and Curly if he remembered that they were jumped too. He stayed silent before a knock came to the door.
Steve stepped in, new bruises littering him. I had forgotten that he was in the fight as well, and that he knew what was going on now. I expected Sodapop to follow him, maybe get us to tell him everything. But, he didn't. Instead, Steve came in, telling me and Two-Bit that Sodapop had gone back to work. Almost instantly the safety that I had tried to feel when at home disapated. Still, I nodded watching as Steve stayed by the door.
"What is it?" I asked, annoyed that Steve was still there. "When are ya gonna tell 'im?" Steve suddenly asked. "Tell who?"
"Ya cant hide it from 'im forever kid," Steve added. He meant Sodapop, maybe even Darry. I looked down at my lap, hearing as Steve started to walk closer to me and Two-Bit. "Until its over," I finally whispered. "Just until its-"
"Hey!" Two-Bit yelled, I looked up, watching as Two-Bit stopped Steve from slapping me. I flinched when I saw his hand close to my face. Steve and Two-Bit glared at each other. "You're gonna tell him kid. If not, I'm gonna tell 'im everything and he ain't gonna like it," Steve spat. I couldn't find it in me to say anything snarky, all I was thinking was about his hand and how close it was to hitting me. My breathing started to grow rocky as I tried to even out my mind. All I could think about was fighting back, maybe even breaking my window to get out of the house.
Two-Bit placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Steve, get out," he demanded. Steve glared at me and then at him, "You're gonna die kid if you keep this up." And with that, he promptly left the room. Tears were in my eyes, threatening to spill. I felt as if I had cried thousands of times today, all because of the socs.
"While I hate to admit it kid, he's right," Two-Bit said. His eyes were grave, a uncharacteristic serious look in his eyes. Not wanting to admit he was right, I looked at the window. "Did you get my homework?" His eyes shifted a bit as he rolled his eyes. "I swear kid, the world could be ending 'n youd be askin' if we have ta make a report on it."
Still, he stood up, "I think Johnny brought it. But I also think he's with ol' Dallas Winston." I tried to get up as well, feeling a familiar soreness around my body. The second I had stood up, I felt my knees buckle, causing me to fall back down on the bed. Two-Bit whirled around, "Kid?" His voice was worried as he extended an arm out. I shook my head, squeezing my eyes tight, "Im fine."
"Glory, might as well go to the hospital for ya next," Two-Bit joked. I rolled my eyes and steadied myself on Two-Bits arm. After a moment, we were in his car. "Jeez Two, when are ya gonna clean this up?" I asked, cringing as I tried to avoid a bloodstain on the headrest. "When you can clean it for me," Two-Bit said, his familiar lopsided smile on his face. I rolled my eyes, trying to stay away from the blood and the windows. As Two-Bit drove, I saw a familiar red car drive past, with a giant crack in the windshield.
I held my breath until Two-Bit was able to get away from them, which was longer than what I'd wanted it to be. We finally made it to the hospital, parking right near the reception area. Some socs were there, most likely going there for their buddy. When they caught sight of me and Two-Bit, they came over.
"Stay cool," Two-Bit whispered as they made their way over to us. We stood off in the hallway, which was somehow empty. They glared at us, with the soc who had pushed me into a locker being the one to be in the front. He glared at me, a disgusting smirk appearing on his face.
"Look, it's the dirty trash that put our friend in here," the soc said. Two-Bit pulled out his black switchblade, hiding it in his palm. The socs stepped up. Me and Two-Bit were outnumbered two to four; not to mention our injuries.
"Friday," the soc finally called out. "Friday we'll repay the debt." A soc pulled out a switchblade and played with it. "Hell, we'll give ya both haircuts." Smirks were appearing on their faces, one by one until Two-Bit pulled out his switch. They glared at him until one soc locked eyes with me.
"We won't mess up again," the soc stated before bumping into me too hard as he left. I stumbled for a moment, watching as Two-Bit gets kid glare steady on the socs walking by us. When they were a safe distance away, he dragged me to Dallys hospital room. Johnny was in his usual chair, watching as Dally played with a cigarette.
"Wheres the party?" Two-Bit tried to joke as we walked in. Johnny looked up, his eyes widening as he looked to me. Something in his eyes told me that he needed to talk to me. Dally looked at me as well, his eyes trained on the fact that I had a new bruise somewhere. I cringed a bit as I tried to sit down next to Johnny. Two-Bit joined me, carefully watching me as I sat down.
"What are yall doin' here?" Dally asked, cocking his eyebrow up. Two-Bit slyly leaned back on his chair, "Cant visit a buddy anymore?" Dally rolled his eyes. "I talked to Tim a bit ago, then Steve came runnin' in 'ere," Dally said, leaning back on his bed. He looked a bit uncomfortable as he did so, putting a hand near his ribs and where he had been stabbed. I bit back an apology, preferring to look at the ground.
"Wait- Stevie was here?" Two-Bit asked, cocking up an eyebrow. His stance changed, with him sitting up and looking more alert. Dally nodded cautiously, "Yeah. Went to Tims room 'fore goin' to Curlys." My eyes widnened, what did Steve need with Curly? "He never talks to Curly…" Johnny inturuptted, his eyes darting over to me. A lump seemed to form in my throat as I remembered what Steve had told me.
"Why don't we go give yer buddy a visit?" Two-Bit asked, nudging me in the side. Not expecting it, I hunched over, the pain of my bruised ribs taking over. "Kid?" Dallys voice rang out as I held onto my ribs, I shook my head, feigning being alright. It took a moment but I sat up. Everyone looked at me worriedly as Two-Bit gave me an apologetic look. "Im fine," I lied, "Just sore from Friday."
It was obvious that no one believed me by the way all of their glances changed. Still, before Dally and Johnny could get an answer from me, I stood up. Two-Bit followed me, not wanting me to get hurt anymore than I already had. He gave an apologetic look to Johnny and Dally as we walked out. When we were fully out, he led me to a bench in the hallway. His eyebrows were furrowed and he kept looking around, as if we were going to get jumped in the hallway.
"Are you okay kid?" Two-Bit asked again. I was getting real tired of that question but still, I nodded. "Just sore." Two-Bit looked at me as if he didn't believe me but didn't say anything. He sat down next to me, sighing as he did so. I could tell that he was still sore from being jumped. The way his gray eyes darted around the hallway told me that he was as scared as I was. For a moment we both sat there, unmoving. It wasnt until a nurse gave us a weird look that we decided to go to Curlys room.
Curlys hospital room looked just like Dallys. Except, Curly couldn't sit still. He walked around his room, pacing even. When we walked in, his eyes instantly went to us. I saw the cuts and bruises on him, another reminder that he had been jumped as well.
"Well if it ain't Curtis," Curly greeted. I nodded in response as Two-Bit just looked at Curly. Curly somehow found it in him to sit down, groaning a bit as he did so. When he caught us staring, he tried to explain. "Just aches man. Those damn socs…"
I nodded, sighing a bit as I did so. "Some are in here right?" I asked, remembering the socs that limped to the hospital after we finished fighting them. Curly nodded, leaning his head back until it hit the pillow. "They gettin' out the same time me 'n Tim are…"
I cringed at the thought of the socs coming back, wouldn't they be angrier? My mind flashed to the soc that had held me underwater. Just the thought of him made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Curly looked at me, a curious look coming to his eyes. "When are ya gettin' outta 'ere?" Two-Bit asked, sitting down. I sat down too, watching as Curly rolled his eyes.
"Friday evening or somethin' stupid like that." Two-Bit nodded, his eyes darting to the door. Curly gave me a curious look again. "So what's up with school? Any of the socs tryna kill ya?" He asked, a small smile playing on his lips. He had meant it to be a joke, but, from the look on my face he knew that something had happened. His eyebrows furrowed, "What happened?"
I bit my lip, looking at Two-Bit. He looked at me curiously. "Like gettin' jumped at the DX?" Two-Bit asked. Curly looked at both of us, "They gottya at the DX?" I nodded, knowing that it wasnt just that. Curly looked at me, something telling me that he knew something else had happened. Before he could ask out loud, I spoke.
"Two-Bit, could ya get Johnny to give me my homework?" Two-Bit looked at me funny before nodding. He got up, eyeing me as he walked out. When he was gone, Curly instantly looked at me. "What else happened?" He asked, his voice low. My hand reached to my pocket as I pulled out the note that had fallen off of my desk. Curly took it, examining it for a moment and sounding out the words.
"Do ya need me to read it for you?" I asked after Curly tried to sound out, "Greaser." Reluctantly he handed it over, listening intently as I read it out loud. When I finished he nodded, giving me permission to tell him what else happened.
"One dragged me to the bathroom-" I started. "Talk 'bout movin' quick," Curly interrupted, a smirk playing on his lips but a small glint of anger coming to his eyes. I rolled my eyes, thankful for the moment of normalcy. But, I shook my head after it, remembering how the water hit my lungs and how cold I felt after it. "He… he tried ta drown me," I said.
Curlys eyes went wide as he sat up. He stared right at me, "Did they stop?" I shrugged, "Steve came in right after and got 'im off of me." Curly nodded, "So thats how Randle knows?" I sighed, shaking my head and trying to explain what else happened. Which included talking about how Buck came to my house and what happened.
After I finished explaining, Two-Bit walked in. He kept looking at me, almost as if expecting something. Me and Curly talked for a bit, with Two-Bit continuing to look around. When visiting hours were over, me and Two-Bit left Curlys room.
"Baby-Curtis," Curly called out as I walked to the door. I turned around watching as Curly shuffled to sit up. "Be careful out there, especially on Friday," he warned. I nodded cautiously, watching as Curly looked at me with his blue beady eyes. He wasn't joking around, and maybe that's what scared me more than anything. Before I knew it, Two-Bit put a hand on my shoulder, leading me out of the hospital and to his car.
"I really oughta clean this car," Two-Bit grumbled as he picked at a dried piece of blood. His words went through my head as I started to try to get as much blood out from my seat. Instead of it coming off in flakes, it mostly smudged around. Still, I did it to try and distract my mind from the warning that Curly gave me. I knew I had to be careful already, but, it was tiring to be as careful as I already had been.
The sun was barely meeting the horizion as Two-Bit started to drive back to my house. He kept to the speed-limit, cautious when running stop signs, and for some reason, keeping quiet. I kept my mouth shut, unsure if Two-Bit wanted me to speak or anything like that. As he finally drove to the front of my house, I watched as Sodapop paced inside of the living room. The second Two-Bit killed the engine, Sodapop was running out of the house.
"Oh Pony!" Sodapop called out as I stepped out of Two-Bits car. I moved quickly so that Sodapop didn't see the blood on the seats. Soda didn't mind though as he held me by my shoulders. "Glory Pone, I thought-" Sodapop spoke quickly, "-I thought the socs got to ya here."
I shook my head, "Naw, I was just with Two-Bit visiting Dallas and Curly." Sodapop looked at Two-Bit, almost for confirmation. Two-Bit nodded, stretching a bit as he did so. "Kid wanted his work from Johnny," Two-Bit added. I watched as Sodapop nodded, almost disagreeing with the fact that I got my schoolwork. Still, Sodapop didn't say anything as we walked inside of the house.
Darry was in the kitchen cooking and Steve was on the couch. As we walked in, Steve looked up, his eyes meeting mine for a moment. Fear rose in me as I remembered how he had tried to slap me. Was it for a reason? Or did he just think that it'd help? Not finding enough of a reason to care, I just sat down next to Sodapop.
After dinner, I sat outside on the porch. My hands played with a cigarette, part of me wanting it and another part telling me that it would hurt. As I thought about it, I heard the front door swing open. I looked up, watching as Two-Bit sat down next to me on the stairs. He looked up at the stars, a distant look in his eyes.
"Why didn't ya tell me ya almost got drowned?" He finally asked.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYEDDD!!! Honestly I'm so glad this fic is ending soon, mostly because of the amount of other projects I have in store! :3 I hope to see y'all around!!!