AN: Thank you guys sooooo much for the reviews! I'm so glad that you all loved my previous part. I'm sorry that this part took a little longer. I really hope you like it. Please review and let me know what you think. Love, Ellivia22

Disclaimer: I don't own The Outsiders. I also don't mention "Henry the VIII I Am." That song belongs to the Herman's Hermits.

I Need You

Part VIII

Darry

When my alarm rang at six thirty the next morning I was already out of the shower and dressed for work. Despite only getting five and a half hours of sleep I felt pumped and ready to start the day. No longer did I feel the extra weight on my shoulders from the third job. Instead, I felt happy and hopeful. Life was going to get back to normal once I made everything right with my brothers. Not just Ponyboy, but Sodapop too. It was time I went back to being the strong caregiver that I was supposed to be. I should just take the day off, but there were still bills to pay. I planned to fix everything with my family first thing, then go about my day like normal.

I hummed "Henry the VIII I Am," to myself as I prepared to make breakfast. I pulled out the carton of eggs from the ice box and put it next to the box of pancakes on the counter. Then I grabbed four plates from the cabinet. From my position in the kitchen, I could see Johnny asleep on the couch, several blankets on top of him. He must've gotten cold sleeping in the streets again and decided to sleep here. It wasn't unusual to see someone sleeping on the couch. Most of the boys in the gang came from broken homes, but Johnny had the worst of it. My heart went out to the small Greaser. Johnny had it rough with his abusive parents and his constant fears after his most recent jumping. I wished there was more I could do for him, since he almost was like another little brother, but my hands were already full taking care of Sodapop and Ponyboy. Still, I tried to help Johnny out the best I could and show him what a real family was like.

Sodapop appeared in the kitchen, fully dressed in his usual DX uniform and hat. I was surprised that I didn't hear the shower running. I must've been too deep into my thoughts. "Mornin'," I greeted cheerfully as I flipped the egg in the pan over. "I hope you slept well."

"I didn't sleep well at all actually," Sodapop answered. His tone was as cold as ice with a hint of extreme tiredness. I looked at him as he poured chocolate milk into a cup. There were dark circles under his eyes. For once his blonde hair wasn't drenched in grease, but just brushed back under his hat. I wondered what was wrong, but he spoke again before I could ask. "I spent most of the night comfortin' Ponyboy. I just got him to fall asleep an hour ago."

I winced at the hard glare he was giving me with his deep blue eyes. The guilt I was feeling was strong. My ribs squeezed my chest tightly and it was hard to breathe. I didn't mean to hurt Ponyboy when I rejected him last night, but it was very obvious that I did just that. It seemed that hurting my baby brother was the only thing I was good at anymore. I swallowed the large lump in my throat. "I can explain."

"I can't believe you just went straight to work yesterday instead of seein' your baby brother, who is obviously trying to make up with you!"

I looked away in shame. My hands shook as I began to prepare the next set of eggs. I bit my lip hard in an attempt to force down my emotions of pain and guilt. My lip throbbed from getting slugged at the bar last night. "Look I know I messed up, but I promise you I will fix this. As soon as he wakes up-."

"You keep sayin' that, but you never do! You're a coward, Darry, and I'm ashamed that you are my big brother!"

Beep! Beep!

Sodapop drained his milk and then put the glass in the sink. "That's Steve. He's driving me to work today. Later."

He was almost out the door. "Soda," I managed huskily after a moment. His words hurt a lot, but I knew I deserved it. He stopped but didn't turn around. "I'm sorry."

"Don't say sorry to me. Say sorry to Ponyboy."

I winced as I heard the front door slam shut.

SLAM!

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Getting things back to normal was going to be harder than I thought. I had to come up with a different plan. I closed my eyes as I thought about it, tuning out Two-Bit's loud voice as he talked to Johnny in the living room. I didn't know when he showed up, nor did I care. My thoughts were fixed on my brothers. What did they like? What could I do that would make them happy and show them how much I loved them?

I grinned to myself as an idea came to me. I decided to let Ponyboy sleep and execute my plan tonight when both of my brothers were home. My plan may be simple, but it just might work. I just had to talk to my boss first.

Ponyboy

The house was quiet when I woke up the next morning. Too quiet. There were no sounds of the TV blaring or the radio blasting. No crashing of furniture; no familiar voices of the gang. Even stranger I couldn't hear my brothers moving around the house. Sodapop wasn't in bed with me. When I realized what the time was by the time I got out of bed I was shocked. 11 AM. Darry had never let me sleep in this late-even on a Sunday. After the rough night I had, I was grateful.

After Darry turned us away, Johnny and I went straight home. Since our lives were in danger the decision was made that neither of us would walk alone. Johnny agreed to spend the night on the couch and the next day we would form a plan. I meant to tell Sodapop what was going on as soon as he came home from the rodeo with Steve, but I was so distraught all I was able to do was lay in bed and let out my emotions. Sodapop tried his best to comfort me, but it was no use. I was too ashamed to admit that it was my fault that Darry turned me away; my fault that he didn't love me anymore.

It didn't take me long to realize why the house was so quiet when I exited my room. Everyone was gone. Not just Darry, Sodapop, and Steve, but Johnny was gone too. At first, I panicked and thought something had happened to him, but once I found his note on the coffee table by the couch I relaxed. He was safe with Two-Bit. They went out to get some cigarettes and snacks from the local grocery store, "Winn Dixie" and would be back shortly. They promised they would bring back lunch too.

My hands shook as I attempted to light another cigarette. I had been sitting in Darry's armchair waiting for Two-Bit and Johnny for the past hour. To calm my nerves, I had been going through cigarettes like they were going out of style. The nicotine was doing little to ease my worries. The more time that passed, the more anxious I became.

Where were they? They should've been back by now Did Two-Bit get distracted like usual? Or did something happen to them? Have they been attacked? Did Bob follow through on his threat to hurt Johnny?

I bit my lip. My chest was tighter than ever it was a constant struggle to breathe. The increasing anxiety of being alone was getting to me. I needed someone here with me before I had a complete panic attack. I decided to call Sodapop and ask him to come home. I reached for the black phone next to me.

BRIIIIIINNNNGGGGG!

The shrill sound of the phone made me jump out of my skin. I clutched my chest as my heart raced. Relax, Pony I told myself. My hand shaking, I picked up the black receiver beside me. "H-Hello?"

"Ponyboy Curtis," a voice I didn't recognize said from the other end. It was more of a statement than a question. He sounded young like he could be Sodapop or Darry's age.

"I'm Ponyboy. Who's this?"

"You know who this is."

I shook in fear. Bob. He must've found my number in the Yellow Pages and was calling to torment me some more. I should've known that he'd find me.

"We've got your friend here." Bob continued before I could utter a word. "The one with the scar on his cheek. I think I'll give him a couple more, what do you think?"

My blood ran cold from his words. Johnny? He had Johnny? No…that couldn't be right. My buddy was with Two-Bit. Both of them had blades. He was safe. Bob was just trying to scare me. "You're lying." I stuttered after a moment.

"I could be….or I could be telling the truth. Are you willing to risk your friend's life just because you have doubts?"

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. What if he was actually telling the truth? What if Johnny's life was in danger? Was that why he had been gone for so long? And where was Two-Bit? "W-What do you want?"

"I want you. Just you. Meet me at the vacant lot on your side of town in thirty minutes. If you don't show or don't come alone, I'll kill him."

"Don't hurt him," I uttered in panic. "I'll be there."

Click!

I drop the receiver back into its cradle with a bang. I couldn't stop my body from trembling. This could be a trap. But I couldn't just let Johnny suffer if I was wrong. I had to save him.

Quickly I darted into the kitchen. I rummaged through a drawer by the kitchen sink and grabbed the spare blade that Darry kept for emergencies. It was small with a black and red handle. It might not be much, but at least I had some form of protection. Then without wasting a second, I bolted out the door.

I'm coming, Johnny.

Darry

The house was empty when I arrived home at 12:15 PM. I usually didn't get home until 6:15 pm, but after giving me a lecture about being careful on the ladder Mr. Lash agreed to let me leave early. I didn't stay home long enough to find out where everyone was. I figured Ponyboy was hanging out with Johnny and Two-Bit like normal. After a quick change of clothes, I got back into my truck and headed to the grocery store so that I could start my plan to make things right with my brothers.

As I made the five-minute drive to the grocery store, I made a mental note in my head of all the things I needed: chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, a bottle of Pepsi and Starburst for Sodapop, a couple of extra packs of cigarettes for Ponyboy and a new book. The plan was to make my brothers their favorite meal. Then after we ate, we'd play a couple of games of cards. I might even let them win a couple of rounds. Then we'd watch television together as a family. Something we hadn't done in months. The most important thing was I was going to finally apologize to Ponyboy.

I parked the truck at the parking lot of the grocery store "Winn Dixie". It was the largest grocery store on this side of town. The parking lot was pretty empty for a Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out, and it was so warm that for once I didn't have to wear my brown jacket. Everybody must be out enjoying the nice weather. Then again, half the town was probably at church.

When I exited the truck, I noticed a figure on the far side of the parking lot. It was a teenager wearing a sleeveless blue sweatshirt and jeans. His hair was brown and covered in grease. I'd recognize that Greaser anywhere. Ponyboy. Where was he going? More importantly, why was my little brother walking alone, when I've told him hundreds of times not to?

"Ponyboy!" I called.

My brother didn't answer, nor did he acknowledge me. He was either ignoring me or was too far away to hear me. He continued to make his way out of the large parking lot and into a wooded area. I knew that there was a path there that led to the vacant lot that he and Johnny regularly hung out at.

I felt my brotherly instinct kick in. It was the same sick feeling I had when Ponyboy stayed out so late. He was up to something. I had a bad feeling in my gut that he was in trouble. I decided to follow him just in case. I stayed far back enough to where I wouldn't be noticed.

By the time I caught up with Ponyboy, he was already in the vacant lot. I hid at the edge of the woods, careful not to step on any fallen branches or crunchy leaves. The vacant lot was empty except for three Socs, who were approaching him slowly, dressed in nice button-down shirts and khakis. What was my brother doing? Ponyboy pulled out his blade, but it was knocked out of his hand.

I watched in growing anxiety as two Socs grabbed my little brother by the arms. Ponyboy struggled but was unable to escape. My heart pounded so hard in my chest it was starting to become painful. They were going to hurt my little brother. I had to do something. Now.

I left my hiding spot in the woods and made haste toward my little brother. I could feel the adrenaline flow through my veins as if I had downed an entire energy drink. I moved quickly in front of Ponyboy as a Soc with curly blonde hair advanced on him. The next thing I felt was excruciating pain as a blade plunged deep into my chest.

Ponyboy

Bob was waiting for me when I arrived at the vacant lot. He wasn't alone. Randy and another Soc were with him. I did my best to keep my cool, but on the inside, I was more scared than I had ever been in my life. I wished I had a cigarette to calm my nerves, but I had smoked my last one before I left. I noticed that Johnny wasn't in sight.

"Where's Johnny?" I asked.

Bob smirked at me, his green eyes full of smug satisfaction. "Oh him. Turns out you were right. We didn't have him after all. Don't you worry, though. Once I'm finished with you, he'll be next on my list. After all, only a good Greaser is a dead one."

He tricked me, I thought to myself angrily. I can't believe I actually fell for it. Bob's smirk grew as he, Randy, and another Soc came closer. I pulled out my blade and flicked it open desperately. Before I could blink it was knocked out of my hand by Randy.

Randy and the other Soc grabbed me tightly by the arms. They were holding onto me so tight my arms began to throb. My heart pounded hard against my chest in fear. I felt as though it was going to leap out of my chest any second. Darry and Sodapop were at work, and I didn't know where the rest of the gang were. There was no one around to save me. I began to tremble.

Bob flicked out a blade of his own. It wasn't a normal switchblade like Johnny and Two-Bit carried. The blade was longer with a black handle. It looked like it had been recently sharpened too. Bob glared at me hard. What frightened me the most was that he wasn't drunk. He was completely sober and ready to kill me.

He approached me quickly, brandishing his blade. "Cherry broke up with me last night after our encounter at the movies." His tone was full of hate with a mixture of sadness. "Since you took the girl I love away from me it's only right that I end your life. Say your prayers, Greaser."

I bit my lip hard in anticipation. Tears welled up in my eyes and my chest was tight. I couldn't stop my heart from pounding no matter how hard I tried. It was a small comfort to know that I would be with Mom and Dad soon. I wished more than anything that I could see Sodapop one last time. Darry too. I wish I had the chance to tell Darry that I had forgiven him for hitting me. I wished I had told him that I still loved him, despite what he thought. Bob raised the blade.

Suddenly a figure moved in front of me. The person standing in front of me stiffened for a second, then he landed a hard punch in Bob's face.

BAM!

Bob staggered back a bit. I watched in relief as the person in front of me continued to land hard punches into Bob's face. He was a greaser, wearing a black T-shirt, olive jeans, and had more muscles than all the Socs combined. Darry. He was here to save me. "Stay the hell away from my little brother!"

As if out of instinct, I hit the Soc holding me hard in the stomach with my elbow like in my dream, and slammed my heel hard on his foot. Then I dug my fingernails hard into Randy's arm until I drew blood. Randy immediately let go. At the same time, Bob lunged toward Darry again. Darry grabbed Bob's wrist and turned it completely around. I cringed as I heard the bones in Bob's wrist snap.

SNAP!

Bob howled in pain, dropping his blade with a clatter. After taking one last horrified look at Darry, Bob took off in the direction of his car, which was parked a few feet away. Randy and the other Soc weren't far behind him. I watched Randy speeding away, Bob in the passenger seat clutching his broken wrist. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was alive and safe thanks to my big brother.

My attention focused on my older brother, whose back was still facing me. His body was completely rigid as the adrenaline drained from him. I was so happy to see him that I didn't mind the lecture I was sure about to receive. I welcomed it gladly. It meant that everything was going to go back to normal. I swallowed. "Thanks, Darry."

He didn't say anything. I continued to watch him guiltily. Darry was so pissed that his body was starting to shake. I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. "I know…I know…I shouldn't of been walkin' by myself. I'm sorry. Please don't be mad."

Darry slowly turned to face me. Almost immediately I knew that something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong. His jaw was tight as he clenched his teeth like he was in major pain. His ice-blue eyes were wide, and his face was paler than normal. He was breathing heavily. I noticed his hand was across his chest, over his heart-as if he was reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

"A-are you all right?" I stuttered uncertainly. "You look sick."

Very slowly his hand left his chest. My eyes widened in horror. There was bright red blood on his palm. His black T-shirt was slightly ripped, showing a deep wound caused by Bob's blade. More blood was seeping out like a fast river.

No. No!

I barely made it in time to grab Darry before he collapsed to the ground. He was so heavy I could feel my muscles stretch and quiver, but I managed to get him gently to the asphalt. I tore his T-shirt a little so I could get a better look at his injury. I felt sick to my stomach seeing the wound up close. It was so deep I could see flesh and muscle. It was as if the blade almost went straight through him.

"Ponyboy, I want you to go home," he managed in between painful breaths. "Get somewhere safe."

"No."

"That's an order!"

"No!" I said again, more firmly this time. "I ain't leavin' you!"

"Ponyboy! Darry!"

I looked up to see Two-Bit and Johnny at the edge of the vacant lot by the wooded area I had just come from minutes before. They both had grocery bags in their hands. Both of them seemed to have frozen in place. They were staring at me in horror, their mouths gaping open. For a brief second, I felt relieved knowing that Johnny was all right. I didn't know how they found us, but I didn't care. "C-call for help!" I barely managed to choke out.

They didn't waste a second. Two-Bit and Johnny spun around and bolted in the direction they just come. I returned my attention back to my brother.

I pressed hard into the wound on his chest in hopes of stopping the steady bleeding. The only thing I managed to accomplish was getting my hands red and sticky. Darry let out a sharp breath from the pain, but I did my best to ignore it as I continued to apply pressure. My chest hurt so bad, not only from my heart pounding but the multitude of emotions that I was struggling to suppress. Tears streamed down my face faster than the blood seeping from my brother. This was all my fault. If only I hadn't been so stupid!

"Ponyboy…"

I couldn't stand to look at him. His tone was so faint that I could barely hear him. It nearly sent me into hysterics. I pressed even harder on his chest, but despite my best efforts, more blood seeped out. The overwhelming smell of iron was churning my stomach. I wanted to throw up so badly.

"Pony…before I join Mom and Dad…I-I wanted to tell you how…how sorry I am…" I finally looked at my brother. More tears fell down my face, stinging my cheeks as I realized how fast the life was draining out of him. His face was the same color as the white pillowcase I had at home. He looked exhausted-as if he had roofed three houses in one day and his breathing was slowing down. His ice-blue eyes were barely open, but full of sincerity. A tear of his own fell. "I'm…I'm really sorry that I hit you," he coughed, blood running down his chin. "I-I didn't mean to."

"I know," I attempted to reassure him in a shaky voice. "I forgive you. Now shut your trap and save your strength."

"It's too late…"

"No! Y-you can't die! Y-you're Superman!" I could hear sirens in the distance. Help was almost here. Just a few seconds longer.

Darry grabbed my hand tightly. It was ice-cold and clammy. Another tear slid down his cheek. "I…I love you, Ponyboy. So much. Tell Soda…tell Soda that I'm so sorry…and that I love him." His eyes closed and his grip on my hand was gone.

My heart shattered into a million pieces from that first sentence. For months I had longed to hear Darry say those words to me. Why now? Why did it have to be when I was about to lose him forever? "I-I love you too," I choked on the multiple sobs that were stuck in my throat. "J-just hold on a little bit longer. Help is almost here."

He didn't respond. He remained motionless beside me. I shook his shoulder. "D-Darry?" I shook it again, harder this time. "D-Darry?! Darry, I love you! P-please don't go…d-don't leave me!"

Nothing. He was gone.

I buried my head into his shoulder. My cheeks stung worse than ever, and my eyes were burning but I couldn't stop sobbing. I had never cried this much-not even when my parents died. My chest was so tight I could hardly breathe. Losing my big brother was the worst pain I had ever felt because I knew that it was all my fault. If only I had forgiven him the moment I came home that night this whole mess started.

I clutched tightly onto the soft fabric of his torn black T-shirt. "M-mom," I choked out in between sobs. "D-Dad. I-I know that you l-love Darry and will t-take care of him in Heaven, b-but I beg of you. P-please don't let him d-die. W-we need him. I n-need him!"

I felt hands grab me by the shoulders and pull me off my brother. "NO!" I yelled hysterically. "L-let go of me!"

"It's all right, son," a gentle voice I didn't recognize said. The man who grabbed me looked a little older than Darry with brown hair and a mustache. He was wearing a white paramedic uniform. "We're here to help."

A red-haired paramedic knelt on the other side of my motionless brother. He grabbed Darry's wrist. "Barely has a pulse," he said after a few seconds. "Let's go."

Barely has a pulse? I thought to myself hopefully. Does that mean that he was still alive? As I watched the two paramedics load my brother into the ambulance, I hoped with all my heart that he would survive.

To be continued…