A/N: Hello all. I apologize for my long absence. Besides writer's block and work, I had to endure two hurricanes and catching a cold. I'm finally back to give you guys the next part. I really hope you like it. Please review and let me know what you think. I'd really appreciate it. Love, ellivia22)
Disclaimer: If I owned The Outsiders I would've met the original cast in the movie. Unfortunately, that was before I was born lol
I Need You
Part XIII
Darry
X^2-9x + 18= 0
"Now, the best way to solve this problem is to figure out what X is," I instruct Ponyboy. He sits beside me, his eyebrows scrunched in concentration. "We know that the end result is zero. So, what would you do first?"
Ponyboy stares hard at the piece of paper in my hands. I wait patiently for him to think about it. On any normal day, I'd be so busy with running everything that I'd give him a short amount of time to answer. Since I'm still stuck in a hospital bed, I have all the time in the world.
"I…I need to figure out how x^2-9x becomes -18," Ponyboy says slowly. He looks at me hesitantly. "'Cause -18 + 18=0."
"Right. What would you do next?"
Ponyboy writes on the small white notebook in his lap. From my position, I watch his thought process. After a moment he uses his eraser and then starts again. "9x2 is 18, 2^2 is 4. 4-18 is -14, which definitely don't make it zero." I nod. He's so close. "But if I go to the next number 3^2 is 9 and 9x3 is 27." I grin as I watch his confidence build. "And 9-27 is -18. -18 + 18 =0!"
My grin is wider than ever. If I wasn't still confirmed to the hospital bed I'd give him a big hug. "Great job, kiddo. I knew you'd be able to figure it out." Ponyboy grins back at me.
We begin to go over the next problem in his assignment. I feel my mind starting to wander. It took me several days before I was able to fight off the infection. I slept through most of it, but when I was awake, I felt like I had a really nasty cold. The congestion didn't help the stab wound in my chest that was still struggling to heal. Every time I coughed, I felt like I was getting stabbed all over again. Worst of all was trying to breathe. The only thing that kept me strong was the fact that Ponyboy and Sodapop were by my side every chance they got. For the first time in my life, I wasn't the protector. I was being protected and loved by my brothers. It's the best feeling in the world.
Then when my fever broke two days ago Dr. Reynolds decided to finally move me out of the ICU and into a bigger hospital room. This room has an extra bed that is currently unoccupied, a couch, and even a small TV on a stand. I feel better that my brothers have a more comfortable place to sleep at night. Ponyboy and Sodapop have been taking turns on who gets the bed and the couch. I told them to go home and sleep there, but they refused to leave my side.
The worst part of all of this was not the infection or recovering from the stab wound but being stuck in the same position for days on end without being able to move. It's caused the muscles in my legs and knees to ache with stiffness. I'm not the type who can just lie around all day. I've always been on the move working hard to take care of my family. Instead, all I've been able to do is lie there and worry.
I've already been in the hospital for over a week now. How can I possibly afford to pay for the upcoming hospital bills? Even worse I have no idea how long the doctor is going to keep me from going back to work-if I still have a job that is. All the money I earned from working that third job and the extra shifts Sodapop's been working won't be nearly enough to cover the costs. And even after paying off the hospital bills, how will I have enough money to pay for Ponyboy's education?
What worries me most of all are my two brothers. The past couple of days I've noticed how utterly exhausted both of them are. Sodapop returns to the hospital around 10-10:30 PM after being gone all day. He's still the cheerful, upbeat little brother I've always known, but I've noticed there are dark circles under his eyes, and he doesn't nearly have the infectious energy as usual. He almost always falls asleep the instant he comes in. No matter how many times I tell him not to work so much, he doesn't listen. Ponyboy looks just as exhausted-and not from working. I know he hasn't been sleeping well and not just because of the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.
Watching my brothers day after day has made me realize that this is what they must've been seeing in me when I was working that third job. They must've been just as worried-if not more so. It sure makes me feel guilty. I've got to make it up to both of them. Somehow.
"Darry?" I snap out of my daze. Ponyboy is watching me with a very worried look on his face. That seems to be the only expression I see on his face anymore. I hate that I'm worrying him so much. I notice that I'm no longer holding onto his homework. Instead, it's resting on Ponyboy's notebook. "Are you all right?"
My face turns blank. "I'm fine. So what's the answer to problem number three?"
At that moment Sodapop strolls in, carrying two elongated bags with the word Subway printed on the sides. The past couple of days he and Ponyboy have been eating in the hospital cafeteria, adding to my hospital bill. He must've decided to treat himself and Ponyboy for once. It's 7 PM on the dot. I'm surprised he's back so early. He's not alone. Right behind him are Dr. Reynolds and Anne for my nightly checkup.
"I'm home!" Sodapop greets us cheerfully. "I brought sandwiches from the new sub chain that just opened up down the street. Dr. Reynolds says you can have some too, Darry."
"All right!" Ponyboy says happily, closing his notebook. He gets up from his chair and joins Sodapop at the circular table. I stare at the bags of food longingly. I've been attached to my IV for so long that it feels like I haven't eaten real food in ages. How does he expect me to eat when I can't even sit up?
How are you feeling?" Anne asks me as she applies a blood pressure cuff on my arm.
I struggle to find something to say. The nurse looks very pretty today. Her dark hair is down in a simple braid, and a couple of dark strands are loose, framing her face. Her usual white nurse hat is on her head. I notice she's wearing eyeshadow and a little bit of lipstick. I can't help but hope she did it for me. The longer I remain in the hospital the harder it is for me to deny how I feel about her. I long to get to know her better outside of a hospital setting. If only I had the time.
"I'm good," I say huskily after a moment. "How are you?"
She smiles. "I'm fine." She takes off the blood pressure cuff and inserts a thermometer in my mouth. It beeps after a couple of seconds. "Temperature is 98.5 and his blood pressure is 115/ 70."
"Good." Dr. Reynolds looks up from checking the wound on my chest. "Your wound is looking much better. Pretty soon it'll be completely healed. And I received your recent test results. It looks like everything is back to normal." He looks at me seriously. "I know you're ready to have some real food for a change. How would you like to try sitting up?"
Finally. "That would be great!"
Ponyboy and Sodapop immediately abandon the food on the table and join me at my bedside-one on each side. Dr. Reynolds moves to the right side of the bed where Sodapop is. "Ready?"
I long to grab my brothers' hands in support but force myself to fight the urge. It's time I start acting like the strong big brother I'm supposed to be. Sodapop and Ponyboy must've noticed my hesitation for each of them grab a hand. I grin at them gratefully. "Ready."
Dr. Reynolds presses the button. Very slowly the bed begins to rise. I can feel the bones in my back crack from stiffness. My muscles tighten painfully. I breathe heavily as the pain in my chest triples. I squeeze my eyes shut tightly. I feel as though I'm being stabbed all over again. My eyes are burning, but I refuse to let the tears fall. I squeeze my brothers' hands tightly.
"It's okay," Ponyboy says softly, squeezing my hand back.
"You're doin' great!" Sodapop contributes.
I sway a bit. I feel two hands on my back to keep me from toppling over. I continue to breathe heavily once I'm upright. The pain is excruciating but I manage to find the strength to remain conscious.
"How do you feel?" Dr. Reynolds asks.
I keep my eyes closed and force myself to take easy breaths. In…and out…In…and out. I squeeze my brothers' hands even tighter-if that's possible.
"Darry?" Ponyboy asks worriedly.
"I'm okay," I manage. I open my eyes and look at the doctor. "Sore, but okay." Ponyboy squeezes my hand again. I give it a gentle squeeze back.
"Good," Dr. Reynolds says approvingly. "We'll see how you do overnight. If you continue to do well, I think I can send you home Thursday."
A huge grin spreads across my face. That's in two days. I look at my brothers. They look just as excited. This is the best news I've heard since I woke up in the hospital.
I'm going home soon.
Ponyboy
It's the middle of the night. 1:55 AM to be exact. Both of my brothers are fast asleep, Darry in his hospital bed and Sodapop in the empty bed beside him. As for me, I'm sitting in the corner of the room attempting to read Gone With the Wind in the dimmed light. I'm at the part where Sherman sieges Atlanta. It's an exciting scene, but I find it difficult to concentrate.
My eyelids feel heavy and it's a constant struggle to focus on the words on the pages. My body begs me to lie down on the couch and join my brothers in slumber, but I try with all my might to stay awake. Not just because I need to look after my brothers, but to be truthful I'm afraid; afraid that if I fall asleep, I'll be back in the vacant lot watching my brother die all over again.
I yawn, turning the page. It's been a rough couple of nights. It was hard watching Darry fight off the infection. He wasn't acting like my strong older brother. In fact, I had never seen him so sick; so weak. There were several moments when I thought I was going to lose him, despite the promise he made to Sodapop and me. To make sure that doesn't happen again I've kept a constant vigil on him. I've also kept an eye on Sodapop to make sure he gets enough rest. The harder he works, the more exhausted he looks. I wish there was something I could do to make my brothers' lives easier.
Beep! Beep!
I glance at my watch. 2AM on the dot. Time to make my rounds. I close my book and get up from my chair.
The first bed I go to is where Sodapop is lying. He hasn't moved since the last time I checked on him an hour ago. My middle brother is sprawled on top of the covers, passed out cold. He's snoring lightly. Despite his blonde hair being in many different directions he still looks like a movie star. His features are lively, even in sleep. I can see the circles under his eyes. He looks so much older than sixteen-going-on-seventeen. He's been working way too much lately. It makes me feel better that he's taking tomorrow off. He needs it.
Quietly I smooth his hair back into place. I stop for a second when I feel movement under my hand. Did I wake him? Sodapop lets out a snore but doesn't wake up. I breathe a sigh of relief. He's doing just fine. Then I turn my attention to Darry.
Darry is lying on back like always. His breathing is light and even. I watch him carefully just to make sure his chest is rising up and down. The heart monitor is beeping a steady 55 beats per minute.
I place my hand gently against his forehead. It's not hot and sweaty anymore. No fever. My hand then lays across his chest over his heart. I relax when I feel his heart beating steadily through his hospital gown. He's still doing okay.
Darry's eyes slowly start to open. I pull my hand back. Oh no. I woke him up. "Pony?" he mumbles sleepily. "Are you okay?"
I try to come up with a good reason why I'm standing over him but can't think of anything. "I'm fine. I was just…comin' from the bathroom and decided to check on you before goin' back to bed. Uh...Goodnight Darry."
Quickly I retreat to the other side of the room. I don't resume my position at the table like I originally planned. My body seems to have a mind of its own as I head straight for the couch by the window. The blue cushions look so inviting. My determination to watch my brothers all night is being overpowered by my desire for sleep. I try to fight it, but it's a losing battle. I have to stay awake. My brothers need me. And yet…
Maybe I'll just rest my eyes for a few minutes
The minute my body hits the couch, sleep overtakes me. I snuggle into the pillow and join my brothers for what I hope is a dreamless sleep.
Two Aces. One a heart, the other a spade. Not a bad hand starting out, but when it comes to Texas Hold 'em, my luck can change at the drop of a card. Sodapop lets out a defeated sigh from beside me. He places his cards on the large silver tray that is wheeled across Darry's bed. I raise an eyebrow. I'm surprised he hasn't started cheating yet.
"I fold."
I turn my attention to Darry who is sitting up in bed. He's studying his cards carefully. His expression is serious. So far, he has the fewest number of chips out of the three of us. Luck hasn't been on his side. If that's the case, it's going to be easy to have the upper hand.
Darry's eyes meet mine. His expression is blank, a perfect poker face. Slowly he takes a red poker chip and places it in the small pile of chips in the middle of the tray. "Call."
I do the same. "I also call."
He raises his eyebrow as if he's challenging me. I stare back. I try to read him, but his expression hasn't changed. Does he have a good hand like me or is he just bluffing?
Sodapop flips three cards face up in the middle. A jack of club, a jack of diamonds, and a seven of diamonds. Two pair. Not bad. If an ace or another jack falls, I could have a full house.
Darry takes a green chip from his small pile and places it in the middle. "I raise."
I continue to stare at him. We're not actually playing for money, but if we were Darry just raised the bet by $25. He must have something really good. He smirks at me. "What do you have to say about that, Pone?"
I refuse to back down. Now with this good of a hand. I place a green chip in the pile to match his bet. "I ain't afraid of you. I call."
"This is getting' good!" Sodapop says energetically, rocking back and forth on his chair. "Are you finally gonna win a hand, Dar?"
"We'll see," Darry says mysteriously.
Sodapop flips another card. A two of hearts. That does nothing to help my hand. There is still one card left to go.
"Ready to give up, Pone?" Darry asks me. He places his last green chip in the middle. If he loses this hand, he'll only have one red and one white chip left. "Raise."
"Never. I call."
Darry and I lock eyes as we wait for the last card to be drawn. For the first time I notice there's a mischievous glint behind his blue eyes. He must have a really great hand. Maybe I should've folded when I had the chance. Sodapop flips the last card.
An ace of diamonds.
A huge grin spreads across my face as my heart pounds in my chest in exhilaration. A full house! I'm sure to win now. Darry's stoic expression doesn't change.
"All right time to show your cards," Sodapop says eagerly.
Darry and I lay our cards down on the tray. Next to my full house, Darry's hand is a two of hearts and a king of spades. He has Two pair. I'm surprised he held onto such a weak hand. Maybe he was just bluffing in hopes that I would fold.
"You beat me again!" Darry says in defeat.
Something in his tone catches me off guard. He doesn't sound upset like I expect him to be. As I move the poker chips to my growing pile, I suddenly realize why Darry's blue eyes look so mischievous.
"You let me win!" I exclaim.
"Did not!" Darry says defensively.
"You usually destroy us in poker,' I argue back. "You'd never hold on to such a weak hand."
"Hey, even I get bad luck every once in a while. I'll get you next hand."
"We'll see."
I grab the deck of cards and begin to shuffle. The cards make a cracking sound as they pass through my hands. I grin to myself as I watch Darry take a sip from his cup of water beside his poker chips. He was sitting up when I came back after school and hasn't shown any signs of discomfort. Quite the opposite. He was the one who suggested we play cards. If he keeps doing well the doctor is going to send him home for sure. I can't wait.
*Knock Knock*
The three of us turn our attention to the door where two men I don't recognize are standing there. One is middle age with hair the same color as Sodapop's, but shorter. The other man looks to be Darry's age with sandy hair. I can tell immediately they aren't the police this time. Both men are wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans. Darry's blue eyes light up in recognition. I also notice he looks very nervous.
"Hey Austin, Mr. Lash. Good to see you guys. I'm sorry I haven't been at work I-."
"Don't worry about that," the older man who I assume is Mr. Lash says kindly as they approach his bedside. "Your brother Sodapop told us what happened. He's been keeping us up to date with your recovery process."
Darry shoots Sodapop a grateful look.
"How are you feeling?" Austin asks in concern. "The guys are very worried about you."
"I'm doin' all right. The doctor says if everything continues to go well, I could go home tomorrow. If that's the case, I'll be back at work on Friday. Promise."
"No. You're gonna stay home as long as the doctor says so," Sodapop interjects firmly. I nod in agreement.
"He's right, Darrel," Mr. Lash says. He rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Your job will be waiting for you when you are well enough to return."
"Thank you," Darry says. He looks extremely relieved, but I can still see the increasing worry in his blue eyes.
"I can come in my brother's place while he's recovering," I say suddenly. "I can help out after school and on weekends. I'll work hard. I promise."
"Ponyboy…" Darry begins. He shoots me a warning look.
Mr. Lash looks me up and down as if he's sizing me up. "How old are you, son?"
"He's 14 and needs to keep his mind focused on school," Darry says. "Right, Pone?"
His stern gaze is still upon me. For once I'm not as annoyed at him like I'd usually be. The fact that he's being stern again means he's getting back to normal. That makes me very happy.
"Right," I mumble, my eyes focus on my hands.
"Unfortunately, I can't employ anyone under the age of sixteen anyway." Mr. Lash says. "Come to me in a few years and maybe I'll have somethin' for you."
"Thanks," I answer.
"Well, we better get out of here so you can rest," Austin says. He slaps hands with Darry. "Take care of yourself, buddy."
"Will do."
I keep my eyes focused on my hands. I get why Darry wants me to focus on school, but I want to help my brothers so badly, not only to fix all the damage I caused but to make my brothers' lives easier.
"There's gotta be somethin' I can do," I plead with my brothers once Mr. Lash and Austin leave. "This whole mess is my fault. I-I wanna help to make things right."
Darry's stern expression melts away when he looks at me. His blue eyes remain serious. "You can help by focusing on your education. Do everything you can to get that scholarship. Sodapop and I will worry about the bills."
"But-," I begin.
"Without that scholarship, we won't be able to put you in a good college. Sodapop and I see the potential in you. We know that you can grow up to be someone great. So don't waste it and study hard, okay?"
I stare at him. I can't help the grin spreading across my face. Darry hasn't lectured me since the night I came home late. I will never admit this to anyone, but I kind of missed it. This lecture is different from all the ones he's given me. It sounds more out of great concern than being bossy. The best part is he didn't holler at me like he usually does. Instead, his tone is the same normal volume. It feels good to know that he still cares about me so much even after everything we've been through.
"Okay, Darry," I say simply.
Darry
"I'll be by tomorrow afternoon," Sodapop promises, taking one last bite of his burger. "Just ring the station if they release you early and I'll come get you."
"Okay," I answer. I rest my head against the pillow, closing my eyes. My stomach is full and I can still taste the juicy tomato from my own burger. It feels so good to eat regular food again, even if it comes from the hospital cafeteria. I do my best to ignore the poking and prodding from Dr. Reynolds. He's already removed the catheter and is now taking one last blood sample to make sure my infection is gone. Anne is monitoring the machines I'm still connected to, a clipboard in her hands.
"And I'll have Two-Bit bring me over right after school," Ponyboy says brightly sitting next to Sodapop on the couch. "And I'll make sure he behaves himself this time."
I snort. The day Two-Bit behaves himself is the day I'm drafted into the NFL.
"There's one last task I want to perform tonight if you're up for it, Darrel," Dr. Reynolds says as if I have a choice. I open my eyes wearily. He gives me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. You'll like this one."
"Okay…"
"I'm going to have you walk a couple of laps around the hospital. I want to make sure your muscles are still working fine after being in bed for over a week. One or both of your brothers can go with you of course for support."
This time I'm unable to hold back my excitement. I've been waiting for this moment since I woke up. I can't wait to stretch every muscle in my body. "Really?"
Dr. Reynolds smiles. "Yes. Just don't push yourself. Take it nice and slow."
I look at my brothers. They're whispering to each other and glancing at me. I don't even want to know what they're talking about. I clear my throat until they look at me. "Ready?"
"Actually, Soda and I are gonna stop by the house real quick," Ponyboy says, getting up from the couch. There is no expression on his face, but I can tell he's fighting it. He's not nearly as good at hiding his emotions as I am. "We wanna make sure the house is nice and clean for your homecomin'."
I raise my eyebrow in suspicion.
"Yeah, you're probably sick of us anyway," Sodapop adds, following suit. "It might be better if a nurse goes with you. You don't mind…do you, Anne?"
I stare at my brothers in horror. Ponyboy's poker face is gone, and a grin is spreading across his face. Sodapop's blue eyes are twinkling. My heart plummets to my stomach. It doesn't take me long to realize what they're doing.
Oh I'm going to kill them.
To be continued...
