•Not just a gang of greasers•

Chapter 3: The Runaway

My footfalls on the pavement echoed throughout the street. The lot was just ahead. I saw Johnny laying on the couch wrapped up in his jean Jacket.
I fell onto the couch and started to cry. I knew Darry didn't mean it and he was just worried about me, but sometimes his good intentions aren't always good. I heard Johnny start to stir beside me.
"Hey Syd, why are you crying?" He said sleepily.
"Darry yelled at me, that may not seem like a big deal but he's never screamed at me before, so I ran away before he could apologize."
"Come here," he said as he pulled me into his arms. "I'm sure Darry didn't mean it. He was just looking out for you that's all."

He pulled me tighter into his arms and I buried my face into his chest and sobbed. Johnny hugged me tight and tried his best to calm me down.
"Thank you Johnny," I said wiping my tears on my jacket sleeve. "For letting me cry on you."
"No problem." He grinned.
Johnny fell back down on the couch and stared up at the sky. I could tell he was thinking about something. Johnny always had this funny face he made when he was thinking real hard.
"Syd?" says Johnny.
"Yeah."
"Don't be mad at Darry. I don't want you to end up like me and my old man. He could care less if I was dead in a ditch."

Johnny was right, I shouldn't be mad at Darry. He was only concerned about me, and I can understand why. He's already lost his parents so I don't think he wants to lose me, Soda, or Ponyboy.
"I won't Johnny I promise." I smiled and stuck out my pinkie. He clutched my finger and smiled back.

I jerk awake to the sound of a thud. When I roll over I realize that Johnny is no longer beside me and I'm in my bed back home.
"How did I get here?" That question echoes through my mind.
When I go to the bathroom I look in the mirror and jump at my reflection. My eyes are red and puffy, I'm assuming from crying, and I look like a train wreck. I'm also wearing Johnny's jacket.
There are so many questions swimming in my head. Maybe ill get answers downstairs.
I brush my hair and teeth and splash my face to try and get rid of the redness of my eyes. I don't want the gang to know I had been crying. The teasing would never end.

I walk downstairs to find Two-Bit, Soda, Ponyboy and Steve at the table. Darry is washing the breakfast dishes.
"There she is," soda grabs me in a hug and spins me around.
"Bout time you wake up."
"Yeah yeah," I giggled at Soda, "How did I get here?" I questioned.
"Johnny brought you here after y'all fell asleep." Soda pointed to the couch where Johnny lay asleep in his brown T-shirt and blue jeans.

Darry set a plate of food in front of me.
"Look Syd, I'm real sorry about what happened last night. I was just worried about you. I don't know what'd I do if I lost you."
I could hear the sincerity in his voice so I knew he meant what he was saying and I remembered the promise I made to Johnny.
"Yeah yeah, I forgive you."
Darry gave me a big bear hug.
"Man Darry it feels like an icebox in here." Johnny complained as he crawled off the couch.
"Maybe you shouldn't have loaned off your Jacket Johnny." Ponyboy joked and nodded his head at me.
"Oh shut your trap Pony!" Johnny laughed and smacked Ponyboy on the head.

Darry, Steve and Soda all left for work leaving me, Two-Bit and Johnny watching Mickey Mouse in the living room.
"Hey Two-Bit you ready to go? I ain't got all day to wait on you!" Dally yells through the window.
"I'll see you guys later, me and Dal are going to a party at Bucks." Two-Bit ran out the door and jumped in to Dallys Truck and they rumbled off to Buck's Place.

Now it was just me and Johnny.