Ponyboy's P.O.V.
It's been awhile since the rumble and Johnny's still in the hospital. I hope he gets better, but the gang don't think he'll make it. I visit him once everyday and I read him Gone with the Wind. I found out that I really care about Johnny maybe even....love him. I don't really know. All I know is that Johnny will make it through this.
"Hey Pony get your butt down here!" Darry yelled. I stumbled down the stairs. "What now Darry?" I mumbled. I looked into the living room and saw Johnny standing there. "I figured you'd want to see your best friend." Darry said a grin plastered on his face. I stood there like an idiot. I found my strength and I walked to to Johnny. I threw my arms around him and held him close. I think I surprised him because it took him awhile before he hugged back. "I thought they said you'd be a cripple." I murmured. "Yeah well they were wrong. You dig?" He said as I pulled away. I nodded. "Well don't just stand there you two. Run around like you used to." Darry said urging us outside. Johnny and I looked at each other before taking off towards the park. I beat him there as always and we climbed up on top of the jungle gym. We sat there for awhile before Johnny spoke up. "Pony. I have a question." I looked over at him. "What is it?" I asked. He looked down at the ground and didn't talk. "Johnny?" I asked. "Just forget I said anything Pony." He said. I put my hand on his back. "Johnny tell me." I said. He looked up at me and his frown grew deeper. "I-I think...." he looked back down. "I think I like you Pony." he said and looked up. I stared because I didn't know what else to do. He jerked away from me and his eyes turned dark. "Did you hear me?! I like you!" he yelled before climbing down the jungle gym. I couldn't talk or move. He gave me a final glare before running off. I watched him run away. I watched until there was nothing left to see. I sat there until it was really late and I could hardly keep my eyes open. I climbed down and walked him. What's wrong with me. I like a guy and he tells me he feels the same and I just sit there like an idiot. I need to tell him. I found my feet going towards his house. I picked up the pace and started to sprint. I ran and ran and ran. I stopped short in front of his house. I heard yelling and a scream...Johnny's scream. I rushed inside the house and saw Johnny's dad with a shovel and an unconcious Johnny on the floor. I ran and grabbed Johnny and started out the door. Johnny's dad tried to hit me with the shovel, but missed. He threw the shovel down and grabbed me. I fought against him, but he held on tight. He slugged me a few times and I felt dizzy. I heard something on the floor. "Dad no!" It was Johnny. Johnny's dad just slugged me harder. I felt something tug on his arm, but it didn't help. Johnny's dad put me on the couch and slugged me multiple times. I felt my eyesight fading to black. Someone was dragging me out the door, then we were in the park. Johnny stood over me. He looked on the verge of tears. He leaned down and I felt something warm on my lips. Johnny pulled away. I'll help you." He said. "And I love you." I whispered before losing conciousness.
