Running Away is Easy

Hospital Beds

Dally drove us to the hospital. I'd been worried sick about Johnny for the past 4 days, not being able to see him or talk to him was really stressing me out. And since none of us were allowed to see him, we couldn't get any updates or nothing about how he was doing until now. Man, I was so excited to see him, and since he'd be let out tomorrow, that'd mean that I could take him to see the sunset like I wanted.
Dally and I walked into Johnnys hospital room eager to finally see him. I had so much to tell him. I'd wondered if he'd been told about the hearing and being let off yet, or if I would have to tell him.
"Ponyboy! Dallas! I'm so happy to see you guys!" The corners of Johnnys mouth raised into a smile. I swear I saw a little tear drop roll down his cheek but I didn't say anything, we were all so excited to see him and I didn't want to ruin the moment by embarrassing him.
"Johnnycake! You're looking so much better! How are you? Are the nurses treating you alright?" I asked. The burns along his arms were still there, but they looked to be healing. Last time we saw him, he looked pale, and tired, but now his cheeks were a dark rose colour again, and he seemed much more energized.
"I've been ok. It's been real boring around here without you guys. They ain't treating me bad here, but there ain't much to do other than lay around all day. I'm glad you guys came! I didn't want to be much of a bother, so I hope you two didn't go out of your ways to be here." Johnny's expression turned from all happy and excited to that sad puppy look he always has.
"Come on man, you could never be a bother, we are more than glad to be here." Dally jumped in.
"Hey Dal, do you think you could give me and Pony a minute, I want to talk with him." Johnny suggested.
"Of course, anything you need. You know, last time we were I saw a real cute looking broad working the snack stand, I think she said her name was Donna or something like that. I wonder if she would be here again today." We didn't wee Dally until the next morning, and he was wearing the same clothes which made me think that Donna girl was there.
"So pony, the nurses told me about the hearing. Can you believe it! I'm being let off and you get to stay with Darry and Soda, this must be some kinda miracle or something!" He reached out and grabbed my hand. His hand felt warm and soft against mine, and I felt my face go red just like it did in the courtroom, but this time felt different. I wasn't sure what it was, all I could tell was it was different.
"I know! Hey Johnnycake I was thinking..." he looked up at me with his big black eyes. I never noticed the way his hair curls when it's not greased back. It looked softer now that it ever had before. "since your being let out tomorrow, how'd you wanna go watch the sunset tomorrow night? I know a little pond we can go to."
"Really? That'd be amazing I'd love to!" Johnny took his arms and wrapped them around me. He always gave great hugs when he knew someone needed one. I loved the way his arms felt around me. I gently hugged him back, being careful not to hurt him since his back burns were still in the process of healing.
We sat and talked for a couple hours. I was telling him about everything that happened at the hearing, how things were at school, and how the rest of the gang was excited to see him tomorrow. I eventually glanced over at the clock not realizing it was already 11:48pm. "Wow it's late. We should probably head to bed, don't want to be too tired tomorrow, the gang will probably want to do lot's with you since your getting out." I stood up and was heading for the guest bed when Johnny grabbed my arm.
"Hey pony, would it be alright if you slept with me tonight? Only if you want to of course! It's just, things have been lonely for the past few days. The only people I've really seen have been the nurses, and I think it would be nice" His face went to an even deeper pink and his hands felt hot against my arm when he asked.
I got a weird feeling in my stomach when he grabbed me. It wasn't a bad feeling, just weird. I couldn't quite figure out what it was, but it made me happy.
"Yeah sure, let me just go change real quick." I went into the washroom and changed into my pajamas. I came back out and crawled into the bed with Johnny. He rested his head on my chest and placed his arm along with it. It gave me the same funny feeling in my stomach that I had felt when he grabbed my arm. He no longer smelt of cigarette smoke like he usually did. Instead, he now smelt like soap and freshly washed sheets. It was a pleasant smell. Not that cigarettes smelt bad to me, I'd gotten so used to them I barely even noticed them anymore, it was just a refreshing change.
"Thank you Ponyboy..." Johnny said in a sleepy voice.
"For what? I've barely even done anything." I looked at him curiously.
"You know man, for staying with me. You have no idea how much it means to me." He replied with his soft, gentle voice.
I wrapped one arm around him, and used the other to play with his dark, soft, curly hair. This must have relaxed him a bit because I looked over, and saw he almost instantly fell asleep. I followed not too long after him.