When Death opens the door

Chapter 26

Belle's P.O.V.

"Where are we going?" Ponyboy asked suddenly.

We had been walking for at least half an hour in complete silence.

"To James' house. He has a car ready for us." I said. "We don't have a license, so how is it supposed to help us?" He asked.

I thought about it for a moment. "We don't have to keep it. Just use it for tonight and return it. I'm sure if I ask he'll keep it around for us when we can drive." I said.

Ponyboy nodded and the silence returned. "So other than Dally, what other friend have I not been able to meet?" I asked.

"There was Johnny." He said. "Tell me about him. Was he stern like Darry, fun like Soda, or smart like you?" I asked.

"Well. Picture a little puppy that's been kicked and yelled at a lot. You'll have Johnny. His dad was always beating on him and then to make it worse, he got jumped and nearly killed." Pony said glumly.

"You're still upset about it?" I asked. "Yeah. It's only happened, maybe, a month ago." He said.

"Well let me tell you something. I didn't know Johnny or Dally, but I have a feeling they would have wanted you to stop moping around by now." I said. "What are you talking about?" He asked.

"Their in a better place. A place with no greasers or socs. A place where everything is okay and they don't have to worry about death and fear. They don't want you feeling bad for them because their just fine." I said. "I guess you're right." He mumbled.

I stopped and looked at Ponyboy. "Hey. Chin-up. It's gonna be alright." I said. He smiled and I gave him a hug.

"We need to make a stop here." I said. I walked into a nearby convenience store and walked to the chip isle.

I grabbed a few bags of potato chips and walked to the counter. I paid for them and walked outside.

"Who are those for?" Pony asked as we started walking again. "James. His mom doesn't let him buy very much stuff. He loves these." I said.

Pony nodded and we continued walking.

"Um. I don't want to scare you, but we're on soc territory." He said. "I know. We don't have much farther to go. Just a few more blocks." I said.

"Hey grease!" Someone called out. I noticed Ponyboy tensed up.

I heard the shattering of a bottle and we began to run. I grabbed Pony's hand and ran the rest of the way to James' house.

We ran around the house and into the garage before slamming the door shut. I sat down and tried to catch my breath.

"Belle? Is that you?" I looked up and saw the young dark headed boy I had fallen for earlier in life.

"Yep. It's me. James. I want you to meet Ponyboy. Ponyboy this is James." I said. They shook hands and I handed James the chips.

"Car's over there. Here's the keys. Don't wreck her." James informed.

"I was hoping we could bring her back here and get her back when we get our license." I said.

"Sure thing." James said. I smiled and grabbed the keys from him.

I grabbed Ponyboy's hand and pulled him to the car. It was a little red mustang.

I hopped into the drivers side and waited for Pony to climb in.

"Do you know how to drive a car?" He asked.

I put out the key into the ignition and started it up. We were already pointed to to the big garage door that was open.

"Nope." I said I slammed onto the gas pedal.