Faded (The Outsiders FF)

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Pony's POV

I had seen the bruise the other day, when she had it mostly covered up. I meant to ask about it, but never got to, because she had passed out cold after running outside. I wanted to talk to her. Ask her what happened yesterday, now I have to wonder what the story is behind her and Sarah's bruises. I already had a guess that it was her father, who I haven't met. Although, I didn't think he would be abusive, since I hadn't seen any signs before yesterday.

I remember seeing Johnny, a couple months ago, when he came to our house after a grueling beating from his folks. I barely recognized him because he was so bruised and swollen. It was all he could do not to cry, but I could he wanted to let it out. He wants his parents love so bad. I haven't quite understood why yet though, I mean he has the gang doesn't he? I guess it just isn't the same.

Riley didn't even compare to what Johnny looked like then. I wouldn't consider a slap to the face a beating either, but it hurt just as much when I saw her, and she had burst into tears. I had never seen her cry. It hurt me to think that she wouldn't have told me either. That she would've kept it a secret if she could've.

"Did your dad-" Johnny started. She merely nodded her head without looking at anybody. She was leaning on the wall with her eyes closed. She nodded before Johnny even finished his sentence. She stopped crying and slid down the wall, pulled her knees up to her chin, and rested her head on her knees. Sarah was beside her in a second and Riley looked at her, then pulled her into her lap.

"Why did you hide it?" I asked.

"Do you not trust us?" Soda followed.

"I-" she started but hadn't followed through with her sentence. After what seemed like an eternity she started again, "I was scared. Scared that something bad would happen. I was scared that he would do it again for me telling you, and that you guys would tell the cops or something and me and Sarah would have to leave, and-I don't know guys. This is the first time he's ever done this, and it was so sudden," she started crying again and I got her some toilet paper from the bathroom. She took and wiped her nose, and calmed down somewhat before she continued, "he used to be nice. He was fun and a good person," she continued.

"Well what happened?" Two-bit asked. I sent him a glare as if to tell him to shut up. I knelt beside her and rubbed her back, like Soda did for me when I would wake up with nightmares.

"M-my mom...she died." She had started bawling again, and Sarah was hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry guys, I just. It was only last year. I-it still. I miss her," she stuttered.

"I do too," Sarah whispered and Riley hugged her tighter.

"I know, Sarah," she whispered. A single tear rolled down Sarah's cheek. She is tough for a 5 year old.

"Ya know I never told you this, but we lost our parents too. Both of them last year in a car wreck...it's hard without them," I told her.

"Now I feel stupid. I lost my mom last year, and you lost both your parents. Here you are comforting me, because I'm crying over my mom when I have a dad," she said and sniffled. "Thanks," she said with a weak smile.

"It's fine. Everyone vents their sadness differently," I said.

"That's the thing. I've never done that before. I don't really cry. The last time I broke down was at my mom's funeral and before that I don't remember breaking down and crying like that...ever,"

"That's all right," it got kind of awkward for a minute and none of the gang had said anything for awhile, but they were still just standing there staring at us.