An Outsider Love Story

Kathy

I woke up for real this time because it was ten thirty and I wanted to see how Kathy was doing. I went in the living room and found Soda, Johnny and Ponyboy talking about god knows what. They are dressed like they are about to leave and go somewhere. Really? I got jumped not too long ago and they are going to leave me by myself!?!

"Hey babe, did you get some sleep?"

"Yes I did. So watchya doing?" I lied.

"Planning out the rumble. The day, the time, who is fighting with us and stuff like that." Pony blurted out.

"Oh." I sighed.

"Hey Pony, Johnny, can we talk about this later." Soda gestured toward me as if I couldn't see it.

"Oh, ok. Come on Johnny." Pony said.

Pony and Johnny left the room. Darry was still a sleep, I think. Me and Soda sat on the sofa. He was playing with my hair. I was trying to think of something to say but there really wasn't anything to talk about. I was getting bored now and I think I have knots in my hair.

"Are you ok, you know about the rumble?" Soda asked curiously yet cautious as he could, still playing with my hair.

"I don't like that you are going to be in it and that it has to come down to this but other than that I'm perfect." I said with fake cheerfulness.

"I know but all greaser guys and soc guys have to be in it."

"Who made that rule up?" I asked as I turned around to look at him.

"I don't know some stupid person."

"Probably."

"So watchya want to do today?"

"I don't know. What do you want to do today?"

"Whatever you want to do is what I want to do."

"Can we go see Kathy?" I asked hoping that he would say yes.

"Sure let's go now before it gets late."

"Ok, Pony, Johnny do you want to go with us?" I yelled in his direction.

"Nah we'll stay here."

"Ok then."

I get dress, brush the knots out of my hair and grab my bag. Soda was already waiting by the door for me. He opens the door for me and puts his arm around my waist and yells to Darry as he wakes up and go's to the kitchen, that we will be back in a bit going to Two-bits place. We get to Two-bits and saw him first. He was jumping off the porch before we were in front of his house. We give out some hugs. And start to go into the house.

"What brings you love birds?" Two-bit ask with excitement.

"I wanted to see Kathy, if that's alright?" I asked with hope.

"Oh yea, sure but she is sleeping right now. She will be up in a few to eat. Do ya'll want anything?" He says as he opens the door for us.

"Actually we just ate but thanks." Soda said.

"Two-bit?" I heard a faint voice call for him.

"I'm coming." Two-bit replied.

We all go into Two-bits room and see a girl who was hurt physically and emotionally. Kathy sweet, beautiful, loving Kathy. That Kathy is gone. This person who lays limp is hurt and in pain. She looks worse now than the day she was actually beat. Her whole half of her face is bruised in and her arms are cut up. I walk over to her and grab her hand and sat at the foot of the bed. I thought I was going to cry. Soda stood behind me and put one hand on my shoulder.

"Kathy, we have some visitors. Soda and Lola came to see you." Two-bit says gently.

"Hi guys, I look pretty rough, don't I?" Kathy whispers.

"No you are fine. You are ok. You will be." I tried to tell her and myself. She has to.

"Ok." She says gently.

"Kathy it's time for you to eat, what do you want?" Two-bit said in a soothing tone.

"Can I have some chicken soup?"

"Sure thing."

Two-bit left the room leaving me and Soda and Kathy alone. This girl is not Kathy. Kathy is never in pain, never hurt. She is always happy and sweet and kind. This person is trying to take Kathy's place. She looks like her, she sounds like her, and she is wearing the friendship bracelet I gave her when we were kids. Where is the Kathy I know?

"I am scaring you aren't I?" Kathy blurts out.

"No, I am just upset that you are hurt." I quivered. I realize that I was crying.

"Don't cry. Please. Like you said before, I will be ok." She says.

"I know." I said as I wipe the tears.

Two-bit comes back with the soup and some coke cola for Kathy. We get ready to leave because it was getting late. We say our goodbyes and leave. I couldn't take the sadness anymore.