Johnnyboy

Chapter 8

author note: hi i'm back it's been almost a year hopefully you don't hate me. also hopefully my writing is better lmao, it was so cringy.

Dally almost spit out his drink after what Pony said. I was confused. I thought Pony didn't want to see Darry.

"What?" I asked, bewildered.

"Don't ask questions. You'll see," Pony replied. His face was still red and wet from crying. He quickly wiped his face and stood up. "Let's go."

Dally and I exchanged confused glances, and then I looked at Ponyboy. "Okay..."

We all left the house and Dally started the car. "You sure about this, kid?"

Pony nodded. "Yes. I'm sure, okay?"

Dally shrugged. "Okay then."

I was a little confused why Pony would want to see Darry. Darry and Pony obviously weren't on exactly good terms. All I wanted at this point was for Ponyboy to be okay. One of his brothers died, the other despised him... I was just surprised he was still holding together. I'd be broken by now.

I rested my head on Pony's shoulder, who looked at me and gave me a small smile. I returned the smile. He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer.

"Johnny," he whispered suddenly. I looked up at him, my eyes wide. "I love you."

I bit my lip and smiled sadly. "I love you too."

He smiled down at me and then looked away, still somewhat smiling. I couldn't help but wonder what Ponyboy thought he was doing. I mean, Darry was being so horrible to him yet Pony still wanted to see him. But maybe Pony was only seeing him to tell him to get the hell out of his life or something, maybe it was good. Still, I wondered what made Pony want to do this.

After a dead silent car ride, we arrived at Pony's past home. Now it was only Darry that resided in it. I suppose that was karma for all Darry did to hurt Ponyboy and me.

Ponyboy wasted no time once the car was parked. He pushed open the almost broken car door and rushed out, not even waiting for me. I ran after him, making sure he didn't trip at the speed he was going. I didn't even know it was humanly possible for someone to go that fast, it was like a flash. Pony flung the door open.

"Darry!" Ponyboy shouted at the top of his lungs. I cringed at the volume of his voice. "Get out here!"

I heard a door open and then close, and out walked Darry. He had been crying, clearly. I had never seen Darry cry before. It was quite a sight. He glared once he noticed me, which stung, I had to admit.

"Look who's back," Darry said, fixing his slumped over posture and trying to look more manly.

"You killed Sodapop," Ponyboy said with no hesitation. His eyes were lifeless and his voice was flat. He showed no sign of emotion.

Darry looked confused. He furrowed his eyebrows. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You are the reason Sodapop died," Ponyboy said, barely clearing anything up for Darry, or even me. "It's your fault."

His voice started to crack. He was struggling to keep the emotionless persona he was portraying for the time being. I stepped forward and grabbed his hand, squeezing it in attempts to help him.

"It's his own damn fault," Darry said. His voice was cracking, too. "Now, get out of here."

"Alright," Ponyboy whispered, almost too quiet to hear. "I will."

Almost like a bolt of lightning, Ponyboy darted out of the house. I turned and ran after him, but he was too fast. He was always good at running. I stopped running halfway down the street to catch my breath.

"What happened in there?" Dally asked, catching up to me.

"Pony... said... Darry's fault.... Soda died...." I panted.

"English, maybe?" he groaned.

I didn't answer in order to catch my breath. Once I did, I said, "Ponyboy told Darry that... it was his fault Sodapop died. Then he ran out."

Dally raised his eyebrows. "Well, shit. Any idea where he could be goin'?"

I shook my head. "No..." I was useless, just like usual. I couldn't even find my own boyfriend.

"Well, we should probably find him before a bunch of Socs do," Dally inquired.

I started heading back towards Dally's car. "Then, let's go."

Dally ran to catch up with me.