Ti Amo da Lontano // Johnnyboy

Chapter Thirty Two // Call Me

There was an insane pain in my head, that made me feel like I was dying. The pounding didn't seem to stop. 

I fluttered my eyes open, and saw Steve starring down at me.

"What's going on?" I uttered, blinking. I felt somebody grab my hand. 

"You passed out, Pony," he stated, giving me a worried look. I just nodded my head. 

"Guys!" Steve yelled. "Ponyboy's awake!"

I cringed when he yelled. It made me feel like my ears were bleeding. 

Suddenly, my bedroom door burst open. 

"What's going on?" asked Two Bit. He rushed to my side. "Are you okay Ponyboner?" 

I couldn't help but giggle.

"Yeah, yeah. I think I'm alright," I replied. I looked around the room. 

"Do you need more painkillers, kid?" asked Dally, holding an orange medicine bottle. I shook my head.

"Nah, I don't want to be over medicated," I stated. He just shrugged his shoulders. 

 "Hey guy, could you clear out? I want to talk to Pony alone," demanded Darry. Everybody widened their eyes, but obeyed. 

I gave them a slight wave as they left.

"What's going on, big brother?" I asked him. He took a seat next to me. 

"Do you remember why you passed out?" he questioned. I shook my head.

"No, I don't," I started. "Where's Johnny? Did you guys tell him I'm..sick?"

Darry's face fell.

"Ponyboy..Johnny's parents made him pack up, and they moved back to Italy a few days ago.." he stated quietly. I gasped. 

"So h- he's gone?" I asked, feeling my stomach drop. He nodded.

"Yeah, he's gone. You told us all everything the other day when you came home with cuts everywhere. Apparently Johnny's dad beat you guys," he whispered. 

Suddenly, all the memories came back.

"D- did he at least tell you if he was o- okay?" I mumbled. He shook his head.

"You were the last one who heard from him," he replied. He put his hand on my shoulder.

I felt myself begin to sob and shake. 

"P- please leave," I whispered. Darry didn't budge.

"Leave!" I screamed. 

For once, Darry obeyed. 

-

A Few Days Later...

I walked into school, feeling miserable. 

I'd never see Johnny in class again. 

I walked to my class, the first class that I had met him in. I was honestly dreading it, not wanting to attend. 

I walked into the classroom, and saw my seat next to an empty one. I slowly walked towards it, and sat down. 

I felt immense heartbreak. 

I felt like I couldn't breathe. 

Suddenly, I felt somebody sit down next to me. 

I looked up.

It was Cherry Valance. 

"Hi Ponyboy," she started. She sounded as sweet as honey.

"What do you need, Cherry?" I asked her snarkingly. She diverted her eyes. 

"Listen. I heard about Johnny going to Italy. I know he was your best friend and all, so I just wanted to make sure you were alright," she stated. I gave her a small smile. 

"He was my boyfriend, actually," I corrected her. Her face didn't change. 

"Oh, well, then I'm even more sorry," she replied sympathetically. I just nodded, and looked down. 

She pulled out a sheet of paper.

"Here's my umber. If you ever want to talk, call me," she mumbled, before walking away. 

I took the number, and put it in my pocket. 

Maybe I will call you. Just maybe.