People Don't Change (Dally Winston)

Chapter 29

Jenny's POV

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I woke up with red, puffy eyes and a tear stained pillow. My room was colder that usual, and I shivered slightly. Bright sunlight spilled through the cracks in the blinds, so I knew it would be nearly impossible to fall asleep again.

Slowly, I stood up and tiptoed from my bedroom to the kitchen. It was empty. I dug through the cupboards looking for a box of cereal. The kitchen was very unorganized, but, knowing Two-Bit, that hadn't surprised me.

I slowly ate, distracting myself from my thoughts. I finished and began reading the newspaper that was sitting on the table. I even read the uninteresting articles, but suddenly, one article caught my eye. I read it quickly. Not believing that I was awake.

The article was about Pony and Johnny. I read through it multiple times. It said that Johnny had killed a Soc and that he and Pony had left town. I couldn't believe it. Johnny wouldn't kill someone. But it was written out right in front of me.

I jumped up and went to get dressed. Then I rushed out, in the direction of the Curtis house. I ran the whole way and by the time I got there, my heart was pounding and every breath took a huge effort.

"I told you, Soda! I don't got any idea where they are," Dally's voice said as I opened the door, but avoided looking towards the side of the room where he stood.

"Damn it! I know you're lying! For the last time, just tell me!" Soda shouted. I stopped. Soda almost never got this angry,

"Calm down, little buddy," Darry said, "Yelling won't do anything."

"At least give this to Pony," he said handing a letter to Dally.

"Jenny...did you see the paper?" Steve asked, finally noticing that I was standing in the doorway. I nodded.

"What exactly happened?"

"I don't know. Some of the Socs are saying that Johnny only killed the one boy to save Pony. And, Dally won't tell us where they went," Soda answered. I could see his eyes watering a bit.

"Well, why are we just standing around talking?" Two-Bit suddenly butted in, "The paper says that police were told they were headed to Texas. Let's go find em'!"

"Two members of the gang are already missing. You ain't goin' to Texas, Two-Bit," Darry said, trying to calm him down.

I could feel Dally staring at me as Darry and Two-Bit argued. I wouldn't make eye contact with him though. The last thing I need right now is to start crying again.