When We Were Gold

Chapter Five

Ponyboy's POV:

I yawned, immediately wishing I hadn't. My throat ached, I hadn't had anything to drink since the medicine. I could still taste it; stale and sticky. I felt a lot better, and I don't like to be be still all the time, especially when I'm sick. I crawled out from under the blankets, rubbing my eyes. I could hear the TV on, so I figured Sodapop or Darry was up. Rubbing my eyes again, I walked into the front room. Darry was sitting in the armchair, reading a paper. It reminded me of when Dad did the exact same thing. Darry was looking more and more like Dad every day. As soon as Darry saw me, he grinned, "Hey Pone, feeling better?" I nodded, trying to clear my throat, "Can I have some water Dar?" He jumped up, practically skipping into the kitchen. I would've laughed, but my throat just wasn't up to it. Darry came back in, handing me a glass of water, "Small sips, ok?" I ignored him, grabbing the glass from his hands and taking a huge gulp. Man, did that feel good going down my throat. I took another, almost coughing it up. Darry grabbed the glass from me, rubbing my back, "Breath kiddo, c'mon, you're ok." I coughed into my sleeve, forcing myself to quit. Exhausted, I laid down on the couch, quickly falling into a fitful sleep.

Sodapop's POV:

As soon as the school bell rang, I nearly ran out the door. I was really worried about Ponyboy, he had had a nightmare again; Mom and Dad could barely calm him down. I had wanted to stay home with him, but Mom and Dad needed to work, so Darry got to stay with him. I sighed, jogging a few more steps. As I rounded the corner, a couple Socs came into view. "Not today, not today," I thought. I tried walking around them, keeping my head down. That was a mistake, they laughed, shoving me onto the pavement. "Cut it out," I muttered, getting up and trying to keep going. They laughed, kicking me in the shin. White hot pain filled my brain, but I clenched my jaw. I could hear them saying, "Look it, the kid's crying.." Another spit on the ground, "He's weak, just like his brother..." Rage took over the pain, and I jumped up, swinging wildly, "SHUT UP ABOUT MY BOTHER!" They laughed, punching me in the face. It was nothing like I'd ever felt, my knees buckled, and I fell onto the sidewalk. I heard them laughing and then it was quiet. I hurt all over, I felt like I was some type of punching bag. Groaning, I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, "Curtis?" I opened my eyes, looking up at Steve Randle. He looked sympathetic almost, "What happened to you?" I shook my head, trying to stand up, "Socs." Steve grabbed my arm, hauling me to my feet, "Man, they got you good. Where do you live, you wouldn't make it a block." I gave in, letting him guide me home as I murmured instructions. After what felt like forever, we stopped at the front door. "Thanks man, I owe you one..." Steve grinned, "Call it even." I grinned, opening the door. It took less then 10 seconds for Darry to start running arohnd, throwing ice on me and yelling. I just took it, glancing at Ponyboy on the couch. He was my kid brother, and when he hurt, I hurt. I couldn't help but smile. I never thought I'd feel two ways so strong.

((Hope you liked it! If you don't understand the end, "Two ways," I mean emotionally and physically. He was already worried and hurting emotionally for him, then he got beat up defending him.))