new york

Chapter 5

I woke again to the sun on my face. I felt better than normal this morning. Until I remembered The Blades were here. I pulled myself up and changed. Today was a school day, so Pony and Two-Bit would be gone. Everyone else was working. I decided to head over and be with Johnny, who was going to be alone. Once I got to the house, I saw everyone was gone. Johnny was watching tv, he looked at me.

"Hey Dal."

I sat down next to him. It was silent for awhile, but I could tell Johnny was thinking.

"Dal? I have something I've been wondering... but I don't want to bother you.."

"Johnny, it's okay. I'll try."

"The Blades... do they... do they hurt people?"

"They've hurt people before. People who didn't respect them, some others. I've seen them get into some bad fights before..."

I was about to continue when I looked at Johnny. He looked... scared. I realized what he meant now.

"Johnny, look at me."

He did and I continued.

"They will not hurt you or the gang. Ever. I will make sure of it. They won't lay a hand on you. If they do they're in for hell."

"But aren't they your friends?"

"Johnny, you and the gang need me more than they do."

"Because I'm just the hurt kid that can't even walk on my own."

That surprised me. I was about to say something when the door burst open. In walked Trevor and Parker.

"You guys can't just burst in here."

"Think we just did D," said Trevor.

"What's your name again kid?" said Parker, looking at Johnny.

"Johnny."

"Well Johnny, there beer in this house?"

Johnny nodded slowly.

"You mind getting us some?"

"Parker..."

"Shut it Dal. The kid can walk, can't he?"

I could tell Johnny was worried. But then he stood up. He looked at me with a glare before walking slowly towards the kitchen. He stumbled a couple times. I knew he was doing this to prove a point.

"You can walk faster than that. Your not a turtle."

I continued to watch Johnny walk, and then he tripped. He fell right on his chest. I heard him yelp in pain, and I ran over. Trevor and Parker were laughing at him. I was standing over him, and he looked to me. He sat up.

"I'm fine Dal. I'm fine."

I turned back towards Trevor and Parker. I dragged them outside and got up in both of their faces.

"You listen, and you listen well. Don't you ever pull shit like that again. I don't want to see you two around here, got it? Don't you say a word either. If you think I'm not tough enough to take you on, then so be it. But don't complain when I beat your asses."

I pushed them off the porch and they fell over. They quickly got up and left, not before glaring at me and cursing me out. I waited till they were out of sight and walked back inside. I looked at Johnny. He was sitting on the floor crying. I quietly walked over and sat by him.

"Here to make fun of me," he said dryly.

"Never Johnny. Never. Those guys aren't doing bullshit like that again."