I finally caught up with him by the time we got to the lot. I tackled my brother. "Pony!"

"Leave me alone, Ashley." he muttered through the tears. "Darry, that jerk, actually hit me! I don't wanna talk 'bout it."

Johnny was watching our conversation from behind a bush. He was probably trying to fall asleep before we showed up. He stood up. "What's going on?" he asked tiredly and clearly confused.

Ponyboy grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feat, startling him. "Come on, Johnny. We're runnin' away."

Johnny didn't hesitate to follow Pony and neither did I.

I chased the two of them to a random street. Then, Pony began to slow down. Johnny followed.

Ponyboy took a seat on the curb, crying into his hands.

Johnny and I attempted to comfort him.

"Don't worry, Pony. It's okay. H-he didn't mean it. Don't worry. I'm here for you. We're here for you. Calm down. Okay?"

"Yeah, Pony. What happened, anyway? Why are you crying?"

Pony sniffled. "Darry h-h-hit me, J-J-Johnny... H-he really h-h-h-hit me..."

I hugged my little brother tight. "Calm down, Pony. Look, I know how you feel. You think he's a jerk. I'm mad at him, too. But, don't over react."

"Yeah." Johnny piped up. "Let's just go back there and talk to Darrel."

Ponyboy sighed. "Alright... But... Can we take a walk to the park first?"

I nodded and Johnny did the same. "Sure thing, kid." I said. "But then, we'll go have a talk with ol' cranky pants. Okay?"

I got a light chuckle from my little brother accompanied by a series of nods.

Johnny and I helped him up off the sidewalk curb and we began walking toward the park.

Could things get any worse, today?!... Why are you looking at me like that?...

(A/N: Sorry that I haven't been giving this story too much attention. I've been neglecting one of my stories! Waaaaaah! 😔😢😥😰😭😭😭😪... Anyway, I wanna ask y'all if ya like this story. 'Cause, unless some of you actually like it and want me to continue it, I might discontinue it. So, in the comments, pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaasssseeeee tell me if you like it. And, while you're at it, "like" this story if you like this story. Makes sense, right? Well, please tell me if y'all like it. Thx! Adios.)