The next morning, I was awoken by 2 people rocking me back and forth, trying to wake me up. As the blur came into focus I noticed that the 2 were Pony and Johnny.

Pony smiled. "Hey. You're up. Come downstairs for breakfast."

Johnny happily scurried out of the room and down the stairs.

Pony went to follow him when I grabbed his arm. "Pony,... C-can I talk to you?" I stammered.

He blushed and nodded. We sat on the bed and I picked up the book, taking out the letter. I handed it to him and asked, "What is this?"

He bit his lip. "Oh. You found that?"

I nodded.

"Let me explain."

He then told me a story of something that happened only a few months ago.

A story about a young boy who killed a Soc, a rich kid, to save a very close friend of his that the Soc and his friends were drowning.

Once the deed was done and the Soc was dead, the 2 young boys ran to get help from another close friend of theirs. They needed help because neither of them have been to jail, let alone convicted of murder. Their friend has been to jail and was a well known criminal. He would know what to do.

They were given a heater, or gun, some money, and a plan from the ol' jail bird.

They were told to hide in the abandoned church atop Jay Mountain in Windrix vile for a little while until the press died down.

Then, the(plan) Giver came by to them that the cops thought they were in Texas.

They left Jay mountain for an hour or so to get something to eat. When they came back, it was up in flames with about a dozen children stuck inside.

The man with the plan yelled at the 2 younger boys to stop as they ran inside to rescue the kids.

Once all of the kids were out, safely and out of harms way, the boy who killed the Soc pushed his friend out of the church, as well.

Luckily, as he fell, the friend grabbed the boys shirt, pulling him out with him.

The JD was helping them get away from the church, having sustained a few injuries, and, in the process, got a severe burn on his arm. The 3 boys were brought to a nearby hospital.

The boy who I later found out was Pony was fine.

The hoodlum friend, Dallas, would have to stay in the hospital for a while for treatment, but would be fine.

The last boy, Johnny,... Well, they didn't know if he'd be okay...

One day, he flatlined... Dallas was watching and so was Pony.

Dallas was ready to run the door when Johnny's heart started up again. In the end,... Johnny was fine.

Such a sweet story that you could write a book outta it.

After the story, I must've seemed upset 'cause Pony put his arm around me. But I shrugged it off. Again, I hate showing emotion.

He sighed. "I'm just happy that we're all okay. Especially Johnny. I love that guy like a brother." He stood up. "Come on. Let's go eat breakfast."

We walked downstairs to see the rest of the guys stuffing their faces with chocolate cake.

Darry handed me and Pony each a slice. "Mornin', kids." he said. "What took y'all so long?"

Two-bit snickered and Dally punched him in the arm. What was so funny?

I sat down on the couch beside Johnny and he suddenly tensed up.

"Hey, Johnny." I said.

He shyly whispered, "Hi." looking down.

I tapped him on the shoulder and he looked up at me. "Hey, Johnny. Pony told me about that whole story with the Soc and the church on Jay mountain."

He frowned. "Yeah?" he asked, probably wondering if I had anything else to say.

"I just thought that you had the right to know, is all." I patted him on the back. "Pony said you're a hero, Johnny." I stood up and started toward the kitchen. "Good job."

I entered the kitchen to see Steve. I ignored him, getting a Pepsi out of the icebox. Steve was lookin' for somethin' in the cabinet when he looked over and glared at me.

"What do ya want, lil' Winston?" he asked, snarkily.

I scoffed. "Nothin' from you! So, keep it zipped, Stevie.

He frowned and grunted. "Don't call me that."

I smirked. "Why not, Stevie?" I asked.

He scoffed. "If you ain't gonna stop callin' me Stevie, I'll call you..." He smirked, having an idea. "Mrs. Ponyboy Curtis."

My smirk faded. I socked him in the arm. "Shut it, you jerk!!!"

He chuckled as I chased him 'round the whole house. Until the both of us ran into Darry. Literally. Steve and I scrambled to our feet, still bickering. Darry put a hand on each of our shoulders and asked, "What's wrong?"

I put a hand on my hip and pointed at Steve. "Everything 'bout Stevie."

Darry chuckled. "What else is wrong?"

Steve copied my position, but smirked. "Everything 'bout Mrs. Ponyboy Curtis."

Darry's eyes went wide. "When did this happen?!!!!!"

I scoffed. "It didn't. Steve's just delusional."

Darry smirked. "Ya sure?"

I sent him a death glare and he put his hands up, defensively.

I walked into the living room, leaving the 2 boys as they snickered.

I sat on the couch beside Pony and he blushed, slightly. I ignored it, staring at the TV.

Soon enough, Dally got up off the couch and grabbed my arm. "Come on, Ash. Let's head home. I should show ya 'round."

I followed him out the door, waving at the gang.