Aunt Gretta dropped me off at my house and left to go back home because she had work in the morning. I stood in front of my house and breathed the air in deeply. It was still mid afternoon, so I stashed my bags in the bushes and ran off to the Curtis'.

I was at their front door. It seems nothing has changed in the last four years. Man I've missed this place. I breathed in the air deeply. Yup. Smells like home. And a lot of hair product. I savor this moment before looking through a window. The whole gang minus Johnny was sitting in the living room.

With a big smile, I swing the door open and sing, "guess who's back from Hollywood!"

the guys look at me.

"Hey Kristanna!" Says Steve, patting the spot next to him.

"oh my god. I missed you guys so much!" I gush, then proceed to give everyone a hug.

I plop down on a chair and scan the room. "Where's Johnny?"

everyone breaks their gaze from me and their eyes wander around the room. They're silent. Ponyboy looks down at his hands in his lap. It took me a moment to realize that he was crying.

I go over next to him and put my arm around him. "What's wrong?" I asked nicely.

there's a lump in my stomach that tells me something about Johnny that makes me sad, but im sure it's not true.

"J-J-John-Jo-John-ny..." chokes Pony. "H-h-h-he-e..... He-e.... He d-d-" he broke down on the floor, wailing in pain.

Soda rushes over and pats his head and hugs him. "It's gonna be okay...." He mutters to his little brother. He looks at me with a look like 'what's your problem?'

I look around at the others. Even Two Bit's eyes were sad.

Darry came and placed his hand on my shoulder. "He passed away a few months back." he says quietly and solemnly.

my stomach drops. Tears flow in a steady stream from my eyes. "H-h-how?" I questioned.

Pony lurched at this question.

"a burning beam broke his back." Says Two Bit.

I didn't even want more details.

Crying, I ran out of the house and to the lot.

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