I hadn't seen Johnny since he ran out to find Dallas last night. I had no clue where he was, and it was making my anxiety flare up.

What if after our kiss Johnny was convinced that he wasn't gay?

What if Dally beat the tar out of him after what he saw, and threatened him? What if Johnny was left in an alley someplace to rot?

All of these thoughts swirled around in my head, making me feel even worse than I had before.

I suddenly felt my feet carry me to the bathroom. 

I threw up all over the floor.

The world went black.

-

Someone's hands were on me, shaking me like it was the end of the world.

I fluttered my eyes open, the light entering them. I felt like someone was pounding into my head with a hammer and nails, and like it would never stop.

What was going on?

I suddenly noticed that someone was kneeling next to me, looking at me with concern in their eyes. 

It was Marcia. 

"Ponyboy, are you alright?" she asked softly. I took in her features. She was a stunner.

"I'm f- fine," I began, stuttering a bit. "What's going on?" 

She glanced at something on the floor, before turning to face me again. 

"Well, I was coming to the bathroom to get some hand soap for the kitchen, when I found you passed out near a puddle of vomit," she stated briefly. I closed my eyes in disbelief.

When I opened them, I looked at the puke that was on the tile of the floor. It looked and smelled disgusting. 

"I'm sorry you had to see that," I apologized. She gave me a faint smile and shook her head.

She grabbed my hand. 

"It isn't a problem, sweetheart," she started. "Besides, if I'm going to be a part of this family, I'm going to need to help take care of all you boys."

She began wiping up my vomit with a towel near by, but I only had one thing on my mind.

What did she mean by "be a part of this family?"

-

I sat down at the table in the kitchen, debating on whether or not I was going to eat.

I felt like I was starving, yet I didn't want to get fatter.

You need to eat or you'll be hospitalized again, I thought to myself, bringing back the painful memory. 

Suddenly, Two Bit and Marcia walked into the kitchen, laughing their heads off.

"...You cause me so much physical pain!" she giggled, smacking him on the shoulder. He gasped dramatically.

"Yeah, okay, sure I do!" he shot back with a grin. "You're the one who just punched my arm!"

"Oh, please!" she said, rolling her eyes. He pulled her in for a tight hug, before letting her go.

He suddenly noticed me sitting there, staring at them.

"Oh, hey kid. I didn't see you there," he stated, patting me on the head. 

"It's alright," I mumbled. Marcia gave me a sympathetic look.

"How about I fix you some lunch?" she offered. I nodded my head, my stomach growling. 

"That would be great, thanks," I replied gratefully. I folded my hands on the table.

"Say, have you seen Johnny today?" questioned Two Bit. 

I froze at the mention of his name.

"N- no, why?" I stuttered back. Two Bit gave me an odd look.

"He hasn't been around today so I'm a little worried he got himself into some trouble," he stated, putting his glass near the sink. 

"Oh. Well, I don't know where he ventured off to," I whispered. Marcia glanced at the both of us. 

"Is something bothering you, Ponyboy?" he asked suspiciously.

I knew I had to change the subject, and quick.

"Hey Marcia, what did you mean when you said you were going to be a part of the family?" I questioned quickly. 

She dropped the knife that she was holding on the counter top.

"O- oh! Uh..." she trailed off, looking at Two Bit. 

"Did you accidentally let it slip?" he whispered, before glancing back at me. 

"Maybe," she mumbled, before sighing. "We might as well tell him now that he's on to us."

Two Bit nodded, before they both turned to look at me. 

"I proposed to Marcia, and she said yes!" he exclaimed. I felt my mouth drop open. 

"Wow guys! That's great!" I began, looking at the couple. "When did this all happen?"

"Well, we started seeing each other about a year ago, secretly, and he proposed last night," she blushed. I felt a smile spread across my face. 

"I'm so happy for you!" I yelled, jumping up. 

For some reason, I gave Marcia the biggest hug on the planet. 

I loved Marcia, so I was thrilled to find out that she was going to be the newest girl in the family. It would be nice to have a female around for once, instead of big, burly men. 

Two Bit joined in on the hug. I could tell he was crying. 

"Aw, don't cry, sweetheart!" said Marcia, wiping away his tears. He sniffled, but then smiled.

He turned to face me.

"Here's a deal, kid. f you don't tell anyone about Marcia and I," he began with a pause, "We won't tell anyone about you and Johnny."

My mouth fell open. 

"How did you know about that?" I exclaimed, surprised. Marcia giggled. 

"Y'all are just so cute and clearly in love! How couldn't we notice when we're in the same position?" she laughed. I sighed in relief. 

"Y'know what?" I started. "Deal."

We all continued to talk a while, before I felt a hand on my shoulder, dragging me out of the room. 

When I turned around, Johnny was standing in front of me.

He looked like absolute hell.

"We need to talk, and now," he demanded. 

Stuff was about to go down...