Ponyboy didnt entirely keep his promise to his brother. Hed hadnt been careful when correcting his dumb of a classmate James and wasnt careful on the track feild. As he made his way to the back of the school were he normally met Drarry he couldnt help but wonder what all Johnny mightve told the gang. His thoughts were interrupted by him bumping into..Two-Bit?

Hey, watch it Pony, were not in a rush. Two-Bit said, backing away.

Sorry, Two-Bit. I just have a lot on my mind. Ponyboy said.

Well, you're going to have more on your mind in a second, Drarry wants a gang meeting. Two-Bit said, carefully watching Ponyboys expression.

Youve got to be kidding me, right? Ponyboy asked, walking to his locker. He grabbed the note attached inside. Whats this? He thought. He saw that the note was in two handwriting that he knew too well. He sighed and shoved it down his pocket.

No, Ponyboy, Im not. Two-Bit said, and then started telling him about some chick he saw walking to get him but Ponyboy drowned it out. He was too busy thinking about what the gang meeting was about.

Ponyboy! Two-Bit said, shaking him.

Huh? Ponyboy snapped out of his thoughts. Oh, sorry.

Yep, were definitely having this gang meeting. Darry said, Everyone sit down. Everyone got in a circle on the damp grass and Ponyboy groaned.

Whos the leader for this meetin? asked Soda.

Johnny and Dally. Drarry said, laying down on the grass.

Hey! Dally argued. Why do I got to be leader?

Because I said so. Drarry said, giving Dally a glare.

Johnny fiddled with his hands. Ponyboy...what happened?

What do you mean? Ponyboy questioned.

Johnny sighed, I mean, why are you so guarded. You dont think me and Dally didnt notice but your hands were in fist all day, you showed no body language and finally..you didnt want to be around Dallas or me because we're the only people that can get your emotions out of you.

....Its nothing, Johnny. I promise. Ponyboy averted his eyes off of the gang and played with little weeds in the grass.

Its not nothing, Ponyboy. Dallas said. Something happened. You're too guarded. You havent even been over at bucks like you normally are, or going to the vacant lot when we go from the movies. In fact...you havent been to the movies in a good five months!

Its not important! Ponyboy shouted. Its nothing!

Ponyboy! Johnny yelled, jumping to his feet. You're guarded, you're not even looking at us!

Shut up! Ponyboy yelled, tears falling with no chance of beginning reined at. You have no idea what happened, I said its nothing why cant you guys just drop it!

Ponyboy. Dallas said, going closer to him. Ponyboy didnt move; he couldnt have. He was frozen. Dallas went over and pulled him into a hug. Ponyboys eyes widened. He started squirming trying to get out of Dallas grasp.

No, No, No. He muttered, shaking his head. Stop, please He started to cry, then sob, and finally bawl.

I - I just cant! He gasped through tears. Randy, he jumped me, and he

Dallys eyes flared, but the anger was directionless and useless at the moment. When, Ponyboy?

Five months ago! I was walking to the movies to get some popcorn because I had planned to invite you guys to a movie and he - he just came out of nowhere! Ponyboy explained. I - I didnt want you guys to worry s - so I didnt tell

Dallas took a deep breath. Johnny pulled at his hair. Two-Bit sat there with a gaped mouth. Steve scowled and tightened his fist. Sodapop kicked the grass. Drarry pounded the ground.

We are going to kill him. Drarry said getting up.

Oh hell no! Ponyboy screamed, his eyes focusing on his friends who were preparing for a battle. We arent killin anymore Socs today! Ponyboy got up as Dallas arms had losend.

I am going to go home - come if you want. Ponyboy said. So the gang nodded and filed into Drarrys truck. They had a silent ride, and nobody talked to each other. Everyone - expect Ponyboy - had the vague look in their eyes, a dangerous look. A Dallas Winston Dont-you-say-anything, look.