Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I do not own The Outsiders...if I did Dally and Johnny would've lived!

A/N: Thanks for the reviews!

I woke the next morning in a strange bed in a strange room. I was lying on my stomach, half on top of Dallas Winston. He was lying on his back, still asleep. The sun brightened the room, seeping through the glass of the tiny window. I hastily made a move to separate myself from Dally, but his eyes opened and his arms came up and wrapped around me. We stared at each other for a moment. His mouth moved closer and closer to mine and mine moved unconsciously closer and closer to his. I turned in time for his lips to connect with my cheek instead of my lips, the target he had originally been aiming for.

"I...I shouldn't have come here." I stammered as I untangled myself from Dally and climbed off the bed. Dally sighed and followed. I grabbed my jacket and endevored to open the door. My attempt was unsuccessful. Dally placed his hand against the door and slammed it shut. He grabbed my shoulder and spun me around to face him.

"You're not leavin' here till you tell me what happened to you yesterday." Dally growled, placing both hands on the door on either side of me. I was silent for a moment and then said;

"I overheard my parents fighting. My mother told my father that I'm not his kid and when he saw me it was like...It was like it discusted him just to look at me. He told my mother to get me out of his sight. Now I have to find a way to see Derek. He'll tell me what's going on. " I finished, turning and opening the door. This time Dally didn't stop me. I paused in the doorway and said;

"Thanks. For everything."

SIX HOURS LATER:

Derek pulled up to the gas pumps at the DX station in his blue mustang. I watched from the passenger seat as he told Steve Randle how much gas he wanted, then walked inside to pay. I turned the radio off when I saw the entire Curtis gang walking towards the DX. Derek exited the gas station and stopped in his tracks when he saw six greasers walking toward him. Remembering what Derek did to Johnny Cade, I got out of the mustang and walked over to Derek. I watched as Dally and Derek stared eachother down. Dallys hands clenched up into fists. My heart lept up in my throat as his icy blue eyes met mine.

"I need your help." I said to the gang.

"With what?" Dally asked.

"My mother used to be a greaser, until she met my father. I need you to help me find an old boyfriend of hers. I have the address, but I'd be easier to find if you guys helped."

"Why are you lookin' for him?" Two-Bit asked.

"Cause, apparently, he's my father." I reponded. "Well, that's not somthin' ya hear everyday. A soc with a greaser for a pop." Two-Bit said laughing. Darry smacked him.

"Whats the name?" Darry asked.

"Richard Cade."

Jaws dropped after I told them. "What?" I asked.

"That's impossible." Sodapop said.

"Why?" I asked.

"What's the address?" Johnny softly asked.

I told him and Johnny said;

"Thats where I live."

"Holy shit." I said. "Are you Richard Cade's son?"

Johnny nodded.

"Does that make you my...half-brother?" I asked.

"I guess."Johnny replied.

"Well...Can you take me to see your dad?" I asked. Silence followed my question. "What?" I asked, looking at Dally for answers.

He took hold of my arm and pulled me over to Dereks car. "Johnnys dad, he's a drunk. And sometimes...well, all the time, he beats him around." Dally said. Surprised, I glanced over at Johnny.

"Is that why he's so quiet?" I asked. "Yeah." Dally responded.

"Look, if there's anything you can do to get Johnny outa that house, you gotta do it." Dally said.

"I'm turning eighteen in a couple months. I could try and get custody." I responded.

"You don't gotta job." Dallas pointed out.

"Maybe not, but I've got a trust fund bigger than Texas." I replied. "I get full rights to it when I turn eighteen. If Johnny wants, I'll try and get custody. I shouldn't be hard." I said, eyeing the bruises on Johnnys arm.

I walked over to Johnny and slung my arm around his shoulders. "What would you say if I asked you to come live with me?" I asked. His eyes opened wide and he looked over at Ponyboy. "I'll be buying a house near here, so you won't be away from the gang." I said. The gang looked surprised. "What about legal rights?" Darry asked. "Thats what lawyers are for." I responded.

"What do ya say, Johnny?" Dally asked looking eagar. "If it's not a problem, I guess It'd be okay." He said. Then the entire gang erupted in cheers. I got hugs from Two-Bit and Sodapop and nodds of acceptance from everyone else.

I said goodbye to Derek and then I made my way to Bucks to celebrate with the gang. I walked down the street with one arm slung around Johnny, my new brother and one arm slung around Dally. I smiled as I realized I had just crossed from the West sideto the East side.

THE END