Poll- Which story do you want published

1. A Ponyboy kidnapping story- Two Worlds, a lie and the Truth

2. Ponyboy injured- Hypoxia

I am working on both and will update a couple of chapter of each. The story with the most reviews will recive focus first.

Disclaimer- I do not own The Outsiders

You know what a soc is?" I said, my voice shaking with rage. 'White trash with Mustangs and madras." And than because I couldn't think of anything bad enough to call them, I spit at them.

Bob shook his head, smiling slowly. "You could use a bath, greaser. And a good working over. And we got all night to do it. Give the kid a bath David."

I ducked and ran for it, but the socs got to me anyway. I don't reckon I'm at my best when I'm scared like I was then. The socs twisted my arm behind my back and dragged me to the fountain. I struggled but I couldn't get free.1

I felt my spin tingle as it was placed into the icy water. I twisted and tried once more to get free. It was no use. Bob, David and some other guy held me in some death grip for what felt like hours.

My head felt funny, kind of fuzzy. Everything was distant and hazy. I thought I could hear Johnny screaming but I couldn't be sure. I thought wildly that I was never going to get out of this. I was never going to see the gang again, or Soda or even Darry.

I fought and struggled but the world grew hazer and Johnny's screaming grew fainter. I felt my head bang against something hard. I knew that it should hurt but I felt somewhat detached. The banging stopped. They lifted me up briefly before putting me back in the water. Another hand came and held me under.

My head was spinning and I couldn't breathe. I couldn't breathe. My lungs seized and burned. I struggled and fought for air but nothing came.

My vision grew fuzzy and I was all but deaf to Johnny's cries. I gasped one more time but no air came. My world grew dark and silent and I found myself falling into the darkness.

Darry's Pov

I stared at my hand for the longest time. Three hours! It had been three hours and fifteen minutes since I had hit my baby brother. I couldn't stop shaking.

Nobody in our family had ever hit Ponyboy. I mean sure we used to jab each other on the shoulders sometimes but nobody had ever hit him like I had. My parents didn't believe in spanking and so Pony had never been beaten.

I felt horrible. I was supposed to be taking care of him. I promised my parents I wouldn't let anything happen to him or Soda. I would be there to take care of them. Instead I had hurt Ponyboy. Now he was off to God only knows where.

I felt a slight touch on my shoulder and jerked in surprise. "He'll come home won't he Darry? .Ponyboy needs some time to cool off but he'll be home." It was Soda. I turned around. His eyes were tired and sad.

He and Ponyboy are so close. Most of the time I envy their relationship. Lately Ponyboy and I do nothing but fight. I love the kid so much but I can't seem to do anything but nag and yell at him. But Soda, he can get the kid to do anything. Pony tells him everything. I always end up being the bad guy.

I'm just so worried that something is going to happen to him. I couldn't bare it if it did. Pony attracts trouble like honey draws flies; and it doesn't help matters that his head stays in the clouds. I have to be hard on him or he would get hurt.

I sighed and looked back at Soda. He tried in vain to smile. "Pony'll be fine."

I don't know if he was saying that to me or to himself. I bit my lip. "Please come home baby." I thought silently. "I don't know what we'd do with out you."

Soda plopped down on the sofa. He ran his hands threw his hair. I felt horrible then. I sat down beside him. What had I done? "Darry?"

"Yeha little buddy?" I licked my lips nervously.

"Maybe you should call the cops."

I nodded my head and stood up. Just as I was about to get to the doorbell, it rang. I looked at Soda startled. Nobody ever rang the door. It was always unlocked.

"Maybe it's Pony." It was wishful thinking. Pony knew the door was unlocked. I walked over to the door and turned the handle. A police officer stood there. He took of his hat and put it to his chest. I was eerily reminded of that winter night eight months ago, the night I lost my parents. It scared me.

"Is this the Curtis residence?"

Soda walked over to me. I looked back at him bur turned away quickly. His face was ashen and bleak. "Yes," I said gruffly, "It is."

"I'm officer White with the Tulsa Police Department. We got a call around three hours ago. There was a fight, more of a jumping in the park."

"Please no…." I thought wearily. "Oh God, no, no please not Pony…." "And?" I asked.

"Your younger brother is at Tulsa Memorial. I'm afraid I cannot tell you anymore then that but I can escort you there."

"Thank you"

He looked down at his feet. I can give you a lift to the hospital. With my lights on I can give you a quick escort."

I nodded my head. "Soda gets your shoes on." I didn't have to tell him twice. Soda was quick to obey.

This is an excerpt from Ch 4 of The Outsiders © SE Hinton 1967