Hey everybody! Ok, so here's the last chaper: Ponyboy. I hope you all liked this fic and please don't forget to review!

~Rosey

PONYBOY CURTIS

Johnny Cade was his very best friend. Besides Soda, Johnny was the only person he could ever open up to. And now he was dead.

Pony knelt down by Johnny's tiny grave and put his hand on the cool rock. Johnny had helped and influenced his life in so many ways...only weeks ago they had been in that old church in Windrexville, snacking on bologna and griping about having to cut their hair. And now he was gone. Just...gone. Like a candle that was blown out too soon.

All the gang had reacted differently.

Darry, who had been more able to talk about his parents lately, was suddenly refusing to even mention them.

Soda was talking about Mickey Mouse in his sleep.

Two-Bit had actually begun to try in school, something that amazed all his friends.

Steve was hanging around the Curtis home more.

And Dally was dead because he robbed a store and the cops caught him.

Ponyboy shivered as a cold wind whipped by. What about me? He thought. I responded by getting sick and then by writing that thesis...more like a book than a thesis. Not that anyone would want to read it.

He just knelt there by Johnny's grave for a while before reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out the copy of Gone With the Wind.

"Here ya go, Johnny. I know you wanted me to read it and keep it but...well, man, I read it but I want you to have it. You really are like those Southern guys. They're tuff enough, I guess." He placed the novel beside the stone and got to his feet as a light rain started to drizzle. Pony just stood there for a moment, running a hand through his bleached hair. "Stay gold. I know what you meant by that now. And, shoot, I'll try to. You stay gold too, Johnny Cade. Say hi to Dally for me and I'll be seeing ya."

Ponyboy Curtis began to walk away from the grave before turning around, whispering sadly "Thank you, Johnny."

Thank you, Johnny. Stay gold.

I know Pony's chapter was the shortest, but I wanted it to be touching and quick. I hope you all liked this and made you appreciate Johnny even more. He's one of my faves, right up there with Soda and Darry. Well, all I can say now is...

PLEASE REVIEW! *Does Johnny puppy-dog face*

~Rosey