A/N: Hi everyone! I'm back! I actually wrote this chapter twice and it ended up not saving onto my computer. But, I was hit with some sudden inspiration, and decided to pick this story up again. I hope you all enjoy.
I watched as Ponyboy fumbled with his tie. He ended up tying it in a big knot, then got frustrated with it, and threw it down on the bed. It wasn't his fault that he didn't know to properly tie a tie. Dad wasn't around anymore to teach him like he did Darry and I. It was up to us now to teach him all the important things in life, like how to drive, how to shave, and how to treat a lady. I'm not saying that I minded teaching him those things, I just wish that Dad was around to do it himself.
"Here Pony," I said. "Let me do it."
"Thanks Soda," he mumbled, averting his gaze. It didn't take a genius to realize that Pony wasn't the same since the accident. Even Darry recognized that.
I was just about to go to bed when Darry motioned for me to come into his room. He closed the door behind me.
"What's going on with Ponyboy?" he whispered.
"Why don't you ask him yourself?"
"Come on Soda, you know he's not going to open up to me like he does with you. Tell me what's going on."
"He's troubled by the accident," I answered honestly. "He ain't sleeping, he's having those nightmares again, and he's not eating much. I'm not sure what to do anymore."
Darry sighed. "We can't let him get back to the place that he was in after Mom and Dad died."
"I know that Darry," I said. "I'm working on it. He's getting better every day."
"And how are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," I replied. "Don't worry about me. Worry 'bout Pony."
"Ok Soda," he sounded skeptical. "But if anything's bothering you, I want you to come and tell me. I know you bottle up your emotions, and you can't keep doin' that. Tell me if anything's wrong."
"I will."
Now was not the time to let my emotions show. Not now, when Pony needed me to be strong. "Hey listen Pony, nothin' bad is gonna happen today." I patted him on the shoulder, and flashed him a reassuring grin. "All we have to do is tell the truth."
He didn't look so convinced. "What if the judge doesn't believe us?"
"He will. We didn't do anything wrong," I assured.
"He might not see it that way," Pony muttered. "You know that the legal system ain't too kind to people.."
"…like us," I finished for him. "Yeah, I know Pony. It ain't fair. All we can do is tell our side of the story."
"I know that rationally," he sighed. "I just can't stop thinking about the last time we were in court. It's kind of weird, I don't really remember much about the whole case last time. My head just wasn't all there. I just remember how I came so close to losing you and Darry. To losing everything. I can't be put in a boy's home. I can't be away from my family. Please Soda, don't let them take me away from you."
"Oh Pony, Darry and I will always be here for you. You know that," I said. "Always, Ponyboy.We're brothers forever. Now, nothing is going to happen to you. Not with Darry and I watching out for you. Okay?"
"Ok," Pony said, a ghost of a smile crossing his face.
Darry knocked on our door, dressed in a freshly ironed suit and tie. "Y'all ready?" he asked.
"We're ready," Pony answered.
XxXxXxXx
Steve and Two-Bit were waiting outside the courthouse. Both were dressed in fancy clothes. I almost didn't recognize them at first, since I haven't seen them in anything besides jeans and leather jackets.
"What are those two clowns doin' here?" Darry asked. "Did you invite them Soda?"
"No, I didn't. They knew about the trial. They just wanted to support us today."
"They better keep their traps shut, or else I'll skin them both. You hear me?" Darry threatened.
"I hear ya, I hear ya," I said.
"Well Steve, look who finally decided to show up!" Two-Bit said, strolling over to us. "This place is crawlin' with Socs!"
"Keep your voice down. I'm not in the mood for any jokes today Two-Bit," Darry said.
"Alright Superman," Two-Bit put his hands up in defense. "I'll back off."
Darry rolled his eyes and walked ahead of us to the courthouse. Some guy in an expensive looking suit was waiting outside for him. They shook hands and went inside.
"So what's up Darry's ass today?" Steve asked.
"He's just a little wound up today," I answered. "This whole thing ain't easy on him."
"It's not easy on me either," Pony murmured.
The four of us ambled into the courthouse. "Hey guys," Darry said. "I want you to meet someone. This is Frank Martin. Frank, these are my two brothers, Sodapop and Ponyboy, and our two good buddies, Steve and Keith."
"Nice to meet you young men," Frank said, shaking each of our hands. "Darrel told me that you were a little nervous about testifying today, but I can assure you that there's nothing to be worried about today. I've done hundreds of cases like this."
"Ya here that Pony?" Two-Bit jested, jabbing his elbow into Pony's ribs. "He's done hundreds."
Darry shot him one stern look, and Two-Bit stopped laughing real quick. Darry tends to have that effect on people.
"Now boys," Frank continued. "I want to give you a few guidelines to make this whole day run a bit smoother. The bailiff will swear you in, then all you have to do is tell your side of the story. The opposing lawyer will ask you about every detail. Don't get agitated by him. Just relax, and everything will be okay."
"Alright guys," Darry said. "You heard Mr. Martin. Let's get this day over with."
A/N: Cliffhanger! I'm sorry if this chapter was a little slow, but it was a necessary setup for the next chapter. Things will really be picking up in the next update. Thanks everyone!