Ponyboys P.O.V
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     It was about high noon and beautiful out. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky. I was actually pretty relaxed sitting here reading. Of course that all ended when Cynthia burst into the door. she looked rather pissed off. Thats not anything new. I didnt even look up from my book. Too lazt to even ask whats up.

     "Darry! We need to talk. NOW!"

     Golly did she sound mad. I could eve hear a bit of panic in her voice. I gotta know what happened. Its really bugging me! I was gonna say something but I stopped. Hearing Darry's footsteps coming down the stairs kinda startled me. He moaned a bit and was finally in sight.

     "What on this Earth. do you need to talk to me about. that is so importants, that you had to wake me up from my nap for.".

     Cynthia rolled her eyes and looked a bit annoyed.

     "Well, the soc's are planning a rumble with us. Again. I guess its a remach from last month.".

     Man I remember last month. We beath the soc's good. Darry huffed and stretched. He looked really tired. And annoyed.

     "You would think they would've learned their lessons last time.".

     "Heh. Yeah. anyway they got it planned in about two hours. so round everybody up.".

     Two hours. This is an early rumble. We havent had one in the day light in a long time. At least it wont be raining. Hate it when we have rainy rumbles. I always get mud in my eyes. But. It's pretty hot when the girls get in the bud. Specialy Angela. My little daydream of my girl was cut short to the sound of screeching.

     "Dallas Winston put me down!".

     "Heh. Whats wrong Cyn? Dont ya like being held by me?".

     "Not when its upside down!".

     Hearing Cynthias voice get so high pitched made me laugh. Getting up I headed to the kitchen. I was surprised to see the whole gang there around the kitchen table watching the two. Guess word of the rumble got around pretty quick. But somebody was missing.

     "C'mon Darry! Let me be in the rumble. Please! I've never missed one!".

     Jade sounded a bit weird. Her voice sounded scratchy and soft. Sounds like shes sick.

     "Jade. your not going in this rumble and thats final. When you get better. Then you can join the next one.".

     Darry walked into the kitchen looking concerned. I heard small and uneven foot steps follow him. Coming into the kitchen behind him was Jade. She looked pretty bad. Her eyes, cheeks, and nos were all red. She looked very pale. She must be really sick. She kinda even looked half dead.

     "Darry...Please let me be in the rumble..."

     There was a thud and an angry yelp. Im guessing Dally dropped Cynthia. She got up and walked right over to Jade putting her palm on her cheek.

     "Jade. Your burning up. You are in NO condition for the rumble."

     I felt real bad for her. I know how much Jade enjoys rumbles. Sucks she cant be in this one. Thanks to Cynthia shes a real good fighter.

     "But..."

     Darry picked her up and sat her down on the counter top.

     "No buts Jade. I dont want you getting worse. I want you to stay here and be healthy. Get better.".

     "Yeah Jade. Hey. I'll bring ya something from the fight if it'll make you feel better.".

     Jade smiled and hugged her. Those two always get along great. Just like sisters. Its been like that for a long time.

     "Thanks Cynthis. It means a lot to me.".

     Guess time went by pretty quick cause before I knew it we were at the rumble spot. but no Shepard gang. That was strange. I kept thinking about the fuzz. What if we get caught?

     "Hey greaser! Ready for round two?".

     My blood went cold. That big mouthed voice was Bob. Which means all the other soc's. Their group was pretty small. Good thing too.

     "Heh. You gonna run away like last time?".

     Dally of course getting everybody rilled up. Normaly it helps. It sure did this time. I was ready to crack some heads in. I guess Cynthia was too cause she was in the front glaring evily at Cherry.

     "Hello Valance. I cant wait to beat your red head in.".

     "Eh. Get away you dog. You dont scare me. Oh. Wheres your little leach? Jade right? she get scared and not show up?".

     That was strange from cherry. I thought she didnt like fights. I know one thing. She shouldnt have said that about Jade. Cause Cynthia snapped.

     "...You ar SO gonna pay!".

     She ponced on Cherry and the rumble was on. Me and Johnny found the smallest guy and we took him. Darry had Paul and the others... Well had the others. It was a pretty rough rumble.

     "Ow! Stop you animal! HELP!!".

     Cherry was screaming like mad. Cynthia must be killin her. She better lay off. Fuzz might show with all the shouthing.

     "Fuzz! RUN!!".

     Speak of the devil there they were. Everybody let each other go and they took off. But. I heard a ripping sound.

     "OWW!!!".

     It was cherry. That didnt sound too good. Cynthia sure looked happy though.

     Once we all got back to the house we plopped down on the floor, couch and chair. Running from the fuzz in the middle of a rumble isnt fun. Not fun at all. Specialy if you smoke.

     "Man. We'll have to get them back next week or something."

     Darry yawned and laid in his chair after that. I smiled a bit as I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

     "D-Did you guys win?"

     Jade must have woke up cause her hair was a mess and was yawning. She went over and sat on Darry's lap.

     "No. The fuzz showed up. We'll get them again soon though."

     Darry bounced her on his knee saying it with a smile. She giggled and looked at Cynthia with big eyes.

     "Did you bring me anything Cynthia?"

     Cynthia was quiet for a while then stood up. sure did have a crazy grin. Wonder what exactly she brought Jade.

     "Heh. Sure did lil girl. I remember you always tellin me you wanted this. And I had a blast gettin it."

     So then she pulled out a chunk of red hair. Cherry's hair! We all looked at her like she was crazy. Not Jade though. She looked at her like she was a hero.

     "Thank you SO much Cynthia!"

     They hugged each other and laughed. That was the rip sound I heard. Heh. Cherry sure is gonna look funny with a big bald spot.

     And who would've known you'd get a rumble AND presents in the same day? Pretty darn good day if you ask me!