"'You're apart of our family, whether you like it or not.'"

I avoided the gang for the rest of the week. When I caught glimpse of Ponyboy and Two-Bit in the halls at school, they always seemed worried. Somewhere inside myself, I knew it was because of me, but I wasn't ready to address them. Not after the news on Angelo.

Things were rough at school. It seemed that ever since news got out that Angelo and I had broken up, the Socs had gotten a bit more brutal when it came to antagonizing me. Angelo was friends with almost everyone, including Socs, and I was beginning to realize that the only reason they hadn't tormented me so much that year was because of Angelo. Always because of Angelo, it seemed.

At first it was only little things. Like my bagged lunch would be missing when I came back from the bathroom during class. Or one more foot than usual was stuck into the aisle as I walked by. I'd chosen to ignore it at first, but things were escalating.

The bell rang that Friday to let us out for the week. I was at my locker packing my bag, running a little bit late since I had stayed after class to talk to my teacher about an assignment, and almost all my fellow students had scurried out of school like rats. I'd just slung my bag over my shoulder when someone clapped their hand over my mouth. I let I out a muffled scream as I was dragged down the hall and into a vacant classroom, door slamming shut behind me and my captor.

I was dropped to the ground, the feeling a lead in my stomach as I attempted to conceal my anxiety.

"Hey sweetheart."

I scrambled to my feet, whipping around to a faces I hadn't wanted to see. They were Socs, of course, three of them.

"Do you think this is funny?" My voice was cold and it took all of myself to keep it from shaking with fear. "What do you want?"

The boy before me took a step forward, smirking as I took one back. "I don't think you appreciate how much Angelo's presence kept you protected." His smile was cold, eyes twinkling with a synical light. "But now that you're not together. . ." he trailed of shrugging, before looking back at me. "There's so much more we could do."

I shivered, memories I'd chosen to forget slipping into my brain like sleet. Boys in alleyways, unbuckling belts. Pain, immense pain, that I wished would stop. Waking up the next morning hoping it to be a dream. But dreams aren't waking up against a building with the inside of your legs aching, and pit in your stomach. Rape was not a nightmare any longer, although it would turn into one that would torment me for the rest of my life.

Of course it had been Angelo keeping them away from me. It was always Angelo, even now, in a period of my life where I should have been hearing the least of him. There would always be room for Angelo, though it seemed.

They advanced as I backed away in step with them, until I felt my back hit the window sill. This was not how I'd planned my Friday.

Smirking, the first Soc took another step towards me, balling his hands into fists. I closed my eyes, waiting for the first punch.

But it never came. Instead, a loud thump filled the room. All heads whipped around to face the door, as it crashed open.

"Three against one?" Two-Bit smiled menacingly. "Well that's hardly fair, don't you think?" Behind him stood Ponyboy, Steve, and Johnny, all glowering at the Socs before them. I let out a relieved breath at the sight of them.

The Soc in front of me grumbled something incoherent under his breath, turning his body away from me. His attention was now towards the boys, and I couldn't help be feel sorry that I'd brought them into this mess, however grateful I may have been.

The three Socs lunged themselves towards the boys, but they were ready, swinging punches like there was no tomorrow. Quietly, I shuffled around the perimeter of the room to the door, refusing to take my eyes from the fight.

It didn't take as long as I'd expected. Being as it was four against three, the boys had easily won, though not without it's consequences. As the Socs scurried out the classroom door, I took in the boys injuries.

Two-Bit was fine, only sporting a cut lip, which did not damper his maniacal smile. Steve had been clocked in the head and was bleading like a stuck pig, but his wound didn't seem to faze him. Johnny looked alright, just a small bruise forming on his cheek and a wild look in his eyes. I made a mental note to ask him about it later. But Ponyboy was the worst out of them. He'd really taken a beating, with a black eye as he cradled his arm in his right hand.

I rushed towards them, cursing. "Idiots," I grumbled, glaring at each of them. "You guys could have gotten seriously hurt! Pony, are you alright?" I turned my attention towards him, gently pulling his arm towards me to give it a look. As I rolled up the sleeve of his jacket, I cursed once more. His forearm was dark with bruising and his arm went limp. "Darry's going to kill me," I muttered as I pulled his sleeve back down.

I turned my gaze back to the rest of the boys. "What were you thinking! I mean, thank you, but you didn't have to do that and now you're hurt."

Two-Bit laughed. "Come on, Penny, it's no big deal. We've been through rougher fights than that."

Steve shrugged. "Besides, you were in danger."

"We weren't just going to leave you," Johnny spoke up, a determined look crossed his features, contradicting his shaking form.

"Well, thank you. I really appreciate it," I sent each of them worried looks. "But next time don't bother if it endangers yourselves."

Ponyboy gave a snort, as Two-Bit spoke up. "Don't be ridiculous. We'll help you whether you ask for it or not."

I shook my head, looking away from the four of them to grab my forgotten backpack by the windows. Slinging it onto my shoulder I made my way towards the door. They trailed behind me as I made my way down the hall and outside.

"So," Steve jogged to catch up, walking by my side. "Why were they after you in the first place?"

I gulped, memories flashing before my eyes. Taking a shaking breath, I tried to ignore his question, instead changing the subject. "Where are you guys headed?"

I saw Steve frown out of the corner of my eye, but the rest of the boys had caught up by then and Ponyboy answered. "Steve's gotta work today, so we're walking with him to the DX."

I remembered the first time I walked with them to the DX, after which, I had gone to the Curtis's house. That was something I didn't want or need to happen at the moment.

"That's great," I said, picking up my pace a bit. "I guess I'll see you guys later then."

"What do you mean?" Two-Bit asked, sending me a quizzical look.

I shrugged nervously, avoiding eye contact. "I, uh, can't hang out today. I have stuff to do at home. Sorry."

Ponyboy and Johnny sent each other odd looks, and I took a deep breath to settle my nerves. "Maybe just for a little while?" Pony asked softly.

I sighed, battling internally with myself. The last thing I wanted at the moment was for the topic of Angelo come up, but it didn't seem like the boys were inclined to talk about him either. I didn't have to stay long and I felt slightly guilty for avoiding them all week in the first places.

"Okay, I'll come." The boys burst into whoops and laughter. "But," I yelled over their noise. "not for too long, deal?"

"Deal!"

Laughing and roughhousing, the boys jumped around the sidewalk yelling. I couldn't help myself from smiling.

"So," Ponyboy started from beside me. "What really happened back there?"

I shook my head lightly and cast my gaze to the ground. Ponyboy was a nice kid, and he understood things real good. "It's Angelo again. I never realized before now how much he protected me when we were in a relationship." I watch Pony's face for a reaction, but he seemed to be listening closely without judgement. "Now that we aren't together anymore," I continued. "The Socs are on my back all the time. They won't leave me alone." I closed my eyes. "It's like I can never get away from him."

"We're always here for you, Penny, I hope you know that." Ponyboy gave me a soft smile, and my heart melted a bit. He's a good kid. "I'm sorry you're going through this right now, but if you ever need anything, the whole gang would be willing to help. You're apart of our family, whether you like it or not."

I was touched deeply by his words, but I couldn't seem to fathom anything that would express my appreciation for him. "Thank you," I whispered, giving him a grateful smile.

"Ponyboy Michael Curtis!"

Ponyboy snapped his head up as we approached the DX, where an angry figure stood in the doorway.

It was Darrel.