Hey,

Today was interesting... The trial for Bob's death is coming up soon. I decided to check on Pony since I haven't heard from him in a while. To be honest I was really worried bout' him. When I got to his house I knocked on the door. Clearly, the door wasn't strong or locked cause it flung open. (Am I that strong?) A tall fit man came to the door which, I assumed to be his father. He glared at me but also looked confused. I guess it's weird to see a "Soc" in a poor neighborhood. I explained that my name was Randy and I was only there to visit. He just stared at me for a minute. Slowly yet carefully he moved aside from the door letting me walk in. Once I stepped in I saw a boy that I knew from my childhood. A few years back, he had some weird name, it was somethin' with a pop at the end. He looked well built himself with that dark-gold hair. To be honest he looked like one of those handsome movie-stars. He didn't even shoot a glance at me. I guess he was busy doing...I don't really know what he was doing I didn't really pay that much attention to him. Pony's father took me to his room. He said "There's a guy here to see you. Says he knows you. His name's Randy." He said it in a way that sounded off. Like I was a monster...(I might as well be I let my friend die.) Then he grabbed me by the shoulders and told me to not mess anything up and that he would be outside the door. I awkwardly nodded and stood in the doorway. I'm pretty sure he could tell I was uncomfortable. I greeted him and he greeted me back. Then he told me to have a seat if I could. Now, I wouldn't think a Gre-Pony would be the type of guy to read but there were books scattered everywhere. I pushed a couple of books off a chair and sat down. I made a simple start of a conversation and tried to grin. It was kinda hard since I could feel as if his father was glaring at me through t the door. Then he asked if I "Wanna smoke?" Look, I have nothin' wrong with a guy that wants a smoke but... After seeing what any type of drug has done to my parents and friends. I refuse. One of my friends a few years back died because he smoked so much. I guess it makes me uncomfortable. Also before I go back to the story I need to mention my parents. When they drink it's a hell show but at least they only drink once or twice a month. Anyway, I shook my head and declined Pony's offer. I decided to mention the trial. He mentioned before I continued to holler if I saw one of his brothers come because he didn't want them to beat him seeing him smoke in his condition. That's when it hit me that, that man was his brother. I was questioning where his parents were but I continued about the trial. I talked about how my father was upset that I got myself stuck in this mess. I even told Pony I wouldn't mind getting fined for it. He looked at me weirdly. He seemed confused and didn't understand. I guess for some people they wouldn't suspect me to get in trouble. The point is, I was still there and I witness the murder and let Bob die. I might as well be as bad as that puppy dog "Greaser" who died in the fire after helping Pony save those kids. (Found out his name was Johnny btw.) After I talked about my dad I told him how his folks probably felt awful bout' Johnny killing Bob too. He explained to me that his parents died and he only lives with his brothers, Sodapop and Darry. He talked about how Darry was the best guardian he had. That's when I realized that fit man was his brother Darry. He explained how he was worried about going to a foster home. To be honest, I was worried for him too. Who could imagine? A "Soc" worried about a "Greaser." Isn't it hilarious? But at the same time we are both human. So what's the point of stupid labels? Does it really matter? Anyway...I told Pony that he'll be fine cause he did nothing and that Johnny was the one who killed Bob. But he insisted and insisted that it was him that killed Bob. I didn't realize how much Johnny's death messed him up... I felt bad I was trying to comfort him but the wrong words came out. Then Darry came over and said "Hey, Randy. I think you'd better go now." I just replied with a sure and told Pony I would see him around. When I walked out Darry told me not to talk about Johnny and that Pony is pretty racked up mentally and emotionally bout' it, and also that some doc said he'd get over it in time. I felt awful. I didn't mean to trigger anything about Johnny's death to Pony. I really shoulda kept my mouth shut but it's too late now ya know? He probably just thinks I'm some cold-blooded "Soc" trying to be rude to an innocent kid. 

-Randy A