Waiting on the World to Change

Fellow Greasers:

I'm scared. So scared. I fear for my life, Ponyboy's life. If they find us, they'll kill me. Give me the electric chair.

Why?

Because I killed a man. A Soc.

Ponyboy and I were blowing off steam in the park, after Ponyboy had thought about running away. We were going to head home, when some Socs came, in a familiar blue Mustang. And then that all-too familiar Soc, sporting his ringed hands proudly, came up to us, with his vicious pack that were waiting to attack. It was too late to run, we'd have to tough it out.

They had enough reason to come-we'd picked up their girls, at the movies- so please don't go after them, Dally.

So, those good-for-nothing Socs come over to us, and I immediatly could tell they'd had too much to drink. Cherry and Marcia had been right- their boyfriends were nothing more than stupid drunks. The one with the rings- the one who beat me up before- came over to us.
After insulting us, he thrust Ponyboy's head deep into the fountain's water. No one paid atention to me, they all egged the ringleader (pardon the pun-this is not a time for jokes) on. I was so scared I almost peed my pants.I saw Ponyboy fight for his life, then slowly submit to the water than was engulfing his head. At that time, all I could think was this can't happen! Not Ponyboy! And I just went with my gut. Before I could fully process what I was doing, I had pulled out my switchblade and stabbed it into the Soc with the rings. I was burning with a fiery rage and couldn't stop- heck, I didn't want to stop- until Ponyboy was released from the Rickie Rich's hands. Finally, Ponyboy was free of the Soc's grip, and I watched the Soc crumble to the ground.
I watched Ponyboy gasp for air, and shudder down onto the pavement. Sitting next to my best friend, I looked around. By this time, the other Socs had ran. Probably been scared of the monster that killed the Soc.
I'm the monster.
The Soc was lying on the ground in a pool of red-brown blood, and that Ponyboy glanced at it when he came to. I looked away as Ponyboy retched the contents of his stomach onto the ground beside him. It was that moment that it finally sunk into me. I was no longer an innocent Greaser. I was a cold-blooded murderer. Ponyboy and me had to get away, and quick.

You guys probably have heard from Dally where we went, if he wasn't able to keep his gob shut. Might as well tell you, we're staying in a church. Don't worry about us, we have food.


Please don't worry, we're safe. You'll hear from us soon enough.
I remain,
Johnny Cade

October 22, 2008