Sodapop Alternate Ending

After eating their breakfast and playing a few rounds of poker, (Mr. Curtis won two of five games) it was decided that it was time to open presents. Johnny sat in the living room with his back against the wall while Dally lazily sprawled out on the floor, with Steve and Sodapop on the couch. Darrel took his place on his chair with the family camera in hand, while Ponyboy sat at his father's feet.

"You've got to be kidding me," was the first thing Sodapop said when he opened up Steve's present, laughing. Rolled up in familiar blue and green wrapping paper, (it had been sitting on a shelf across from the register for a solid three months) to find two "gentlemen's magazines" and a couple of condoms.

"Happy birthday, idiot."

Soda slugged his best friend, laughing, but he was smiling just the same. Steve chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. Soda set the present aside, expecting nothing less from his best friend.

Sodapop nodded, slicing open the box with a nearby pair of scissors. Inside was an old watch, looking to be from around the 1920's.

"It's from your Uncle Patrick. He left each of you boys something, and so I figured I would give you yours this year," Darrel said. Sodapop's grin was humongous as he inspected the watch intently, his brown eyes sparkling with curiously. After he finished and thanked his dad, he picked up red next person's present, a soft smile still present on his face.

"Johnny and I went in on your present together," Dally