Chapter One: Introduction
Our town had two main parts; the upper middle class or the rich, where my brother and I lived, and the lower class, where Orange and his friends lived. Orange is my boyfriend.

Orange was in a gang called the Soda's. The leader's name was Soda. Soda was Orange's older brother. I'd never met Soda, but Orange described him as muscular, tough and cold. "He'd stab someone for lookin' at them wrong", Orange had said once. I don't know Soda's real name. Soda is 18.

Orange was named for his wavy orange hair. He has bright blue eyes. He always says that he wants his brother's hair, which is more brown than orange. He is muscular and skinny. He is about 15, my age. Orange is probably the nicest one in the group. He doesn't like to fight, doesn't even carry a switchblade around most of the time. His real name is Henry.

Cola is the second oldest of the gang, behind Soda. He is 16 years old. He is named for his dark black hair and love of cola. He isn't very muscular, but is fast with a blade. He carries a huge switchblade with him everywhere he goes. Cola is Orange's best friend.

Cherry is a few months younger than Cola. Cherry is name for his cherry red hair and because he likes the color red. I've only seen him once. He doesn't talk much, but Orange says he's a great fighter.

Then there's Grape. He's the youngest of the gang, almost 14. He is named for his love of everything grape flavored. I haven't met him, Orange said that Grape is new to the gang.

My brother and his friends don't have nicknames, but they can't stand the Soda's. They jump the Soda's every chance they get. My brother, Don, is the leader of the gang.

Don is 20 years old. He is a little muscular, very built, and probably colder than Soda. His friends, Luke, Davis and a few others are part of his gang. There are about ten or fifteen guys that would fight on his side if needed. I tell Orange how much this bothers me. Then Orange tells me that they have the same or even more on their side.

My blood boils when Don trash talks the Soda's. I know the Soda's are just people, but that's not how Don sees it. He thinks they're lower than dirt. He knows I care for Orange, but doesn't know I'm dating him. If Don found out, he'd kill Orange.

I'd met Orange at the park quite a few months ago. I didn't know he was in my brother's rival gang at the time. He only told me that his name was Henry. He wouldn't tell me where he was from, so after we talked, I agreed to meet him back at the park the next day. After meeting a few times, he told me his nickname was Orange. I later told Don about Henry. He seemed interested, then I told him Henry's nickname was Orange.

"You stay away from him", he demanded,"And all the Soda's!"

"Why", I asked.

"They're dangerous", he said.

"Okay,"I lied, not wanting to argue,"I will."

I went back to see Orange again that night. That's when Don caught us. He must have seen me sneak out. When Orange saw Don's car, his eyes widened.

"What's wrong", I'd asked.

"It's Don,"he said,"The leader of our rival gang. He and his friends always jump us every time they see us. It's why we don't go out alone. I hate them!"

"Hey," I shouted,"That's my brother you're talking about!"

All the blood drained from Orange's face. He was shaking a little.

"Your b..brother,"Orange gulped.

I grabbed his hand.

Don got out of the car and slammed the door. Three of his friends got out of the car and walked over to where we were. Don grabbed Orange,lifted him in the air and threw him on the ground.

"Keep your dirty greaser hands off my sister,"he shouted. Don and his friends started beating up Orange. Don practically sat on Orange. He took out a switchblade and held it against Orange's throat.

"No,"I shouted and ran toward Orange. One of Don's friends held me back.

"Please don't kill him Don,"I begged,"You'll go to jail! I'll be all alone. Please!"

Don stopped, putting his switchblade away slowly, but not before threatening Orange and his friends with every vulgar word in existence. Don dragged me back to the car. I guess his friends didn't mind walking home. After getting me home, Don lectured me about staying away from the Soda's.