Hello. I know this is quite short, but I have to do this in sections, at least the beginning. You'll see why. Please give it a chance!

4 years ago—Sam's POV

I watched with disgust as the boys got into another argument. It wasn't even a fair fight. Four of the richer boys at lunch were ganging up on a couple of others, the ones that live in the other side of the neighborhood. Their names were Sodapop Curtis and Steve Randle. They were just sitting there, cross-legged on the grass, talking and laughing. I saw Bob Sheldon and his friend Randy decided they would impress a group of giggling girls by picking a fight with them.

I considered telling on them and getting a teacher, but I was in sixth grade now, 12 years old, I'm no tattletale. I stood up from my seat in the lunchroom and smoothed down my dress before walking over to the group. I guess I'd just have to take care of them on my own. I silently thanked my older brother Max for teaching me how to fight and strode closer. Sodapop and Steve were standing back-to-back, looking like they were ready to fight. I recognized the fire in their eyes, the pride. It wasn't so different from my own. The two Soc's were sneering, fists raised, their eyes cold.

"Hey, Greaser bums. You're just trash, and stupid trash at that," Bob taunted. Rolling my eyes, I stopped behind him and stuck a pleasant smile on my face, knowing it looked fake but hoping he wouldn't notice.

"Excuse me," I said politely. I tapped Bob on the shoulder and waited for him to turn around. He did, and grinned when he saw who it was. I'll bet he thought I was there to cheer him on. I flipped my blonde hair over my shoulder and grinned back.

"Hey, Samantha. Do you like seeing these Greasers get beat up?" He tried to put an arm around my shoulder and I allowed it, telling myself it was only part of the charade.

"You have to ask?" I wondered, making my eyes go wide with realistic admiration. "Of course I like you being so tuff!" I watched as Soda's eyes went wide, then narrowed in a glare. I winked at him and stomped on Randy's foot, them swung it around and kicked Bob in the shin.

"Get lost, jerk," I ordered Bob. His face reddened and he looked like he was about to punch me, and I held up my fists, much like he was just seconds before. I guess he realized I wasn't afraid of him, because instead he took Randy by the shoulder and pulled him away, the others following. "Sorry about him," I apologized. "They're morons." I smiled before backing away, not knowing what they would do. Hate me for stopping a fight, or be thankful?

"Hey, it's okay. You know, you're not like the other Socs. You dig okay," Soda grinned at me. It wasn't like Bob's, though. This one made me grin back.

"That's 'cuz I ain't like most of the other Socs. I live on that side of town, but I don't agree with most of what they do. Picking fights, and the older kids jump you guys for the fun of it. You think I like that?" I raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so." I smiled again and started to turn away.

"You wanna hang out with us sometime?" Steve asked me, draping his arm across my shoulders and pulling me back. "We could have a lot of fun." Deciding to play along, I put my arm around his waist and looked up at him.

"I dunno, you sure you could handle my good looks for longer than ten minutes?" I giggled, batting my eyelashes. I knew I was overplaying it, but I think he knew it, too. He seemed surprised by my reaction, but then pleased.

"Maybe not. You sure are gorgeous," Steve complimented me.

"I think my handsomeness cancels out your beauty," Soda told me jokingly. It was true, though. Soda was handsome. Movie star handsome.

"No, I think your ugliness will cancel out Steve's. I'm the one everyone will be staring at," I took a pose, one hand on my hip and my head thrown back. I looked back up and the two boys. "I'm kidding!" I assured them.

"Sure you are, Samantha." Soda laughed.

"Sam," I corrected automatically. "My parents insist I go by my full name, but I think you can be the exception." Waving with one hand, I walked away. All three of us knew I'd never take them up on their offer to hang out with them.

Please Review! Tell me how I did, if you will. Next chapter will be a year later, when the three meet again. Hope you liked it!

-Rach