*Sarah's POV*

I dragged my luggage off the train, heaving it towards the gathering crowd of welcomers. Unwillingly, I searched for Aunt Theresa. There weren't too many people, so it wasn't awfully hard to find her in the back. She hadn't bothered to wave me over. She stood with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth.

My heart ached seeing her. She looked a lot like my mother – but she was nothing like her, and I'll never compare the two of them. Wishing that my parents were still here, I made my way through the chattering people, until I caught her attention. She sneered at me dutifully. "Well, you've grown," she said. It wasn't in the nice way family usually says things. It was kind of rude. I shrugged. "You haven't visited us for seven years," I pointed out. Her blue eyes narrowed. "Come along, we don't have all day."

Without offering to help me with the suitcases, she turned and walked briskly to the exit. I hurried after her, blowing my golden hair out of the way.

The car ride to Theresa's home was uncomfortable. When she wasn't ignoring me, she snapped questions at me that were a little touchy. I answered them quietly, without emotion.

The scene was changing rapidly around me. There were broken buildings on either side. Some kids were outside, lounging around. A couple glared at our car, and I noticed that the only cars around here were broken and scratched. I watched a couple of younger children playing in the road. I'm no mother, but I would never let my kids out in the road…

But after a while, the houses began to improve. Soon, mansion-like houses were sitting on perfect green lawns. Golly, what a difference it makes.

We pulled into a paved driveway, and parked in a side garage. Theresa opened the door and didn't hesitate to walk inside. I was left to carry everything inside.

As soon as I walked inside, she yelled at me. "Wipe your feet!" She screeched, pointing at my shoes. Some caked dirt had gotten on the floor. I backed up onto a carpet and wiped them off quickly. "Sorry," I muttered glumly.

"You get the attic," Theresa said while I cleaned up the dirt. I stood up and looked around. It was a nice house – nicer than my parents had ever been able to afford. A lamp shined dimly over the kitchen table, where a bowl of ripe fruit was placed. I picked up my suitcase and carried it towards the livingroom.

"Don't scuff my floor!" Theresa chided angrily. I rolled my eyes. "Sorry," I repeated irritably.

I found the stairs that led to the attic and groaned. So steep and narrow… I'm such a clumsy girl…

With a heavy sigh, I made my way up, carefully keeping my balance. I nearly fell into the door when I realized it wasn't opened. Juggling my luggage in one hand and against the wall, I opened the door.

Once I was safely inside, I appraised my living space. It was dark, hot, and small. The stuffy air smelled like old books and dust. I noted the dirty fan and single bed, and shrugged. I hadn't expected much.

I shoved my personal things anywhere they'd fit; I didn't have too much anyway. I couldn't stand to be in there much longer. I crept downstairs. Theresa was snoring noisily in a fancy couch, her glasses crooked on her face. I checked the time – it was only afternoon. I decided to go to the park – I'm sure my aunt wouldn't have missed me.

Outside, I realized it was darker than back home. Maybe it was always like that – or maybe there was going to be a storm. I couldn't tell. I had no clue where anything was, so I just started walking aimlessly down the road.

"Hey, there!" I stopped and turned towards the voice. A girl with red hair was walking over briskly. She had bright eyes and a nice smile. "Are you new 'round here?"

I nodded sheepishly. "Yeah… I'm Sarah Gold." She grinned. "I'm Cherry Valance. They call me Cherry because of my red hair," she added. I laughed. "I never had a nickname – always been boring old Sarah."

"Where'd you come from?" Cherry asked curiously as we began to walk again. I felt a hollow pit in my heart again. "I lived in Nashville until… until my parents passed away this month." I kept an emotionless face. I hadn't cried since I was eight. Not even the funeral day, or the day my parents had died. I didn't expect to change that anytime soon.

"Oh… I'm real sorry," Cherry said gently. I frowned. "It's fine… so what do y'all do around here for fun?" I changed the subject. She went along with it. "Well, there's a nice park... but it's near the East side." Cherry watched warily for a reaction of some sort. I shrugged. "Alright, want to go?" I asked. Anything to get away from my aunt.

She hesitated. "I don't go there too often myself," she said. I saw a flash of what looked like pain in her eyes. It disappeared and she smiled half-heartedly. "But I'll go for… old time's sake."

I wasn't sure what her hesitation was for, but I didn't push for answers. I don't like to do that. We walked a little ways in silence.

"So what's it like here?" I questioned, looking around. I could see some of the more simple houses further down the road, and half a mile away was a park. We headed there slowly.

She seemed to hesitate here, too. "It's a little different than the country," she admitted. "You'll see what I mean soon enough," she added, seeing my bewildered expression.

When we reached the park, I noticed two boys leaning against an oak tree. They looked slightly menacing, with slicked back hair and leather jackets. I hadn't seen that kind of style back home. Maybe Cherry was hiding something.

But to my surprise, she waved at them.

"Hey guys!"

They looked over and waved. Cherry grabbed my arm and pulled me along. "I know they're a little different, but they're real nice kids," she explained. I followed along, and as we got closer, I began to feel awkward in my over-alls and tee-shirt.

"Hey, Cherry," One of the boys said in surprise. "I haven't talked to you in a while."

She blushed. "Sorry, Pony… about everything." Pony. It was a very different name, but it was kind of neat. I felt very strange now, wearing what I was. No one else was dressed that way – Cherry was dressed nicer, in a blouse and jeans. These guys were dressed in a relaxed way.

Pony shrugged, his face blank. "Just forget it. It's nice to see you again."

Cherry gestured to me. "This is Sarah Gold. She's new to town."

The other boy stood up. He had dark hair and humorous eyes. "Well hi, Sarah! I'm Sodapop Curtis," he said, holding out a dirty hand. I took it with a smile. "Nice to meet y'all."

Pony stood up too, brushing off his torn jeans. He had blonde hair, which looked kind of white. His eyes were soft and deep in thought. "I'm Ponyboy Curtis; Soda's brother."

We shook hands too.

"Oh… I have to get back home," Cherry murmured, and then looked at me apologetically. "Do you want me to walk you back?"

I shook my head. "I'll be fine." She patted my shoulder. "I'll see you at school, okay?" I nodded and smiled. With one last smile, she walked away.

Pony smiled slightly. "There's a nice seat on the ground if you want to sit with us." I smiled too. "I've never been afraid of getting a little dirty," I laughed, and sat down. Soda looked around. "Looks like a storm's coming… maybe we ought to head home, Ponyboy," he said, squinting into the darkening clouds. Pony shook his head. "I'll be home before ten. Tell Darry, alright?"

Soda nodded. "Stay out of trouble, kid."

With that, he jogged away, leaving Pony and I under the tree. He leaned back, sighing. "Where did you come from?" He asked quietly. I thought about it sadly. "Country," I said softly. His eyes widened. "Why you out here in Tulsa?" He asked in awe. I pursed my lips, keeping my eyes on the grass. "I came to live with my aunt… my parents…," I couldn't continue, but didn't have to.

"Gee, I'm sorry," Pony said. I looked back up. He was appraising me. "My parents passed away a few years ago."

This surprised me. "I'm sorry, too." A raindrop hit my face. "Your brother was right," I groaned, glancing up into the darkening sky. "It's goin' to storm."

Not the best chapter – I needed to introduce the characters. xP Anyway, R&R, I promise it'll get more exciting.