Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters they are S.E. Hinton. So don't sue me.

M.K. POV

It was one of those hot days where all you want to do is be outside with a cold glass of Lemonade and a big old umbrella. That was what I wanted to be doing instead I was stuck in this garage arguing with Steve over what had to be done on the car that was just brought in and who was going to do it. I hated it when he did that. He was always treating me like a little kid and I was sick of it. I was going to give him a piece of my mind when Soda decided to get in the middle of the argument.

"Hey stop! Come on you guys I am sick and tired of listening to you two always arguing. M.K," Soda said as he looked at me, "I want you to go outside and work the pump."

"But..."

"No buts. Move it" when he saw that I wasn't moving he sighed and raised his voice a bit "NOW"

I walked over to the door and I glared them. They always had me working at the pump. It wasn't fair. I was just as good a mechanic as Steve and they'd know that if they ever gave me a chance.

Now I bet some of you people are wondering who I am. Well I'm Mary Katherine, M.K. for short, Curtis. I am 15 going on to 16 and I'm a Greaser in the city of Tulsa. I have hazel green eyes. I am about 5'5 which isn't tall, but it isn't short either. I have dirty blond hair that more on the brown side so it's unique. I live with my three brothers since my parents were in an auto wreck some time ago. They all have unique names too. There's Darrel Shaynne Curtis Jr., my eldest brother as well as my legal guardian, Sodapop Patrick Curtis, my movie star look a like brother and Ponyboy Michael Curtis who is the baby of the family. I work at the DX station with Steve who works part-time and my brother, Soda, who works full-time since he dropped out. I guess it wasn't a bad life, but right now I just wanted to be anyone else so I could show Steve up and never work the pumps again. Too bad we don't always get what we want.

I walk to the pump and waited for people to come while mumbling about how Soda and Steve were unfair. During my mumbling my friend Mike pulled up. Mike was one of my drag race buddies and was the second best racer in town. The best racer was me but I go by a different name at the track. Only two people know who I really am, Mike and my best girlfriend Katie. They kept their traps shut real good.

"So what have you been up to lately?" I asked as some of Mike's buddies walk to the main service station at the DX to chat with Steve and Soda.

"Nothing much really" Mike said as I put the nozzle of the pump in the gas tank hole.

"Really? Now that's odd for you." I said as I gave him a smile.

"Yeah, well what can I say?" He grinned "Hey so there is gonna be this big race this Friday night. Are you gonna show?"

"Sshh. Keep it down Soda might hear you and I will be in a whole lot of trouble." I warned him

"Yea alright." He said remembering my brother's feelings on drag racing "So are you gonna go?"

"Hell ya I am. When and where?" I asked

"Eleven at the usual spot. So I guess I will see you around?" Mike asked as I took out the pump.

He paid his money got in his car and honk for his buddies to hurry up.

"Yea alright talk to you later" I said as they drove off.

I was really glad Mike had decided to stop by. A Drag race was just what I needed right now, but I wish he had been quieter. Last thing I needed was Soda asking questions. I pumped a few more cars and went in side to sign-out.

I walked inside to find Soda talking on the phone with Sandy, his girlfriend. I never really like Sandy she was too girlie and there is something about her I don't trust. I started to listen to the conversation as I was walking to the sign-out sheet. It sounds something like this:

"Yeah miss you too." A couple seconds passed by. "Well why don't you come over or something. I love you too. No I love you more."

Soda's back was too me so I started to make funny face at the things he said to Sandy on the phone. Steve walked in from the garage that just happened to be in front of Soda. He started to laugh when I start making goo goo eyes at the air like I was Sandy and Soda was the air.

I guess Soda started looking at Steve like he was crazy 'cause Steve started pointing at me. Soda turned around right in the middle of one of my faces. Soda looked at me like I went crazy or something. I stop what I was doing and smiled at him innocently.

"Hey Sandy I ah got to let you go. I have to deal with a soon to be dead sister." Soda said then made kissing noises in the phone before hanging up. Steve stopped laughing a while ago and was now waiting to see what was going to happen between me and Soda.

"Uh...hi did you like my performance?" I asked trying to look cute

"Not particularly" Soda said with an evil smile. That was all the cue I needed

"Uh...later." I took of running with Soda right behind me.

Boy was I glad we lived as close to the DX as we did. I don't think I could have run any farther if you paid me. Pony was the runner in this family and it was going to stay that way. I ran inside and jumped on are old lumpy green couch, slamming the door behind me. Thank the lord no one was on the couch when I jumped on it. I wasn't heavy, but I didn't need anymore trouble. Suddenly Soda jumped on me, straddling my waist and started tickling me. I hated being ticklish but right now there was nothing I could do about it but laugh with every touch of his fingers on my side.

"Holler Uncle" Soda said

"Ha ha No!" I gasped between laughter

"Say it and I'll stop" He tempted

"No ha ha" I said still not being able to stop laughing

"Fine with me I can do this all night long." Soda said as tickled me more.

"O.k o.k I give." I said as fast as I could

"Sorry I can't hear you. Can you say it again?" Soda was just being evil now

"Alright! UNCLE! Now stop!" I shouted

Soda smiled triumphantly and got off me to wash up. I sat on the couch for awhile to catch my breath. I didn't know anyone else was home so I was surprised to see all the guys, including my brothers, looking at me with grins on there faces.

"Uh how long have you guys been there?" I asked a little embarrassed

"Long enough to see the almighty M.K. give in" Two-bit said with a goofy grin on his face.

"Real funny Two-bit" I said as I stood up and hit him on the head with a couch pillow as I left the room.

I walk into the hallway and pulled down the attic stairs that led to my room. It was a good thing there was a string on it 'cause I just wasn't quite tall enough to reach the handle. Ok I was far from tall enough, but I wasn't going to admit that aloud. I went to my wooden dresser and pulled out an old work out shirt and pants to change into. After I was changed I went back down stairs into the living room to find all the guys watching Mickey on TV. Its strange Mickey is the only thing we all can agree on. I started to get restless just sitting around the house so I decided I was gonna go for a run around the house and annoy the crap out of everybody. It's one of my favourite things to do.

"I wanna do something" I said bored out of my mind

"Then go and fix dinner" Darry suggested

"No thanks I think I'll pass." I said walking into the kitchen looking for something to drink.

There was nothing to drink except water. So I got a glass of water. I was drinking it when I got an idea. Oh I would teach Soda to tickle me like that and Darry to let him! I filled two pitchers of water and walked in to the living room behind Darry. I poured all the water from one pitcher over his head then ran over to Soda a pored the other pitcher on him.

"M.K. you are so dead." Darry said over the laughter that had come with my water fun

"Run M.K. if you know what is good for you" Soda said still sitting in shock and well, cold.

I took off running outside to the hoes pipe and turned it on waiting for the guys to come out. I wait for about 5 minutes wondering what was taking so long when I felt two pitchers of ice cold water hitting me. I turned around to see Darry and Soda smiling at me.

"Oh you guys are so dead!" I yelled

I took of running after my brothers down the street to the lot where they were headed. I ran all the way down the lot right on their tails but then they disappeared. I walked a little farther into the lot and then out of nowhere I was being picked up by Darry's arms and carried over to an old mattress. Darry then threw me on it.

"And you were saying we were dead" Soda laugh from behind Darry.

"Oh shut up." I said as I got up off the mattress. "Well since you got me all the way out here I think I am gonna take a little piggy back ride back" I said as I jump on to Darry's back.

"I swear girl you never grow up." Soda said with a smile on his face.

"Now what fun would that be? I am too young to grow up and besides being old means more responsibility and I don't want that." I said with a smile on my face.

It started to get dark out side when we were a street away from my house. I looked up in the sky and saw the North Star.

"Second star from the right and straight on till morning." I whispered to myself

Darry turned his head around to look up at me like I was crazy. I smiled at him.

"What are you talking about second start from the right and straight on till morning?" He asked

"What? You don't remember that from the Peter Pan story?" I asked and Darry looked up at me with a look that said you are crazy.

"Um it's the directions to Neverland." Darry made an 'o' with his mouth like he understood, but I doubt he did.

I leaned my head on Darry's shoulder and looked at Soda.

"So Soda what's going on with you and the princess of girlie land?" I asked and Soda looked at me with questionable look. I rolled my eyes "Sandy silly"

"Nothing really" Soda shrugged

"What is up with people and the nothing really answer?" I asked more to myself

It didn't take long to get home and I found myself bored yet again. I was setting on the front porch waiting for dinner to be ready when I saw Mike drive by.

"Hey Mike wait up!" I yelled as I jumped off the porch. Mike stopped and pulled over on the curved waiting for me to come by.

"So what can I do for you Ms. M.K. Curtis?" He asked smiling

"I need a ride to the junk yard tomorrow and I was wondering if you can drive me there and then bring home after my car is fixed up?" I explained

"Yeah sure" He shrugged

"So where are you going this warm night Mr. Adams?" I asked to make conversation

"Me? I'm heading over to my girl friend's house hoping to get laid." I shook my head at him as he grinned stupidly.

"You are such a bone head. I am glad I'm not stupid enough to date you." I said shaking my head

"Hey what can I say? I am a cold heart."

"No you're not. Well you are to your girlfriends but you a pretty cool guy for a friend." I said truthfully

"Maybe but you know you love me." He said slyly

"Oh yes I love you. I spend all night laying on my bed waiting for you to come and make my night." I said dramatically

"You never know" Mike said with seductive smile.

"God you're like a brother to me and talk about making a girl blush" I said as I hit him on the arm.

"Yeah well you are like a sister to me so you don't have to worry about anything." He assured me

"HEY M.K. DINNER IS READY" I heard Pony call.

"YEA I WILL BE OVER THERE IN A MINUTE" I yelled back

"Looks like you got to go" Mike pointed out the obvious

"Yeah I'll see you tomorrow. Pick me up after work. And have fun tonight." I added

"Oh I will and I'll see you." I gave mike a quick friendly hug before he took off.

I took off running inside for dinner because if you don't hurry you don't get much to eat. I walked inside and set at the table between Pony and Darry.

"So who were you talking to outside?" Pony asked.

"Mike Adams. Why?" I asked curious how that was any of his business

"Just wondering. I didn't recognize the car." He shrugged

"What were you doing talk to Mike?" Steve asked.

"He's a friend and I plan on getting a ride from him do you have problem with that almighty nosy one?" I asked sarcastically

"I was just wondering, I mean do you even know that guys rep?" Steve was sounding like he was my mother. I hated it when he did that.

"Yep" I said automatically

"And what is this Mike guy's rep?" Darry asked and I wished he would just butt out too, but I understood why he would ask

"He is known for sleeping with a girl then dumping her. He also is the second best drag racer in town." Steve answered

"I thought he was the best" Soda said.

"Nope. About half a year ago somebody came and took the title. The weird thing is that no one knows what this guy looks like and he doesn't even go by his really name." Steve informed the table

"Really?" soda asked

"Yep. Only mike and some other person knows what he looks like or what his really name is" Steve said

"Anyways, did you know all about this M.K.?" Darry asked me. I shook my head yes.

"Yeah. I did and no I haven't lost my innocence, yet. We're only friends" I said as I got up from the table and cleaned off my dishes. "Now if you will leave me alone and stop asking questions about me and mike I have a test in history class along with an English paper." I said as I walked up the stairs to my room.

the next day at the DX Station

"So. What are you guys going to do tomorrow night?" I asked as I was waiting for Mike to come and take me to the junk yard so I can fix up my car. It got thrashed last race, but nothing I couldn't fix

"Going to the party over at Bucks. Why?" Soda asked

"Just wondering" I heard a honk outside so I turned around to see Mike sitting in his car.

"Well there's my ride. Soda tell Darry I should be home around 9:00." I ran outside and jumped into mike's car. "Let's go" I turned around to look to see Soda was looking at me and Steve glaring at me. "Play along ok?" I kissed Mike on the lips he put his hands on my back and when we had to take a break for breathing we took off to the junk yard.

"So care to tell me why you did that?" Mike asked.

"Yeah I saw Steve glaring at me and Soda looking at me and let's just say the brothers don't like me being friends with you." I gave him the short of it

"Oh I see." He said as he took a sharp turn.

9:45

"Hey thanks for the ride and sorry about the lip lock." I apologized to Mike again

"Hey don't worry about the lip lock and no problem. I'll see you tomorrow at 11" He reminded

"Yeah alright" I said as I walked up the stairs and into my house to find Steve and Soda sitting on the couch.

"Hey" I said smiling

"So. Care to tell me what was up with the kissing thing I saw with you and Mike?" Soda asked crossing his arms

"Yeah I saw you guys starring. So I decide if you are gonna stare, might as well give you a show." I shrugged

"Oh. So what were you guys doing from 7-9:45?" Steve pryed

"Nothing really. Just went to some places and what not." I answered "I'm tired so 'night"

Next night at 9:00

"Later Pony, Johnny" I said leaving them at the house

"Where're you going?" Pony asked

"Over to Katie's" I said as I tried to get out of the house again with out interruption

I took off down the street heading to the Junk yard to pick up my car. I know it not smart to leave your car at a junk yard but I know the guy that owns it and he said he was fine with me leaving it there. He was a good guy who didn't know my brothers so it was safe.

I got to my car and went to the regular place to have drag race. I didn't have to what long for it to start getting busy because there were tons of people there to night and lot of them were drunk to.

It finally was 11 and the races started. I'd won all the races I was in so far. It was 1 o'clock and the last race was up. I got in my car to race but there was something wrong with my car and I crashed into a ditch. I wasn't hurt bad, my knee hurt like hell, but my car was another thing. It had stalled as soon as we hit the ditch and wouldn't start. Great. This was just great. I managed to get a ride home from Mike who had won while my car was out.

"Thanks for the ride home mike and congrats on the big win." I said trying to be a good sport about it even though I didn't like loosing

"Thanks. It's a shame what happened to your car and your knee. Are you sure you are all right?" He asked genuinely concerned

"Yeah I'm fine, but I got to go. I am way past curfew." I got out of the car and walk inside to see Darry hanging up the phone.

"Were the hell have you been?" He snapped

"I was out with Katie" I said using my usual excuse

"No you weren't because I just called Katie and she said she hasn't seen you since class to day. Where were you and don't lie to me." He said sternly

"Fine. I was out on my own." I said trying to think up something good really fast

"What the hell were you doing out on your lonesome at this time of night and in this neighbourhood?" Darry asked as patient as he could be

"I was just hanging out with some friends." I shrugged "And we lost track of the time."

"I thought you said you were alone?" Darry asked

"I was on my way home." I corrected "Geeze Darry! You'd think I was a little kid by the way you go on."

"You are a kid until I tell you any different." Darry looked mad and I knew I shouldn't push him, but I couldn't just stand there and take this

"I can take care of myself! I've never been jumped or anything!" I was getting ready to go into the usual song and dance when Darry cut me off

"That's right. It's never happened because Soda and I keep up with you and take care of you! We can't do anything when you pull crap like this M.K. What am I supposed to do with you?" Darry asked more to himself

I had about a dozen smart remarks I could have placed quite nicely in there, but instead I shrugged and waited for him to go on.

"You're grounded for a full week." Darry said and I was about to protest when he went on "No phone, no friends and no going out. The next time you miss curfew you're grounded for two weeks and so forth."

"But Darry!" I cried "That isn't fair!"

"Is it fair you be the only one to miss curfew?" Darry asked "Now that's the end of it. Go to bed."

I stomped up the stairs and slammed the door behind me. I hated this! He always treated me like a little kid, but at least he didn't know about the drag racing. If he found out about that I would be more than grounded. I sighed and shut off the light

Tomorrow was another day.