A.N.(PLEASE READ!): Hello readers, this is my first story so if you have any suggestions for future chapters or characters or anything that could help improve my story like if I made any mistakes, I would really appreciate that. Anyways the POV of this person is a Soc girl who just moved to Tulsa and no Windrixville drama has happened so you know what that means! Also I do NOT own The Outsiders because S.E. Hinton does (LUCKY!) anyways on with the story!


Annie's POV

As I stared at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel all the emotions I tried to run from for the last two and a half months. The guilt. The sadness. The anger. The fear. The feelings I've felt many times in my life but feel worse now in a way. No matter how hard I tried to stay positive, life has to throw me something terrible to make me lose even more hope and this has to be the worst change of them yet. If only the accident didn't happen. If only Dad had been more careful. If only we hadn't... I shook away the morbid thoughts, trying to hold back tears.

It's true though; I mean we would still be in Sacramento, California and wouldn't have to leave our friends, home and now my clothes. I haven't worn a skirt in eight years, but my foster mother insisted that I wear it now because it's what other girls wear and the number one thing I want to do right now is fit in because my appearance will not. I have light skin and wavy ginger hair that falls below my shoulders and a scar over my left eyebrow that carries bad memories. And there's my eyes which stands out more than my hair since I have a brown eye and a blue eye.

Actually, I used to be proud of my looks but now, I feel like an outsider because from what I seen so far in the two weeks that I've been here is that the people here kinda look plain compared to the people back home. There were all kinds of people but now I get stared at and they make me feel like the newest tourist attraction. I groaned at that thought and threw my head in my hands.

"Complaining about your skirt again?"

I looked at the door and saw my brother Ryker leaning against the door frame. I saw him wearing his new madras shirt which kind of lightened my mood.

"Like your outfit's any better."

"True, but at least my hair doesn't put carrots to shame"

I frowned and said, "More like put my dignity to shame"

Ryker is my step-brother and we have been family for the past eight years because that was when my mom married his dad and we moved to the city where they lived. You wouldn't believe me if I told you if we were related anyway. Ryker has dark mocha skin and black hair and eyes but I envy his eyes because he's got a real tuff, intimidating look to them that instantly tell you not to mess with him. I'm the only one that can see past his scary image and see the actual emotions he carries with him. He doesn't have that look to him right now but he always lets his guard down if I'm the only person with him.

I remember telling the state lady who took us to the foster buildings that I wasn't going to any house without my brother. We had already dropped off Ryker in the boys' home and had arrived at the girls' home. When I refused to get out of the car, I told her I wouldn't be happy anywhere without my brother. I used my pleading eyes and she probably pited me because the accident but I didn't care; I would take anyone's pity if it meant staying with the only family I had. Finally, she looked at me and said, "I'll see what I can do." After that, I reluctantly went inside and I haven't seen her since. She kept her word though because two months later, I was sent to a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma with my brother.

Ryker walked inside and sat down on my bed. "Still nervous?" he asked fidgeting with a pillow.

I looked at him as if trying to solve a puzzle.

"How do you do it?" I asked, "How can you just pretend it didn't happen?"

He sighed and looked at me. "We're gonna start this again?" I frown and cross my arms.

"I don't pretend." He calmly said.

"Hogwash! You always change the subject, a-and act so chill and it was your father Ryker!" I stared at him. I was going mental, but we never talk about this.

"I know!" He stated now looking distraught. "You don't think I have fuckin' nightmares?" He took a breath and continued. "But we're starting again, like we always do... We can move on right? Cause we still have each other don't we?" he said low and hesitant.

I smiled because this was the first time Ryker was opening up to me since the incident. "Yea, we've always been a team, there's no reason why we can't be now."

I rushed to Ryker for a hug as he was about to leave and he said "We'll be okay little Ann"

I laughed when I heard that name, it was a nickname Ryker would use he comforted me. He started using the name when I told him about this book I once read called, "Where the Red Fern Grows"

"Aww, a brother and sister moment" said a sarcastic voice.

I let go of Ryker and saw the intimidating look had returned to his eyes. I could already tell who the voice was and when I turned towards the door. My guess was correct, unfortunately.

"Well if it isn't Prince Towhead" Ryker said while rolling his eyes.

At the door was none other than Matt Hansen, our foster brother and the most annoying person on Earth. He's doesn't like us for some reason and been trying to get us in trouble since we got here. He also has a "world revolves around him" attitude and there are some girls that actually gush over this bloke! If only they knew the real him, but I guess it wouldn't matter anyway because I think you only get judged by your looks in this town. I mean he is kind of handsome with his blond hair and green eyes and people do stare me a lot because of my clown face.

"What do you need Matt?" I told him a little harsh.

"Someone's bent today." He teased as he walked inside.

"Listen punk, if ya here to hassle us again, you can beat it." Ryker repeated threateningly.

"What's with you man? Why would I hassle ya?" Matt asked acting innocently.

I answered before Ryker could reply, "Just get with the words" I asked in a more stern voice and with a fake smile.

He smirked. Matt enjoys to make Ryker angry and it makes me want to hurt him, but I would just get sent back and something tells me I won't get sent to the same house as my brother again.

"Breakfast is ready so get yo asses downstairs before I tell Mom that you guys plan on skipping school."

"What, no smart-ass comment to finish it off?" I asked sarcastically.

"I'm feeling generous today." he replied while grinning.

"Oh, how thoughtful" I remarked as I rolled my eyes.

His smile dropped "Whatever, I'll see you dirty shits at school." He said and then left the room. I really hated that boy. All he does is try to make us lose our temper so we can cause trouble that would make us leave this house. I could say something to his parents but they're never home and are always working! They remind me of someone I used to know...

"I really need to start closing my door." I said as I turned towards Ryker. He was glaring at the door which Matt just left through and I saw that he had his hand over his pocket, which I could only assume that he was reaching for a blade. "Just ignore him Ryker, he's just trying to get us sent back."

"I know," he said not taking his eyes off the door, "Soon enough, I will kill him" he said taking his hand off his pocket.

"And I will be there to watch" I replied as I grabbed the pillow I dropped and threw it back on the bed.

Ryker smirked and said, "How much should charge for tickets? 50 or 25?"

"25" I shot back. "Do ya know who you haulin'? He's a melvin."

He chuckled and replied with, "True"

"Alright you heard the servant, food is ready and I plan on piggin out so let's split." I said in an attempt to lighten up the mood even more.

"Okay" he said while laughing. He started to walk out when he suddenly turned around. "Hey Ann, don't forget that our new "friends" are giving us a ride."

I groaned once he reminded me. "You know, why do we call 'em that if they don't feel like it."

"Give 'em chance, you might actually like 'em and if you don't, suck it up." He said as he shrugged.

"Thanks for the advice" I muttered as my brother left the room.

I turned back towards the mirror and looked at myself. I didn't even recognize myself. What happened to me? I thought. I used to wear jeans and T-shirts and now I'm wearing a plaid skirt and a cardigan. You were the one who wanted to fit in. Well that's true but my foster mother also kind of forced me to wear this. More thoughts ran through my head as I continued to stare at myself. How did I get here? More questions began filling my head, and I just tried to calm my nerves. I just have to go through my first day at a new school. It shouldn't be too hard, right?

I didn't really know what to expect so I should at least prepare. I walked to my bedside table and opened the drawer and grabbed my switchblade. I ran my thumb across the surface and thought, This is one piece of my past that they'll never take away from me. I hid the blade in my skirt and went downstairs to eat.


AN: OMG! The first chapter I ever wrote has over 1,000 words! It took a long time though and I lost half of the story so I had to rewrite it by memory! ANYWAYS, so like I said leave a review if I should continue or any ideas for future chapters because I need help! Also, I am REALLY sorry none of the Outsiders characters showed up but I PROMISE they will in the next chapter that is if you guys want me to continue. AND I dedicate this chapter to CARROTS cuz they're delicious and I ate them while writing this chapter! No but seriously I dedicate this chapter to ArcherGirl2001 because she inspired me to start writing stories and gave me advice on how to write fanfiction, so thank you and I appreciate your help! Alright enough before I start crying, see you guys soon! BYE!