Author's note: Okay, this story is a little different. Someone else has probably done a similar idea, but I've just never seen it. It may not seem like it at first, but I promise you that this is an Outsiders fanfiction. Give it a chance before you write it off. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Scar POV

The alarm clock started going off and I wanted nothing more than to turn it off and go back to bed, but I got up and started my morning routine.

I got a shower, brushed my teeth, threw on whatever clothes I thought might be clean, and threw my hair up in a bun. I was too tired to put any real effort into it.

I walked down to my mom's room and opened the door.

"Mom?"

The room was empty, just like it had been. I sighed and went to the kitchen. I made a fresh batch of coffee on the off chance my mom would come home. I grabbed my stuff and went to my truck. It was a big truck that I loved driving and hated parking. I could've traded it in for a car, but it was my Dad's. His pride and joy. There was no way I could part with it, at least not right now.

I pulled up to my first stop. I saw him bolt out of the door and shout something over his shoulder. He climbed in and gave me a scowl.

"You're late."

I rolled my eyes.

"By five minutes. Relax."

We started heading towards the school.

"You gotta smoke?"

"In my purse."

He started going through it and pulled out one for me and one for him.

"You know, Keegan, your mom would kill you if she knew you smoked."

"You've never met her, how would you know?"

I looked at him like he was stupid.

"Good thing she won't find out, then."

He smirked, but then his face turned serious.

"Speaking of moms..."

"No, she hasn't come home."

He sighed.

"Still in Oklahoma City?"

"That's where the money's coming from."

I got $50 every week in the mail. The envelopes always said Oklahoma City, but no address.

"How long's it been?"

"Over two months."

He sighed.

"You know, you really should tell Jason. Maybe he could..."

"I ain't telling anybody and neither are you! I don't need the whole gang finding out. They'd freak."

"Cam would be pissed that you told me and not him."

"I didn't tell you. You figured it out."

"Same difference."

We pulled up into the school. As soon as we did, my back door flew open, scaring me half to death.

"Sup, guys?"

"James, don't do that!"

"Sorry."

But he wasn't. Keegan looked at him.

"Where were you? Dad said you left early."

I usually took both of them to school since James was staying with Keegan while his dad was working.

"I had a lady friend bring me."

"Alright, man!"

They high fived, I rolled my eyes.

"I need more girl friends. Guys are idiots."

"Ah, come on, Scar! You love us!"

"Hey, Jason wants us to meet after school at his place."

"For what?"

James shrugged.

"Don't know he told Daniel last night."

"I can't. I have to work at Bonnie's."

"He's gonna be pissed."

I scowled.

"Yeah, well, I'm not rearranging my life for Jason."

"Whatever. I'm just saying."

I wrote the date on my paper, October 21, 1993, but I couldn't concentrate. All day, my head was in the clouds. Finally, the last bell of the day rang.

"Scarlett, can I have a word with you?"

I sighed and walked up to the desk.

"Yes, Mrs. Bridges?"

"Your mom never came to the parent/teacher conference that I scheduled."

I could feel the color leave my face.

"Yeah, um... She works a lot, and she just... She just really can't make it."

She frowned.

"Well, since your grades are good, it's fine. I was just wondering why she didn't come."

"Like I said, she works a lot and when she is home, she's exhausted. She's doing the best she can."

She nods sympathetically.

"I understand. You can go now."

I walked out of the classroom and let out a breath I wasn't aware I'd been holding. I shook it off and went to work.

Bonnie's was a little convenient store near my house. It was easy, and paid decently. I was sitting behind the register reading a book when I heard the little bells.

"Welcome to Bonnie's. What can I help you..."

I cut off when I looked up.

"We need to talk to you."

They both had scowls on their faces. My coworker looked scared.

"I'm working."

"I really don't give a shit."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Should I call the police?"

She was inching her way towards the phone.

"No, Stacy. I'll be right back."

I rounded the counter and walked passed them out the door. They followed me.

"What're you guys doing here?"

"I told everybody to meet at my house today."

"Yeah, and I had to work. Can't help that."

"You couldn't take one day off?"

"No."

We were having a stare down.

"Come by when your shift's over."

I rolled my eyes.

"Aye aye, Captain."

"Don't be a smartass."

"Whatever."

I went back inside and sat down.

"You know them?"

"Yeah... We're friends."

I said it even though I didn't believe it.

"I never pictured you being friends with Jason Shepherd. Or Mikey Randle, for that matter."

"Yeah, well... Lucky me..."