I do not own The Outsiders

(Dolly's POV)

I woke up to the sounds of two of my favorite people of the world. I warily looked up from my bed to meet the look of my brothers Soda and Darry. They smiled at me, Darry held out a medium sized box while Soda a small chocolate cake with 17 candles. I stretched out my arms to sit up. This was so sweet of em!

"C'mon Dolly babe, blow these candles out!" Soda said putting the cake closer to my face.

Darry held up a finger, "Not before making a wish."

I thought for a moment then slowly blew out the candles. Each one of them died down at my breath. Darry held out the medium sized box again at me.

"Happy birthday kiddo. "

My hands carefully torn open the wrapping paper, the small lid went off and inside revealed a black t-shirt with the Ramones logo on it. I squealed getting up hugging both of my babies.

"Thank you thank you thank you!"

"For your special day honey, now let's get going and slice up this baby." Soda said getting out. Darry winked at me going behind Soda.

I decided to take a quick shower, washing my brownish hair that was down to my breasts really is tiring. After the shower I looked at myself on the mirror, it made me focus on what's going on in the moment. It's weird to do but It's a habit of my Ramones shirt, I put on some ripped up pants with red converse and met up with my brothers at the kitchen table.

"Jeez Louise, sure took you long enough." Soda said already digging in a slice.

I rolled my eyes taking out milk, "Shut up."

The door opened up, it was Two-Bit and Steve. Both walked up to where were, Tow-Bit was grinning at me and suddenly hugged me.

"Happy birthday Doll face! 17 huh? Getting old aren't ya?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Not as old as you gramps."

Everybody laughed, "Got a little of me inside you there huh? Here ya go, it's from Stevo-o and I!"

Steve reached inside his pocket, in his hands there was a silver bracelet that had a small dolphin. I could only stare at it in awe, it was so beautiful.

"Thanks you guys, I love it." I hugged em both.

Darry and Soda got up grabbing things they needed for work. I remembered I wanted to ask permission for something.

"Um Dar before you leave can I as-uh-something?"

He turned around almost outside the door, "Yeah?"

I squirmed looking down, asking for permissions is a real pain with Darry. I know brothers are very over protective with their sisters bit I really wanna hang out today. Soda pushed him slightly to get out with Steve.

"I um, can I go out today? I mean c'mon It's my birthday..."

I noticed Darry's mouth clench, he rubbed his chin for a few moments. I could only stare down at my red old converse. I really didn't like feminine shoes ya know. It's quiet unconformable . Girls at my school saw me as a tomb boy and ya know, I was. I hated being really feminine.

"Who with? Where?"

I rolled my eyes, "With Angela, we just wanna celebrate my birthday, no biggie. Maybe go out for ice cream and the drive in movies c'mon, " I pleaded.

"I don't know..."

Two-Bit joined the conversation, "Don't worry Darry, I'm going out with Kathy today might as well keep an eye out for this little booger."

He played with my hair, I simply folded my arms. Baby sittered from a distance. Greaaat. I didn't argue after that, I was only thankful that I could at least go out. Darry warned me to get back by eight since that was my curfew, sometimes I hate being a girl. After everybody had left Two-Bit and I were left alone in the living room trying to fins something entertaining.

It might sound weird only a girl and a guy being alone together but he's like family, all of them I could be alone with knowing they wouldn't harm me. I'm everybody's little sister which is nice since they all took care of me but in a way very irritating since they all could get over protected. I sighed getting bored leaving to my room to fetch a book. It was only 10 in the morning, before I left I would clean up the house, laundry, mopping and dinner. Angie would come by over to pick me up.

It was now three in the afternoon, everything was pretty much done. Two-Bit had left me, he had to make some errands for her mom. I made dinner even though it was my birthday, I didn't mind much since I cooked my favorite meal, smashed potatos with chicken. Suddenly Johnny showed up at my house. He smiled at me giving me something in my hands saying, "Happy birthday."

It was a paper folded in half, when I opened to see, it was a drawing of me. My face, my eyes my lips so well drawn.

"Oh my Johnny...This is-is incredible! Golly thanks!" I hugged him making him blush. Then came by Dally who was smoking a cancer stick.

"Whoa whoa whoa! What's going on here?" He said raising an eyebrow.

I let go of Johnny quickly making myself blush knowing what he meant, "It's nothing like that Dally!"

Johnny smiled blushing also, "Cool it Dal, it's her birthday remember?"

Dally put the cancer stick away slapping his forehead, "Of course! Sorry Dollface, didn't mean to forget. Happy birthday."

He gave me a quick hug, suddenly there was a knock on the door. Angie...

I opened the door excitedly, there she was. Angela Shepard, in my opinion she was very beautiful. Long dark curly hair, big brown eyes, her lips. Oh the lips were absolutely the best part of her face. She was wearing a black shirt with tight jeans. Her arms were around me giving me a very tight hug in which I returned.

"Happy birthday Doll. 17 years huh? Time flies fast."

We became friends in elementary school, her brothers knew my gang, at first I thought she would try to punch me or something. When I heard of the Shepard gang, it was just that they really were tough. Got to extremes if any of their own got hurt. But getting to know her better she wasn't what I thought she would be. Until this day we are best friends. Between Angie and me, she's the aggressive one and I'm the calm one. We make a very great duo.

At first my gang were not sure of my friendship with her but in the end they saw she wasn't really trouble, only her brother Curly...

"Dallas...Johnny , hi." Angie waved at them.

"Hey Angie," Both said to her.

"Well I gotta go guys, if ya see Two-Bit tell him we'll be out for ice cream!"

"And the movies around 5." Angie said grabbing my arm to leave.

"The movies?" I asked, she winked at me.

"It's on me Dolly."

We both left for some ice cream first. On our way there, this fine blue mustang was riding beside us. These guy Socs think they can easily pick us greaser girls up with their money and shit. They're wrong, we're not all the same. Every time some Soc guy tries to get out number or something, Angie goes berserk. She hates the dis-respectfulness. So do I but I don't really care unless I feel like I'm being harassed by them. Angie kept yapping about how her date went with this guy names Derek she met at one of her brother's parties. My ears were paying attention to whatever she was saying but my eyes kept turning to the road seeing as how the blue mustang was driving at our pace. Then this guy's head stuck out whistling in a very annoying way.

"Why ...don't we got some pretty greaser girls here?"

Angie narrowed her eyes at them, "You're not on Soc turf so I reckon you beat it out of here."

I simply looked down, one of them grinned, "Hey you pretty little lady? I also like the Ramones. Get in my ride, we'll listen to them."

I could feel my cheeks go red, "Beat it Socs."

Another Soc in the car howled in laughter while the other one who was trying to talk to grab my attention sneered at me, "Little brat trying to be tough huh? I like that in a bitch."

I felt Angie stiffen at my side knowing she was about to explode so I held her arm.

"I said beat it." I said a bit braver. Then the mustang stopped, one of them got out of the car.

"Make me..."

Then out of nowhere a bottle was thrown at them, the Soc was quick enough to duck and barely miss it.

"What the fuck?!" He yelled getting inside.

"You leave her alone you sonofabitch." Two-Bit...

The blue mustang drove off, I felt myself relax. Angie turned to me, "You all right Dolly?"

I nodded, "Yeah, thanks to Two-Bit."

He walked up to us still looking if they actually went away. "See Dollface, this is why we don't want you hanging around by your lonesome."

"She ain't by herself!"Angie exclaimed folding her arms. I just chuckled.

"What I mean is, girls being by themselves is pretty dangerous. What If I haven't been around to help?"

I really didn't want to think about that, "Let's just go, I want my ice cream. Two-Bit, we'll be at the movies around 5. We'll see you then."

He let out an exasperated sigh, "Geez a thank you woulda been nice. uuf women..." He left laughing.

"Sure is loony huh?"I asked Angie. She grinned.

"Sure is."

We both got ice cream, my favorite was chocolate, Angie's was vanilla. We chatted about how out day was going, how summer vacation was going well. What's going on with her brothers and with mine. Her guy Derek, the girls in our school, guys.

"You still have that crush on Steve?" She asked finishing her ice cream.

I felt my face go hot again, this time my cheeks actually hurt, "No!"

Not a long time ago did I have certain feelings for Steve. Nobody knew except Johnny and of course Angie, he always said it might be a bad idea since he was my brother's best friend, he said that Steve would turn me down if I ever say anything to him. Even if he did accept me, it would cause chaos in the gang. In the en Johnny would support me saying that love was love.

But even so, we didn't talk much, there would always be an awkward silence between us. Sometimes I thought he actually hated me, seeing the way he sometimes made scowls when Soda stayed home just to take care of me when Steve wanted to go out. That made my feelings towards him disappear...I think...

"Oh c'mon, you're telling me that when you see him you're heart doesn't flutter or something like that? I know you still like him or you wouldn't be turning red like a tomato!"

I sighed, UUSH maybe just maybe did I feel something...just a little. Apparently my silence told the answer.

Angie grinned, "I knew it."

"Hey broads, how you doin?" We both turned to the person who talked to us. Curly...

"Curly, what are you doing out here?"

He raised an eyebrow staring at me, "Well I came here with a hot date, since she still ain't here yet, decided to come by and wish this little lady a happy birthday."

I bit the inside of my cheek, so many hugs today...The hug lasted seconds since I kinda pushed him away.

I knew Curly liked me, that's why he exasperated on the word HOT date...Some time ago he said to me he wanted me as his girl. Curly wasn't ugly, I mean look at Angie. But he just wasn't my type, and anyway..I had a crush on Steve...Curly didn't take this too nicely so he began to kind of stalk me. I told Angie if she could please talk to him, as my almost sister friend, Angie tried to make him stop by talking to him but he wouldn't. It was getting on my nerves. I saw him after school waiting for me, then outside my house. Angie suggested me telling my brothers about the situation, she wouldn't be mad as long as I was safe. She knew Curly could do something bad since he was so pigheaded.

After telling my brothers they went furious. I wanted to see Steve's reaction if he got jealous or something, to my disappointment nothing came out of him.

Darry and Soda talked privately with Tim warning him that if Curly didn't stay put, they'd beat the living daylights out of him. After that talk Curly didn't show up again, unfortunately for me, I was getting the double of protection. But that was some time ago, I think Curly don't like me no more.

He looked around, spotting someone, he left us alone. Angie shrugged not really caring what he did. She told me that she loved more Tim than Curly since her big brother could be more caring than the little one.

Afterwards we went to the movies which wasn't really far away, Two-Bit was already with her girl Kathy whom I thought was really sweet.

"Hey Dolly, happy birthday." Kathy said smiling softly at me.

I smiled back at her, "Thank you Kathy."

We all walked inside, since Angie really didn't have a gift for me, all day today she paid for everything. It was kind of embarrassing but really nice of her. We watched some kind of corny romantic movie, at least it was entertaining. When the movie was over, it was time for me to get home.

"You want us to get you home?" I asked Angie.

She shook her head, "Nah don't worry, Tim's gonna pick me up. You guys go right ahead, I know how Darry gets if Dolly here is late."

Two-Bit nodded, Kathy was picked up by her parents, they weren't too calm to let her get walked home at this time of night so that left me and Two-Bit walk home alone. I was getting cold, geez louise Dolly, can't ever use your head! Forgot my goddamned sweater!

I started rubbing my arms for warmth, Two-Bit saw this, grabbed his coat and put it around me.

"Don't want your brothers getting all worked up on me if ya get sick Dollface." He winked at me. Gosh I love these guys.

When we arrived, I was welcomed with a very nice surprise! Actually, when we walked inside I was greeted with people yelling 'Surprise!' There was everybody, Darry, Sodadpop, Dallas, Johnny and Steve...

"Aaaawe gee thanks guys! I really didn't expect this..."

Dally grinned walking up to me, "Ya really thought I wouldn't give you your present?"

He handed me a something small, it felt cold against my hand. I saw a small blade, it was black and red, there was a small red heart in the middle. It looked very pretty.

Darry pressed his lips in a straight line, "Is that a blade?"

Dally shrugged, "She ain't a kid no more Dar. I figure since she's almost all grown up, there's more danger. No harm in having something of a weapon to defend herself."

I saw Sodadpop cringe, "Well you're right but..."

I put in my pocket, "Don't worry guys I think he's right. Anyway I barely go out so I don't think I'll have to use it. Chill you guys."

Johnny smiled at me, I think he was just as happy as I was. These kinds of small parties really brought us more together. Since Johnny's family was fucked up I'm guessing this was awfully nice.

We went to the table to slice up another much bigger chocolate cake, there were 2 gallons of milk, balloons, napkins everywhere! After hours of partying, the gangs simply started chatting. All of this really was a happy surprise but not I wanted some time alone. I grabbed a cancer stick from the coffee table, it was probably Dally's.

I wasn't allowed to smoke a lot since it wasn't lady like but pff, sometimes it was necessary. It was maybe around 11 p.m. The air was cool, everything outside seemed very dark. The only sound was the chatting and grunts coming from inside. Looking up at the sky I saw the stars, each one unique and twinkling. My mind wandered off not really paying attention to my surroundings. Closing my eyes, the face of my parents came up. I could easily imagine them smiling at me wishing me a happy birthday, hugging me...I could feel my eyes beginning to water.

"Gosh darn it, I miss you mom and dad."

"They miss you too."

I jumped at the comment, I didn't know somebody else was here. Golly can I space out.

"Steve." I said feeling that awkwardness coming up.

He took the cancer stick that was in my hand, "Give it here kid."

I scowled at him, "What gives you the right?"

He grinned, "Your brother told me to take care of you in any way, this is my way." He smoked on what was left of my smoke.

I folded my arms angrily, "You know, you can be a real asshole."

He stiffened, "Don't get too mouthy with me little brat."

My mouth went wide open, little brat. me?!

"You know what? Fuck you." I angrily pushed him aside to get inside. He grabbed my arm but I easily got away.

"Where have you been Dollface? You missing on all the fun!" Two-Bit exclaimed as he was wrestling with Dallas.

I yawned, "I'm just tired guys..."

Darry was washing dishes then went into the living room joining us, "All righty, let's all get to bed. Let's call it a night, Sodadpop leave Two-Bit. Dolly you get yourself cleaned up for bed."

Everybody left except for Johnny, he asked if he could stay since his parents wouldn't want him home by now seeing that it was very late.

"You know you don't have to ask little buddy," Dar said getting out a blanket for him.

I said my goodnights to everybody, Soda came by my room to check up on me. I still had some nightmares and since Soda and I couldn't really share a bed (it would be way to weird ya know..) Soda would always make sure I was ok before falling asleep.

"Sleep well baby." He kissed my forehead.

"Thanks...For everything."

Before falling asleep the last thing I remember saying was...Stupid Steve...