Hello everyone, another update here. The story might be taking a while to get rolling, but I wanted to build it up before jumping into what is inevitably to come. I think this chapter is interesting so I hope you enjoy, Sometimes I'm not sure how well I explain things in my writing. What makes sense to me might not always make sense to readers, so if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or message me and I will do my best to explain things better. Also I didn't realize how long this chapter was until I got to typing it. I thought about cutting it in half and making it two chapters and I would type the other half later, but I decided to keep it together and work through the cramp in my hand haha! So enjoy, they wont all be this long.

I do not own The Outsiders.

Chapter 8

I was sitting outside the school, waiting on Ponyboy. I was supposed to meet him here and we were goin' to walk over to the Tastee Freeze to get somethin' to eat. He brought me his personal narritive but it was awful thick, so I decided to wait and read it when I got home. I was thinking about my own experience that I wrote about, and found myself thinking yet again that its amazing what we live through sometimes. I sighed thinking about how my life has changed since I was young and how often it changed. I thought about the Drive-In and how that one night brought a mess of complications to my life here. Hell I had barely been here a month and already I was public enemy one... Well not really, I supposed at least Ponyboy and Dallas were higher up on the list, but the fact stood that I was in for more trouble. I avoided Beau at all costs, and when I couldn't I pretended like I was invisible. It didn't work, but I figured if I avoided eye contact I could fool myself. Just thinking about that night prompted me to heave an irritated sigh.

"You okay?" Ponyboy asked, a few steps from me.

"Yeah," I told him getting to my feet, "I'm just thinking about things."

"What kind of things?" He asked me, shoving his hands in his pockets, and we both started walking in the direction we were headed.

"Just things like life and how fast everything changes sometimes. Even when I was young things could never just be simple, you know?"

"Not really," Ponyboy said, "I don't really know much about you except what was in your paper. You don't really talk about yourself."

"Well, I'm not really that interesting," I said, "My mom died when I was three. After that I went to live with my dads sister in Oregon. I was almost seven when my dad came back and got me. Since then I've never spent more than a few years anywhere." We were walking down the street, and once we heard someone shout 'greaser!' from a passing car. We weren't far from the west side, but the area had a lot of people and by now I was getting used to the name. I rolled it off my back but somehow I thought it was harder for Pony, even if it was something he had been called his whole life. Maybe thats why.

"So you lived with your aunt?" he asked. "Why?"

"My dad was a wreak, after my mom passed. I can only vaguely remember bits and pieces of everything, but I know I didn't go live with aunt Tina for a while. The one thing I can remember really well, was one night my dad was putting me to bed, and telling me he would be right back. He said he only had to run to the store to get a pack of cigarettes. I remember being scared of the dark, and I tried to stay awake until he got back. I must of fell asleep though, because I woke up the next morning. When I got up, I couldn't find him anywhere. I looked everywhere and when I couldn't find him I got scared. I cried myself to sleep on the couch. The next time I woke up it was dark and my dad was sitting in the arm chair across from me. He was quiet and he just looked at me. It was only a few days after that, I found myself living with my aunt and older cousin.

Ponyboy and I had stopped walking for a moment and he just stood there in silence taking in my story. Finally he turned and we both started down the street. It was silent before he asked, "Why do you and your dad move so much?"

"I don't know really. There are a few reasons I think. First because of my mom. My parents met here in Tulsa, and I guess my mom always dreamed of getting out; living somewhere else. Dad used to tell me of all these places that she used to talk about, and how she would get this dreamy look on her face. It was something she was passionate about. When they were married one of the things he promised her was that he would take her to everyone of those places she dreamed about seeing. It was the kind of promise a naïve young man makes to the love of his life. It tore him up somethin' awful when she died and he never fulfilled that promise." I looked at Ponyboy who looked as if he was deep in thought. He didn't so much as glance my way but I could tell he was thinking about what I said.

"Have you ever been in love?" He asked. He shifted his body and met my eye. He looked thoughtful and maybe a little curious.

"No." I said, "I'm not so sure I believe in it."

"I do." He said firmly.

…...

It was Saturday, and I was sitting on my bed in tears. As I finished reading through the pages a second time I felt a constricting weight pulse in my chest, and a lump in my throat that I couldn't swallow. I flipped to the first page and re-read that first line that had me hooked.

'When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman, and a ride home.'

Yesterday, when Ponyboy gave me this stack of papers I had been surprised.

'I struggled with this for a while. Just read it.' he'd said. Although I hadn't been expecting a novel, I shut myself into my room all afternoon, and didn't stop until I had finished it. It had been on my mind all morning and as soon as I got a moment I went back to my room to read it again. Pony had told me last year he had been failing Mr. Syme's class, and in order to pass he had to come up with a paper that talked about something important to him, something that had an impact. I expected something about his parents, or maybe something to do with his brothers, but not this. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, Pony was open about most things but I had never heard him talk about his experience with Johnny. After reading his paper though it only made sense that this had such a big impact.

The first time reading it, I had laughed and I had cried. I couldn't help smiling at times and worrying at others and hoping that everything would work out in the end. This story made me feel something and brought be down from the clouds. There was emotion in every page and I sat there in awe of the kind of loyalty these boys had for each other. I had never experienced that kind of devotion, and love. I felt like I had seen something great through Pony's eyes, and felt such compassion for people I hardly knew, and that was something different for me. I normally kept to myself and stayed out of trouble and away from the crowd. I wasn't particularly close with anyone, and I was happy that way. But these boys had formed this close knit extended family, and when they weren't looking for trouble, they filled their time looking out for one another. The most notable theme through his story though was change. Ponyboy had been changed by the entire experience, and so had most people involved. That night effected so many people, and forced them to take another look at their lives and the people around them. Before no one ever took the time to see things from someone else's point of view. No one ever stopped to ask why the other was the way he was, and toward the end of the story you could tell the reader wasn't the only one to see these people in a different light.

My emotions were so strong, I felt restless and I had to see Ponyboy. Racing downstairs, I ignored the bewildered stare from my father, and the curses Mr. Louis was shouting at me when I threw the door open almost hitting him, and causing him to drop a bundle of roofing.

I had calmed down some on the way into town, and I realized I had no idea where to find that boy. I sure didn't know where he lived. I was starting to think this was a bad idea when I saw a DX and remembered that Pony's brother Sodapop worked there. Pulling in and getting out of my truck I was met with a boy around my age. He was a greaser and had his hair combed into complicated swirls, and I recognized him as Steve.

"Hey," I said, "I'm looking for Sodapop Curtis?"

It was silent for a moment, as I waited for him to answer me. He was grinning and giving me a once over, "Soda's, got the day off, and you wouldn't be the first to come here lookin' for him. There any particular reason you're try'n to find him?" He asked eyeing me suggestively.

I felt myself go red, "I-It's not like that." I stammered.

Steve rolled his eye halfheartedly, "Sure its not." He said in a bored tone, whiping his hands on a greasy rag.

"No really," I insisted, "I'm actually lookin' for Ponyboy... about a paper of his. I just don't know where to find him. I figured his brother would."

Just as I finished talking, I felt a clap on my back that nearly had me flying forward. I knew without turning around it was Two-Bit.

"Well Hullo there Carolina. Can't seem to get enough of us can you?"He asked jokingly.

"Of course not Two-Bit," I said smartly, "but I'm looking for Ponyboy. I need to talk to him."

Two-Bit reached into his jeans jacket, and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and gestured to me if I wanted one. I shook my head no, and he popped one into his mouth.

"Well," he started talking around the weed, " I suppose he's still at home. When I was leavin' they were talking about heading over to Jay's tonight."

At the mention of Dallas I stopped. Yeah I desperately wanted to talk to Pony, but I wasn't sure I wanted another encounter with Dallas Winston. I had just gotten a good look at him through Pony's eyes, and he was every bit the despicable character he comes across as. But there was more, a lot more that I didn't want to give him credit for. If I did I would have to admit my admiration and respect. As it stands now... No way on god's green earth am I going to admit anything but contempt for that self-centered, egotistical, tow-headed jerk with pretty blue eyes! The thought made me want to scream, because as much as I wanted to deny it, there was just something about Dallas that made you want to fear him and respect him at the same time.

"… I could take you over there."

Two-Bit had been talking and I had spaced everything he had just said.

"I'm sorry?" I said breaking from my dazed thoughts.

"Glory this girls as dreamy as Ponyboy." Two-Bit said to no one in particular. "What I was sayin' was Steve here is almost done and I told him I'd drop him home. After that I can swing you by the Curtis'…. You know, it's a wonder you and Pony get along so well with the both of you floatin' off into space all the time.

It was my turn to roll my eyes, and I managed a half smile. "That's okay Two-Bit," I said ignoring his second comment. "I have the truck parked over there. Where did you say they were going tonight. Maybe I'll swing by and find him myself."

"Talked about going to Jay's." He said finally lighting his cigarette. I had heard of Jays, it was a greaser hangout, but I hear not as rough as the Dingo. Two-Bit gave me the street and brief directions how to get there. Just as we finished our conversation Steve, who had gone back to work came strolling up, ready to go.

Pulling out of the DX I decided to go to the library for a few hours, to blow some time. I picked up a few books that had been on my reading list but nothing held my attention. By the time I had given up on reading Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle', it had gotten dark, and the library was closing. Glancing at the clock on the way out, I determined that it was later than I thought. I wondered to myself if I should be out and about looking for Pony. After all if he was out with his friends the last thing he probably wanted was to see me and talk about his painful past. Heck I didn't know what I was doing anymore, but I had already told Two-Bit I'd be there, and I still felt like I needed to see Pony. At least to tell him I appreciated him letting me read it, and to let him know how much his words touched me, because they did.

I hopped out of the truck and made my way to the door. The place was packed, and smelled of cigarette smoke. There were people laughing and shouting, and music bounced from wall to wall. I scanned the crowd for a familiar head of reddish- gold hair, and felt myself stiffen when an arm snaked itself around my waist.

Holy heck! I spun around so fast it made my head spin.

"Whoa there girly, I'd like to keep my nose the way it is." Two-Bit cracked putting his hands up in mock surrender.

I gave him an evil look, which made him smile wider. "You ever find Pony?" he asked picking up a half empty bottle of beer from a nearby counter. I half heartedly hoped that was his drink but managed a rueful smile in spite of myself.

"Nope," I told him, "but I just got here, if he's around I'm sure I'll run into him eventually." I glanced around the room but focused my attention on Two-Bit when I didn't find what I was looking for.

"Well, you want a drink?" He asked me, taking a swig from his bottle.

"Umm... Why not?" I said shrugging. "Only I'd prefer one, that hasn't already been half drank by god knows who."

Two-Bit cracked a cheesy grin, "Well I never!" He said in a mock superior voice. "Just what do you take me for?."

Grinning cheekily, he pulled me over to the counter and seconds later I had a newly opened beer in one hand. I downed it okay, and we stood there talking and laughing with each other. When I finished Two-Bit handed me another without saying anything. Very rarely did I go to parties and it wasn't very often that I drank, but I did it every now and then. Some buddies of Two-Bit had walked over, and were chatting him up, and I stood there quietly sipping my drink till it was finished. I wasn't really listening to the conversation going on around me and every now and then I would glance around scanning the crowd for my reason for being here.

Suddenly a boy around my age, maybe a little older came up and tapped me on the shoulder. He was tall and kinda lanky, but he was smiling and offered me one of the cans in his hand. He had light brown hair greased back and dark hair. We stood there close to Two-Bit and his friends while we talked. I found out his name was Rodney and he was from a suburb near here called Brumly and was visiting a friend for the night. He asked me what I liked to do, and I didn't think he was impressed when I told him I liked to read and write. I expected that though, most people didn't dig the same things I did. A couple of times I caught him looking me over, and I knew what he was about, but I figured I didn't come with him, and I sure wasn't leaving with him. For now everything was innocent enough, and because I knew what he was doing made it less threatening in my mind.

A few drinks later we had finished our small talk and he was pulling me toward the music for a dance. It wasn't long till we were hot and sweaty, but we were both laughing making our way through the crowd being jostled this way and that. Only twice did his hands wander where they shouldn't have been. By the end of our dance I was a little lightheaded and unsteady on my feet. When we made our way back to the counter I found myself with yet another drink in my hand. This time though, the side of the bottle read Coke, but when I took a drink there was more than just Coke in that thing. In the midst of our conversation I must have lost track of how much I had been sipping because it was nearly gone when I heard a voice from behind me.

I turned to find Ponyboy, eyeing Rodney with a suspicious look. He glanced at what was in my hand and I think he knew there wasn't just soda in there, but he didn't say anything.

"Hi'ya Ponyboy!" I said with a large smile, " I was looking for you." I felt a tug on my arm and noticed Rodney doing his best to lead me back toward the music. I frowned at being interrupted, but it seemed like before I realized what he was doing I was already surrounded by people and music. I danced for a few minutes but Rodney seemed to get braver with his hands the more he drank, and after one too many squeezes to the butt, I'd decided I was done dancing for the night. I rolled my eyes and stubled my way through the crowd.

Rather quickly found Pony talking to Two-Bit. ".. looked okay to me. She's havin' fun." Two-Bit said waving Pony off, and swinging his other arm around the blond next to him.

Ponyboy opened his mouth to say something but closed it when he saw me making my way towards them. It made me wonder briefly what they were talking about, but I quickly decided it didn't concern me. What I failed to notice though was a sharp glare from a pair of piercing blue eyes.

"Playin' greaser today doll?"

I frowned, I really hated that name... Doll. I failed to see how me, or any girl for that matter even remotely resembled a doll. I glanced up to see Dallas giving me a sickened smirk, but I was confused, "Playing greaser?" I asked.

"You tellin' me you normally come to places like this, dressed like that, hanging 'round greasers from Brumly?" He asked snidely, gesturing behind me. I turned to find Rodney directly behind me. I hadn't realized he had followed me and I wondered why I failed to notice. The thought had me a little unnerved.

"I came to find Ponyboy." I said slowly tugging at my white T-shirt. It was a little snug, but only just now did I realize how snug. I was also wearing a pair of jeans ripped at the knees. Even boys didn't wear ripped jeans in public, and most decent girls around here didn't wear jeans in public at all, though some did, it was rare in Tulsa. Mostly something you'd see from girls in the East side of town.

Today dad had gotten me up early to help move some stuff out of the barn, and I threw on some old clothes. Later I had been so caught up reading Pony's paper that I had forgotten what I had on. "I was helping in the barn today." I said lamely, "I hadn't planned on coming here."

"Then why did you grease?" he asked mocking me.

"Dally..." Pony started, glancing at the look on my face.

"Shut it kid," he snapped at Ponyboy, "I'm getting sick of your mouth. The broad thinks she can handle herself. Let her."

"You know," I started, "No one ever called me grease before I came here. Dose it make you feel big and tough calling me that? To look down on me like you know better than I do? Is that why those kids on the West side do it? Because it makes them feel big and tough too. Like their better than the rest? Well I think that's crap. You all talk down to each other because its easy, than trying to understand. I think your all just scared."

"Doll Face.." he started, "I aint' scared of nothin." He said stepping closer, he was nearly on top of me and I stepped back to put some distance between us. I wanted to say something, but I brain wasn't working very fast and I stumbled a bit.

All of a sudden Rodney, pulled on my arm, "Hey, Why don't we get out of here." He suggested.

"No." I told him, I'm fine here." Rodney frowned, and looked as if he wanted to protest but we both caught Ponyboy's eye and he was sending Rondey a mean glare.

That kid sure can look mean when he wants to.

Pony came and pulled me away from the Brumly greaser and quietly asked me, "How much have you had to drink?"

"I don't know, a few beers? Oh, and whatever this was." I said holding up my coke bottle.

"A coke?" He asked me raising an eyebrow.

"Wasn't no Coke I ever had," I giggled ruefully.

Dallas snatched the bottle from my hand and took a swig of what was left.

"Coke and Whiskey." He stated downing the rest.

Ponyboy was giving me an uneasy look and I sighed. "I'm not drunk." I insisted, "I'm not sober, but I'm not drunk." As I finished my sentence our little group was joined by Sodapop and Steve. Steve had his arm around a girl I assumed was his girlfriend, and he and Soda were talking back and forth. Both looked as if they were drunk, but I knew Soda didn't drink.

"Hey Pony," he called over the music. "Its almost midnight, Darry's gonna be ticked if you come home late again. Me and Steve are heading out." He smiled and waved as the three made their way to the door.

"Did he say midnight?" I asked no one in particular. I felt myself start to sway back and forth and struggled to steady myself.

Pony looked at me worriedly, "you need a place to lay over for the night?" He asked.

"No," I said shaking my head. "Your not the only one who's going to be in for it if you don't come home tonight." I told him humoredly.

Pony just nodded with that tortured grim look on his face. "I'm gonna see if I can find where Two-Bit went to. Stay here."

Rodney, who was still hadn't left, was inching his way closer and I found myself moving farther and farther to my left. Our game of cat and mouse came to an end as I bumped into a hard figure. I looked up only to be met with icy blue eyes that were shadowed by blond wisps of hair. His hard gaze bore into my eyes and I caught my breath. Seconds passed and I had to remind myself how to breath and I found myself swaying back and forth on my feet. I was surprised when a calloused had reached out to steady me and I realized belatedly that the hand belonged to Dallas. He was so hard looking and his fierce gaze made me shiver, despite how hot the room was. He licked his lips and my eyes followed the movement. I felt my cheeks heat up and I glanced wide eyed to see if he noticed. I couldn't tell, and Dally shifted his heated glare behind me sending Rodney a look that made even me want to run in fear. Rodney finally taking the hint scurried off in search of new action.

Dally's hand let go of my arm, and I dizzily stepped back. In my recovery I had missed Pony's return, and part of what was said.

A loud "Hell NO!" rang through the air and I was officially brought back from my stupor.

"Hell no!" Dallas said again, "forget it. I aint' playin taxi for some broad who cant hold her liquor! Especially one I cant stand."

I was confused and felt out of place in the conversation.

"Look, I cant find Two-Bit, and she's gotta get home somehow. Be a buddy." Ponyboy pleaded.

"In case you forgot horse boy, I'm never nice. I already told you. I aint' doin' it." He said with finality, shooting me a cold glare.

I shook my head to clear my vision. "While you guys figure whatever it is your arguing about, I should be getting home." I turned and started for the door before a thought struck me. Whirling around on my heel, I crashed face first into a lean chest, only to fall back into a perfect stranger. I blushed and mumbled an apology as I the stranger cursed at me.

"It was an accident." Pony said sharply, and the guy shut up. Dallas was irritated as he strolled up to our group.

"I should go." I said quietly avoiding eye contact. Pony opened his mouth, but I continued before he got the chance to say anything. "Before I go though, I wanted to say thank you. For letting me read your paper. I've never read something that's made me feel so much emotion." I closed my eyes for a moment and smiled softly. "You've got an amazing way of telling a story. I read it and couldn't put it down..." I paused as someone brushed by me, splashing their drink on me.

"After I gave you that paper.. I thought you were gonna come back and tell me how sorry you were for everything that happened. It bugs me you know? People telling me how sorry they are for everything that happened. Like they could have done something to stop it. Like it makes it better." His voice was trailing off and I was straining to hear.

"Apologize?..." I asked dazedly. I closed my eyes again and hummed in thought. "No." I said firmly, "You were brave... You all were, for different reasons." I said opening my eyes. "That kind of bravery doesn't deserve pity." At those last words I caught Dallas' eye over Pony's shoulder and I knew he was listening. His gaze was steady and he was so serious.

I cracked a soft smile, "Anyway, that's why I came here tonight." I said looking back at Ponyboy. "I felt like I just had to tell you." I smiled and took a step back, "You guys have a good night." I told them starting for the door.

It wasn't till I had gotten to my truck and had the door open, that I realized someone had followed me out. I was tossed into my tuck and I felt someone climb into the cab behind me.

"Ponyboy, if you don't hurry up. Get your ass in the truck before I change my mind." Dallas hollered as he snatched the keys from my hand.

The next thing I knew I was squished between a no good ticking time bomb and a fifteen year old future track star with a dark past.

Well tell me what you think. These next few chapters should really set the story in motion and I am really excited for the next chapter... Please Review and tell me what you think should happen. I have some of the next chapter already written but I am having trouble getting from point A to point B of where I want the story to go. IDK if that makes sense, but anyway, till next time!