Well here ya go, here's the next chapter. I think you should know that in five months exactly I will be the big 2-1 yea me! Now on to the story.

I don't own the outsiders.
I do own Mel, Jason, Tessa, the Apaches, Tasha, and Wolf.
I don't own Carina; she belongs to the talented dorkyduck.
I don't own Sam; she belongs to the wonderful Kyori Uchiha of the Sand.
I don't own Alexa; she belongs to the amazing Outsidersfan5790

I was pushed up against a concrete wall with a guy breathing down my neck. The Apaches were nowhere in sight so I was pretty scared even though I was in the heart of BH territory.

"You're so pretty. Are you saving yourself for some middle classer? One who I bet won't even deserve you."

"You're deep in the heart of BH turf, you better be careful."

"Oh dear I'm real worried," he said in a sarcastic voice which switched to inquisitive as he finished his statement. "Why's a mighty gang like the BH gonna care what happens to a slut like you?" Then he kissed down my throat and then sucked for a bit on my collar bone.

"You're not concerned about what the BH will do to a guy attacking an innocent girl on their turf?" I asked.

"Innocent my ass, I heard you've already slept with Curly Shepard."

Although Curly and I had messed around a bit when we were dating a few months ago I had never done what this guy had suggested.

"Then you do know who I am?"

"Yes."

"Well you're wrong about one thing."

"Oh yeah and what's that?"

"I never slept with Curly."

"Don't care," he said kissing my lips hard and copping a feel of my butt.

I protested heavily but he was just too big for me to push away on my own. Then somehow he was dragged away and I was free. For some unknown reason I didn't move though.

"Mel, are you alright?" Tiger Stripe asked.

"I think so." I said rubbing my throat.

"You're trying to screw around with my 12 year old sister?" A deep voice said.

I looked up to see Jason standing between me and the guy.

"Jason, let it go. He won't bother me again."

"I'm not going to let it go. You're 12 for Pete's sake and I don't want jerks to be messing with you until you've learned to properly defend yourself." He snapped at me slipping into Cobra mode.

"Cobra what do you want us to do with her?" Tommy asked.

"Take her home."

"Cobra has a baby sister?" The guy fought out.

"Yes I do."

I don't know exactly what happened next, if the guy said something else or if something in Jason snapped, but all I remember is Jason slamming the guy into a wall then pummeling that guy.

"Come on babe, you need to leave." Tommy tried coaxing gently.

"No, I'm old enough to get attacked like this then I'm old enough to know what happens to the guy and watch this happen. I need to Tommy."

"Fine but you're taking the heat when Cobra turns around and you're still here."

"Shut up Tonto."

Tommy bit his lower lip and stepped away, but I could still feel a hand on my shoulder. When I looked up I saw Tiger Stripe standing there. He gave me a half smile before turning his attention back to the fight. Eventually Jason pulled away. I looked at the guy, saw him half conscious, and pretty beat up. Jason turned around to walk away but I guess out of the corner of his eye he saw me because he slowly turned to face the five of us Apaches.

"What did I just tell you Tonto?"

"I told him to let me stay." I answered before Tommy got the chance to.

"I was not talking to you." Jason snapped.

"I don't care; I'm telling you why he didn't take me home like you asked."

"You four are starting to forget that you are Black Hawks first and Apaches second therefore my authority trumps your leaders, especially in cases where it involves what is best for my sister."

"Cobra we don't want to disobey you it's just that sometimes..." Tiger started.

"Sometimes what Tiger?"

"Sometimes we think you may be sheltering her too much." Tommy finished.

"She's 12."

"And it's about time she starts learning the street isn't as nice as she thinks it is." Tommy answered.

"Don't tell me how to raise my sister." Jason said through gritted teeth.

Tommy went to say something but Jason punched him hard in the jaw. Jason looked at the rest of the Apaches but they all held their hands up in a surrendering motion. Jason nodded and gripped my wrist dragging me out of me out of the alleyway. Before we crossed the street, I saw Tim Shepard standing there looking a bit shocked. When we reached Shepard's side of the street he looked up at Jason and slowly backed into an alley. After that Jason drug me home where he basically laid it out that I was not to stick around to watch anymore fights no matter if he was there or not.

Looking back on that day now, almost five years later, I realized that Shepard was now either scared of Jason because of what he did to that guy or what he did to Tommy. Well he's either scared or he highly respects Jason. Maybe that was the reason Tim backed off whenever Jason confronted him. I know normally Tim gets all man to man when confronted, I mean look at him and Dally, but whenever Jason challenges Tim, Tim stands down. I've never really understood the cause but I did know that he never challenged Jason.

I thought about all of this when I was walking home from school today. "Hey Mel." I looked up and saw Tessa standing there.

"Oh hey Tessa." I answered stopping in front of her. "Wandering the town alone?"

"Yeah, dangerous habit I know, but sometimes I just can't help it."

"Seen Pony lately?"

"Nope. Well not since the rodeo."

"That was two weeks ago."

"I know."

"Oh happy birthday."

"How'd you know it was today?"

"You said at the rodeo you'd be 14 in two weeks and it's been two weeks."

"Thank you." She answered shyly.

I nodded. "Do you want to see Ponyboy?" She shrugged.

"Well come on then." I took her hand and we walked to the Curtis house. "Anyone home?" I called walking inside and motioning for Tessa to follow.

"In the kitchen." Darry called out.

"What are you doing here?" I asked walking into the kitchen.

"I live here?" He suggested.

"No, I meant why aren't you at work?"

"Heat advisory. Boss won't let anyone work."

"Oh...Darry this is Tessa, Tessa this is Pony's older brother Darry."

"Do you have a last name Tessa?" Darry asked.

"It's Austin," she answered.

"Well it's nice to meet you."

"Anyone else home?"

"Nope, I believe Steve and Soda are still at work."

"Where's Ponyboy?"

"Library."

"Dally?"

"Took Johnny to some pool hall I believe."

"Two-Bit?"

"Don't really know."

"Thanks bye Darry." I said walking back into the living room.

"Bye Mel."

"Nice to meet you Darry." Tessa said following me.

I dropped my backpack by the door as Darry answered. "Nice to meet you too." Tessa and I walked down to the public library talking about anything and everything.

When we stepped inside we immediately saw Ponyboy sitting at a table covered in books.

"I don't know if I can do this Mel."

"Sure you can, just walk over there and say 'hi remember me?' He'll answer yes and then you two can talk about a book I've never read or one that happens to be sitting on the table and the conversation will go from there.

"But are you sure he'll remember me?"

"Of course I am. He never forgets a girl with a pretty face." Tessa blushed and I partially pushed her to Pony's table. "Hey Ponyboy."

"Hi Mel, hey Tessa," he answered looking up. I smirked and Tessa rolled her brown eyes. "Have a seat."

"So Ponyboy do you know what today is?"

"July fifth?"

"Yeah but it's also..."

"You and Steve's anniversary?"

"Nope that's Monday and it's only Friday.

"Then I don't know."

"Tessa's birthday."

"Really? Well then happy birthday Tessa."

"Thanks." She blushed. The conversation flowed between them and I got bored.

"I'm gonna go now."

"Alright bye." They both said briefly before returning to their topic of conversation. I shrugged and walked out of the library.

My original intent was to head to the DX where I knew Steve was working but I passed Two-Bit who was looking thoughtful. I turned around and caught up to him.

"Hey Two-Bit." I said touching his arm. He jerked around and looked at me with his hand inching towards his switchblade.

"Oh hey Lis." He answered dropping his hand back to his side. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah sure. You okay?"

"Absolutely." I walked around behind him and jumped on his back.

"Hey Two-Bit, you were looking really thoughtful about something anything bothering you?" I asked situating myself on his back and resting my chin on his shoulder.

He wrapped his hands around my thighs before answering. "No."

"Bits, I'm psychic I know things."

"How am I supposed to get a girl to come home with me if you're on my back?"

"You have a girl; she won't be bothered by me."

"Alright." He said now heading back in the direction he had been going away from the DX and either towards the Dingo, Jays, the Ribbon, or Kyle's. Kyle's was basically a fast food joint with tables inside and a malt shop off to the side. It was also right next to The Pool. Clever name for a pool hall don't ya think.

"Bits tell me what's been bothering you." I demanded.

"Steve," he finally answered hesitantly.

"How so?" I asked.

"If he proposed would you say yes?"

"Sure."

"Would you really?"

"In six years of course."

"I meant on Monday."

"No, I've always thought how cool it would be to get married to Steve but now that he's actually mentioned that he wants too I get a little scared by it. I know he's told me he's gonna wait until I'm ready but now that I know he's been thinking about it I'm scared he'll do a little more than thinking and he'll put it into motion before I'm really ready."

"I don't think he will just don't hurt him if he mentions it alright?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

"Nothing, just don't alright?"

"Sure." Two-Bit walked in silence for a bit and my mind went into overdrive trying to come up with a reason behind Two-Bit's suggestion. Eventually he stopped walking, a door was pulled open, and cold air hit my face. I looked up and saw Tim Shepard shooting pool with Dally as Johnny, Sam, Tasha, and Carina watched. "Bits I'm thirsty." I complained.

"And I'm hot."

"I'm glad you can accept that fact about yourself." Two-Bit laughed and carried me to the counter setting me down on a stool.

I let go of him reluctantly and he fished around in his pockets. "What can I get for you?" Joe asked. He ran the place most of the time.

"A root beer float and a Bud."

"Two-Bit you know I can't sell beer to minors."

"That's why you're selling it to me, bud." Two-Bit grinned. Joe rolled his eyes but filled the order.

"Just don't tell anyone alright. Last thing any of us need is for the fuzz to be coming down hard on me. Then you won't get any beer 'round this place." Joe answered. He was a little crazy like that, he'd protest once or twice but then he'd sell it to anyone 16 and older. True the Oklahoma law said 21 but half his beer sales went to Greasers who were minors. He also seemed to know when to cut someone off so they didn't get too angry or violent about it. Two-Bit slunk down on the stool next to mine scoping out the action.

"Your girlfriend's here," I said.

"I know," he answered not moving. I looked around farther and saw Wolf sitting in the booth near the door reading the paper.

"Great just what I need a Comanche knowing I was here." I muttered.

"Where?" Two-Bit asked as I drank part of my float.

"Over there by the door, reading the paper."

"Who is he?"

"One of Dino's goons, his call-name is Wolf."

"Maybe he's only here to read the paper."

"Sure."

"You said it yourself you were going to see Steve. The only reason you came here is because I was carrying you and I came here." He said.

"Oh right." I answered. "Maybe I'm just paranoid."

"Probably," he agreed as Carina walked up. "Hey baby doll."

"What can I get for you darlin'?" Joe asked.

"Carina?" Two-Bit asked.

"Oh hi Two-Bit." She answered. When her eyes met mine there was a flash of envy but it disappeared. "Afternoon Mel." Her tone was pleasant enough but her face was definitely angry.

"Something wrong Car?" Two-Bit asked.

"Nothing at all." Carina answered.

"Baby..."

"It's nothing babe."

"Sure..." Two-Bit smiled and pulled her into his lap.

"So what can I get for you doll?" Joe asked again.

"I'm gonna go talk to Sam and Tasha. Two-Bit, you're in public, behave yourself."

"As much as I always do." I smiled and walked up to the wall Tasha was leaning against.

"Who's winning?" I asked.

"Dallas." Sam answered.

"Hey Whitfield, where's your boyfriend?" Tim called.

"Working so he can legally take me out." I answered before it sunk in who I was talking to. "What's up Tasha?"

"Not much how's Jason?" She asked.

"Alright I guess."

"Good, have you seen Soda lately?"

"Not today." We talked for a little while longer until I heard Tim start again.

"So you like the little grease monkey do ya?"

"Leave her alone Shepard." Johnny said.

"It wouldn't surprise me if you were just like your mom, sleeping with every guy in the gang until one gets smart and uses you for it. Is it strictly your gang only or do I get a turn?" My eyes widened and I felt tears prick the corners.

"Why don't you say that again Shepard? This time to my face." Dally demanded shoving Tim backwards. I saw Two-Bit strutting over and Carina trying to stop him.

"You heard me, Winston." Tim answered going back into his defensive ready to fight stance. A tear leaked out of my eye and I ran out then down the street. I tripped on some loose gravel and fell to my knees to find myself sobbing. I felt warm arms wrap around me and I cried harder.

'Maybe Shepard was right.' I thought.

"Shepard is never right." A male voice answered.

"Did I say that out loud?" I asked.

"Yeah." He answered. I looked up and saw a guy I didn't know

"Who are you?"

"A concerned citizen."

"Were you ever part of the BH?"

"No."

"Greaser or Soc?"

"Twenty questions?"

"Sure, Soc or Greaser?"

"Soc."

"What are you doing on this side of town?"

"I should be asking you that."

"Am I on the south side?"

"Yes."

"That's a pretty far run."

"Where did you run from?" The tide had now turned and he was asking me the questions.

"The Ribbon, or well near there."

"Why were you running?"

"Shepard."

"Which one?"

"Tim."

"What did he do?"

"He said something he shouldn't have."

"What was that exactly?"

"Long story."

"Alright."

"Why are you being so nice?"

"So you don't get your ass kicked."

"Why do you care?"

"Normally I wouldn't but you looked so upset already. I don't want you to get anymore hurt."

"Thanks."

"Sure." I sat there for about ten minutes longer before I had fully calmed down. "You should be getting back to your side of town. Even as Sniper you aren't protected over here."

"Thanks for everything today." I said standing and brushing the dirt from my pants.

"Yeah." He answered rubbing his neck. "I guess I'll see you around."

"Yeah I guess, bye." When I was back on my side again walking home I felt like I was being followed but every time I turned to look there was no one there. I stopped by the Curtis' to pick up my backpack and say hi to Soda, but when I got there Darry was looking...well I couldn't really tell if he was pissed or worried so I paused. When he didn't say anything I bent down to pick up my bag, but right as I grabbed the strap Soda spoke up.

"Why didn't you tell us?" He asked. I lifted the pack and sat it on the couch.

"Tell you what?" I answered.

"About Shepard. I'm supposed to be your best friend Meli. How could you not tell me?"

"If it makes you feel any better I didn't tell Two-Bit either. The only reason Dally knew was because an idiotic kid confronted me about it when Dally was with me."

"Dally knew?"

"He didn't tell you?"

"No, he didn't."

"How long has this been going on Mel?" Darry asked.

"Couple of weeks, back when you and Two-Bit confronted that person."

"And you didn't say anything?" Darry said.

"Dally said he'd handle it. And so far he has. Shepard hasn't been saying anything."

"Until today right?" Soda said causing my head to snap back in his direction.

"How did you know?"

"Meli, I'm sorry I just thought..." Johnny said walking in from the kitchen.

"It's alright kiddo. I guess I deserved this. I'm sorry I didn't tell you Soda." I answered.

"Mel, if it happens again, you'll tell us?" Even though it sounded like a question I knew it was a demand.

"Of course Darry." I picked up my back pack and then looked at them. "Don't tell my brother?" The three nodded. I walked out and saw Tiger sitting on the front porch. "What are you doing here?"

"I had planned on walking you home but now I need to talk to Jason."

"What 'bouts?"

"Are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Shepard was pretty harsh."

"Who told you?"

"Sam." As Tiger answered his darted to the left and I knew instantly he was lying.

"Tiger I've known you for nine years and I know when you are lying so don't do it to me now." Then something dawned on me. "That's what you want to tell Jason."

"Mel..."

"NO!"

"He needs to know."

"Absolutely not, Tiger please."

"Listen to me..."

"No, Tim is a complete jerk, but I don't want Jason going all Cobra on him. Dally said he'll handle, let him handle it."

"Fine, he has one week then I'll tell Jason."

"Thank you."

"Come on you got homework."

"Tiger, you think you could stay for supper?"

-Well that is all for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I thank you for reading and love reviews and if dorkyduck or Kyori Uchiha of the Sand or Outsidersfan5790 find anything wrong with Carina or Sam or Alexa respectfully or have some input on your character I would be eternally grateful.

And I do accept input on anything. Just make sure you've tried to understand the story first and if you don't understand something message me to let me know.

This could go into a big long rant but I don't want that, so I'll just say tune in next time to find out if Tiger says for supper, if he tells Jason what happens, and other things you've been wondering.-