So what if Ponyboy thought I wore too much eye makeup and giggled and swore too much? I wasn't never gonna be like his mom and I sure as hell didn't wanna be like mine. So what's a girl supposed to do? I figured, if that philosophy was good enough for The Shangri Las, it was good enough for me.

Stuff like this only happens in the movies. Honestly, Ponyboy wishes it had stayed in the movies.

The first time I met Ted Shepard he told me we'd be together, always, that nothing would ever keep us apart. Now though, well now I know that it was just a foolish dream. Because nothing lasts forever. — The Shepard family, from the perspective of Mrs Shepard.

Darry didn't go from brother to parent overnight.

You kind of like to think what you have is better than brothers. 'Cause he never chose Darry or Ponyboy, but he damn well chose you.

... because life ought to be about more than just survival. And Tim needs to learn that. No matter how hard the lessons.

...because those best adapted to their environment, survive. And Tim learns fast.

[Dad use to say people like Tim Shepard were raised on the edge of the devil's backbone. As I watch him spit blood in the face of one of the cop's after they cuff him, I figure he was right about that.] Darry oneshot.

["My mom never came to bail me out. Ever." Looking past the leather jacket, the scowl permanently planted on his lips, it was all too easy to imagine him sitting in jail at ten years old, small and towheaded trying so hard to be as tough as he talks. "She should have come," I said fiercely. "Your mother should have been there to get you, Dallas."] Twoshot.

Mrs C waits up for her middle son, who may have had a bigger night than he intended. Fluffy oneshot.

A collection of pieces from Darry's POV shortly after the deaths of his parents. Complete.

She knew exactly how to be the perfect mom. If only the past hadn't gotten in the way.