*Author's Note - I started working on this story after my first read of The Outsiders at age 14. 15 years later I have finally finished it (after going several years between writing spurts). The characters, storyline and style of writing have come a long way and gone through many edits over it's 15 years so I decided to take the plunge and publish it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it and I would love any and all feedback on my writing style.
Disclaimer - All Outsiders characters belong to S.E. Hinton, I only own Sam.
Sam's POV
I wasn't thinking as my feet propelled me slowly forward. I concentrated on nothing but the sound of my shoes as they hit the pavement. Tennis shoes. I had got them for my last birthday, I can still remember. It was a blue box with a big red ribbon tied around it. I had begged my parents for these shoes. Most teenage girls want a new dress or makeup or jewellery of some kind.
But what good was that showy stuff with no one to show them off to? So I went with something practical that I desperately needed and I still can't believe I got them in a wrapped box and everything, complete with ribbon. I had to hand it to Mum; she really tried hard that year.
I lost my train of thought as my feet went from firm ground to something soft and squishy. I looked up and saw I was in a park. Nothing too flashy, just some climbing gear, a swing set and a fountain with benches scattered here and there. I walked towards the center where the streetlamps couldn't reach. It was nice and dark here and that's what I preferred- somewhere to hide if need be. I sat with my back against the fountain and leant my head on my knees.
God was I tired! If I lived for another 100 years I'd never do as much walking as I had these last few days. I knew I should get up and keep going. A few days of walking can get you far but I couldn't get away fast enough, I'd walk to hell if it meant never having to go back, but I was too tired. Both physically and mentally I'd pushed myself to the limit and I swear I was about to die from exhaustion.
I looked at my watch which read 2:48am. OK so I'd grab a few hours of sleep in this park and then head off again, what could it hurt right? I curled up into a ball in a sitting position. I knew if I lay down the cold cement would steal what little warmth I had from my black shirt and jeans. Boy, I hope I don't get pneumonia, I thought to myself but I was asleep before I could even grasp the idea, sinking gratefully into the darkness that enveloped me.