DISC. No, I do not own any of the Outsiders characters...

I gotta say, the tree seemed a lot bigger when you were about to climb it. Well, first of all, the jacket had to go. Secondly, it'd been a while since I last went up so this should be interesting. The first half wasn't that bad. The branches were still pretty thick, and I managed to keep quiet. It was the second half that was... exhilarating. As I crawled on the last branch to reach my window, the whole tree shook. I felt a crack where my knee rested and immediately moved to the next branch. It was a lot more stable and surprisingly comfortable. If it wasn't so cold I could've even stayed there for the night. I finally got a hold of my window and stuck my fingers between the crack I'd left open. It was a lot harder to open it from outside than inside but I eventually did it. Foot by foot I climbed in my room. The door was still closed with a teddy bear placed in front of it, just as I'd left it. I didn't even bother to change into pajamas. I just got into bed and immediately fell asleep.

Gees, morning already? Not like I planned to get up any time soon. I pulled the covers high over my head staring at the light that poured in from the window I'd failed to close last night.

"Melissa, get down here!" I heard my dad yell. I don't feel like getting up. I'm not going to get up.

"Melissa, I said get down here!" Okay, I'm getting up. Ugh, paradise only lasts for so long. Back to hell it was.

I made breakfast for the both of us, although my dad's eggs purposely came out worse. I didn't wanna bother even looking at him so I stared at my eggs. You can find pretty funny things if you look closely. I practically choked on them but I finished faster than him which was my goal. I ran to the living room to get my spot on the couch as if someone other than my dad could beat me to it. The couch sat there untouched, and yes, it's my spot, not his. The TV was all mine and now he would be forced to do something else. Maybe something good around the house for a change. Right away he followed me and stood in front of what I was watching. He put his keys on the coffee table.

"Get the mail."

"Huh?"

"Get the mail!" he repeated throwing his keys to me. I let them fall.

"Dammit Melissa, get the mail!" I admit he was a scary man when he was angry and uh, the rest of the time, but I wouldn't show it. Taking my time, I bent down to get the keys and walked out the door. The bottom of my shoes made rainbow patterns as I stepped on the dusty road. Then the wind would blow it away like it was never there. I did this repeatedly until I reached the mailbo… where are the mailboxes? I spun around and saw them far back. I get distracted way too easily.

Bill, not for me, another bill... what's this? The envelope had colorful swirls and in big bubble letters read the name MELISSA. I wasn't all that great at waiting, so I had to open it. Besides, my dad might even take it from me. Hope this is good news…

Hey Mel,

How's life? Well I guess I'm okay with living in Philadelphia. I have friends but I miss you soo much! Guess what? I'm goin' over to visit next summer! It took a while to get my parents to say yes but I have my ways. All I need now is for your dad to say yes. Please promise to beg him for me! So, are you and Soda still together? Does he still hang around Steve? Just kidding - I have a boyfriend. His name is Jordan. He's the best! I'll take pictures over this summer. Remember, write back! I'm dying to hear from you. Stay sweet!

Love,

Jay

This just made my day. A letter from Jay! I can't believe she's coming! I doubt my dad's gonna say yes but I will find a way. When I do, I'll write back. Yes, yes, yes! I ran back home for no reason, holding the letter tight to make sure the wind wouldn't take It away. As I was about to go inside I spotted my jacket from last night still under the tree. Folding the envelope, I made it fit into the front pocket. I put my jacket on and practiced my expressionless face so my dad couldn't see I was happy. Still running I zoomed past Kathy and my dad who were on their way out. How did she get there? Oh well, at least they're leaving. They made a really bad couple. My dad's old and she's not. I bet she's in her late twenties. My dad's dark she's about as blonde as you can get. Very bad couple. Sometimes I wonder if she's dating him for a certain reason. It can't be though. We don't have much money or anything a girl like her would be after.

I left his mail and keys on the coffee table and went back up to my room. I hated days when I didn't go to work and didn't have anything to do. I work at a nearby convenience store and don't get paid much but it keeps me occupied. I only work Wednesday through Friday. The rest of the time I do, well this. It gets very boring around here. Ugh... maybe Soda would call. Naw, he works today. All left to do is sit. I took the letter from my pocket and read it over and over again. I practically memorized it before I decided to put it away. It went in my bathroom cabinet under all the towels. I'll hide it from my dad and just have her come over. That was the plan so far anyway. I'm sure I can think of something better by summer time. Things were finally looking up.

My dad came home late that night. I heard him and Kathy talking in the living room for a really long time. She'd giggle after everything he said. I hate her laugh. It's so fake, like the rest of her. Maybe one day he would leave with Kathy and never come back. That was my last thought as I drifted off to sleep.

I'm so sorry I couldn't update last weekend! I had to straighten my hair. I know, lame excuse but it was actually the reason I didn't update. Oh yeah, also, sorry for the short chapter! It just kinda turned out that way. The rest of this is for Sami… NO! We lost! It was our last game! Major Grr! Not even third place. Isn't that depressing? Then again, everything is. I'm such a big chunk of mold. At least he got a big shiny metal. U know what bugs me? I have a feeling Dean is gonna get MVP. Bob played crudy the last like three games. Ugh, I'm gonna e-mail you now K? OMG ;)