This story takes place about 30 years or so after the book. Darry is 49, Soda is 46 and Ponyboy just turned 43. I don't own the Outsiders or any of the characters created by SE Hinton. I only own the people you've never heard of. I also don't know Sandy's last name, so I gave her her creator's. Please R&R.

Prologue

August 1996

When she heard the click, she squeezed her eyes shut and prayed for courage. But instead of a person, a man's deep voice said, "You have reached 918-528-4789. Please leave a message."

She hung up. She called back three more times and finally, on the fourth try, she waited for the sound of the beep, took a deep breath, and read off her prepared script.

"Hello, my name is Maureen Tull and I'm looking for Sodapop Curtis. I know an old friend of his, Sandy Hinton, and she asked me to look him up. Could you please have him call me? I'm on my cell phone at 212-669-5791. Thank you."

She hit the 'end' button and immediately began shaking.

Oh, my God. I did it. It's done. What if he doesn't call back?

Mother of God, what if he does?