I woke up early watching the sunrise through the window. It was beautiful at least I thought so but I always think that. I fixed up the couch then went to my house to take a shower and get dressed. I went through my bedroom window, grabbed some clothes, and went into the bathroom. I looked at my face in the mirror and saw my face covered in soot. When I got out of the shower, I put on fresh clothes. I put on a dark blue t-shirt, jeans, and my white converse. I also put on a light grey jacket as well. I then brushed my hair, put it in a ponytail, and put on my red bandana as a headband. I rushed out of the bathroom, going out the window. I opened the door to Pony's house and walked right on in. I saw Pony in the kitchen making breakfast.

" Hey Pony."

" Hi Val."

I jumped onto the counter and sat down.

" Hey anyone home!" That was Two-Bit.

" Yeah in here. Don't slam the door."

They slammed the door.

They came into the kitchen, picked up Pony making him drop both eggs onto the floor, and then setting him down.

" Hey it's the blond headed monkey." Two- Bit joked.

Ponyboy was not happy.

" How's it like being a hero?" Steve asked.

" A what?" Pony asked.

" A hero like big shot."

Pony took the newspaper from Steve and looked at it.

" Hey Val."

" Hi."

Steve went to get some chocolate cake and Two-Bit was drinking a beer. Soda was taking a shower, Darry was getting dressed, and Pony was in the bathroom fixing his hair. I turned on the t.v and Mickey Mouse was on so I watched that.

" Valley come over here."

I got up from the floor and walked over to Darry.

" Yeah?"

" So I know that your real last name is Curtis right?"

" Yeah even says so on my birth certificate."

" Well me, Soda's, and Ponyboy's last name is Curtis so you're part of the family."

" You're kidding."

" No Val I am not."

Soda came out of the bedroom fully dressed and picked me up.

" You're one of us now Val."

I just smiled. I didn't know what to say.

" Pony!" Darry yelled for him to come inside.

" I think I might have to stay home, you ain't looking so well."

" I'll be fine. I've been home alone plenty of times.'

" I can take care of him." Two- Bit offered.

Pony hit him on the back of the head and Two- Bit wrestled him to the ground.

" Two- Bit lay off." Darry commanded as he walked by them.

" Yah Two-Bit lay off."

" Say Hi to Johnny and Dally for us alright."

" We will!" I yelled as they went out the door.