Previously: I paced my room, and suddenly got an idea. My heart pounded as I grabbed a pair of scissors from the window sill. I found a grimy mirror behind some boxes, and set it against the bed and wall. I had the best idea.

"I want to prove to the world that it doesn't matter how much money you have – personality is the key."

I brought the blades to my hair.

*Pony POV*

I was sitting on the swing with a book in hand. I was so lost in it I almost didn't notice when Soda told me that someone was coming. I shoved the book mark in and looked up. Coming towards us was a girl. I wouldn't have recognized her if she hadn't been wearing a pair of old overalls and some sneakers.

"Is that… it is!" Soda exclaimed. His eyes were practically bugging out of his head. I stood up and watched Sarah approach. Her long blonde hair was now cut to her chin. She was grinning at us as she got closer.

"Sarah, what did you do?" Soda asked her, grabbing her arm and pulling her to our small tree. She laughed. "I needed some change, y'all know?"

She looked at me. "I know it's not the greatest cut… I did it on a whim. But it sure does feel nice to have a pound off my head," she said.

"Well gosh," I said, "you take change better than I do!" I patted my slicked hair as I said this. It had been bleached since the church…

Soda rubbed his hand through her hair. "It's nice lookin'! Why'd you cut it?"

Sarah thought seriously for a moment. "I'm sick of my aunt tellin' me how I need to act. Figure I'd turn to the rebellious stage a little early."

Two-Bit seemed to come from no where, but he'd heard the conversation. "Welcome to the club!" he roared, and slapped her back. She stumbled forward, and then we were all laughing.

"I actually was going to go to the mall with Cherry today, but I figure you guys would want to see my new and improved hair," said Sarah in a fake accent that reminded me of Soc girls. I chuckled. "Has Cherry seen your hair yet?" I asked with a grin. She shook her head. "Nope! I told her to meet me here so we could go. She should be comin' along any minute now."

Two-Bit wrapped his hand around her waist. "I like girls who act tuff," he hinted, and I frowned. "Two-Bit…"

He stepped back, his hands up in denial. "Your turf? Sorry!"

Him and Soda cracked up while I turned scarlet. Sarah bit her lip.

"Ah well, I'm going to go meet Steve at the station… it was nice seein' you Sarah. Oh, Cherry's coming," Soda added. I watched Cherry jog over. Her red hair swung with every move.

"Whoa… Sarah?" she asked in bewilderment, looking at her. Sarah put her hands on her hips. "Who else?"

Cherry took a step forward and patted her hair. "Oh wow… I never thought you'd cut your hair!" she exclaimed. She grinned toothily. "There's lots to talk about! Ready to head out?"

Sarah nodded vigorously. "I brought some of my allowance from home… Aunt Theresa won't let me have any money for things…"

They walked off, chattering exuberantly the whole way. I shook my head with a smile.

"That is one tuff girl," Two-Bit sighed.

*Sarah POV*

It was a nice day. We shopped, and I managed to get some nice clothes – I also bought a leather jacket. Cherry had looked at me strange. "You sure you want to wear that around here?" She asked cautiously. I shrugged. "I'm my own person. I'll wear what I want," I said stubbornly, and paid the money.

For lunch, we bought burgers and fries, sitting down outside at a picnic table.

It was quiet while we chewed, but then I had a topic. "Cherry... what happened before I was here?" I asked. She gave me a pained look. "What do you mean?" She asked, but I could tell she knew.

"Something bad happened recently. I can tell by the way everyone acts 'round here. I talk to Pony… and I feel like it's not really him."

Cherry smiled sadly. "You're as observant as he is," she said. Then she set down her pop.

"It's kind of hard for anyone to talk about, but I'll give you the general idea. A few months ago, a boy named Johnny was Pony's best friend. It was that one night… my… my boyfriend, Bob…" she choked up, and then took a shaky breath.

"… He was a real nice guy. Real funny and sweet – when he wasn't drunk. That one night, at the drive-in, he'd seen Pony and Johnny hanging out with my friend and I. That must have made him real mad. He was drunk silly that night, and he had no clue what he was doin'." Cherry sounded like she was pleading with me.

"Well, Pony and Johnny were alone in the park when Bob and some of his friends found them."

I stifled a gasp, picturing this in my head.

"It was by the fountain. They ganged up on Johnny and Pony… and Bob had hurt Johnny before… before we were dating… well, Pony – he was getting hurt real bad. Johnny was afraid of getting beat up. It was self-defense, I know, but it still hurts. Johnny killed Bob that night with a blade he had."

I felt cold fear as I pictured Pony with his knife out.

"The two ran away for a week, and that was when they saved the kids in a burning church. What was going through there minds, I don't know…" Cherry paused again to calm herself. When she re-started, she sounded better.

"Pony and Johnny came back to Tulsa, and they were hurt. Pony healed… but Johnny didn't. The night of the rumble, he died in the hospital."

"The rumble?" I asked sharply. She nodded. "It was between the Socs and Greasers. They fought and the Greasers won."

I thought about it. "Why'd they fight?"

"Well, because of Bob."

"Why'd the Greasers fight?"

"Because of Johnny."

I felt my heart aching dully, a new hole opening – as if I'd seen it myself.

"But neither of them died on purpose. Johnny didn't purposefully kill Bob… the church took his life later on. How could everyone around here be so stupid?"

Cherry looked guilty and upset, and she stared at the table. I couldn't stop there. "This all started because of money. Pony's right – money is the problem here. That is one heck of a reason to hurt each other." I stood up, the burger untouched on the table. "I'm sorry Cherry, but I think I need to go think about this."

She stood too. "Sarah, please wait," she begged. I threw my garbage away and turned to listen. She looked ready to cry. "I'm not saying I believed in what happened. I don't even want to be considered a Soc or a Greaser."

I shook my head. "I understand, Cherry… but I need time to sort this out in my head." She watched as I turned to leave. "Thanks for shopping with me," I called back glumly.

I walked as far as the gas station, and then stopped. Soda was filling a car with gas, wearing a grease-covered muscle shirt. I ran over.

"Hey, Shortie," he said in surprise. "What you need?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Do you have a bathroom here?"

He reached into his pocket and handed me a key. "Don't forget to bring it back, alright? Just around the corner."

I locked myself inside and looked at myself in the mirror. My face was sweaty from walking so fast in the hot weather. I pulled out the new clothes and started changing into them. I had gotten a blouse and some bellbottom jeans; something a Soc would wear. Then I pulled out the leather jacket; something a Greaser would wear. I put it on despite the heat, and then combed through my hair with my fingers.

When I walked out, Soda's mouth dropped. "That's… different," he commented. I smiled tightly. "I'm not a Greaser – I'm not a Soc. I'm both," I stated simply. He soaked that in and then gave me a big smile. "That's not half-bad, Shortie," he said, and looked at my coat. "That coat makes you look tough."

"Tuff?" I asked. I'd figured out by now it meant cool.

"That too, but I mean… you look like a greaser with style," he joked. I rolled my eyes. "Thanks, Soda."

Walking away, I decided to head home. It was about noon anyway – by the time I got back it'd be one o'clock.

When I got there, I tried to sneak in through the back. But she was in the laundry room… I decided to risk the front door.

It was cool inside, with the fans going on at full blast. The windows were open to let in the spring breeze. I let it cool off my face.

"SARAH?!" I flipped around. Aunt Theresa's face was a purple, her eyes red with rage. Oh no…

She hadn't seen me this morning – I'd left before she'd woken up. But now she saw that and my outfit – something I hadn't factored in. I shrugged out of the coat, hanging it on the chair.

"Don't leave that on the furniture!" Aunt Theresa shouted. I backed up into the counter. I was trembling as I gathered courage.

"You are a disgrace to me! Did anyone see you yet? You've ruined what I've taken years to gain!"

She slapped my face. Again. I was furious, and when the black spots disappeared, I got in her face. "What have you gained?!" I yelled sarcastically. I lowered my voice. "I'll tell you what; you've gained the reputation of a real Soc. Not because of your money, but because of your attitude."

Her eyes narrowed. "Get out of my house," she hissed. "Don't come back without reason."

"What is it you want… more money?" I shot back. I grabbed the jacket again, and then slammed the door on my way out.

I wanted to talk to someone. I'd never had too many friends back home, but I didn't have a whole lot here either. I thought of Cherry, but she wasn't the one I needed to talk to. But Ponyboy… well, he might be a good one. He seemed nice, and he'd invited me over if I wanted company.

I figured I better check in the park first. No one was there when I arrived, except for some children, so I kept walking.

I was surprised that I could remember how to get to Pony's house. It was a block away now.

"Hey, are you a Greaser?" I looked at the girl who'd spoken. She had hair that was very large, maybe built with mousse. Her lips were bright red and her jacket was similar to mine. I shrugged. "Nope."

"Then you're a Soc – this is a little far from home, ain't it?"

I shook my head again. "I'm no Soc, either. I'm just Sarah."

The girl looked me over and then flashed a grin. "Hi, 'just Sarah'. I'm Bell… but I am a Greaser. I haven't seen you 'round town! When did you get here?" She asked. I sighed. "Just a few days ago, actually. I was just heading down to see a guy I know."

"Who?" She asked, snapping some gum.

"You probably don't know him…" I started, but she laughed. "Everyone knows each other here."

"I'm headin' to Ponyboy's."

She smirked at me. "Ooh, he's one tuff kid. I know his older brother, Soda." Her eyes fluttered when she said his name. I stifled a laugh. "Yeah, he's a sweet boy."

"That's where I'm goin' now… I'll see ya round," said Bell, and then walked off.

I felt strange knocking on Pony's door. Thankfully, he was the one to answer it.

"Hey!" I said in a chipper voice. He gave me one of those 'Pony-original' smiles. "Here, come in," he suggested. Then he took another look at me. "I like the new jacket," he said, but I saw the deeper point. "I know it's different," I sighed. He looked at it. "It just doesn't seem like something you'd wear," he decided. "But it looks fine."

I remembered then why I'd so desperately needed to talk. I was hesitating now, because – well, I didn't want him to know anything.

"You look upset," Pony said as he closed the door. Gosh, he was really good at reading emotions. That and I'm too predictable.

I heaved a sigh. "I'm fine," I lied. His eyes narrowed slightly. "You wanna talk about it?" he asked, ignoring my denial. After a short pause of disbelief, I let out another breath. "Sure."

He took my jacket and tossed it over the couch, then sat down, patting the spot next to him. Rolling my eyes, I sat, not bothering to hide the smile.

I didn't know where to start. He waited patiently, not making me feel obliged to talk. It was kinda nice, honestly, not being expected to say anything.

"I'm angry with my aunt," I blurted, and then bit my lip. Pony looked at me. "What happened?" he asked gently. Was I really about to confide in a boy I'd met a few days ago? Apparently.

"She's just not the greatest woman," I started tentatively. "She was drinking. I'm not used to that – my parents never got themselves drunk."

I wasn't sure if I could finish. It almost felt embarrassing. But Pony's face hardened as I said this. I watched him, trying to understand. "Pony…?"

"Did she hit you?"

*Pony POV*

When I said this, Sarah's face paled. What made it worse was that it was all too familiar to see that face. I hadn't seen it in a couple months now. She looked like a lost puppy. She looked like Johnny.

"Well, she was drunk…" she said uncomfortably, and I inhaled. "Why are you trying to defend her?" I asked. Her lips turned down. "I don't know. I really don't."

I looked into her sky-blue eyes, seeing another Johnny. She suddenly looked much more vulnerable than she had when I'd first met her. I felt myself soften, feeling for the first time in months sadness. Sadness and mourn.

That's when I realized I was accepting what had happened. Everything. It was as if someone had torn the blindfold off my eyes. I really saw the girl in front of me. She was nearly trembling with emotions. I felt for the first time in a while the fresh air rolling in through the windows.

Sarah seemed perceptive. "Gosh, Pony, you okay?" She asked, her eyes widening. I nodded slowly, still thinking. She went quiet for a second, leaving me to think. It wasn't until I refocused I realized her eyes were wet.

"Sarah, are you okay?"

She wiped at the tears. "I'm fine." She looked like she was mentally hurting herself. I looked at her until she met my stare. "Those marks on your shoulders… she did that too, didn't she?" I asked softly. Her face contorted, and then she buried her face in her arms. She was shaking with quiet sobs.

I set my hand on her back. "You want to stay here the night?" I asked in a whisper, scooting closer. "We can make room."

She shook her head, sniffing into her arms. "I'm not afraid of her. I just miss my parents. This will take some gettin' used to, that's all."

"I know I said this before, but I'll say it again… you're always welcome here, savvy?"

She hiccupped and leaned against my arm. "I'm so sorry," she laughed. "I didn't mean to all of a sudden burst into tears."

I patted her back. "Don't be sorry… I think both of us needed this." Boy, was that true. I pictured Johnny now, something I hadn't done since his death. Something I wouldn't accept before. Images and memories popped up in my head. Even Dally – he was there too.

I didn't cry. I just tried my best to help Sarah. She didn't really cry for long. She just went quiet, her face still in her arms. It took me a while to realize she'd fallen asleep. I carefully stood, lowering her onto the cushions. I grabbed a blanket and draped it over her, then sat at the end of the couch. I had a lot to think about.

And the truth comes out. XD R&R guys!