Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nothing. Savvy?

It had been a couple of days since my meltdown. A couple of days since my last meal. It had even been a couple of days since I'd been to school. Not that anyone knew the last two. I'm not quite sure how I managed to get away with either. Two-Bit would ask me why I hadn't been at lunch the past while, and I'd just tell him I was doing a history project in the library.

I knew someone would wise up soon. I was starting to lose weight again. And I was still seeing Dr. Pyke. He was a pretty smart guy, for a doctor. But I felt pretty confident, if nothing else.

I was in the shower, trying to get some peace and quiet. It wasn't working too well, as I could hear Steve and Two-Bit roughhousing in the living room. I massaged the shampoo through my hair, closing my eyes. The two decided to pick me up for school today. It would be a little bit harder to ditch them, but once we got there I was sure I could give them the slip.

When I opened my eyes, I noticed something weird on the floor. This reddish ball on the shower floor. It was matted, sitting on top of the drain. I reached down and picked it up. It felt like hair. It was hair. It was my hair.

My empty stomach churned as I reached up to touch my head. I quickly turned off the shower and toweled dry. I opened the cabinet above the sink and rummaged through it until I found a handheld mirror. I held it to the back of my head, aiming it at the big mirror in front of me. I dropped the mirror to the floor.

"What the hell?"

There was a small bald spot on the back of my head.

I shut my eyes tightly. No way. My hair was what made me, me. My hair was everything. I had a hard enough time cutting and dyeing it in Windrixville. How was I gonna deal with losing it? Why was I losing it?

I shuddered, thinking of me bald. I pulled out the hair grease and smoothed it over so that the bald spot was invisible. There, problem solved.

For now.

"Two-Bit! Steve! Darry's gonna skin you both alive if you break something!"

Two-Bit looked my way and flashed a grin, "Don't worry about it none, kid. Me and Steve are real careful."

I rolled my eyes as Steve pushed out from under Two-Bit's hold and bopped him on the head. He then turned his attention to me.

"Sure took you long enough," he raised a brow, "What? You getting ready for a hot date or somethin' after school?"

Two-Bit howled with laughter. I'm sure he was remembering what had happened at the party a while ago.

"Whatever," I snapped bitterly, "You're one to talk. You can't even keep a girl."

Steve jumped up, almost as fast as Two-Bit did. Two-Bit grabbed Steve's shoulder, trying to keep him from lunging at me.

"Too far, kiddo," Two-Bit said, looking at me sternly.

"Yeah, well," I said slowly, "It's the truth."

Steve let out a long list of swear words and walked out of the house, letting the door bang behind him.

Two-Bit flinched, "Aw Pony. Why'd you gotta go and get him all riled up like that, huh?"

I shrugged. I hadn't really meant to. I had only been half thinking when it spilled out of my mouth. I guess Steve's break up with Evie was still a little bit too fresh.

"Well, ready for a fun filled day of education and books?" Two-Bit asked, trying to lighten the mood. I shot him a grin.

"Always."

We walked out the door and saw Steve, leaning against the car, smoking a cigarette.

"Finally," he said, rolling his eyes, "What the hell took y'all so long?"

I bit back the comment I wanted to say and shrugged, and got inside the car. Two-Bit laughed and got in beside me. He put his arm around my shoulders.

"Better watch out," he mumbled into my ear, "Steve's drivin'. Don't want him to have another temper tantrum while he's on the road." I chuckled.

Steve shot us a sharp look and Two-Bit bit his lower lip, feigning innocence.

When we got to school, I hung back, claiming I wanted a cigarette before I went inside. Steve shrugged carelessly and left. Two-Bit smiled cheerfully and waved to me jovially. I cracked a grin before lighting up.

Not all of it was a lie, I did have a cigarette. I just had to figure out where I wanted to go instead of school. Maybe I would head to the public library and read. I'd been meaning to read this book called East of Eden, by some guy called Steinbeck. My English teacher last year had recommended it to me.

I threw the cancer stick onto the ground and turned about, starting to head for the library.

"Ponyboy!"

I froze mid-step. I turned around and saw Steve cocking a brow at me.

"Where yah headed?"