Ok hello everyone, sorry if I took too long to update its just I don't have a computer at my house so I use my sisters. No worries I should get one for Christmas, so yay!

Oh yeah I forgot, last chapter: I don't own the outsiders, sadly :(

I can still remember how we met. That fateful day, it was December I was 9. Outside at the park, with my older brothers, and gang. However I have no idea where they went. Oh well, I had thought they'll pop up soon. I wondered to an oak tree, sitting down and leaning my back agents it. I gazed at the sky, the clouds had swirled together blocking the sun. I wondered if I should find the other and worn them about the slight possibility of rain storm.

I leaned forward looking around to see if I could spot anyone, no one in sight. I sigh, leaning back, deciding it would be ok to just roll with the flow. My fingers fiddled and played with the brownish grass. Just as the wind picks up, fallen leaves circle around me. I let out a laugh, almost giggle.

I watch as the wind dies and the leaves flow and gently land on the ground. I pick up a leaf next to me and studied it, its hazel, light brown color, in replace of the natural green. Looking so delicate, I fear if I hold on to tight it might crumble, and disintegrate at my finger tips.

I drop the leaf and watch it flow down to the ground. Amused I pick up another and repeat the process. Soon I pick up more and more, handfuls throwing them into the air and pretend it's raining. Throwing my arms up in the air, tilting my head back. Enjoying my child like innocents.

Yet every child must grow up eventually.

I threw up the last round leaves watch in amazement as they fall to the floor. It's almost like as those leaves fell, the world had sucked me in. Now I was in an alternate universe. I was no longer a happy joy filled kid playing with leaves, but a child trapped by the chains of fate.

In front of me stood a man, tall in a hat and trench coat. I didn't know this man or at least I didn't think I did. I had this feeling that told me strongly to run, scream for help, put as much distance between the two of us as humanly possible. The man smiled at me "Hello, having fun are you?"

I nodded shyly "wh-who are you sir?"

"My dear child who I am is not important at the moment, but what is, is your dear friend Johnny"

I sucked in my breath, Johnny? What was wrong with Johnny? Ok well allot of things were wrong with Johnny, but was it that this man had to approach me?

Smirking at me the man said, "oh so you do know who that is? If I'm correct your Ponyboy yes?"

I gave no reply, but I did know this man freaked me out, who was he? How does he know my name? How does he know Johnny? What does he want? Frantically my eyes swiped over the world around me, looking for any sign of the gang or my brothers.

"Your wondering who I am and what I want with you and Johnny? Well I must ask you before I say you do know about his home life? Well if you do, I know a way you could eh, help him out."

Finally it crossed my mind this guy could be good! On our well my (?) side. Wanting to help, but still the vibes this guy gave was still way to unsettling for my liking. Reluctantly I gave a nod "Yes I know"

His face twisted into a crazy grin, and his voice was cold as he spoke "well ya know what boy? I'm that kid's dad!"

The bitterness within his voice shook me very core, I was amazed with how fast ones personality could change. The words still rang in my head I'm the kid's dad! I'm the kid's dad! I'm the kid's dad! Each time they repeated I felt anger swell up more and more hate for this man, like a growing fire and coal was only being added causing it to grow.

"Why?" I demanded angrily. "Why do you do it? Hit Johnny? He's a kid, YOUR Kid!" At that moment I exploded. Yelling and cussing everything that came to mind. I hated this man, more than anything or anyone else. He hurt Johnny, the reason why Johnny has so much pain and hurt.

Next thing I knew he grabbed me by the collar and pulled me up his face, hissing inside my ear, "Shut up kid! You don't know jack shit! Now listen to me, listen to me good. You know I could end him. Take a beating to far on day. You know that real well." I sucked in a sharp breath unable to talk, or do anything. "Now listen I wanna make a deal with you"

Finally I was able to find my voice; quietly I said "What is it?"

"You take his place. Take the beating for 'im alright? I'll ease up on your beloved 'Johnny' if you take hi s place."

My world spun what? What was this man up to? Did he have to beat someone? Couldn't he leave Johnny and I alone? Was that so hard? "Well deal or no deal,"' he asked letting me go and holding out his hand.

I paused, could I do it? Would I do it? Then briefly his words flashed in my head. You know I could end him. Take a beating too far one day. You know real well. No! I wouldn't let that happen to Johnny! Not when I could help. Weakly I grasped his hand "deal," I said as we shook.

He grinned crazily at me, "Ponyboy! Where are you?" I heard soda's voice along with everyone else. He released my hand and turned leaving. I noticed a slip of paper in my hand, I unfolded it and read:

I'm glad you agreed, sneak out tonight and come to my house at midnight. Don't be late or you'll be sorry.

Then I realized my childlike innocents were gone, now I was locked in a cage of fate.

Present...

Shivering, I zipped up my Jacket, walking down the street the street light guide. I make my way to Athena Lavendez's house, after visiting the Cade's. Athena was the only person who knew about the deal. Not like I wanted to tell her of anything, in fact I barely knew her when she found out! Ok let me explain.

One time when I was walking home after a beating, I was so bad Athena (who was out for a smoke/walk) thought I was drunk and needed help. But when she saw the cuts and bruises she asked if I was jumped. I remember laughing dizzily "I wish." Instantly she had thought it was my folks, saying she hated child abuse, that she would call child protective services.

At thought the thought of my parents being thought of as bad I broke down into endless tears. Don't blame me if you were hurt, tired, and confused you would to. I began saying my mom and dad would never do such a thing. They loved me and would do anything to keep me safe. Athena shocked by my outburst took me into her arms asking me what happened, while trying to soothe my 10 year old tears.

I don't know why, but I told her everything. Spilling my guts about the deal to the very last detail. Instead of looking at me as if I were crazy, Athena gently pulled me to my feet took me to her house and cleaned me up. Then took me home saying she would keep quiet, I was a nice kid, and I could come to her when I needed to be cleaned up.

That's why I'm here now. My ribs were smarting something awful, I had a deep cut on my arm and I was really dizzy. That and well in order to get out of the house for the night I told Darry I was at a friend's for the night working on a school project.

During the past years Athena became a mother figure to me, and a fall back. Every time I needed she would bail me out of trouble. I always told her I could never thank her enough Approaching the front door I prepared to knock, but the door pulled open. I blinked at Athena "...hi"

"Oh Pony look at you! Your all cut up, quick come inside its cold I don't want you getting sick," she said grabbing my arm pulling me in. I took in Athena's appearance, her light brown hair thrown up into a messy bun, she wore a tee-shirt and p.j. bottoms.

I enjoyed the warmth Athena's house had. I sat on the couch as she left to get the first aid kit. I looked around Athena's small house. You see Athena lived by herself; yeah she had a mom who lived in Florida. I met her mom once when she came to visit; I liked her mom pretty much. Although she did nothing but pinch my cheeks saying I was cute.

I heard Athena's footsteps as she came back into the room. I glanced at her as she sat next to me and put the first aid kit on the floor, by our feet. She smiled at me and gently grabbed my arm and started to clean the cut. "He really got you today huh?"

I nodded "yeah." I watched as Athena carefully cleaned my cut and wrapped it in gauze. Carefully she dropped my arm at my side.

"Ok kiddo where else?"

"My ribs hurt..."

"Ok let's see." I pulled my shirt over my head. Athena frowned at all my scars and cuts. She didn't say anything just wrapped up my ribs, and cleaned other cuts. When she finished she gave my aspirin and a bottle of water. "Do I have to drive you home hon?" She packed up the kit and stood up.

I shook my head "No Darry thinks I'm spending the night at a friend's working on a project," I mumbled, stretching out on the couch. She nodded ruffling my hair and turning to leave.

"Good night Pone," she said turning out the light.

"Night Athena..." After that I fell asleep.

And Done! So what do you think? Do you like it?

What about Athena? Is she good? Or no you hate her?

Tell me in thanks to all the other Reviewers.

P.s. if you have any ideas please tell me.