I just wanted to take a short break from my other projects, and this idea suddenly popped into my head. It'll be a relatively short story, and I hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Outsiders or anything related to the story created by S.E. Hinton.

(Darry's POV)

Just like every other school day, I was at my locker, waiting for Paul to show up after classes were over. We had an unspoken agreement that after the last bell rang and everyone else rushed out of the school, I'd wait for Paul so both of us could walk to the locker room together before football practice. I had just finished putting my books in my backpack when I heard a pair of feet approach me.

"Hey Darry, is Paul around?"

I shut my locker and turned, only to find Nathan standing there. He was one of my school friends that didn't play football, but considering they were from the same side of town, Paul hung out with Nathan more than I did.

"I haven't seen him yet, but he should be here in a minute or two," I answered. "Why are you looking for him?"

It wasn't like it was unusual for any of our friends wanting to talk or anything, but he knew Paul and I had practice we needed to get to, so I was sure it was something important or time-sensitive. Plus, he looked like a man on a mission.

"I got something to tell-," Nathan started, but Paul finally showed up and cut him off.

"Sorry I'm late. I had to ask Mr. Young to extend the deadline for our English paper," Paul said as he walked up to me and Nathan. "I mean, with the big game next Friday, how does he expect me to get anything done next week?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Paul was one of my best friends, but sometimes he really irritated me. He already asked for an extension on a paper we've known about for a week when it's not due for another week? I couldn't help myself.

"Why don't you just write it this weekend?" I asked, lifting an eyebrow. "It'll only take a couple hours, then you still don't have to write it after practice next week."

Paul looked at me incredulously. "You serious, Curtis? I have more important things to worry about than Shakespeare, and Brian's having a party this weekend, and I'm definitely not missing that. It's fine, Mr. Young already said he'd give me a few extra days."

I couldn't help but think that if anyone from my side of town asked for an extension, most teachers would holler and practically spit at them for even bothering to ask. Granted, almost every greaser I knew didn't give a hang about school, (except my youngest brother,) so maybe teachers would be more shocked than anything if a greaser ever asked.

Then Paul looked at Nathan and gave him a one-armed hug as the two patted each other on the back roughly. "Hey man, what's up? I only have a minute; Darry and I gotta get to practice."

Nathan nodded his head. "I know, this won't take long. I just wanted to tell you I think you should talk to your girl."

Paul's eyebrows scrunched up. "Why's that?"

"I heard she's been chattin' it up with a freshman in one of her classes. Apparently, they sit next to each other, maybe a little too close if you catch my drift," Nathan said. "Same thing at lunch too. They sit together and everything."

Paul's face immediately flashed with anger. "What?"

Nathan nodded and continued to speak quickly, reminding me of the groups of girls that gossiped in the halls. "Yeah man. I also heard the guy's a greaser, but I don't buy it. Why would she cheat on you with a lousy freshman grease?"

It seemed like Nathan had forgotten which side of town I was from, but before I could remind him, Paul slammed is hand into a locker and let out a grunt. "That bitch!"

I already was uncomfortable with the conversation, but Paul's outburst made that feeling get even worse; not only were the two Socs were implying a Soc girl wouldn't or more like shouldn't date a greaser, but the fury in Paul's eyes made me more than a little concerned for his girlfriend.

"Calm down, Paul," I said sternly as I put a hand on his shoulder. His head whipped to the side, and he stared at me angrily. "You can talk to Susan later, but we have to get to practice. If we're late, coach will make us run the bleachers."

He seemed to simmer down a little before he looked back at Nathan. "Thanks for telling me. I'll figure out what's going on later."

"Of course," Nathan said with another nod. "I'll let you guys get to practice."

Paul practically stormed to the locker room after that, and he didn't hold back in any of his tackles at practice.

He's going to lose it.