Winstons |The Outsiders|

7. Not That Kind Of Gang

Dallas slapped the boy's shoulder. "Christ Ponyboy, get your head outta the gutter," he scolded. The boy with the long black bangs suddenly raised his eyebrows, he had been staring at her, trying desperately to remember where he'd seen her before.

"You never told us you had a sister," he said quietly. Dallas seemed surprised, Hannah was, too. Did they really look that similar?

Having heard the commotion, three more boys now stood in the living room, one Hannah recognized as the cashier from the DX. He seemed to remember her too, he pulled his friend into a headlock and ignored his cursing while ruffling his hair. "I told you she reminded me of Dally!"

" I never said you were wrong, Soda, I just didn't think Dal would have a sister. A kid he ran away from? Maybe."

Seven pairs of eyes were on her, and she didn't like it. Not one bit. Hannah pulled her hands from her pockets and crossed her arms over her chest as Ponyboy extended his hand to her.

"I'm Ponyboy Curtis, this here is Johnny Cade."

His eyes were kind, and so was his smile. His hand was still out, waiting for her to shake it. From behind him, Dallas's eyes were staring at her, then darting down to Ponyboy. All while cursing silently, Hannah stretched out her own hand. "Hannah."

Ponyboy's hands were clammy and his grip was weak. He must not have noticed, because he shot her a final kind glance before stepping back. Johnny sent a silent nod her way. As his head moved, so did his hair. It revealed a long thin scar on the side of his cheek, and she felt his eyes land on her neck. One by one, the six boys introduced themselves.

Darrel, or Darry, was the oldest in the 'gang' at twenty years old. He was the older brother, and legal guardian of his younger brothers since their parents died months ago in a car accident. He was tall, definitely taller than six feet. He kept his brown hair clean and short.

Keith Mathews went by Two-Bit and was the second oldest, eighteen. He was still a junior in high school and just kept going back just for kicks. The guy also had an ungodly obsession with beer, Mickey Mouse, and chocolate cake.

Sodapop Curtis, Darry's younger brother, worked full time at the DX with his best friend, Steve Randle. Both seventeen, Sodapop dropped out of school in order to help Darry pay the bills. Steve only worked part-time and spent his money helping his father pay rent.

Johhny Cade was sixteen, even if he didn't look it. A scrawny and quiet kid, Johnny spent most of his time here, at the Curtis house, to avoid his parents and their endless bickering. Hannah knew Ponyboy wasn't telling her something when he swallowed quickly and sat back down. Johnny shuffled around in his seat, and she caught a few more glimpses of his scars and bruises.

He had gotten them in a fight, and not one Johnny started.

By the way Dallas kept looking at him, she knew she was right.

Ponyboy was the youngest brother and youngest in the gang at fourteen. After being put up a grade in elementary school, he went to high school with Steve, Two-Bit and Johnny. Two-Bit spoke up quickly, telling Hannah about how Dallas sometimes came along, only to stir up trouble and make the teachers regret their life decisions. More than once did this nearly get Dallas arrested.

Everyone moved to get comfortable, Pony and Johnny back on the couch, Two-Bit in front of the t.v. Soda and Steve sat on either side of the table, and Darry sat in an armchair.

Hannah and Dallas were leaning against the wall, both had their arms crossed over their chests when Sodapop spoke up. "So Hannah, what brings you to our neck of the woods?"