Never Enough Winstons |The Outsiders|

Class Of '68

June was a big deal.

Summer was just around the corner, people were preparing for their camping trips, school was almost out. As for the senior class of Will Rogers Highschool, graduation was only hours away.

Hannah drug a brush through her hair quickly with one hand as she laced up her converse with the other. She never understood the importance of the robes and hats, but if it meant getting her diploma, she'd play along. Dallas was in his room, combing back his hair and trying to hide his hangover.  Buck was in his room, polishing his boots and shaking the wrinkles from his button-up.

It wasn't every day a Winston graduated, and he wouldn't miss it for the world.

Part of her was excited. She had never thought the day she actually graduated would come, but here it was. The other part of her dreaded the waiting. Johnny and Ponyboy would receive their diplomas right away since their last names started with 'C' and all. But Hannah Winston would have to wait. Then there was the worst part.

She was about to see Ponyboy for the first time since their breakup. She could still see him perfectly. The way the sun turned his hair more red than brown, she could still count the freckles on his face. She could still see the exact moment he realized she was breaking up with him. On top of it all, she could still feel her heart breaking in her chest.

What would the Gang think of her? Dallas hadn't said much about them after she told him, so maybe they tried avoiding the Winstons altogether. Did Pony tell them what she said?

It's better this way. Ponyboy is gonna be somebody, and you're not. Why is that so hard for him to understand?

Or maybe he twisted the story and made her out to be some heartless bitch.

The cruel thoughts were pushed from her mind as someone knocked on her bedroom door.

"You better be dressed, your graduation is in fifteen minutes!"

Even though she had woken him up well over an hour ago, Dallas's voice was still thick with sleep. Hannah stood there for a moment before Dallas started banging on the door again.

"Hannah Louise Winston, don't make me pick the fuckin' lock again-"

She laughed to herself quietly before tossing the hairbrush onto her bed and grabbing her cap and gown. Hannah made her way out into the hall just as Dallas and Buck ducked out of their own rooms. Buck kept his head down as he fiddled with his belt buckle, Dallas leaned against his door cooly. "Took ya long enough," he muttered teasingly. Hannah flipped him the bird as he turned and made her way down the steep stairs.

"Hey Buck, guess what!"

She turned just in time to watch the boys who had raised her walk down the stairs. "Huh?"

"The next time I step in this bar, I'll be a high school graduate."

Buck looked at her, his lips split the same goofy grin he always wore. He moved forwards and brushed a strand of hair from her face before tucking it behind her ear. "You're right, kid. Well done."

Dallas bumped the older boy with his shoulder roughly. "Let's go already, the ceremony starts in ten minutes."

Hannah chuckled. "Cool it, man." Then she sprinted to the t-bird. "Shotgun!"

"I'll fucking shoot you and hide your body in the trunk. Where's your fucking gun, Buck?"

Hannah pulled on her robe and hopped into the front seat while Buck moved around to his side. "You are not shooting your sister, we are so fucking close to getting her through high school."