the outsiders ~ vertigo

two

The class watched as Lou stood at the front of the room on a pedestal, on display for everyone to see. Her hazel eyes scanned the room, the dark circles underneath illuminating off the classroom lights.

This wasn't exactly what Lou was expecting her first day here, and would be gone in a heartbeat if her legs would move— however, she did make a promise.

"We have a new student joining us today. Can we all please welcome Lou?" Mr. Syme announced, erasing the old chalk markings from yesterdays class.

While gazing into the sea of eyes in front of her, most students slouched over their desks, vacuous grins plastered on their faces. Stopping at Pony, she immediately knew what kind of student he was—proper posture, desk neatly organized for todays lecture— if only she knew the hierarchy beyond the school which awaits her.

"Lou, would you like to introduce yourself to the class?" He continued, taking a seat at his large wooden desk. The abrupt pressure made her freeze, she swayed slightly from foot to foot, fiddling with the long excess fabric of her woven belt.

The girl instead gave her head a shake, causing the class to erupt with laughter at her expense, even Ponyboy.

Her awkwardness caused Mr. Syme to look disgruntled, an answer which for sure took a couple years off his teaching career. "Take your seat, Miss Armani, beside Ponyboy." He sighed, attempting to settle the class. Lou shuffled down the aisle, her oversized baggy jeans dragging under her shoes as she walked.

Lou was sort of off putting to Ponyboy, battered, pale, didn't look too bright, but nice at least. He thought about his first impressions of her for awhile; particularly whether she'd fit in more with socs or greasers, being new here and all.

Hell, who knows what side of town she's on, maybe she could even fit in with some middle class kids. He thought intensively.

Her nose had just the tiniest angle to it at the tip, something she'd earn from getting her face punched in a few too many times. Ponyboy thought of her as a JD, but in a different manner, while simultaneously being more proper than most greaser girls, lacking their loudness and excessive eye makeup—If that's saying anything.

He eventually settled on the idea of Lou not being too bad, considering she's not a dropout. She's definitely not a Cherry Valance; with light scars peppering her face, and a large circular abrasion smack-dab on her temple. It nearly looked like a birthmark to him by the way it healed.

As class went on, Pony was absorbed in his notebook, occasionally, he'd discreetly glance over at Lou, she'd usually be fiddling with a pen, or slouched over her desk...

–Which reminds him

Johnny's desk is empty today. Perhaps his folks are giving him a hard time. However, it is usual for Johnny to slack in school. Anyone would with an old man like his.

Soon enough, the bell rang, causing everyone to scurry out. Before Lou could leave, she was called up to Mr. Syme's desk. With a scoff, she approached him. "Am I in trouble?" Lou asked impatiently. "Not quite..." He trailed off, eyes glued to his clipboard.

"The office gave me some forms, these need to be signed and returned tomorrow morning, okay?" He continued without looking up, she took a breath and nodded, once again beginning to leave.

"Oh yeah, and Lou." His eyes finally met hers. "Since it's your first day, I won't write you up, but uh..." He began, gesturing up and down towards her body.

"These.. well— tattered jeans and a sweater is not appropriate school apparel for a young lady here at Will Rogers. A blouse, vest, or button-up with over-knee skirt is a great start." He explained slyly, she frowned at him, fists now clenched at her sides.

"I know this may be new to you, but it would be against school policy if I dismissed it. I could get reported to administration." All she could do was nod before spinning on her heel and heading for the door.
Mr. Syme wanted to cut her some slack, he wants to see all his students succeed and become successful members of society—but the rules were rules, and no one was exempt.

To Lou's surprise, Ponyboy was lingering by the door, in attempts of eavesdropping in on their conversation.
Uncharacteristic of the boy, considering he was risking a tardy slip, but it also didn't feel right to leave her first day, especially with all these socs around. Before he could say anything to justify his presence, Mr. Syme beat him to it.

"Pony, would you mind showing this young lady around campus?" Mr. Syme asked, but not quite waiting for Pony's answer as he began talking to a second period student.

"Sure thing." Ponyboy uttered quietly as they left, trying not to sound too inconvenienced by his new responsibility.

"What was that all about?" He decided to ask as they walked down the hall.

A tisk noise came from Lou's lips followed by a shrug. "Y'know, jus' forms the office forgot to give." She explained briefly, he nodded apprehensively.

"Oh, thought for sure he'd bore you to death, pretty sure Syme jus' likes the sound of his own voice." Pony joked halfheartedly, her vagueness gave him the impression she were lying. One corner of Lou's lips curled up into a sheepish smirk, not meeting the boys eyes.

"Right, well shoot, if you ever need anything, wait by my locker between periods, I'll usually be there." He offered, desperate to break the silence. "Yeah?" Lou acknowledged, her slight Italian accent being presented, nearly lost from the years of being away from home. "Thanks." She nodded, moving some stray hair from her face.

The remainder of the day went by as tedious as one can imagine, with a couple more introductions, cigarette breaks in the washroom, and a skip, Lou had successfully survived her first day. By the time the final bell of the day rang, she found herself at a loss. With no plans, nor friends, Ponyboy's words from earlier today swam through her thoughts.

Debating on whether she should approach the boy again, she convinced herself to just walk by his locker—maybe by the time she got there she'd work up the courage to speak to him.

As Lou walked, some kids murmured as she passed, gossiping right in from of her, as if she were some kind of circus act.

She was somewhat relieved to find the boy attending to his locker, multiple notebooks balanced under his arm. Lou stared back at the group taunting students, with all the stuff she's experienced, their intimidation was nothing but a walk in the park— But it wouldn't be right for her to be a trouble maker first day.

Just as Lou was about to walk away without alerting the boy, he noticed her with a smile.
"Hey Lou, how was it?"
Sighing in relief the girl wasn't sure about tomorrow, but today she was safe.