𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Dally Winston, The Outsiders

Chapter 1: Reuniting

(A/N: For those reading this who haven't seen The Outsiders movie or read the book, this takes place in the 1960's!)

Moving halfway across the country wasn't the easiest thing in the world- especially considering the circumstances. However, I got lucky. We just moved back to my hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma. And when I say we just moved here, I mean that we arrived two days ago and the new house was still echoing from how empty it is.

I haven't been here since I was 7 years old. Everywhere I looked felt like a blast of nostalgia being shot straight at me. One thing that did drastically change though, were my cousins. Last time I was in town, Darry was 10. Now, he's a full grown man. Twenty damn years old. And Sodapop is 16, with Ponyboy turning 14 in just under a month.

The four of us used to be close. I know that they are already biological brothers, and I was just their cousin, but I felt more like a sister to the Curtis family. Particularly because I had no siblings of my own. But, after moving, we obviously grew apart. I went all the way to New Jersey for ten years, how could we not have?

"Vallee, sweetie." My mom said, knocking on my bedroom door. "Why don't you go hangout with your cousins for a bit? Dad and I need some time to talk, and I think it'll be good for you to catch up with them."

I certainly knew that I didn't want to be around while my parents "talk", since that really just meant they were gonna argue.

"Sure, you don't mind me walking there though?" I ask, surprised she's trusting me out alone on this side of town.

"Hm..." Mom glanced out the window, "it's not too dark out yet. They live right down the street anyway. Just be careful, and get Soda or Darry to walk you home if you need."

I gave her a nod and a small smile before making my way out of our new, rather tiny house. I didn't bother grabbing a coat or anything, since I already have on a long-sleeve shirt and it's just a little cool out. Nothing too bad.

My sneakers make the colorful leaves beneath them crunch, but I focused more on walking with my head up and shoulders back. I can tell just from the two days of living here and my childhood memories that this isn't the safest place to be. I live on the side with the Greasers, basically the poor people. They've got a reputation for being hoodlums. I guess I'm considered one too now, but I sure hope I don't look like it.

I don't take long to arrive at the Curtis household, also another small house that looked pretty messy. Some neighbor's dogs began barking from the other side of the fence, but I know to just ignore it. After one knock on the door, Ponyboy is already standing right in front of me.

"Vallee!" he smiled, pulling me into a hug.

I swear I couldn't recognize him if it weren't for his typical sweet-smile. Last time I saw him, he was 3 years old. Now, he's a teenager, and just about the same height as me.

"You don't gotta knock, ya know?" Soda chuckled, running up to us with a smile.

Pony finally let go looking a little embarrassed from his excitement.

I went ahead and gave Soda a hug as well, this one being a bit gentler.

"So, how're things goin'?" asked Ponyboy, watching me with wide eyes and a grin as I took off my shoes.

"Feels weird being back here after so long, but I'm actually excited."

"I can tell it's been a long time. Since when do you act so professional? Knocking on doors and taking off your shoes, you used to come running here covered in mud!" Sodapop laughed.

"Well you gotta remember, I'm 17 now. Not 7, so no more mud for me!"

We walked over to the living room, the place where the Curtis brothers and I used to put on performances for our parents to convince them to allow us a sleepover. Don't know why we ever bothered though, 'cause I swear our parents couldn't care less. Maybe the boys secretly enjoyed all the choreographed dances.