The Other Side

Chapter 1

Shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his leather jacket, Ponyboy cursed Sodapop for making him walk to school today. The bitter January wind felt like it was blowing right through his clothes. He let out a deep sigh as he trudged up the school steps, debating with himself if he was happy or sad to start a new semester. Coming back to school after the holiday break was always a confusing time of the year. On one hand, it meant the holidays were over and having nights filled with homework again, on the other hand it meant that summer was on its way. Yeah, he thought, as a deep shiver hit him, summer was sounding pretty great!

"Hey Ponyboy! Wait up!"

Ponyboy looked over his shoulder to see Two-bit sprinting across the front lawn, his breath puffing out in little white clouds. Grinning now, Ponyboy held open the front door, as Two-bit whizzed past him and immediately slumped against the wall, his hand clutched to his chest.

"Oh man," he wheezed, "I didn't think I was going to make it. Mrs. Herrigan will kill me if I'm late again."

Shaking his head, Ponyboy just looked at Two-Bit in wonder, "Boy, I never thought I'd hear you worrying about being late to class Two-Bit."

Two-Bit shrugged his shoulders, as he and Ponyboy made their way through the crowded hallway, "I just figure as much time as I've invested in this place, might as well get me a diploma to make it worth my while."

Ponyboy knew differently. Two-Bit had changed since Johnny and Dally's death, six months ago. Their whole gang had; even Steve and Sodapop were talking serious talk about joining the Army after they turned 18. Darry hadn't been pleased with Sodapop's decision but had let it ride for now, saying he had whole year to knock some sense into Sodapop's brain. Two-Bit wasn't into making a life changing decision like that, he just made up in his mind to finish high school.

"Gotta show my future kids something other than how to beat up on Socs," Two-Bit had quipped, one night while he and Ponyboy had studied geometry homework. Nobody said it, but Ponyboy knew they were all thinking about Dally and Johnny and how they didn't get a chance to show their future kids anything.

"Did ya hear what I said Pony?" Two-bit asked, jabbing him in the side with his elbow.

"Huh? No, sorry I was thinking."

"Yeah you're always thinking," Two Bit smirked. "I've been trying to tell you about the new dolly of a counselor we got working up here now."

"But what about Mrs. Eubanks?" Ponyboy frowned.

Two-Bit wave his hand "Aw I heard her daughter over in Arizona had a baby, or something like that and she left to be closer to her grandbaby. Anyways, that's not the point is, now we got ourselves a real fine chick working here at the school!"

Really, Ponyboy didn't see what the big deal was, its' not like Two-Bit or any guy in the school for that matter stood a chance with her, whoever she was....

"What's her name?" Ponyboy asked, curiosity winning out.

Two-Bit held up a finger, "See that's the thing. She just started today so no one really knows yet. Heard she used to go here a few years ago. Darry might know her. Dave said she was a Soc though. Figures right? Hot babe fresh out of college? Her ol' man probably got her the job. Man, them soc's always have made it the shade."

He didn't argue with Two-Bit, but Ponyboy wasn't sure all soc's had it made in the shade; their troubles were different than greaser troubles, but troubles were still troubles. The final bell for class rang, and Two-Bit ruffled Ponyboy's hair, telling him to wait outside for him after school, before he split for Mrs. Herrigan's class.