The Outsiders: Family Portrait

Chapter 1~ The Good Life (Claire's POV)

I still remember growing up like it was yesterday. My family and I lived in a huge house with big glass windows, warm fireplaces, large doors that echoed with every knock, and a large spiral staircase that I tripped on and once split my knee open. It was me, my mom, my dad, and my big brother, Bob. Every morning I would wake up to the smell of Mama's famous blueberry pancakes and freshly squeezed orange juice. Then I would go to school, where I was popular and liked by everyone or during the summer, I would stay home and play with bob in the yard.

Bob's 2 years older than me, so he was always really bossy and controlling but he was still one of my bestfriends. We loved to play basketball together. I think the best part for me was that I always beat him at basketball. I usually can't beat him at anything. His two bestfriends were Scott and Randy. Randy was real nice but Scott called me swear words all the time. I never liked Scott.

I grew up liking pop music and pink dresses and cartoons about animated animals talking and learning the true meaning of friendship. I loved my family and life was perfect, it really was. Boys asked me out everyday, even in kindergarten and everyone wanted to be my friend. I was popular and so happy. I never thought that everything could just fall apart so easily.

Ya see, Bob and I were bestfriends up until he turned 12. I was 10 at the time. We still maintained our great relationship but he acted different around me. I acted like I didn't notice but I wish I hadn't. I paid a price for not telling some one sooner about his odd stares and sometimes awkward advances toward me, like he wasn't just playing hide or seek or tag. It was like he wanted something more from me. I was just too young to understand.

But now I'm 16 and I have no friends other than this guy named Johnny Cade. I don't talk. To anyone. I'm mute. I haven't talked since.............. the incident. No one likes me and I'm terrified of my brother. I like rock music now and I enjoy horror movies. My dad never pays attention to me, everything's always about Bob. And my mom is extremely loving but I can tell how much she regrets having me. She thinks I'm a troubeled child who needs professional help. But she doesn't know the whole story. Bob and I do. And now I'm gonna make sure everyone else does too.