On the Outside

Chapter 1

I sigh as the cold seeps into my bones, and through my light sweatshirt.

The bruise on the side of my head aches something fierce, a souvenir from my father.

Pulling out a cigarette, I search my pockets for a lighter, but sigh when I find nothing.

I'm freezing my ass off in a park around one a.m. because I have no where else to go.

After moving from Texas to here of all damn places, I now have no one to shelter me from my parents when they were in particularly bad moods.

Hopefully I would make some friends soon.

Head lights of a car stopped my from feeling sorry for myself, as it sped across the weed strewn grass of the park.

From the yelling, I could tell what was happening.

Without another thought, I pull my switchblade from my pocket, and follow the male voices.

Two greaser kids, both younger looking than me, are backed up against the fountain full of freezing, stagnant water.

The dark haired one has a blade out, the other nothing but his fists.

"Hey assholes!" I yell.

The socs turn in surprise, and see me in all my five foot six glory, blade held dangerously.

"You might wanna get lost before the rest of the guys show up." I comment pleasantly.

They snicker uneasily, eyes flickering to the empty darkness.

"You know honey, your hand would look a lot better wrapped around my-"

"Fuck off. I'm serious, did you really think they were out here for no reason? We're meeting here dumbass. Now I suggest you get lost before the rest of us show up. They won't be as kind when they find you in our territory."

My false bravado gave no indication of being fake, and I silently cheer myself on for my impeccable lying skills as the socs uneasily get back in their car and drive away.

Collectively, the three of us breathe a sigh of relief.

"You guys good?" I ask, walking closer after stuffing my blade back into my pocket.

The darker haired boy is shaking, and I can't tell if it's from the cold.

The other nods, and rubs his bare arms.

"Thanks." He muttees, and wipes his hands on his jeans.

"C'mon. I'll walk you guys wherever you're goin'." I say with a jerk of my head.

They exchange looks, almost a silent conversation, and the lighter haired one sighs.

"That be great. I'm Ponyboy. And that's Johnny."

I nod with a half smile.

"I'm Celia. Most people just call me Sealy though."

We start walking through the park, and back into the residential area of the greaser side of town.

"This is us." Ponyboy says, a look of dread on his face.

We stopp in front of a small house surrounded by chain link.

"Aight. Y'all have a good night. Maybe I'll see you around yeah?" I say, wondering how much longer it would be till morning.

The nod, and I walk slowly down the sidewalk, wondering if any store would be open, just so I could warm myself for a few minutes.

"Hey!"

I don't recognize the voice, but turn anyways.

A larger man, muscles bigger than my face, stands beside Johnny and Pony.

"You have anywhere to stay tonight?" He asks, one hand curled around Pony's shoulder.

I size the guy up, wondering if he was trying to get something from me.

"The couch isn't the best, but it's warm inside." He elaborates.

Looking at the way the guy protectively curled around the two boys, I decide to take the risk.

"That would actually be real cool." I answer sheepishly, brushing my hair behind my ear.

I almost moan when I walk into the warm house, barely taking in my surroundings as I'm ushered to the couch. The lights are out in minutes, and so am I.

"Hey yo Johnnycake!"

I wake up disoriented, uncertain where I am.

"Hey Dal."

Sitting up, I run my fingers through my hair with a yawn.

"Ho-ly sh-ut."

Groggily, I look over the back of the couch and see a newcomer, dressed in old blue jeans and a leather jacket. A Saint Christopher hangs around his neck, but he sure as hell doesn't look like the praying type.

"You have a sister you been hiding from me Pony?"

"Believe me Dal, if I had a sister I wouldn't let you within twenty feet of her."

This comes from Darry, and the other guys in the kitchen laugh.

"Aww man, watcha tryna' say?"

I smile, a bit confused.

"Hi. I'm Sealy." I introduce, rearranging my wrinkled shirt.

The newcomer looks me up and down, and smirks.

"Dallas Winston. What's a nice place like you doin' in a girl like this?"

I snort and pull myself from the couch.

Dread fills me when I realise I'll have to go back to the house to get dressed for work.

"Well. Looks like I better scoot if I'm gonna make it to work." I say, less than enthusiastic.

The Curtis family and their friends call goodbyes to me as I exit

So I'm going ahead and going off of the movie as far as charcter's looks go, but in everything else it'll be book centric. Hit me up with any comments or suggestions.