People Don't Change (Dally Winston)

Chapter 1

"People don't change." I jolted awake with the familiar phrase circling through my mind. It was something Dally had said years ago, before he moved. I couldn't remember what we had been discussing, but I always believed the words were true.

I gripped the silver locket that hung on a chain around my neck. Dally had given it to me before he left, so it was special to me. I always wore it.

I unlatched the locket's miniature clasp and it sprung open to reveal a tiny photograph of Dally and me. I smiled as I stared into our young faces, grinning back at me.

I sighed as the train sped along the bumpy tracks. The countryside flew by my window in a blur of green. Beside me, my bag was taking up the rest of the seat, discouraging anyone from sitting next to me.

I was going to Tulsa to live with my cousin Keith. I was too lonely in New York. Since Dally left, I hadn't made any other friends. Most of my time was spent alone, trying to entertain myself.

The train began to slow to a crawl as we pulled into the station. I grabbed my duffel bag and scurried out of the crowded compartment. I scanned the waiting crowd, searching for Keith.

I finally saw him leaning against the side of a brick building. He noticed me a second later and ran over, looking excited to see me.