In Between (An Outsiders Fanfiction | Ponyboy Love Story)

Ch. 1: Wrong House?

Mae's POV

"Hey dad" I said groggily, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as I sit at the table.

I was so tired I didn't even realize the way my dad was scrambling around the living room, "Hi. I've got another long meeting today and it starts in like 10 minutes. Im in a rush, so I got to go." He says, doing everything in the span of 5 seconds.

"Okay, I think I have everything. Bye honey. I love you. Please wake up your mother." Planting a kiss on my forehead before speeding out the front door.

I heard fast footsteps and the engine of the car start then soften as he drove away.

By "mother," he didn't actually mean my birth mom... My stepmom. But, I consider her as nothing less than my real mom. I love her. She's everything anyone could ask for in a mom. She's loving, understanding, but strict when she had to be. She came into my life when I was around two years old so I don't know a life without her. 

I go to wake her up and take a quick shower. After I was done, I went back downstairs, only now noticing the smell coming from the kitchen. It was bacon and eggs. I know my dad made them because it's the only things he knows how to cook.

My mom was already reheating it, and I prepared the table. She sat down and it was a comfortable silence as we both seemed to be caught up on the food in front of us. As per usual, my mind started to wonder again about my birth mom. It's a never ending thought, and it's like an itch at the back of my mind that just won't go away. I sighed and finally asked, "Uh.. So.. Do you know when I will ever meet my real mom?"

My mom sighed, knowing I was bound to bring it up again as I always do. But, I couldn't help but notice how she looked at me with a bit of hurt in her eyes since she's so used to herself being my only mother figure. Her eyes were also soft as she sympathized, "Darling, I know you're curious. But once you meet your mom I can guarantee you'll regret it. She is horrible.."

"Well she can't be that bad considering she made me." I say flipping my hair causing both of us to laugh, "No, but seriously.. Can I meet her?" I asked, knowing it was a long shot and quite frankly just a question I pop up every now and then.

She looked at me and started to think about it. I could tell she knew something, but she was hesitating to tell me. There was silence for a while but I knew what that meant. I was fully expecting this to just be another dead end conversation, although I couldn't help but be disappointed.

She lightly coughed as if she had something to say, I look at her, "Well I do have her address.." My mom says slowly.

"NO WAY? REALLY... YAY I LOVE YOU." I say jumping up and giving her a kiss. "I'll go upstairs and get ready!" I quickly stuffed my mouth with one more bite of food, doing everything I could at the fastest speed possible so she couldn't fully process what this meant. I ran upstairs, leaving a very shocked mother at the dining table. 

I looked through my closet. I got out light blue high-waisted shorts and a black shirt. I slipped on my black converse and did my hair. I went back downstairs.

Hesitantly, I sat at the kitchen table, praying she wouldn't change her mind. "Alright. Finish your food and we'll go." Mom says, causing me to sigh of relief. My cheeks hurt at how big I was smiling.

As I finished my food, I began to wonder how this was going to go. I always dreamt about it, but now that it's happening I couldn't feel less prepared. Would my birth mom talk to me if she saw my stepmom there? Finally deciding what the best solution would be, "Hey mom.. uh.. I know it's in the east side of town but could you just drop me off and then leave.." I said hopefully, "I know it may sound stupid but cmon. I'm not at all a stranger there, and it would be weird meeting my real mom with my stepmom,"

I saw a protectiveness in her eyes flicker and I knew we were going to have to argue this out. But, she knew I made some point and finally gave in, "FINE. But you have two hours. That's it."

---When I get to the front of the house---

This isn't really what I expected. It was light blue, almost white.. but real dirty. I walk to the porch, my heart pounding and my mind running a million miles a minute. I felt all emotions at once, excitement, fear. All of it.

I look back at my mom and give her the thumbs up. I don't know why I did it so soon but I didn't want her there any longer. It put a pressure on me that just made the situation even more stressful.

"2 HOURS. NO LATER. RIGHT HERE." She yells before driving off.

Mustering up all the courage I could, I knocked. Nothing. Tried again.. Nothing. 

Maybe I gave mom the thumbs up too soon...

I tried to figure out what to do then. My mom already left. It was still day time though, and I knew of some spots around town that I could just stay and wait it out until my mom came back. 

I heard footstep, "No ones home." I hear a voice behind me say. I jump.

I put my hand to my heart. "Jesus Christ. You scared me.. Oh. I think my mom got the wrong house address.. Who are you?" I asked as I looked at the boy in front of me wearing a blue shirt that had "DX" on it. He seemed almost familiar so I didn't feel too threatened.

"I could ask you the same thing. Names Sodapop. Sodapop Curtis."

"I'm Mae." I said as I extended my hand to him. He shook it.

We made some small talk as he was curious since I didn't look like I was from around here. I explained to him just a small part of what I was doing there, and what my plans are now since nothing went according to plan.

"Well hey. If you're up for it, I was going to meet my friends at the dingo. You wanna come?" He asks.

Well.. I've never been to the dingo.. But I don't really know this kid. But than again, I have 2 hours to spare.. I had my blade in my pocket that my mom made me take to make her feel better about everything. And I silently thanked her for it. 

If anything, I could just stay at the dingo after for a safe space, i said to myself. Merely just using this kid for directions.

"Sure.." I said to him, hesitantly but with a smile.

He waits for me as I go to walk beside him.
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A/N: HEY! okay so first chapter yay. Writing is really fun haha. Mae isn't really my last name. It's my middle name. I don't really wanna put up my last name😂 Boring chapter but there will be more in chapter 2!! xx