1. Chapter 1 (1/2)

sandys p.o.v.

i was standing on the curtis' front porch, trying to work up the courage to knock. i was back to see soda after being gone almost two years.

"here goes nothing." i mumbled to myself,

inging my tiny fist to the door. a girl about my age opened it, a smile on her face. she had long

own hair and

ight, shining green eyes. whoever she was, she was awful pretty.

"hi, i'm ellie. can i help you?" she asked. a little girl who looked like ellie ran into her and grabbed her leg.

"no ponyboy!" she squealed, hiding her face in ellies' leg.

"yes emily." pony smiled, pulling her off ellie.

"hi ponyboy." i greeted hesitantly. i know he probably didn't like me, and with good reason.

"hi sandy." he mumbled, leading emily away.

"oh, are you looking for someone?" ellie asked turning back toward me. i guess she realized i knew them now.

"is sodapop here?" i asked slowly. her smile never faltered but i could tell by the look in her eyes she was wondering who i was and why i was here.

"hold on a second. soda!" she hollered for him. i gave her an awkward smile back, silently thanking her. soda came from down the hallway, putting on a plaid button up over a white t-shirt. so, i see nothings changed, i smiled inwardly. his hair was wet, so he probably just got out of the shower. he didn't notice me at first and went straight to ellie. one arm wrapped around her waist and he gave her a sweet peck on the lips.

"what is it?" he asked. she glanced at me and for the first time in almost two years, he looked at me. he looked shocked then confused then angry.

"hi soda." i gave a half hearted wave.