Chapter Text
September 1st, 1968
Ponyboy walked into school finally his senior year.
One more year and after he gets accepted into college, he'll be free from Tulsa's gripped. His brothers Darry and Sodapop were real proud of him being the first Curtis to go to college with a track scholarship.
Being a greaser with little money this was a big deal and though not being popular, he hoped things would change, and he’ll make this year count. Seeing a group of boys glaring at him whispering “dirty hood” under their breaths, the Ponyboy just sighed maybe not today.
He just hopes he could just make it to June without setting the school on fire with himself inside.
Walking inside holding the heaviest textbooks in the world he was heading toward where him and johnny normally met.
“Oops” everything Pony was holding on the ground. Marcia Third year as cheerleader and eighth year of smacking lunch trays and being a huge bitch.
“Such a bitch” Pony snarled under his breath as he picked up his stuff.
She shoots a look back “what did you say to me grease”
“Aah nothing” quickly getting up he turned the corner to get away from her
Socs are the top dogs in Tulsa, and they aren't very friendly towards poor greasers like ponyboy.
When he turned pony was met his best friend, since diapers johnny cade. Johnny had failed a grade and pony skipped one, so they were in the same year.
“Hey, want to come over after school and spend the night I can rent a movie?” Pony asked. Johnny didn't have a good home life most of the time opting to spend the night in the lot, so any opportunity to sleep in a warm house is a yes “oh ok, how about cool hand Luke?”.
Pony giggled “don't you have that memorized”. The boys once snuck into the theater to watch, and johnny couldn't stop talking about it since “well I guess I'm just a sucker for a powerful ending”.
“Jumpy cade, Boo! Hahaha”. Beverly. Flyer. She is the smartest girl on the cheerleading team which is kind of like being the tallest dwarf. Johnny jumps at her shove.
Ponyboy didn't know what came over him. He was sick and tired of socs thinking they can just ruin people's lives.
So, he yells at the girl “Hey! Don't talk to him like that! Or else!”
She looked at him with a smug grin “I'm sorry, are you actually speaking to me?”
This just made Ponyboy mouthier “Yes, I am. I want to know what gives you the right to pick on my friend. You're a high school has-been waiting to happen. Future part-time cashier”
Marcia points right at his face “you have a zit right there” then she ran off laughing with all her soc buddy's.
His first four periods were normal, all the same get to know you crap. Before going to lunch, he goes to the bathroom but stops when he hears voices.
“Blehhh" it was a girl throwing up.
“Oh, grow up Cherry bulimia is so ‘67” a boy says annoyed.
“Maybe you should see a Doctor Cherry” another boy says worried.
“Yeah, randy maybe I should”
It was the most popular socs there were Sherri valence, Bob Sheldon, and Randy Henderson. They were the top dogs never bothered, never harassed pony would do anything to be like him.
Sherri valence, head cheerleader her dad is loaded; he sells engagement rings. Randy Henderson, no discernible personality, but his parents did pay for his mustang. And Bob Sheldon, the almighty he is a mimic dick
There just rich west side kids who beat up greasers for fun and get drunk on top of the top of cars.
But oh, Ponyboy would give anything just to see the other side
Pony just turns the corner he could go to the bathroom another time until he saw a teacher and ducked behind a wall.
Mr. Roberts, the school councilor then stomped into the bathroom. “Ah Bob and Randy” Cherry continues to throw up “and Sherri, perhaps you didn't know but girls are not supposed to be in the men's restroom especially while being late to class”.
Bob tries to look innocent “Cherry wasn't feeling well, and the men's bathroom was closer we were helping her” both Randy and Cherry nod. Mr. Roberts pulls out a notepad and starts writing “not with and hall pass you're not, weeks detention”.
Overhearing Pony saw this as his opportunity to get liked and popular. He had a talent for copying handwriting, so he quickly wrote out a pass.
Pony stepped out “Um, actually, Mr. Roberts, all four of us are out on a hall pass. Yearbook committee”. He sighs annoyed “I see you're all listed. Hurry up and get where you're going” then he walks out.
All three kids look shocked at seeing ponyboy help them. Bob steps forward looking the boy up and down “This is an excellent forgery. Who are you?”. Huh, how did bob not know him he's chased him and his friend in his car multiple times pony thought.
Pony scratched at his hand “uh... ponyboy Curtis, I crave a boon” Bob snorts “that's really your name what boon do you want”.
Pony shift uncomfortably “Um. Let me sit at your table, at lunch. Just once. No talking necessary. If people think you guys tolerate me, they'll forget I'm a grease and before you answer I also do report card permission slips and absence notes” the trio laugh.
Bob get really close to his face inspecting him “for a greasy little hood, you do have good bone structure”. Cherry comes over next “And a symmetrical face. If I took a meat cleaver down the center of your skull, I'd have matching halves. That's very important”
Randy just scoffs “you could stand to gain some muscle”
Bob decided why not another person to use “well ok. You could be beautiful I can see it, just wash that grease out and gain a wardrobe then were on are way”
“Just go wash your hair in the sink” bob demanded
Then he looks a Randy “and Randy I need your extra Madra, let make him beautiful”
Cherry and randy nod in agreement “let's make him beautiful”
Bob then looks back at Ponyboy “okay?”
“Okay!”
The four of them walked into the lunchroom and imminently, all eyes were on ponyboy. Ponyboy eyes johnny mouth wide open eyes sad and confused “Ponyboy?” and all he could do was look away.
Everybody was looking at him is admiration god it was beautiful.
This is all Pony hoped, dreamed and prayed for now he finally got his way. It felt like hell on wheels now he was beautiful in the eyes of people who hated him, he’d finally stop getting messed with.