Epilogue. Tulsa 1968, The Curtis living room.

"Happy birthday to you..."

"Happy birthday to you..."

"Happy birthday dear Passin' Through..."

"Happy birthday to you!"

I set my book down and looked at the guys suspiciously. It was a far cry from what once was my birthday and they didn't just throw birthday parties every day.

"It's not my birthday," I said expecting their faces to fall, but instead they all looked happier

"Well, you never did tell us your birthday." Pony shrugged

"I don't have a birthday," I corrected

"You know, you must have been a pretty messed up kid." Two-Bit was a joker, but I think he was serious. "No cake, no ice cream and no presents! That's gotta suck!"

"So." Darry threw him a warning look "We figured because you came into our lives three years ago today this could be your birthday."

I was speechless. This was the nicest thing that had happened to me in a while. I'd never wanted a birthday before that moment and I couldn't help but give a little grin.

"Well, blow out the candles so we can have some cake!" Soda was barely holding it still enough for me to do so

I looked up at Dally who had been watching the whole time without a word. He nodded and I blew out the candles.

"Well, I guess that means no boyfriends this year," Steve teased

"Guess not," I repeated and he laughed

"Golly, that's a big cake." Johnny had wide eyes for it

"All the more for us to eat!" Soda grinned

"Come on, Pass, and you can open some presents," Ponydirected offering me his hand so we could follow the rest of the guys into the kitchen

"I'll be along in a sec," I assured him, wanting to put my book away first

Pony nodded and went to grab some cake before it was gone. I just shook my head and headed down the hall to my room. There were a couple drawings and pictures on the blue walls and was relatively clean with a pile of clothes on the neatly made bed. In the corner was an empty duffel bag with patches on it from every place I'd been. I had no use for it anymore, but it had been a friend for a long time and I couldn't throw it out. The only picture of my family I owned was framed on the dresser beside one of the gang. It wasn't much but it was home. It was hard to believe so much had changed within three years, but when I look back on it all I have to smile. It was a hell of a way to make a change and it had been the turning point in my birthday-less life.

That's back when Passin' Through was my only plan as well as my name...

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Chapter one is up.

See ya in the funny papers! Tens