Disclaimer: I don't own the Outsiders.

Adrianna's Point of View

It was scary. Not the boogey man in the closet, killer type of scary, just, scary. It wasn't my side of town. The people stared at me as I trotted along down the street. The stores were different, the faces were unfamiliar, I clung to my shoulders and tried not to look anyone in the eye. I was scared.

But, I really shouldn't have been. I wasn't racist. But, a lot of the town was. Fighting between blacks and whites doesn't really happen but the tension has never gone away.

The news portrays this side of town to be violent and unwelcoming. I knew different. But, that thought didn't comfort me.

Leroy's building was small. The apartment complex only held four families but with all the kids in each family, it got really crowded. I staggered up the steps and knocked on the door that read 3B. A pre-teen girl with pink clips in her hair answered the door. She was tall and lanky, the awkward stage of puberty had hit her. But, the illuminating smile on her face immediately got me grinning too. It was Gabby, Leroy's twelve year old sister.

"Adri!" she squeaked, throwing her skinny arms around my waist.

I'd miss this. I really would.

"Hey Gab! How are you?"

"I'm alright. I'm in the process of convincing my mom to let me try out for the Elk Ridge Junior High track team. But, so far she hasn't bitten into it."

"Track? I didn't know you liked to run. Hey my friend Pony-"

"Adri," Leroy said with shock, coming behind Gabby, while opening the door further. "I thought I heard your voice."

He looked tired and worn out. He clearly had not gotten any sleep the night before.

Gabby looked between us and said, "Well, you two kids have fun. I'm gonna go eat breakfast." And she scurried back into the apartment. Leroy grabbed the door handle, came outside to meet me, and swung it shut.

"You're here early," he said. "Are you okay?"

My heart was pounding. My ears were screaming and red from the morning chill. I was nervous and my stomach felt like twisted knots. My head was frozen, like that time when I had six icees at once. Then, I through my hands up and replied, "We have to end this. You and me and...us. I can't string you along, it's not fair. Last night, you made me realize that I can't always run from everything. And I'm starting here, with you."

Leroy sighed and said, "I knew this was gonna be your choice."

I stared at my feet ashamed and that's when Leroy grabbed my face gently and looked me in the eyes.

"I'm not mad Adri," he whispered. "I know where your heart is even if you don't. So, don't worry about me. You are amazing. No matter who tells you otherwise. You deserve someone that you want, and someone that worships you."

I nodded and replied, "You'll be fine Leroy. I promise, girls will be lined up to get a glimpse of you."

He laughed and said in a cocky voice, "I'm sure they will be."

I couldn't stop myself from letting out a chuckle and muttering "Asshole," while hitting him playfully on the shoulder.

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding. But, take care of yourself Adri."

I rolled my eyes at this but Leroy looked at me intensely. "I'm serious Adri. It's a cold world out there. You have to be ready at every turn, people will want you to fall flat on your face, hell maybe you will. But, don't ever let them keep you down. Always, always get back up."

"I will," I promised. "I will."

He nodded and said "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now Adrianna Randle. Until next time."

I nodded and started down the stairs.

"Oh, and Adri," I jerked my head back up to look at him with a questioning gaze. "If you ever need anything, and I mean anything don't hesitate to call. I'll be there in a heartbeat."

"Thank you, Lee," I smiled to him. "For everything."

So, I started back up the winding road feeling much better than when I came.

But, I wasn't done yet. No, I had a few more stops to make.

And I figured that two of those were at the house of Curtis.

Author's Note: Don't hate me! It's been over two months. But, hey I'm updating on Christmas Eve, that's got to get me some bonus points. =]