"You shouldn't have came here," Dallas grumbled angrily.

We walked side by side in the darkness of the enclosed woods, weaving through crowds of people as we made our way to the tracks, which was just a circular, dirt road matted down by the tires of numerous cars. After Chuck departed, he left Dallas in a bad mood, and his brooding was beginning to rub off on me.

I groaned and rolled my eyes. "Jeez, what's the your problem?"

Dallas stopped abruptly, grabbing my shoulder and forcing me to pause too. He turned me towards him and locked eyes with me. "You're my problem, Diana."

I sighed in angry frustration, crossing my arms as I did so. "Look, Dallas, I know I probably shouldn't have snuck into Buck's truck, but I did, so can you do me a solid and just get over it?"

"You're unbelievable," Dallas exclaimed. "Why did you even follow us here?"

I shrugged. "I was just curious."

"More like nosy," Dallas mumbled angrily. I smirked, remembering the last time he called me nosy. Dallas seemed to notice this and rolled his eyes. "Shut up," he remarked playfully. His voice softened and although he feigned a smile, I could see through his stony expression

I put my hands up in surrender, my lips twitching upwards slowly. "I didn't say anything!" I laughed. Dallas shook his head and gave in, a small smile growing on his face. I had to admit, it was a nice change to see him genuinely happy. Dallas actually had a pretty nice smile.

There was a large, white tent in the distance that was lit up by flashlights and lanterns. Besides the numerous conversations between people around us and the hum of car engines in the distance, it was silent between Dallas and me. As we walked, I glanced up at him before turning my gaze to the ground, watching my boots as they stomped along the grass. "So, what's the deal between you and Chuck?" I asked Dallas curiously, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

"How'd you know about that?" Dallas asked.

I shrugged and gave him an apologetic smile. "I overheard you and Buck talkin' about him."

Dallas chuckled softly. He was quiet for a brief moment before he answered. "Chuck and I go way back," Dallas told me. "We've been rivals for as long as I can remember."

I nodded along. "What about Sylvia?" I asked. "How do they know each other?"

"Chuck's the guy Sylvia was two-timin' me with," Dallas huffed. I caught a glimpse of his expression when I looked over at him. His face held anger and betrayal, but his eyes had hurt in them. Even though Dallas was tough and intimidating, I had forgotten that he still felt pain like everyone else. He puts up a strong front, but I can see right.

"That blows," I mumbled, not really sure what I should to him. I've never been good at comforting people. Of course, I felt bad Dallas, but how could I put that into words.

I wasn't completely sure where we stood. It didn't feel like Dallas and I were exactly friends, but I knew we weren't nothing. I didn't despise Dallas like I do most people, and, in all honesty, I enjoyed our small talks and frustrating disputes. That had to count for something, right?

As Dallas and I walked under the large, white tent, joining a line of people in front a foldable table, a familiar voice spoke sourly from behind us. "If it isn't my ex boyfriend and the bitch he replaced me with."

I growled lowly and slowly turned around, my glare burning holes into Sylvia. "Lay off, whore," I spat at her.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes at me, and kept her mouth shut. Chuck, who stood next to her, laughed and shook his head. "Now, now, ladies. Let's play nice," he said with a playful smirk.

While Sylvia and I stared each other down, Buck had walked up from behind Chuck and joined us, standing on the other side of me. He glanced at Dallas before locking eyes with Chuck and greeting him, "Charles."

Chuck gave him a lopsided smile. "Oh, come on, Buck! I think we're friendly enough for nicknames," Chuck exclaimed. "Don't you think?"

Buck didn't even crack a smile or laugh. He kept a hard, stoic expression plastered on his face. "No, I don't think so," he stated firmly.

"Well, that's too bad," Chuck said somberly, faking a frown. The tension between the group was suffocating. Each of us had our own personal vendetta against someone else. "Are you racing tonight, Dally?"

Dallas nodded and folded his arms across his chest. "Yeah."

"Good," Chuck retorted. "See you on the track." Chuck wrapped an arm around Sylvia's waist, pulling her closer to him.

Sylvia smiled smugly, while she looked me up and down. I sent her a menacing scowl. It was the little things she did that sent me over the edge. "See you around," Sylvia laughed at me.

As she walked off with Chuck, I balled my hands into fists and took a step forward. I was about to catch up to her and give her a piece of my mind, but Dallas placed a hand on my shoulder, stopping me from leaving. "She's not worth it," he spoke lowly.

I rolled my eyes, taking a deep breath to calm myself down. He was right. Sylvia isn't worth a fight, but that doesn't mean that I won't take her on one day. Her time will come, and karma's a bitch.

"Dal, how're you gonna race if you don't have a car?" Buck asked.

I chuckled as I glanced at Buck and then Dallas. "Easy," I said smugly. "Just steal someone else's car."

Dallas raised his eyebrows at me with a mischievous smirk on his lips as he nodded slowly. "I like how you're thinkin'," he said.

I sent Dallas a sly wink. Buck pinched the bridge of his noise and huffed dramatically. "You guys are something else," he said as he shook his head. "Who's car are you even gonna steal? Huh?"

Dallas shrugged. "I can take Paulie's ride. He won't care."

"Alright, fine, but we better find him before the race starts," Buck stated. Dallas gave him a curt nod before turning and walking through a crowd of people, who all stepped aside for him after staring him up and down. Buck and I shared a look, and then followed after him through the aisle everyone made.

"So, you guys do this every weekend," I said as more of a statement than a question since I already knew the answer.

"Yeah, this is where I met Dally," Buck said. His eyes wondered off into the distance, seeming to be reminiscing the past.

"I met him at the Drive-In," I told him. "He was an asshole."

Buck laughed at that, nodding in agreement as he said, "Still is." I cracked a smile and laughed softly. "You just got to give him time."

"Yeah, I know," I replied. It seemed as though everyone's been saying that to me a lot lately.

Buck and I continued to trail behind Dallas until he came to a stop on the dirt track in front of two teens and a red Ford mustang. The track was lined with expensive cars at the starting point, but the red mustang was by far the nicest. My lips parted in fascination as my legs subconsciously glided passed Dallas, Buck, and their two friends. I walked around the car slowly, letting my fingers graze the shining paint. It looked brand new.

"You like it?" A girl voice spoke up. I looked up at her with a confused expression. Her pale skin illuminated in the darkness of night as her pink lips formed a smile. "The car," she clarified. "Do you like it?"

I laughed softly, nodding as I replied, "Yeah. It's real nice." The brunette grinned as she made her way around the car and stood in front of me. Her short hair swayed just above her shoulders as she walked. The brunette's eyes met mine. She had strikingly, pale green eyes that seemed almost unnatural and unreal.

"I'm Anna," she introduced kindly. "Anna Hart." Her smile was warm and friendly; I noticed the small dimples that appeared whenever she did so.

"I'm Diana," I said with a small grin. Anna turned her gaze back to the car as she ran a hand over the red paint. I took notice of the clothes she wore, which resembled the type of preppy outfits socs had. Anna had a light grey sweater on that she had tucked into the long lavender skirt she wore. Her shoes were black flats, that were sewn with intricate criss-cross patterns.

Anna was different from the socs I had met in town. She was friendly and welcoming, especially towards greasers or girls like me. Unlike Cherry or Marcia, Anna was actually tolerable.

"It's a Ford mustang," Anna stated. "The newest model, actually."

I breathed a laugh. "I'd kill for a car like this."

Anna nodded and glanced over to a boy standing next to Buck and Dallas. "I bought it for my boyfriend, Paul. Yesterday was our anniversary, and I knew he's been saving for one."

"That's thoughtful," I said with a small smile. I'd never been in a serious relationship before. Only small flings that never seemed to last more than a month or two. "How long have you guys been together?" I asked Anna.

She didn't even have to think about her answer as she said, "Two years. We met during our sophomore year, and have been together since."

"That's nice," I replied simply.

"At first, he was upset that I bought him such an expensive car, but he came around. He always does," Anna trailed off as she glanced at her boyfriend again.

Paul was tall and extremely muscular, with a buff chest and broad shoulders. He had dirty blonde hair that was messily tossed around on his head, half of it covered his right eye. He had an intimidating look about himself. Maybe it was how he held himself, strong and powerful, or maybe it was because of how he dressed. He wore dark, denim jeans and a plain black t-shirt. Paul had a loose jacket over his shirt that matched his navy blue jeans.

It came as a bit of a surprise to see two very different people together. A small, kindhearted soc girl paired with a tough greaser boy. The relationship was actually refreshing. It was good to know that, although, most socs and greasers despised each other, some left the feud in the past and found love together.

"Did you come here with Dally and Buck?" Anna asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Uh," I chuckled. "In a way, I guess." Anna's eyebrows creased in confusion, but I shook my head. "Don't ask."

"Okay," Anna said. "Would you like to meet Paul?" She asked softly.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Yeah, sure."

The young girl led me around the front of the mustang towards the group of boys, who were talking about something until noticing our arrival. "Paul," Anna interrupted. She placed her hand on his arm and stared up at him in awe. "This is Diana, a friend of Dallas and Buck."

Paul turned to greet me with a small smile on his face. "Hey, I'm Paul." He wrapped an arm around Anna's shoulder, pulling her closer to him. "I've heard a few things about you," he said monotonously.

I furrowed my eyebrows, tilting my head in confusion. "Only good things.. I hope?"

Paul shrugged. "Depends on your definition of good." I didn't like where my mind wandered to when he said that. If anyone found out about what I had done in New York I'd have to run away again. Deep down I knew I'd have to go; my departure would be inevitable. I don't think I'm ready to leave Tulsa yet. I think Oklahoma and the people I've met here are starting to grow on me. "Did that soc do that?" Paul spoke up. He pointed a finger at my face, specifically my new scar. "It was that damn Sheldon kid, right?"

"Yeah," I said, nodding slowly. "He jumped Ponyboy and me." Paul sighed agitatedly. I could tell he wasn't fond of Bob, or the socs for that matter. Anna, who was still by his side, visibly tensed and took on a somber look. Her head hung long and her eyes seemed glued to her shoes in an attempt to avoid any of our gazes.

"Did he give you both of those scars?" Paul asked. His eyes were staring at my jawline, making me feel uncomfortable. Usually, I wasn't fazed by all of the stares and whispers I got from my scar. I'd grown used to the looks I've received. The only person who knows the full story of how my scar came to be is James because he was there when it happened. Not many people have asked about how it happened or why it happened, but either way, I didn't like talking about it.

I subconsciously brought a hand up to my face, covering the scar that ran across my jaw. "No," I replied hesitantly. "I've had this one for awhile."

I felt everyone's eyes on me now, but only one pair of dark, brown eyes caught my attention. Dallas watched me curiously as I dropped my hand from my face and looked away. There was an awkward silence amongst the small group. I contemplated just walking away until Buck spoke up. "So, about your car, Paulie," He trailed off.

"Right," Paul nodded. He dropped his arm around Anna and faced her. "Babe, Dally asked if he could take it in the race."

Anna pouted slightly, shaking her head. "I just bought this for you, Paul."

"I know, I know," he said with a discreet eyeroll. "But it's only this once. You know how Chuck is."

"Yes, I know how Charles is, but this car was expensive, babe," Anna exclaimed. Their bickering was beginning to get on my nerves.

"Come on, Anna," Paul pleaded.

She let out an irritated huff. "Fine, but I'm not paying for another one!" Anna crossed her arms and walked off towards the white tent behind us.

Paul pulled out a pair of car keys from his jacket pocket and tossed them to Dallas, who caught the dangling keys with ease. "All yours. Bring her back in one piece though," Paul said coolly before walking off after Anna.

Dallas sauntered over to the red mustang with his usual, confident walk. Instead of opening the door, he hopped over the side and slid into the driver's seat smoothly. I rolled my eyes and smirked as I made my way around the car to the passenger's side.

"I'm gonna sign you up for the race," Buck said to Dallas. He walked off into the crowd, leaving Dallas and me alone with the car.

As I opened the side door, Dallas glanced up at me and asked, "What are you doing?"

I dropped my hand from the handle and furrowed my eyebrows. "What do you mean?" I questioned. "I'm getting in the car."

"Fine," Dallas said as he leaned over and pushed the door open for me. I climbed in and sat down on the white, leather seat. A small smile placed on my lips as I admired the car. It really was a nice ride.

Dallas placed the keys in the ignition and paused, glancing over to me. "You wanna start the engine?" He asked.

My eyes widened in excitement and I nodded, reaching my hand over to the keys and turning it clockwise. The engine came to life immediately, rumbling lowly and roaring with power. "This is such a nice set of wheels," I exclaimed.

Dallas chuckled, eyes lingering on me for a brief moment before looking out into the distance at nothing in particular. "You're into cars, huh?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty smart when it comes to mechanics," I replied, bragging slightly.

Dallas smirked and turned his head to meet my eyes again. "Now, that's hot, doll."

I rolled my eyes. Dallas shook his head humorously, while I turned away, disclosing the smile on my face.

"Attention, all drivers! The race will begin in one minute!" A woman called out from a megaphone by the side of the road.

"Alright, you have to go now," Dallas said.

I tilted my head to the side in confusion. "What? Why?"

"You can't ride with me," he stated simply. Before I could protest he continued, "You have a concussion."

"Yeah, so?" I questioned him in disbelief.

" 'So'," Dallas mocked. "I don't want to be responsible for you if something happens."

I sighed, becoming annoyed. "It's not really a big deal."

"If I get caught with a dead girl in someone else's car, who do you think the cops will believe?" Dallas questioned. He was starting to lose his patience.

"The guy that's alive," I stated the obvious."

"Wrong," he corrected. "I'm on a first name basis with those guys, they'll take me back to the cooler without any evidence."

"Oh, loosen up," I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. "You're being dramatic."

"No, I'm being realistic," Dallas scolded.

"Why do you even care this much?" I scoffed.

"I don't!" Dallas snapped.

I narrowed my eyes at him, a bit taken aback by his sudden outburst. "Fine," I gave in. "If it really means that much to you, I'll go."

"Don't let the door hit ya on the way out," he retorted. I pushed the door open angrily and slid out of the mustang, slamming it shut. "Jesus christ, would you be more careful? This isn't my damn car."

"Fuck off, Dallas."

I stormed off of the tracks, pushing passed a confused Buck and stomping my way through a crowd of people waiting to watch the race. My face heated with anger, probably a bright crimson color as it usually turned whenever someone started a fight with me.

In the distance, behind me, I could hear a gunshot being fired into the air, signaling that the race could begin. Drivers sped off on the dirt tracks, their loud, obnoxious engines blaring in unison as they drove. As much as I wanted to watch, I couldn't stand another second around Dallas Winston.This was a bad idea, and I regretted sneaking into Buck's truck.

»»——⍟——««

My body was shaking slightly from the sharp winds that blew past me. I had my back leaned up against the cold, rusted metal of Buck's truck, eager to leave the tracks. I thought about hot wiring his car and driving myself home, but I was mad at Dallas, not Buck, so I decided against it.

I tugged the ends of my leather jacket tighter around my body as I brought my fingers to my lips, taking a long drag of my cigarette before blowing the smoke out into the wind. "I heard smoking causes cancer," a voice spoke from behind me.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Chuck walking towards me. When he stepped to my side, he leaned against Buck's truck and sent me a side smirk. "Everything causes cancer," I huffed.

Chuck breathed a laugh. I hated the way his laugh sounded more like a cackle. "You're feisty, Diana. I like it," he said lowly.

I took a drag of my cigarette, blowing the smoke out in his face while my eyes glared at him. "Good for you."

"You know, word travels fast in a small town like this," Chuck trailed off.

I sighed in aggravation, not in the mood for anymore bullshit. "Tell me again, why do I care?" I asked, each word laced with sarcasm.

Chuck put his hands up defensively, a sly smile still on his face. "Pretty little broads like you don't just show up all alone, out of nowhere in a town like Tulsa."

I brought my fingers up to my lips as I took one last drag of my cigarette before flicking it onto the ground and crushing the stick with my boot. "Who said I'm alone?" I asked Chuck in an uncaring voice.

"Oh, come on, babe," Chuck scoffed. He ran a hand through his shiny, black hair and gave me a look. "I know a runaway when I see one."

"A what?" I hissed.

"A runaway," Chuck repeated.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest, growing impatient with this conversation. "What the fuck are you on about now?"

"Let's just say," Chuck began. "I know you did something.. 'bad.' Something so illegal that you had to run away from your own home."

I felt my heart rate pick up slightly faster as he said that. There was absolutely no way the police figured out that I was apart of that bank robbery, so Chuck must know something I don't. Nonetheless, I needed to keep my cool and put on a brave face.

I rolled my eyes and nodded my head to the side, flipping my long, brown hair in the process. "Can you get to the point?" I questioned hastily.

Chuck smirked. "I don't know what you did to get here, but I'm going to find out." He stated, voice barely above a whisper. "And when I do, I'm going to make your life a living hell."

I crossed my arms as I laughed in his face. "Yeah, good luck with that. It already is!" My head turned away from his in hopes of seeing a familiar face in the crowd of people exiting the tracks.

Chuck placed his hand on the side of my face, forcing my head to turn back around and face him. Both of our eyes narrowed at the other. I clenched my fists angrily just in case he tried to pull something. "I would be scared if I were you," he growled.

"Is that a threat?" I spat.

Chuck shrugged uncaringly as he dragged his rough hands down and off of my face. "Call it what you want."

"You're picking the wrong person to fuck with," I hissed. Chuck laughed obnoxiously. He shook his head slowly and smiled. His creepy grin sent shivers down my spine.

"What's going on?"

Both Chuck and I averted our glares from each other and turned to see Dallas and Buck walking towards us with his eyes glued on Chuck.

"Hey, Dal," Chuck exclaimed. He put on a fake smile and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me in closer towards him. "I was just giving your friend, Diana, a nice, warm welcome to Tulsa."

I rolled my eyes and shoved him in chest, pushing him off of me. "Right, right.. Nice meeting you Chuck, I hope I won't have to ever again!"

Dallas and Buck shared a skeptical look between each other. "Alright, well, we're heading out," Buck said. "Diana, you coming?"

I nodded as Buck and Dallas walked around Chuck and I, opening their car doors and hopping inside the vehicle. I grabbed ahold of the truck's handle, but before I could get inside the car, Chuck grabbed my wrist and pulled me back out. He leaned in close to me and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "This isn't the last time you'll be hearing from me, Diana," Chuck whispered.

I felt my face heat up from anger as I clenched my jaw and locked eyes with him. I yanked my wrist out from his clutch and stepped inside the truck, slamming the door in his face.

As Buck started the engine and slowly backed out of his parking spot, Dallas turned around to look at me. "What was that about?" He asked.

I didn't answer him though. I didn't even look at him. I couldn't look away from the window as I watched Chuck's smug smile and wave. Even when we were long gone from the tracks, I continued staring out the window with my arms crossed and an unimaginable look of anger on my face.

"I don't know what you did to get here, but I'm going to find out. And when I do, I'm going to make your life a living hell."

As Chuck's threats floated around in my head, I couldn't help be feel slightly concerned about how safe my secret was.