The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the field as Guest and her soc friends strolled together, their laughter echoing in the stillness of the evening. They were carefree, caught up in their world of privilege and pretense, completely unaware of where they were headed. Guest felt a knot of unease twist in her stomach as the familiar surroundings shifted, and she realized they were crossing into grease territory. “Guys, maybe we should turn back,” she suggested hesitantly, her voice barely breaking through the chatter. But her warning fell on deaf ears; her friends’ boyfriends took it as a dare, puffing out their chests and egging each other on. Before she knew it, they rounded a corner and stumbled right into the lot where Ponyboy and the gang were hanging out , their laughter dying down as they recognized her. Ponyboy’s eyes met hers, a mix of confusion and hurt washing over his face. She looked away, pretending not to care. She focused on anything but the gang, determined to keep her cool while her friends watched their boyfriends as they tried to or more like was starting trouble with them.