I was staring at the ceiling of my room at Buck’s place. I was frowning while I thought about the conflicted thoughts in my head. Bob was downstairs drinking, even though I told him he should stop. I don’t usually mind it, but he keeps trying to beat me up when he’s drunk, and I can’t stand it. Besides that, when he gets drunk, he starts flirting and picking up broads. I’ve caught him a few times cheating on me as well, but I gave him chances.

Tonight was my last straw. I couldn’t stand it anymore. Buck supported me on this decision and tried to help me because he knew how much pain I was in, “Still drinking his life away,” Buck said, walking into the room and looking at me. “You alright there Dallas?” I shook my head and looked at him. “Do I look okay!? My boyfriend, over there is now gonna go leave and pick up some broads and then go fuck ‘em.” I snapped at him. He didn’t get mad but instead sighed. “Look Dallas, I know you love him but what he’s doing to you isn’t alright. You have to let him go.”

I felt my heart take a painful tug at those words. I could never think of breaking up with Bob. Maybe it was for the better…Bob had become so restricted with my freedom that I could barely see the gang anymore. I couldn’t handle it, I grabbed a cigarette and was about to light it, but Buck took the cigar. “Dallas stop. You’re gonna finish a whole pack in a day, this isn’t you.” He put the cigar down and put his hands on my shoulders. “Look at me. This isn’t the real you, Bob doesn’t care about you! He’s been using you to get to me for more money. That dumb soc doesn’t need any of the money because he’s got plenty.”

“Buck I can’t just leave him.” I was ready to just give up entirely. “There’s nothing left for me, I should’ve just died in New York where I belonged. I’m nothing but a hood.” My body gave out, and I fell onto Buck. He only held me up. “Dallas get a hold of yourself, those two small buddies of yours. What were their names…Pony and Johnny? They’ve been knocking none stop asking for you. They’re worried about you. You’ve got people who care here, not just me but the whole little gang you got.” He smiled faintly at me.

“It’s time to leave the painful old stuff behind and embrace who you truly are. Dallas Winston, the greaser who loves fights, rodeos, and beating up socs. The greaser that has a gang to watch over and have fun with.” My eyes lit up, and I looked at him. “Buck…” I mumbled and then hugged him tightly. “I don’t know what I would do without you man.” he patted my back. “Ah no problem buddy, now how much stuff you got over there back at his place.” I shrugged. “Not much, why?”

Buck grinned at me and handed me the keys to his car. “Go over to his house and take everything, and maybe steal a few things too. That man deserves to have nothing to remember you by.” I smirked a bit. “I’ll be back in a bit, distract that cheating man for me.” I ran down the stairs and out the door. Buck followed suit. I ran to the car and turned it on, speeding down the road. I didn’t wanna deal with the police right now.

It took me a good 20 minutes, but I got to Bob’s house and climbed into his bedroom through a window. I went through every drawer and grabbed everything that was mine. All the gifts I got him, rings, jackets, everything. I stole a few pieces of jewellery and ripped up a few pictures he had. After looking at what I had done, I felt like a load of stress was off my shoulders. I had some relief, and I couldn’t help but smile.

I climbed out the window and back to the car. I looked back at the house one more time. “Bye devil house. I’ll never see you again for as long as I live.” I sped off into the distance, finally feeling free. Free to be me.