Chapter 1

J.D's POV

I learned at the age of 14 how precious life was. I learned at the age of 16 that I was in love with Eric Mason Randall. I learned at the age of 17 how cancer affects the body. And I learned at the age of 21 that there were no more options for my father.

Ponyboy Michel Curtis was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. He quit smoking when I was fourteen, but the doctors said that the tumor had grown and stayed in his lungs. He went through chemo, radiation, everything. It helped for a while, but that all changed the night Eric proposed to me.

We were all going to the city for drinks and dinner. Dad was looking better, skinner and pale, but better. Patrick was joking around with Cola, Kevin, Shayne, and Mikey sitting next to them reading his book. Darry, Soda, Two-Bit, Steve, and Dad were having what Cola and I like to call 'old man talks'. The older women were laughing and talking about work. Eric wouldn't let go of my hand.

We all sat at the table, laughing, talking, and smiling. In short it was looking like a good night. I was sitting next to Mike and Eric. Eric was looking a little nervous; he kept putting his hand in his pocket.

"Mikey? They have crayons here, don't you want to color?" I asked him. Mikey looked up from his book, putting the book in his lap.

"No thanks, I'm reading a very good book. It's about four men trying to redeem themselves after their crimes in New York, living on a farm in Alabama." He said sweetly. I sighed.

Mikey was a kid Einstein. He could read a textbook and then recite it to you. He didn't have many friends, but he didn't care. Books and Patrick were his friends. He didn't talk much either, but when he did, it was like I was talking to one of my professors. Mikey was small for his age, he looked like he was 5, not 7. He had Dad's auburn hair, and his eyes were blue and green. Mikey was a happy kid.

Patrick was the exact opposite. He was one of the most popular kids in his class, never shut his mouth, and was the life of the party. He looked like all the uncles and dad, with some of Mom mixed in him. He was a C average student, but he was passing. He tried in school, but he just really was average. But it never bothered him. He was fine with himself. That didn't mean he was an angle though. He's been hauled in a few times, mostly public disturbance. Dad didn't know what to do with him. Patrick was an idiot at times, but I loved him.

"Alright, kiddo, suit yourself." I say. Mikey goes back to his book.

Eric keeps fiddling with whatever was in his pocket, and it was starting to bug me.

"Will you stop that? You're driving me insane!" I say quietly.

"What? Oh, sorry baby. Just a little nervous." He say taking in a breath.

"About what, Eric? You've been a wreak all morning. Tell me what's wrong with you." I say kissing him on the cheek. He sighs then stands up and starts to tap his glass.

"Hey, can you all get quite for a minute. I need your attention, please." Everyone turns to look at him.

"Well, um about four of you know why we really set up this dinner tonight." He begins "I wanted everyone that me and J.D care about the most here for this moment." Eric turns to me. I was starting to catch on has Eric got down on his right knee. He pulls out a small case, the kind that you put a ring in. He opened it and there was my mother's wedding ring. I took in a sharp breath and put my hand over my mouth.

"Johnny Dallas Curtis, I've been in love with you since I was 16. You are my best friend and I am insanely in love with you. I want to be with you when I'm 80 years old, and I want to be with you now. J.D? Will you marry me?"

Everyone was looking at me. I looked at Dad, he was looking more pale then when we came here. He put his head in his hands. Dad was shaking. Soda noticed this and turned to him.

"Ponyboy? Are you feeling alright?" Just then Dad passed out. I rushed over to him and saw the blood staining his teeth. Darry and Soda got him out to the truck and told us to follow them. I looked at my brothers.

Patrick was in utter shock, and Mikey had little tears going down his cheeks. Aunt Rachel and Lizzy went over to them and told me that they would take them to the hospital and that I Cola, Shay, Kev, and Eric should ride in my car. Shay and Kevin rode in the front, while Cola and Eric kept me calm in the back.

We waited for three hours before Dr. Redding came to us. Mikey had fallen asleep, and Patrick was tapping his foot up and down. I, Darry, and Soda stood up as he came to us.

"How is he?" I asked. The doctor took off his glassed and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Ms. Curtis, your father is very weak. He might not make it through the night. I want you to understand that we are doing all that we can for him, but still." He said.

"He was doing so well" Darry said softly. Soda put his head in his hands and turned around.

"There is always surgery, but"

"He's not strong enough." I say quietly. Eric comes up and puts his arm around me.

"You and your family can stay the night. You might want to consider saying goodbye." I nodded and wiped the tears coming down my cheeks. I looked at my uncles; they looked as helpless as I felt.

"Alright." I turned to my brothers and saw that Mikey woke up.

"Let's go see Dad." I say. Mikey comes up and hugs my waist. I pick him up and Patrick takes my hand. Mikey wraps his legs around me and I hold him close as we go up to the oncology wing. Our family close behind us.

It has started. Updates will be soon. Please Review.