To anyone reading TULSA RAIN, please go and vote on the poll- it's on my author page. It's coming to an end so I'll have more time to update this!

I went home that night solely for the fact that I had to work the next day and Darry wasn't too happy I took a sick day for Rora. Instead of having my flannel shirt on as I did when I left earlier I just had my white tank top, since I left it there for Rory to keep her warm. After all I had been through I couldn't even begin to name the reasons why God had to punish me again. Rory was the one, I loved her more than I loved Sandy and she was going to be taken from me in a short period of time. On my drive home I cried, asking my parents out loud how they could be letting this happen to me. By the time I got home, my eyes were red and I desperately needed a tissue; as my napkin wasn't helping.

Darry looked up from his spot in his chair and saw my face and he immediately put his paper down, standing up. Ponyboy had walked home and by now I'm guessing he was in bed.

"Hey little buddy… What's going on?" He asked softly, walking over to me and placing a hand on my shoulder. I could barely get the words out of my mouth and once I did it didn't sound like me at all. Darry was stunned for a moment before he pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. I don't remember what happened after that, I just remember waking up in my bedroom with my clothes off all except for my briefs.

The next day was even harder, I worked from nine until five, and unfortunately I didn't wake up until eight thirty so I had no time to see Aurora until after work. Darry called around eight forty and told me to tell my boss about Rora, he said there's a possibility I could get some time off to help out with her.

"Mornin' Sodapop," My boss called when I walked in, every day he would open and close but he usually left around lunch until closing time. I nodded; feeling like a ghost. I suppose he noticed when he called me into his office and told one of the newer guys to man the counter.

"What's going on? Is everything alright at home?" He asked, and he's been an amazing boss: giving me time off when Pony's sick, sometimes he gives me a secret raise if we're behind on bills and we can't afford food, water and heat. I nodded but looked at my hands. He knew of Rory from the times she's been in and the times he's caught her and I making out in the shop on my break.

"Rory's been sick lately and… She went to the doctors and at first everything was fine but… We found out yesterday night t-that… She's got cancer…" I said, cursing my voice internally for wavering. At first he was quiet and I had a feeling this was how many people would react; similar to when I told people my parents died.

"Just let me know if you need anything, alright son?" He said softly and I nodded.

"I'll make sure I don't miss any work unless it's important," I said, and he shook his head.

"Don't tell anyone I said this… But just let me know the days you need off in advance and I'll pay you for them. But if she's having a bad day and she needs you… Then try and call me as early as you can so I can schedule someone for you." I nodded thankfully and shook his hand in appreciation before heading to work.

Half way through the day I decided to work in the shop so I wouldn't have to face any girls during the lunch hour. As smart as some of those girls were, they never got the hints to back off. A car pulled out back of the shop and I saw Rora's best friend Jackie get out of the car and start walking towards me. Quickly wiping my hands I was shocked when she walked right into my arms for a hug,

"I-I guess it's t-true huh?" She asked, her chin beginning to wobble. I nodded and hugged her tightly, letting her lean on me.

At five I went home and showered, seeing dinner on the table by the time I was out. The boys were quiet and for once Two-bit didn't crack any jokes, bringing me back to the period of time after Johnny and Dally died. We ate silently until some sauce dripped onto one of Pony's new shirts, and we all heard him mumble,

"For the love of a duck." And with that, the laughter erupted from all of us almost instantly. It felt great to have some laughter, but it was short lived. It died down and Two-bit cracked some jokes but they weren't as funny.

Changing into some pajamas and grabbing my pillow I agreed with Rora's parents I would do some night shifts with her, and since I had three pillows I decided to bring the one I use the most to leave there for her for some comfort.

Darry drove me to the hospital and came in with me to offer his condolences to her family, since her dad was our lawyer not too long ago.

Her mother and father were sitting in Rory's room, both fast asleep. I hoped for Rory's brother's and sister's sake they fought through the stress and stayed together. Gently shaking her dad he woke up, tiredly patting me on the shoulder before waking his wife up. Darry and he exchanged a few words quietly while I talked to her mother,

"I don't know how much she'll be up Sodapop, she had her first round of radiation and she was exhausted." She said and I nodded, setting the chairs up to form a couch before realizing there was a cot and it was a private room, therefor probably meant for us to use. They hugged me goodnight and I fell asleep rather quickly.

Thanks to:

SodapopsGirlOnly

xoashleylynn

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GreaserGirlie

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