He lay in his bed, unable to make himself move, unable to make himself eat, even unable to make himself look up as random members of the gang stuck their heads in and out just to see if he was doing any better. There was nothing that he felt like he wanted to do anymore; the entire world had turned dark around him because, Soda thought as he turned over, life without Cindy was miserable and he didn't want to think about it anymore. Sighing unhappily, Sodapop grabbed his pillow, holding it over his head as he attempted to block out the pain of the world.

The sound of birds twittering in the distance filled the air as a cool breeze blew through her hair. Cindy looked up, observing the beautiful sky, watching as the birds flew into the bright sunlight. A smile danced across her lips; she loved the dazzling and wonderful sight before her, yet something felt like it was missing. What was it?

Uncertainly, Cindy followed the sound of the birds unconsciously as she attempted to figure out what was missing. Farther and farther she went, travelling into the distance until she stopped, standing on the edge of a large meadow. She refused to walk onward, though. She simply couldn't. Suddenly, a large gust of wind came out from behind her, sending her face forward into the meadow. With a scream, she fell into the darkness…

Cindy's eyes flashed open, her gaze darting back and forth quickly; slowly, though, the memory of the nightmare slipped from her mind and she relaxed. As she calmed down, she allowed herself to look around the room and her gaze finally fell on her sleeping cousin. Smiling softly to herself, Cindy sat up slowly, wincing in slight pain before she reached over and pulled some ice from a nearby cup. Throwing the ice at her cousin, who woke up with a start, Cindy couldn't help but laugh in amusement at the dazed and confused expression on Cherry's face.

Slowly, a look of recognition appeared on Cherry's face before a large smile lit up her features. Jumping up from the chair she had been resting in for what felt like years, Cherry pulled her cousin into a tight hug, almost forgetting about all the wires Cindy was still attached to. Refusing to let her go, Cherry merely muttered a few, incoherent words into Cindy's hair, causing the young girl to laugh some.

"I'm fine, Sherri. Let go, you're suffocating me," Cindy joked, relaxing against the pillows as her cousin finally released her from the bear-hug.

Sitting back on the bed, Cherry wiped away a few tears that had formed in her eyes; she didn't understand, why was she crying? Cindy was awake. She was okay. What was wrong with her?

Deciding it was simply because she was happy, Cherry took a few minutes to compose herself before taking her cousin's hand, squeezing it gently. The sensation sent a spark through Cindy's mind, almost as if someone else had done the same thing while she was asleep; yet, unable to put much interest in the thought right now, she smiled in response to Cherry's concerned gaze.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Cherry asked after a few minutes as her mind fought against itself. She wasn't sure what to do at this moment; was she supposed to leave Cindy alone and go and call her parents or was she to stay by her cousin's side? Surely her parents would be there eventually to check up on things.

Choosing to stay where she was, Cherry was relieved to see Cindy nod her head slowly. She noticed the expression of pain that flickered on Cindy's face, yet deciding not to say anything, Cherry merely smiled again.

"Great, I was so worried!"

"Sorry I worried you," Cindy replied, laughing, trying to keep the mood light. She still couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing around her. Something that was very important. "How's everything been? Tell me everything!" she exclaimed, wanting to avert her mind from her own thoughts.

Cindy watched as Cherry sat back some on the bed, her eyes glazing over briefly as she thought about what to talk about. There were so many topics to discuss: school, boys, shopping, movies and then one that Cherry simply wanted to avoid, the Greasers. Hoping she could avoid this topic for quite awhile, Cherry began ranting on every other topic she could think of, while all the while praying that Cindy wouldn't bring up Sodapop or any of the others.

Author's Note: I know it's short. I know it's been awhile. I'm working hard at completing this fanfiction. Please be patient with me :)