Chapter 2

That night was the worst night of my life. I spent the night crammed in the tiny chair at the hospital, the smell of ammonia making me feel ill. Occasionally I would slip into a rough sleep, only to be woken up by someone shaking me. Soda said I had been screaming my head off. I don't remember. I just remember reliving my brother's death over and over in my head.

When I was awake, it was really awkward. It seemed the guys were afraid to say anything in front of me, as though it would set me off again. I was too numb deep down to cry, feeling lost without Dally. I needed him… he had always protected me, always taken care of me. Now, I was alone.

Somewhere around three a doctor came and told Darry about Pony. I only half listened, and was very aware that I was being watched. I must have looked like hell, what with my sickly frame, puffy eyes from crying, and the bloodstained shirt. I know when I put that shirt on this morning I never dreamed it would have come to this. That it would soon be covered in blood. My brother's blood. That thought makes me sick, too.

"Jess?" Two-bit asked, looking at me funny. I ignored him. "Jess?" He asked louder, reaching out and taking hold of my arm. I hadn't even noticed I had started shaking. "Someone should probably take her home…" He said quietly, looking up at Darry.

"No." I said stubbornly, glaring up at them, daring them to even try it. "I stay."

The subject was dropped.

I looked over at Soda, who was looking at me. "What?' I muttered. He shook his head but patted the empty chair next to him. I slid into it, and he held me closely. Yet again, I found myself surrendering to the black void of sleep.