(September 29, 1965, 11:30 PM)

(At the Hospital)

(Darry POV)

It'd been an hour since we arrived at the hospital. The whole time we were awaiting the news of Ponyboy and Bexley. All we could do was wait, plead, and pray for a sign that they were going to make it. So far, we haven't heard anything yet. And during that time, I couldn't be any more nervous, like Soda was.

There were countless nurses and doctors making their rounds, tending to the other patients that were needing their attention. They carried around clipboards and other various equipment.

When we got here, the doctors immediately rushed Ponyboy in, putting an oxygen mask over his pasty white face. He was almost lifeless underneath those mangled sheets. He also looked much smaller than before.

I shoved my shaking hands into my pockets, feeling my stomach constantly churning with worry. I felt so helpless while I paced back and forth in the waiting room.

It made me think of how Ponyboy and Bexley were still kids. They had their innocence, young, thriving with life. When those gleaming eyes of theirs stared up at Sodapop and I while they laid in our arms, something bright lingered in them. It was something that hasn't been there for so long.

Now, they were patients behind those closed doors, much like the others that clung with life. I had to stay strong for my brothers and only sister, but as more time passed, that facade was breaking. I couldn't lose more people in my life.

I didn't show them how much I love both of them, however I loved both of them so much that the thought of losing them, not being able to see those smiles again, weighed heavily on me. Soda was nearly in hysterics, his knee was bouncing up and down. He couldn't sit still in his chair.

His eyes kept glancing over to the hallway where they were taken. Even Steve couldn't get him to calm down. He had his arm around his shoulders, whispering kind yet empty words to him. Soda, however, looked as if he was ready to explode.

As for everyone else, they looked just as concerned. Two-Bit didn't wear his usual smug grin, his eyes cloudy. He leaned back against the chair with his arms crossing his chest. Johnny hugged himself, rocking back and forth in that squeaky chair, eyes glued to the sickly green wall.

Dally was leaning against the wall, eyeing down a nurse. But, I could easily tell that his heart wasn't in it. This hit everybody equally as hard. I couldn't stand the silence any longer.

Soon enough, a single voice broke through the silence, "Family of Bexley Curtis and Ponyboy Curtis?" We all stood up when the doctor said this. Each member carrying fear with them.

"That's us." I say, the shakiness in my voice was palpable. The doctor smiled at us, his brown eyes and sandy colored hair away from his face. "My name's Dr. Johnston." he said gently to us. "I've been keeping a close watch on your brother, Ponyboy Curtis and sister, Bexley Curtis." he said, looking down at his clipboard with a raised brow.

For a moment, he looked surprised at their unique names. "Yes, that's us." I replied. The doctor looked up at us and smiled cheerfully. "You don't need to worry anymore. Both of them are going to be just fine. Ponyboy hasn't been awake much, but looked to be quite exhausted from what I can see. As for Bexley, she has been awake for a little while. She didn't sustain as many injuries as Ponyboy. However, both are expected to make a full recovery. I have noticed that Ponyboy has become underweight for a growing fourteen year old. And he's lost some blood within the last two days. He'll need to stay here for the next few days so his body can heal and catch up on much needed sleep. As for Bexley, she'll be able to go home tonight." Dr. Johnston elaborated.

There was an audible sigh coming from Soda. I noticed that his shoulders relaxed as the tension faded. "Can we see them?" he asked in an eager tone, getting me to chuckle quietly. "Of course. Do you want me to get Bexley for you?" he asked, starting to turn away. We all nodded at his question.

After a few minutes, the doctor wheeled Bexley out in a wheelchair, and I didn't restrain the tears that flooded my eyes when I saw her. Her face was covered in bruises, her bottom lip had a cut on it, and she had a black eye on her right eye. Since she was in a hospital gown, it revealed that her arms were laced with black bruises.

We walked up to her and I knelt down in front of her. Tears were streaming down her face, though she tried to hide them. "Bex, can you look at us?" I quietly pleaded, gently taking her chin and making her face us. "I'm… so sorry, Darry…" she sobbed, her small body shaking. I raised up and pulled her into my arms, holding her so gently so I wouldn't hurt her.