East Side Sunsets

Chapter 23

*LUCY'S POV*

I sat at the kitchen table, drinking a cold cup of coffee. I had Rosie in a seat next to me, her face gleaming with happiness. I couldn't help but smile at her. She was too cute to not, anyway.

It was 8 pm already, and Ponyboy was supposed to be home two hours ago. I was getting real worried. I wondered if maybe he got into an accident on the way home or something. Ponys never late.

I decided it was a good idea to distract myself and play with the baby for a while. I picked her up and sat her on my bed. I played with a teddy bear I had bought her a while back. She loved that thing.

The telephone began to ring. I was afraid to answer it, but did anyway.

"Hello?"

"Lucy? Lucy..it's Ponyboy."

His voice was oddly saddened. I got more afraid.

"What's the matter?"

I heard him begin to cry on the other line. My heart sank.

"Ponyboy, what's wrong? Where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital, Lucy. Kitty and Dallas... They're dead, Lucy."

My heart began to beat faster. I sank to the floor, and put my hand up to my heart, tears stained my face. I could imagine that's what was happening on the other line, as well.

"They died just like my parents did, too, Lucy. I- just don't know."

I wiped my tears with my sweat-ridden hands. I felt like I had to throw up. I felt like I had to get out of here. Get fresh air.

"The whole gangs at the hospital, Lucy, but I want you to stay there with the baby, alright? Ill talk to you when I get home. I love you."

He said, and them hung up. I completely forgot about Rosie. What's gonna happen to Rosie? She was laying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I nearly ran over and picked her up. I cradled her soft, warm, body in my confused, stressed embrace.

She showed no emotion. She doesn't understand that she will never be able to see her mom and dad ever again.

That killed me inside.

I held her close to me and cried into her head.