Double Dare (Racetrack x Reader)

Tragic

~Y/N POV~

It had been a few days and I hadn't seen Race. I sickened myself with worry. Had I done something wrong? Had something happened to him? Questions and scenarios ran through my head, keeping me up late at night.

It had slowly become an entire two weeks. Betty, although not fond of Race, tried to cheer me up. Her solution today was to take me out on a picnic. Her friends were nice but my mind was preoccupied. What if-

"Hey Y/N, get us a paper please!" I nodded to the girls and got up from the blanket, fondling the coins in my hand and walking over to a newsboy on a nearby corner.

The I knew the newsboy. Albert. I saw him at a few of the races. I got the paper and started walking back, before turning on my heel. "Wait, excuse me, by chance do you know what's up with Race?"

The red head looked surprised, "Yeah. You looking for him?"

I nodded.

The guy spoke, "Well, he got in big trouble. Some girl said she's pregnant...blah blah. Fake girl, you know. But still got Race in a panic."

I thanked Albert quickly. I felt a rising pit in my stomach. A quickly growing void.

I rushed back to the picnic and sat with the girls, handing them the paper. They gossiped about random news. Betty's friend started feeling under the weather, playing at she was going to throw up. I felt like I might.

...

I felt cold and alone. I was heartbroken about Race. None of my siblings knew and I couldn't confide in any of them. And Race - Race was gone! I couldn't believe that there was a girl ao close before me...maybe even at the same time. I tossed and turned, my mind ripping back between denial and rage.

I let a few tears slide. "Y/N?"

I bolted up and wiped at my eyes. George was standing in the doorway, clutching his teddy bear. Behind him was Gary. "Its scary."

I heard the large bang of thunder that made the boys shiver and shake. I hadn't even noticed the rain. I scooted over in my bed and they climbed in. They weren't allowed to sleep in my parents bedroom. And God forbid Eddie or Betty ever share their bed. "Y/N?"
"Hum?"
"What happened to the newsie? The one at the races? Your friend?"
"He got into trouble-,"
"Jail!?"
"No. He is just busy. And worried."

The boys nodded.

"Now sleep."

They slowly slipped into a peaceful rest. I put my arm under my pillow when my fingertips brushed on something. I held it. It was small and cylindrical. I rolled it between my thumb and pointer finger. Cigarette.

I quietly sobbed into sleep.