The Darkness Within/ The Outsiders/ Stevepop

Chapter One: The Tragedy

Sodapop's POV
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It started like any normal day, I went to school with my little brother and my two friends. I had a long boring day there, but I had my best friend to pull me through the long lessons. I never understood what they meant and made terrible grades. I guess I'm just plain dumb (To my teachers at least).

We headed home and joked around. It seemed like a perfectly normal day. We entered the house and sat on the sofa and played around. I went to go see if my mom made any food because I was starving. I hated the cafeteria food so we had gone to a drugstore and bought a few snacks. It was ok at the moment but it really didn't fill me up. Instead of finding some leftovers, I find a note. Strange, why would someone leave a note? Who was it from? I figured it was probably Mom or Dad saying they would be out late so I opened the letter.

'I'm going to pick up some stuff for dinner sweetheart. There's some ham and cheese if you're hungry so you can make a sandwich. Please stay safe. Love, Mom'

I knew it. I went to the fridge and made myself a ham and cheese sandwich. I also poured out a glass of chocolate milk before sitting down at the table. Before I could start eating the phone rings. I called out for my little brother, who is named Ponyboy, to go answer the phone. He listens and goes to pick up the phone. Then, I hear him scream for me. I rush over to find Pony clinging onto our friend, named Two-bit (but his real name is Keith). I grab the phone to see if someone was still on the line. They were. I spoke up.

"Wh-What's going on? Wh-Who is this?"

I looked at my best friend, named Steve, as I felt tense up. I heard their voice.

"Hello, this is Margaret from the Tusla hospital. I'm sorry to tell you but your parents got into a bad car accident. They are currently in critical condition and I recommend you come and visit them in case they don't make it."

When I heard those words, they started echoing in my head. I just stood there as the room started spinning around me. I can't believe those words. I WON'T BELIEVE IT UNTIL I SEE IT!!! I tried to say something to the nurse but, nothing came out. I knew I was as white as a ghost and I was shaking like a leaf. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder and I squeaked at this sudden feeling. I heard a familiar voice as they turned me around.

"Soda, I'm here. Just calm down so we can go see Mom and Dad"

I looked to see who turned me around. Darry?! How did he know? I clung onto Darry's shirt. He played with my hair a little bit.

"Hey kiddo, relax . . . . I'm sure Mom and Dad are gonna be ok . . . . just relax"

I looked up at Darry.

"You . . . . You sure?"

"Of course Soda, Dad's a tuff guy and Mom wouldn't leave us"

I felt a little better. I know Mom and Dad will get though this. They have to. But, is he right?

"O-Ok Darry"

"No problem Pepsi-cola"

With that, we quickly put on some clean clothes and rushed to the hospital. On our way there, I couldn't stop thinking about my parents. Will they be ok or is Darry lying? We got there and was met by the receptionist. I looked at Darry as he calmly walked to the desk. The receptionist looked at him.

"Do you need anything, sir?"

"Yes, can we know where Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are? We're their kids"

"They should be in room 203"

"Thank you"

Darry looked at us before taking us to the rooms. I tensed up right before we entered the room. I was scared to see how they were. I know I can't stand out here forever. I took a deep breath and entered the room.

I was horrified. My parents had so many tubes and wires connected to them! It was something out of a movie! (Which I can never stay focused long enough to finish it) I could see Ponyboy staring at Mom. He was as white as a ghost. I saw Darry sit in the armchair and look blankly at our possibly dying parents.

I however, was frozen in place, unable to move or speak. I have no idea how much time had passed before Pony spoke up.

"A-Are they gonna be ok Soda?"

I was shot back into reality. I looked at Ponyboy.

"Huh?"

"I asked if Mom and Dad are gonna be ok"

Even I couldn't answer that but for Ponyboy'a sake, I answered,

"I'm sure they will be ok. They always are"

"Ok Soda"

Darry, Pony and I talked for what seemed like hours until a nurse walked in. I tensed up. I was hoping they wouldn't come. Nothing good usually comes from them. But, what if it's good news? What if they say Mom and Dad will make a full recovery. I have to hope. I have to hope that Mom and Dad will be ok! I immediately payed attention as she started.

"There's nothing we can do at this point. You have a week to decide whether to keep treating them or to take them off life support"