Fractured Beginnings: A Winter's Bone Fan Fiction

I sat on the worn-out couch, trying to focus on the TV show playing in front of me, but my mind kept wandering back to the stack of bills on the kitchen counter. Mom's been gone for months, and I'm still trying to make ends meet. Ashlee, my 4-year-old sister, was playing with her dolls on the floor, while Sonny, my 8-year-old brother, was trying to fix a broken toy. I glanced over at Gail, my friend and neighbor, who was pacing back and forth in the living room, clutching her stomach. She's only 15 1/2, and I'm worried sick about her. As I watched Gail, I couldn't help but think about how much my life had changed over the past few years. Mom's absence had left a gaping hole in our lives, and I'd been forced to take on responsibilities that most people twice my age wouldn't dare imagine. I was only 14, but I'd learned to be resourceful, to make do with what little we had. And now, with Gail's water breaking, I was faced with the daunting task of delivering her baby - all while trying to care for my own siblings. Gail's eyes locked onto mine, and I saw panic written all over her face. "Ree, I think it's happening," she said, her voice shaking. I tried to stay calm, but my heart was racing. We can't afford to go to the hospital, so I'll have to deliver the baby here at home. I quickly scanned our small, cluttered house, trying to remember the little bit of information I've learned about childbirth from listening to the older women in town. I got up from the couch and rushed over to Gail. "Okay, let's get you comfortable," I said, trying to sound calmer than I felt. I helped her onto the couch, and she lay down, looking up at me with fear in her eyes. I took her hand, trying to reassure her. "You're going to be okay, Gail. I've got this." But as I looked at her, I couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt. What if something went wrong? What if I messed up? Ashlee and Sonny were starting to get curious, and I tried to distract them with a game, but they're not buying it. I can tell they're worried about Gail. "Ashlee, Sonny, go play outside for a bit, okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Ashlee looked up at me with big eyes, "Ree, what's happening?" she asked. I took a deep breath, trying to think of a way to explain it to her. "Gail is having a baby, sweetie. I need to help her." Sonny looked concerned, "Is Gail okay?" he asked. I nodded, trying to reassure him. "Yeah, she's going to be fine. I just need to help her have the baby." Ashlee and Sonny nodded, and slowly got up from the floor, and headed outside. As I turned back to Gail, I could see the pain in her face. Her contractions were getting stronger, and she's starting to lose control. I'm trying to help her breathe, but she's getting more and more agitated. I can see the fear in her eyes, and it breaks my heart. I'm doing my best to stay calm, but inside, I'm freaking out. What if I don't know what I'm doing? What if the baby gets hurt? I grabbed some clean towels, a blanket, and a basin, just in case. I didn't know what I was doing, but I was determined to do my best. I looked at Gail, and saw the desperation in her eyes. "Ree, I think it's getting worse," she said, her voice tight with pain. I nodded, trying to stay focused. "Okay, Gail, I'm here. I've got you." And with that, I steeled myself for what was to come, knowing that our lives were about to change forever.