Bring Me to Life

I packed the rest of my personal belongings into a small duffle bag. A lot of my things that were already at Frank’s house, Gerard had moved them there after I had agreed to move in with Frank. Gerard kept asking if I was sure that I was okay, I knew he felt guilty about me not being able to move in with him, but I assured him that I was going to be okay. I took one last glance at my room before walking out and closing the door behind me.

Frank was waiting for me by the front office, Gerard wanted to be here but Lindsay had her first appointment for the baby. “You ready?” Frank asked.

“As ready as I’m ever going to be.” I said, taking a deep breath. Frank nodded and we walked out of the institution, I was happy that I was leaving, but nervous for what the future held.

Frank pulled into his driveway and we walked into the house. “Home sweet home,” Frank smiled as he hung his coat on the coat-rack. The house was small but it had a warm, homely vibe.

“Thank you for letting me live with you Frank, I know this couldn’t be easy on you.” I stated, and Frank shook his head.

“Stop thanking me Mikey. It’s no problem; I like hanging out with you.” I smiled as he said that, my cheeks blushing slightly. Frank clapped his hands together, “So what do you want to eat? I can order take-out.”

“Anything sounds good,” I shrugged, “I’m going to go put my bag down while you order.”

Frank nodded, grabbing the phone and I walked into my room. I saw a yellow envelope on the bed with my name on it. I smiled thinking that it was from Frank or Gerard, I opened it. I was shocked to see pictures of myself, Frank, Gerard, and even Lindsay. They were pictures of Frank, Gerard, and Lindsay doing normal every day things, going to work, getting groceries, grabbing a cup of coffee. There was a picture of me sitting in the institution’s courtyard, and when I went to see Charles. We were all being followed.

I flipped through the pictures until I saw a letter. It said:

You had to go and open your mouth about Hannah. You couldn’t just leave it alone. The police have reopened your case. You ruined everything. Charles was an idiot for not killing you before you were found. I’m not that stupid. Hannah’s dead. She’s dead because of you. I’ll make sure to tie up all loose ends, that means you as well. I will come for you, when I’m ready I’ll make sure you can’t reveal anymore about me. If so much as speak about this to anyone I will make you watch as I kill everyone you care about. Your brother Gerard, his wife, and I’ll save the best for last. I’ll kill your little boyfriend, slowly…painfully. By the time I’m done you will beg for me to kill you. I’ll be watching Mikey. Don’t worry I will come.

My hands were shaking, my legs felt weak, I sat down on the bed, rereading the letter over and over again. This couldn’t be happening. He was in the house, he knew where we lived. I knew he would hurt Frank if I told him, Frank couldn’t know. James was coming after not just me, but my family I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t let anyone know.

“Mikey,” I heard Frank call, “You okay?”

I hid the envelope in-between the mattress and the box spring and walked out of the room. “Yeah I’m fine. What did you order for dinner?” I asked trying my best to look like nothing happened. Frank couldn’t suspect anything.

“Chinese food, is that okay?” He asked.

“That’s great, thank you for everything.” I smiled, Frank shook his head.

“Stop thanking me Mikey. This is your house too now.” Frank stated. Frank and I watched movies for the rest of the night. We told stories and laughed, I tried to push the letter to the back of my mind. I wanted to enjoy the time I had left with him. I knew James was going to come after me, and I knew that he’d kill me.

We stayed up late into the night, and eventually we went into bed. I didn’t want to think about James, I didn’t want to think about the letter. However my dreams wouldn’t let that happen.

I was tied to a chair, the ropes were so tight that they cut into my skin. The room was dim, a lone light bulb hung in the middle of the room. In the corner I could see a huddled figure, but I knew who it was. Frank.

“Frank? Frank can you hear me?” I begged for him to move, to answer me, to do anything.

“He can’t hear you.” I menacing voice whispered in my ear, “No one can hear you.”

“Frank! Frank c’mon wake up!” I shouted. James walked over to him and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. He threw him by my feet. I sighted before me made my stomach churn. Frank’s face was beaten beyond recognition, his skin was covered in multiple cuts and burns. What scared me the most was that Frank didn’t move. He remained completely still. I tried to look away but James grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him.

“This is all your fault. Had you not said anything, he’d be safe. You killed him. You are the reason he is dead.” James growled.

“No…no.” I whispered.

“Mikey!” Frank shook me, “Mikey wake up!” My eyes shot open and I screamed and squirmed away from Frank. “It’s me Mikey. It’s Frank.”

“Frank?” I muttered, out of breath.

“Yeah, it’s okay you were having a nightmare. You’re okay.” Frank stated, a worried expression painted on his face.

I nodded, taking a deep breath, “Okay…I’m sorry Frank. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s okay Mikey.” Frank smiled softly, “I don’t mind.” Frank was about to leave when I spoke up.

“Can you stay with me?” I asked timidly, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Frank nodded and slid in next to me. I cuddled next to him, ignoring my anxieties that were telling me not to, Frank wrapped his arms around me and I just listened to the steady beating of his heart.

“You won’t leave me?” I asked.

Frank kissed my forehead and ran his hand through my hair. “Never.” He stated.

I knew I was falling for Frank and I was falling hard.

Notes