House of Wolves

In the morning I felt a tap on my shoulder and found a nurse hovering over me.

“Sir, have you been here all night?” I looked around rubbing my eyes, trying not to bump Frank.

“Uhm, yeah, I think so.”

“oh, well, Frank is having a visitor so I think it’s best if you-”

“WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED!?” Ethan pushed the nurse aside and ran to Frank’s bedside. Frank opened his eyes, confused of the ruckus going around.

“Sir, please don’t overwhelm him-” the nurse tried to speak but Ethan was P.I.S.S.E.D. I felt some guilt sink into me that I knew shouldn’t be there. I got off the bed and slipped to the side. I could see tears in Ethan’s eyes.

“YOU MAM, NEED TO SHUT IT RIGHT NOW!” Ethan was just asking to be sedated. I wouldn’t blame him. Frank sat up and I saw Dr. Abbey walk in.

“That’s enough Mr. Borough.” she said blankly, “I’m very sorry about him. You may go.” The nurse nodded, checked Frank’s monitor and left the room without a word. Ethan glared at Dr. Abbey.

“Listen here lady, you better tell me what the hell is going on!” Ethan pointed a sour finger at Dr. Abbey.

“Ethan, stop.” Frank mumbled. Everyone froze. Dr. Abbey gestured at Frank, “I think he would like to.” Ethan pondered wether or not to flip Dr. Abbey off, but instead he squinted his eyes and turned to Frank and slumped in the chair.

“Uhm, is it okay if I talk to him alone, Dr. Abbey?” Frank whispered. He was obviously still tired and didn’t want to deal with this at the moment.

“Of course you can.” She turned around and shut the door behind her, “Whenever you’re ready for me to come back, I will be just outside.”

“Don’t let that bitch back in.” Ethan pointed at the door and sat up.

“Ethan, that’s enough, she’s helping us. She’s on our side.” Frank gave Ethan a warning look and ethan shrugged it off.

“Fine. Who did this to you?” he looked like he already knew. Frank laid his head back on his pillow and closed his eyes.

“Who do think?” he replied. Ethan’s shoulders hunched down and he exhaled.

“Why didn’t I just take him out when I had the chance.” Ethan looked like he had just as much guilt as I did.

“You didn’t because I told you not to, that’s why.” I jumped in surprise in my head. What the hell is going on? Frank hates his dad, Ethan apparently tried to kill Frank’s dad, but Frank told him no, but then it hit me, Ethan knew about all this all along????

“I know, but I promised you I would protect you, and I failed.” Ethan sat with his hands in his palms and Frank stared at his feet. I wanted to ask a million questions but now was NOT the time. I sat in the chair next to the bed, hoping Frank would acknowledge me, but I knew that he wouldn’t do that at the moment either. I started to hear quiet muffled sobbing, and I looked over, to find that it wasn’t Frank, but Ethan. Ethan, legitimately crying.

“You did.” Frank whispered. He knew he wouldn’t win the battle that involves an emotional Ethan.

“Just let the bitch back in.” he wiped tears off his cheeks and laid back in the chair. Frank looked at me to get the door. Even though his look was full of sadness and hurt, it made me feel a thousand times better to have him look at me. I let Dr. Abbey back in and got her a chair next to Ethan. Ethan lightened up to her and treated her with more respect.

“Now, since Frank will be an official adult in a year, he doesn’t have to go through as much as most kids. For example, if he knows anyone that we think is suitable, he can choose to live with them. So, due to that, Frank has chose you, but we need a background check, a signature, and of course, your permission.” Ethan perked up.

“Oh, well, yeah of course.”

“Well, then let’s get started.” She smiled and pulled out her briefcase. I tuned out of their conversation and saw Frank staring at me. I caught his eye, and he blushed and turned away. I couldn’t help but smile that familiar smile I always got when I was around him. I reached over and held his hand. Without looking at me he gripped my hand tightly and pulled it closer to him.

After an hour or so of filling out paperwork and discussing all sorts of legal hoopla, Dr. Abbey got up.

“Well, Mr. Borough, we shall be in touch, and Frank, I will see you tomorrow for your therapy. Call if there is any questions or anything at all.” she started to walk out but Ethan stopped her.

“Uhm, sorry for being a dick, I was just freaked out, I guess.” He held out his hand and she shook his hand. Me and Frank froze, astonished by Ethan’s unusual kindness.

“It’s okay, it isn’t my first time around the block after all.” She smiled and Ethan blushed as she walked out.

“I wonder how old she is?” Ethan said staring at the door.

“Don’t even think about it Ethan. She is my therapist and the social worker.” Frank said. We all laughed. It was an awkward laugh given the circumstances, but it was still laughing.

“Well, I guess I can still look can I?” he shrugged. Frank shook his head in disapproval and rubbed his face.

“Well, I guess I can’t stop your eyes, can’t I?” he seemed to be mocking Ethan. He sat on the foot of the bed. We all sat and stared at each other and smiled, and soon we were busting out laughing again, just like good days.

I thought that things were gonna get better.

Notes

HEY HEY!
Sorry I was gone so long. June 21 was midsummer, so my family and I were out celebrating the holiday for a few days, and I just didn't have time to do much.
Do to that, I didn't really get to make this chapter very long because I didn't have access to write anything. I won't be home for another three days or so (I'm not sure) but my chapters will get long again.
(Oh and those last two lines, yeah that might mean something JUST SAYIN'! So, I will leave you to dying on figuring out what it means. Your welcome.)
HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT
AND HAPPY MIDSUMMER TO THOSE WHO CELEBRATE IT (and just everyone in general)