Ethan and I alternated turns keeping Frank company at the hospital. Usually I took the day shift and Ethan closed up the bar early so he could take the night shift. Frank had to stay in the hospital for the first week of break. Everything in his life seemed like it was at a standstill. On saturday morning I went into the hospital. My mom bought flowers for Frank, so I brought them with me. Frank was still asleep and Ethan was resting on the couch, watching something on the T.V that hung from the ceiling.

“Hey.” I whispered, setting my moms flowers on the bedside and taking a seat.

“Oh, hey.” Ethan rubbed his eyes. You could tell all that’s happened took a toll on Ethan.

“How is he?” I asked, looking over from Ethan to Frank.

“Better.” Ethan eyes were bloodshot and his voice was weary. He clasped his hands on his thighs and sighed. I nodded.

“Well, I guess I should be getting out of here,” He stood and grabbed his coat, “Are the roads pretty icy?” Ethan asked.

“Yeah, but they’re not horrible, why?” He shrugged. He didn’t look very thrilled that I asked.

“I have to go to court in Portland to finalize the whole custody thing before they put Fucktard on trial.” We called Frank’s dad Fucktard when Frank wasn’t listening or around.

“Oh, well I think the drive should be fine, just be cautious. Are you sober, is the question?” I tried to lighten up his mood a bit.

“Oh how I wish I wasn’t.” he was dead serious about it too. I don’t blame him. He started toward the door.

“By the way, Frank get’s released tomorrow, but I think he wants to tell you, so just pretend you don’t know.dx” I felt a warm rush. Frank was finally getting released.

“Don’t worry, I have no clue about it.” I winked and waved and Ethan left. I sat by myself, watching T.V for an hour before Frank actually woke up.

“You’re awake.” I lowered the T.V volume and smiled at Frank. He stretched his toes out and yawned.

“When did you get here?” he asked.

“About an hour ago, Ethan went to Portland to finalize stuff,” he nodded, “How have you been doing?” I knew what he was going to say, but I knew what Ethan had said.

“Well,” he sat up in his bed, he wasn’t wearing hospital gowns anymore, he was aloud to wear his own clothes, “ I guess I’ve been doing so good that I get to leave... tomorrow.” He grinned.

“That’s great!” I exclaimed, but then I got an unsettling thought, “Are you going to go to your dads trial?” his grin disappeared.

“I have to, I have to testify for both child abuse and... and... and my mom’s murder.” He looked out to the snow falling outside his window. It confused me that his mom’s ‘accidental murder’ hurt him more than his own problem, but at the same time, it didn’t at all. I grabbed his hand and he squeezed it.

“Well, it will be okay, I will be there and Ethan and my mom,” I tried to comfort him but he just kept staring out the window, “Frank, we will always be there for you.” This time he looked down at me.

“I know, I just have some mixed feelings about it is all.”

“I know.” I lied. I didn’t quite understand why he had mixed feelings about it, but when I asked Dr. Abbey about, she said it was just a process. I crawled up into Frank’s bed and let him snuggle himself into my chest. We watched T.V pretty much all day. In the afternoon, Frank’s nurse came in and detached him from his IV and pain killers and let him take a shower for the first time on his own. His broken ribs made it hard for him to walk around and move on his own. Ethan came back around Seven o’clock.

“Well look who's disconnected from the drug line?” Ethan exclaimed when he walked in.

“Hey Ethan.” Frank greeted. Ethan put his backpack down and took his coat off.

“Well, since I was in Portland and this is your last night in the hospital, I had an idea,” he pulled a bag out of his backpack, “So I got us some real food.” He threw us some sandwiches. Franks eyes widened.

“Yes, something other than hospital food, you are a savior!” Frank chomped into the sandwich like he had never eaten in his life.

“Well, I try.” Ethan shrugged. He did a pretty good job too, they were pretty good. I decided I would stay the last night with Ethan and Frank. Ethan brought a dumb board game and we played for a few hours, than we watched saturday night live. We laughed and joked and for once everything seemed like it was alright for once. Ethan fell asleep on the couch and I fell asleep with Frank. The next morning Frank was the first one up for the first time ever. But

he wasn’t very happy. Dr. Abbey came in at 9 o’clock.

“Good morning boys, Mr. Borough.” she nodded towards Ethan and set her stuff down on the table.

“Hi Dr. Abbey.” Frank waved at her. Frank had been seeing Dr. Abbey every other day in the hospital, and is going to continue seeing her once a week.

“Well, it looks like you’re all ready to go,” she looked at Frank’s small bag on the bed, “Gerard, Mr. Borough, if you could step out and wait for us in the lobby, we’ll be just a few minutes.” she smiled at Ethan.

“Uhm, yeah of course.” Ethan obviously had a crush on Dr. Abbey. He wiped his hands on his pants, grabbed his backpack and I followed him out. We got to the lobby and we sat in two chairs. everywhere around me there were sick people and sad, worried looking people. It was quite awkward. Dr. Abbey and Frank were gone for around fifteen minutes. In the meantime, I tried to make small talk with Ethan.

“So you have all his stuff at your house?” I asked.

“Yeah.” he replied.

“Did you have to go get it yourself, or did someone else have to do it?”

“I had too.” There was a quick pause in our conversation. I leaned in close to him.

“When is the trial going to begin?” I whispered. I knew it was soon but I didn’t know when.

“In two days.” Ethan’s face was pale. I sat back in my chair and we sat quietly, waiting. After what felt like hours of waiting, the doors opened and Frank walked out slowly, with Dr. Abbey right behind him. His eyes were red, he had been crying. Ethan and I stood up. I couldn’t help but smile and Frank smiled back at me. Ethan started to clap. It was like Frank just returned home from a horrible war. Frank walked towards me as Ethan walked towards Dr. Abbey.

“Well look at you. Strutten out of here like a champ.” I said. I wrapped my arms around Frank and he did the same. I missed his warm hugs.

“You know it.” he replied. I let go of him due to the people staring at us.

“So, you’ve gone to Portland and finalized everything Mr. Borough?” Dr. Abbey asked Ethan.

“Yep, everything is taken care of. I have all his stuff and a place for him is ready. He should be well taken care of.” he looked down at the floor, trying not to look at Dr. Abbey.

“Good. Well Frank, sounds like you’re all set. I will see you all in two days,” Frank’s smile sort of drifted off a bit and Dr. Abbey put her hand on his shoulder, “If there is anything you need or talk about, you know where to find me Frank.” She strutted out of the hospital and left the three of us in the lobby.

“Well, shall we go to my house and eat something? I’m starving.” Ethan clasped his hands together.

“Yes please.” Frank exclaimed.

“Well then let’s go!” We walked to the car, being cautious of Frank’s still broken ribs. We piled into Ethan’s tiny car. Fran sat in the back with me. Ethan started the car. Frank was smiling and looking out the window.

“Is it good to be out?” I asked, grabbing his hand.

“You don’t even know.” He turned his head towards me. I couldn’t help it but kiss him.

“I missed that.” he whispered and he kissed me again.

“Hey you two, don’t get too excited.” Ethan looked through the rearview window and winked at us. Frank leaned his head on my shoulder and rolled his eyes at Ethan.

***

Ethan’s house was small and on the east side of town. It only had two bedrooms, but I guess that’s all he needed. Ethan showed us Frank’s room. All of his things were setup, minus anything to put on the wall.

“I figured I would let you decorate if you wanted.” Ethan shrugged. Frank looked around. He took out the broken picture from his backpack and set it on the night stand.

“Come out when you want to, K bud.” Frank nodded and Ethan left for the kitchen, closing the door behind him. It was just me and Frank.

“It’s pretty nice.” I said, looking around the room. It really was.

“Yeah.” he replied blankly. He sat on the bed and put his chin in his hands.

“You okay?” I asked, sitting beside him. He leaned against me.

“Yeah, I’m just tired, and I hurt.”

“Oh, pain meds starting to finally wear off?” he nodded, “Well, then you should eat something, that way you have something in your system for later.” I got up and started for the door, but Frank tugged at my hand and stopped me in my tracks. I looked at him, a little confused.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. He inched towards me, then wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled me down for a kiss. His lips were slightly chapped and warm. He pulled away.

“Nothing.” he said, “That’s all.” he smiled and left the room. I followed and we went to the kitchen. Food was on the table and Ethan was waiting. We ate and talked about Frank’s new living arrangement. A knock came from the door and it startled Frank. I grabbed his hand as he calmed down while Ethan went to check the door.

“It’s okay baby, you’re safe.” I whispered and he nodded slightly.

“Gerard?” I turned around to find my mom in the archway.

“Oh, hi mom.” I replied to her. She came and sat next to Frank.

“And how are you sweetie?” She asked Frank quitely. Frank looked up at her and stared for a second.

“I’m ok, thank you.” He said blankly.

“Well let me know if you need anything, K?” She tapped the backside of his hand lightly and smiled. Frank smiled back and continued to nibble at his dinner. We sat in silence together for a moment.

“I hate to do this but we need to hit the road Gerard.” she said, breaking the silence. I looked up at her and over to Frank who kept trying to eat his dinner.

“But mom-” I tried to argue, but she cut me off.

“I would let you stay, but Frank and Ethan need some rest and you need to go home. It’s been a week since you’ve been home.” Frank looked up from his dinner.

“He can stay if he wants, he’s no trouble...” Ethan insisted, but my mom gave him the evil mom glare.

“I will go get the car started while you say goodbye,” she concluded, “It was good to see you Frank.” Frank nodded her and smiled again and she left the small house. I looked over at Frank and frowned.

“I’m sorry,” I whimpered, “Will you be okay?”

“Yeah. Go home and relax.” Frank said. I didn’t like that I had to leave him, but I knew he was in good hands.

“Okay. Call me if you need anything.” I insisted.

“I’ll be fine,” he replied and smiled, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I went over to his side and kissed him on the forehead. I followed Ethan out the front door.

“See you tomorrow Gee.” Ethan said as he waved from the porch.

“See ya Ethan.” I replied back and I got in the car. The leather seats were cold but the air was warm and slightly comforting.

“You ready?” my mom asked.

“Ready as I will ever be.” I said coldly.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she started to pull the car out of Ethan’s driveway. I waited a moment before I responded.

“I just don’t really feel like going home okay.” I said.

“Gerard, I know you have very strong feelings for Frank and I know you want to make sure he is safe, but honey, you can’t do everything for him.”

“I can try.” I replied sternly. She sighed and I saw her cold breath swirl through the air.

“Gerard, the situation he is in is much bigger than control. The best thing you can do is be there for him. I don’t want you beating yourself up just because you can’t solve his problem, okay?” I rolled my eyes.

“Yes mom, I get it, but that’s not what is pissing me off right now.”

“Then what’s the matter?” She asked.

“Nothing, just forget it, okay?” I yelled.

“Fine, I don’t know what the hell is up your problem right now, but it better be gone by the time we get home or you will be in trouble young man, understood?” I nodded and leaned my head against the window. A few minutes went by and in silence. I watched the small snowflakes zoom by my window as we drove down the winding roads. Out of nowhere I heard my mom start to cry.

“What’s wrong?” I said as I reached to touch her shoulder.

“Nothing, I don’t want to deal with you right now.” She whimpered as she shooed my hand away.

“What did I do?!” I asked harshly, then I realized what all just happened.

“I don’t want to talk right no-” my mom started.

“I’m sorry mom, okay? I just had some built up anger that just slipped out and I’m sorry.” I rubbed my temples as my mom kept silent. She kept crying all the way home. She pulled into the driveway and unlocked the doors.

“Get out. There should be some leftovers for you to eat.” she demanded, not looking at me once.

“Well where are you going?” I asked as I watched her grip tense around the steering wheel.

“To go get a fucking drink, Gerard,” she yelled, “Now get out or I will drag your ass in there for you.” I let out a sigh and got out of the car.

“I love you.” I said before I closed the door. I saw my mom close her eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek.

“I love you too.” She whispered. I closed the door and watched her drive away and disappear into the wintery night. I took a deep breath and walked into the house. On the couch, Mikey and his dumb girlfriend were cozied up watching some stupid romance movie.

“Well look who’s finally home for once?” Mikey said coldly. I wasn’t in the mood to argue with him. I rolled my eyes and went straight to my room. I lost my appetite and I was surprisingly tired. I threw my coat and shoes on the ground and crashed on my bed. All I wanted was to have things be normal and happy again, but I knew that it was going to be a hard journey to get there.

Notes

I AM SO SORRY I HAVEN'T UPDATED IN SO LONG!!!!! Apparently it takes 4 frickin months to right a chapter. -__- I AM SORRY!
And I know this chapter is kinda sucky but I just had to finish it so I can get back into the good stuff! So don't worry, I plan on writing more chapters.
(It may take me longer to get chapters out because of school but I am going to try my best)
I hope you enjoy this (not so good) chapter!

did I say I was sorry?