Gerard's POV

“So I've called this meeting because, I don't even know how to say this, well, my step father made a pass at me.” Just about everyone in the room sucked in air. “More than that though, he said he'd been waiting for me to turn 18 and wanted to leave Mom so we could get married. When I, obviously, told him to go to hell, he told Mom it was the other way around. That I'd been trying to convince him to leave her. He's acting like the faithful and shocked husband now.”

“That's ridiculous. Linda would never...” Brendon cut himself off when he saw her face and ran to hold her as she crumpled against him. Once her small body started violently shaking with sobs, he gently pulled her to the love seat and then sat beside her. Soon he was rocking her. I tried not to feel jealous, knowing she felt only brotherly affection for him. Ray was next to me looking just as shocked.

“I don't believe this. I just don't.” His voice was a whisper. “Uncle John? And Auntie Linda?”

Mikey and I could see that it would take a moment for this all to sink in, but it was up to us now to bring things back around. But he was the one to act.

“What do you need? Would you like us to make ourselves scarce so you can have some privacy? We don't have to be here this week.” My grown up little brother made me so proud I couldn't help a little lop-sided smile.

“No, no.” She was adamant in her answer. “Please stay. This cabin is my permanent home until further notice and I don't want to wallow alone in it. That's why I called Brendon to come stay the week. My brothers are flying in tomorrow. They don't believe John's load of crap. It's all just a little raw right now. But I actually do have things to put in order, preferably before Mom gets back from yet another business trip.”

“Ok, what do you need?” Brendon this time.

“As desirable as I may be to pervy step dads,” the sarcasm clearly evident in her voice and gestures,” I think we both know the real reason for his affection.” She looked at Brendon as she said this. Suddenly, I understood her “meal ticket” comment. She must have quite a lot if her step dad is trying to chase her fortune. I'm sure her mom is pretty comfortable as well.

“I'm sorry Frankie. I wasn't going to be the one to say it.”



*


Frankie's POV

“I'm sorry Frankie. I wasn't going to be the one to say it.”

“I know. If it was just us and Ray, we wouldn't have to. But for the new family...” I threw a nod at the beautiful boy furrowing his brows across from me. They weren't furrowed in confusion, but in concern. He may not have understand some of my previous comments, but I know he isn't stupid. Mikey somehow managed to transmit heartbreak and concern as well, while hardly moving his face. How did he do that? Bren and I glanced at each other briefly, each nodding slightly. Even he could tell these boys cared for me, not my money. It was written all over their faces.

“Mikey, as I've already told Gee, my father, my REAL father was Frank Iero of 'Life's Biggest Question'. Then he did solo stuff to stay home with me. And because he had cancer. He didn't want to spend his last year or two on tour when he could be with Mom and I.” Mikey nodded as if I had told him something he was already expecting. Had Gee told him? “Gee? Did you tell him?” I looked to Ray next even before Gee could answer. Ray knew better and started shaking his head immediately.

“Of course not. Mikes has always been cool under pressure.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you...” I started, but Gerard just waved me off. I relaxed into Brendon's arms once again.

“I get it. Stress, you don't know me well yet.” Gee smiled softly.

I paused here, almost breaking down because thinking about Dad always did this. Such a mixture of happy and sad. Happy to have had such a great dad, who loved me and Mom, and even though he toured, he spent a surprising amount of time with us. I don't think I need to explain the sad part. Some people aren't lucky enough to experience the happiness I had with Dad. But when I met John, even though our relationship was different, I couldn't believe I got this lucky twice. Was it all a lie? Or did greed just get to him later? I'd hate to think he'd married my mom primarily for a payday. And if he did, why not just stay with her? She inherited enough to keep them comfortable and she's gone so much of the time. Unless... unless he really did fall for me? The thought sickened me more than him wanting me for my money.

“We could break his legs?”

“Thanks Bren, but right now let's start with changing the locks here.”

“I could get started on that fairly easy. We could put in video cameras for extra security too, if you think you need it.”

“Thanks Mikey. That would make me feel a bit better.”

Notes

I know I haven't been updating this one as much as the other. Having a bit of a hard time with it. I have some ideas but idk. Are you still enjoying this? What would you like to see? Lyn Z could reappear, the evil step dad could show his nasty self. The brothers and the party are coming soon.

Let me know what you think.