Mute

Gerard's pov*

The drive wasn't very long, but after the brief discussion Linda and Frank had about dinner, nothing much else was said, and both Frank and I retreated into out headphones, blasting music and shutting out the world.
I carried on with my drawing for a while, but after about 15 minutes I started to feel a little car-sick, so I closed my book, put my pencil in its case and stared out the window for a bit.
Soon we pulled up outside a medium sized two storey house, and Linda turned off the engine "We're home!.." She stated, cheerfully ".. Frankie?.. Why don't you help Gerard with his things and show him your room?.." Frank grunted, ripping the earbuds from his ears and looking like he'd rather eat dog shit than be anywhere near me. No more than I expected ".. That wasn't a suggestion, Frank!" Linda scowled at him, climbing out of the car and heading toward the house.
Frank rolled his eyes and grabbed my bag from the seat between us, before getting out and slamming the car door, then walking quickly into the house. I hurried after him, nearly tripping over my laces on the way, and closed the front door as I stepped inside.
The house looked cosy and comfortable, and spotlessly clean "I'm gonna start dinner boys.." Linda called as she disappeared into what I assume to be the kitchen ".. Frank?.. Be nice!"
Frank grunted, something that seems to be his main form of communication, and headed up a flight of stairs on our left. I quickly followed him up, and saw him step into a door on the right. When I approached it, and looked inside, it was instantly obvious, by the band and movie posters, and by the playstation that appeared to have been left on pause in the middle of what appeared to be Mariocart, that this was Frank's room.
Frank dropped my bag onto a neatly made twin bed in the corner, apparently this is MY room too, then trudged over to HIS bed and flopped down on it, picking up a controller and un-pausing his game, like I wasn't even there.
I sighed and slipped into the room, making my way quietly to my new bed, that was as physically far from Frank's bed as it was possible to get in this room, and sat down.
Frank was seemingly engrossed in his game, so I placed my sketchbook and pencil case on the little chest of drawers next to my bed, and lay down on my back, staring up at the plain white ceiling.
I felt my face become wet as tears started to leak from my eyes, so I silently turned onto my side, facing the wall, and pulled my knees up to my chest, wrapping my thin arms around them.
I cried quietly, listening to the sounds of Frank's game. Right now, he was ignoring me, but I knew from bitter experience that it was only a matter of time before he decided it was more fun to use me as a punching bag. I was used to it though. That's ALWAYS what happens! Teenagers NEVER want some stranger invading their home, their room.. their life! It might not be today, or next week, but it would happen, just wait and see.
I buried my face in my knees and sobbed, silently. So THIS is my life?!
After a while, there was a soft knock on the door, and it opened, Linda stepping inside "Dinners ready boys, come down before it gets cold.." I reached over and grabbed my sketchbook, turning to the back page and scribbling three words~ I DON'T EAT, before ripping the paper out and handing it to her. Linda looked at the paper and frowned, then turned to Frank ".. Frankie, go eat, I'll be down in a few.." Frank grunted, but paused his game again and left the room. Linda turned back to me ".. Do you mind?.." She indicated the edge of the bed. I shrugged. Linda sat gently on the edge, careful not to touch me ".. Maggie told me that you have issues with food. She said that you take lots of vitamins?.." I nodded slightly ".. Would you show me?.. So I can make sure you don't run out.." I nodded and sat up, grabbing my bag and dragging it toward me. I opened the back pocket and pulled out two large bottles of multi-vitamins. Linda took them carefully from my fingers and examined the labels ".. I used to be a nurse.." She said, still staring at the bottles ".. Did Maggie tell you?.." She looked up, and I shook my head ".. Yeah!.." She continued ".. For 17 years before I had Frankie, and a further 12 after he was born.." She looked a little sad ".. I miss it sometimes, you know?.. Getting to help people!.. That's why I decided to become a foster parent.." She smiled at me, and I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth in response ".. You are the fourth one I've had. Frankie always took a while to adjust, but he always came around eventually.." She chuckled, quietly ".. I wasn't really intending to foster again, not after the last boy. He was with us for six months. He and Frankie were close, but his father suddenly turned up out of the blue, and Ryan left to live with him.. Frankie was devastated. I didn't want to put him through that again.." She set my pills on the bedside ".. Maggie told me that you don't have any other family, is that right?.." I shrugged, looking down at my hands ".. Well I hope things work out, and that you can be happy here with us.." I looked up through my long hair ".. I wish you'd at least TRY to eat, but I understand why you don't, and I won't try and force you.." She scratched the back of her neck ".. I'm going to get you booked in with the local doctor tomorrow, so we can make sure you're getting everything you need to stay healthy, ok?.." I grimaced slightly.. I don't like doctors!.. They usually mean needles! But then I nodded. Linda was only trying to help ".. And we'll get you enrolled at Frankie's high school too.." She chuckled at the slightly terrified look that must've crossed my face ".. Don't worry, you'll be ok!.. It's a nice school, and Frank will keep an eye on you.." I doubted that VERY much! ".. Ok, so I'm gonna go eat before Frankie scoffs the lot.. I swear, I don't know where he puts it all.." She laughed lightly. I smiled at her as she stood from my bed and headed for the door, before turning back ".. Feel free to come down and join us if you like. No pressure!" She waved slightly, then disappeared out the door. A moment later, I heard her feet stepping carefully down the stairs.
I lay back down and rolled back onto my side, facing into the corner and hugging my knees. Linda said all the right things, but I would STILL be waiting for the day that Frank showed how much he hated me. And the day they sent me back, just like all the rest...

Notes

Hi there chipmunks.. GeesCLUELESSgirl here!

Do YOU think Gee can be happy there?

Please comment, stay safe, and peace out babies!
<3