Hold Me Tight

"It's okay Bandit." Dorrit cooed, through gritted teeth as Gerard stalked into the house and didn't bother holding open the door for either Dorrit or the baby. Mikey saw and shook his head at Dorrit then took Bandit from her hands.

"You go sit down, I'll put Ben to bed." Dorrit nodded and walked into the house followed by Mikey who carried Bandit to her room. He removed her black funeral dress and replaced it with her pj's. After settling her in her crib he whispered. "Don't worry, Uncle Mikey's going to fix Daddy."

Mikey entered the living room and was about to go and speak to Gerard but was stopped by Dorrit.

"I know Gerard's upset and all but what he doesn't understand it that we lost her too. We are all going through it including his daughter." Mikey wiped Dorrit's tears with his thumb.
"I know, I know baby. I'm going to talk to him now. I promise I will fix this."

Mikey continued his way to Gerard's room and closed the door when he was inside. Gerard was sat on the edge of his bed his red tie thrown across the floor, his black suit crumpled and his head in his hands.

"Gerard we need to talk." Mikey said, going to sit next to his brother.

"Theres no point, Mikey. Its over, my life's over."

"Thats bullshit Gerard and you know it! You know who's life isn't over?! Bandit's, hers has only just begun and she needs you." Mikey pleaded his volume rising with every word.

"I'm already gone." Gerard stated.

"Stop that! Stop acting all depressed and talking like you want to die!"

"Maybe I should die, maybe Bandit would be better off without me after all! I ruin everything. And besides if I died then at least me and Dinah would be together. "

"No one is better off without a Dad, Gerard, I thought you of all people would know that." Mikey spat, disgusted at what his brother was suggesting.

"Bandit already doesn't have a Mum, whats the difference in loosing another parent?" Mikey stood up then and marched to the door. His worst fears had come true. And what Gerard had just said had confirmed it. He was gone. And there was no coming back.

Notes