Mr. Way - Frerard

I stepped out of the shower, feeling better than I had since my conversation with Lindsey, but still with a heaviness in my heart. I inhaled and was greeted by a heavenly smell. I trudged through to the kitchen to see Frank waiting at the table, two plates sitting in front of him, holding scrambled eggs on toast. I was suddenly overwhelmed for affection of this small teenage boy, who seemed to like me so much even though I was much older, and far less than he deserved.

"Th-Thank you, Frankie," I said, and I didn't have time to stop the tears from flowing. Before I knew it, he had his arms around me and was settling me down into a chair. I wiped my eyes, and looked down. "I'm sorry, Frank, you don't need to worry about me."

"But I am worried about you, okay? Eat your eggs and then we'll talk. And enjoy them, I worked hard," he said with pride, and I cracked a smile.

I felt much better after I'd eaten, and was filled with gratitude for Frank. I was left wondering how long I'd have laid in bed if Frank hadn't come. The time came to give Frank an explanation. We sat in my lounge which was filled with light after Frank opened the curtains.

"Frankie, I don't want to get you involved in this, you're only a boy. You don't need to be worrying about these things," I told him.

"That's not going to cut it, Gerard. I'm already involved," he said, and I sighed. I began to explain to him the situation with Lindsey and my daughter - the word made me shudder.

"-and she wants me to visit her in New York," I finished. I was surprised that I wasn’t crying, and realised it was probably because Frank was here, soothing me with his very presence.

"Are you going to visit?" he asked, rubbing my back gently.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "But I'm so scared. I mean, me? A dad? She's going to hate me."

"Seriously? You'd be a great dad, Gee. You'll be a natural, I swear," he laid his head on my shoulder and it made me smile despite everything.

"I just don't know if I can do it alone," I said quietly, dreading meeting my daughter and seeing Lindsey again.

"I'll come with you," Frank said immediately. "If you want," he added.

"Oh! No, that's not what I meant! I couldn't ask you to do that, but... Well, would you?"

"Of course. Anything for you, Gerard," he whispered into my neck, sending shivers through my bones.

"Thank you so much, Frankie." I kissed his hair and felt lighter about everything now that I knew Frank was by my side.

Notes