Bloodstained Bathtubs and an Absence of Death (Frerard)

19 - Who's To Blame?

"What's happening? Where am I?"

Mikey shot up out of his hospital bed, immediately wincing however, from his recently obtained wounds. He looked around frantically until he spotted me. He calmed down a bit at the familiar face of his brother.

I prepared to put on a convincing act, "Oh Mikey! You're finally awake. I'm so happy you're okay."

He gazed around the room again, still trying piece together everything, "What happened to me?" he asked, settling his eyes on the IV bag that was attached to his hand by a needle and a long tube.

"Someone attacked you, Mikey..." I said softly. "I don't know who but... it was so scary. Frank tried to help you and ended up getting hurt too. Luckily you're both safe now though. The police are out looking for the intruder as we speak".

"Where... where is Frank?" Mikey asked me.

I smiled, "He's next-door sleeping. I already talked to him before we arrived to the hospital, but you were unfortunately unconscious up until now. I wanted to make sure you were alright. I thought I may have... lost you. I was so scared, Mikey".

I think Mikey could tell that for once, I was being truly sincere. Because now I realized losing my brother was not something I wanted... I wouldn't have been able to deal with it. I was actually glad he was okay, from the bottom of my heart.

Before Mikey could respond though, there was a gentle knock at the door. We both turned our heads to find another concerned looking, yet familiar face.

"Ray?" Mikey called out. Immediately, Ray rushed to Mikey's side, hugging him in relief. He made sure to be careful, not really knowing how bad of shape Mikey was in.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't home, Mikey," Ray frowned. "I rushed here as soon as I heard the news. I'm glad to see you're awake and talking now. You didn't sound so good from what Gerard told me over the phone."

Mikey leaned back in his bed, "Well, I'm certainly a bit overwhelmed by all of this sudden news, but I'm feeling okay. Just a little sore right now. I imagine they're pumping me full of a bunch of medicine that's helping me to not feel much."

Ray sat down on the bed beside him, "I'm sure it's a lot to take in, but don't you worry about it too much right now. You just focus on getting some rest... By the way, my parents send kind regards to you as well.

"Tell them I appreciate it... but I suppose you're right about resting up. I am unusually tired still".

"Hold that thought," someone called from the doorway. Then, in walked Officer Stump and Officer Wentz.

Officer Stump was the first to speak, "Glad to see you're awake now, Mr. Way, but unfortunately we need to ask you a few questions before you head back to bed." 

Officer Wentz turned to me and Ray, before he spoke next, "We're going to have to ask you two to briefly leave the room while we talk to him. We'll let you knew when we're done here though."

Ray and I both agreed, saying goodbye to Mikey and heading out into the hall. 

Ray turned to me, "So where were you when all of this went down?" It was a reasonable question to ask, but because I knew the truth behind it, I was anxious about responding. I had to keep up my act though. I couldn't afford to slip up and have something go wrong.

"I was at the store getting stuff for Frank, and I stopped at an old friend's house afterwards. I came home to find the front door wide open and Mikey and Frank sprawled out in Mikey's room. They were both covered in blood- someone had to have broken in and hurt them. Maybe in an attempted robbery?"