You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 22

Frank ended up at some dive to drown his sorrows. He had promised that things would be different this time, but when life got rough, he ran. This time, it was unforgivable and he knew it.

He had left his wife who had cheated death less than a day before and he had left the mother of his child, a child who had just died. There was no going back from that. Then again, Chrissy was forgiving. Maybe...

"What's a handsome man like you doing all by yourself?" a young and attractive blonde asked him.

"Oh, just trying to drown my sorrows and make myself feel a little better," Frank replied.

What the fuck, Frank? His conscious screamed at him. You should be with your wife!

"I know a way to make you feel good," the woman replied, seductively.

Christ, now we've resorted to prostitutes. Frank knew it was wrong... so wrong. This was something he would never morally come back from.

"I gotta go," he muttered. He threw down some money and left the bar.

When he returned to the hospital, he approached Chrissy's room slowly. As he peeked through the window on the door, he saw Dean laying in the hospital bed with her. They were crying together. He watched Chrissy place her hand on her stomach where their baby used to be. Then he saw Dean put his hand on top of hers and rest it there.

He had broken her heart like he had promised both her and Dean he wouldn't. He could barely stand to watch it, but he continued looking at them. He had never seen Dean in such a raw state of emotion. Chrissy looked terrible... exhausted, battered, and broken. Finally, he saw Dean kiss the top of Chrissy's head. While it wasn't a romantic kiss, it was a loving, caring kiss. It showed Frank the Dean meant something to Chrissy that he never would.

As Frank slowly walked away, the door of Chrissy's room opened. "What in the hell are you doing here?" Dean hissed.

"I came to see my wife. What do you think you're doing here?"

"You son of a bitch... You left your wife here all alone to grieve the death of her baby. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't left."

"I can't fight right now... I'm not here to upset her. I just came to make sure she was okay."

Dean let out a cynical chuckle, "God damn, Frank... She's as to be expected for a woman who just lost her child and her husband. Look, I'm not being an ass, but you should come see her tomorrow. She just fell asleep. Let her rest."

Frank nodded, "What about Jamie? Is he okay?"

"He's back at the house with Claudia and Craig. He doesn't know anything yet. I was going to go back to the house while she's asleep and talk to him"

"You stay with her," Frank said. "I'll drive to the house and talk to Jamie."

"Frank?" Dean stopped him before he walked away, "For what's it's worth, I'm sorry about the baby. As mad as I am at you for some things, you're like a brother to me and I love you."

"Love you too, Dino," Frank said quietly as he left the hospital.

Days later, it was decided that a brief and quiet funeral service would be held in the hospital chapel to avoid the press and other unnecessary chaos. Dean had planned it all. On the day of the service, the only people there were Chrissy, Jamie, the Sinatra children, Dean, and one empty seat next to Chrissy. Frank was supposed to be there. Rose Angela was his daughter too, after all. However, Chrissy hadn't seen Frank since the day their daughter died.

The priest finally came over to Chrissy, "Are we waiting on anyone else?"

"Five more minutes, please," Chrissy pleaded.

"Of course."

Dean came to Chrissy's side, "He said he'd be here, right?"

"Yes," Dean replied.

After a few more minutes, Frank came through the doors, "I'm sorry," he mumbled as he tried to find somewhere to sit.

"Dad." Nancy pointed to where Chrissy was sitting.

Frank made his way to the empty seat next to Chrissy and sat down. "Hey," he whispered.

Chrissy gave him a weak smile and grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze.

After the service, everyone had left the chapel except the parents of the tiny angel. Chrissy sat quietly with her gloved hand, resting comfortably in Frank's. She hadn't spoken a word since he had arrived. Finally, Frank cleared his throat, "How are you doing?"

Her voice was hoarse, "Okay."

"Chrissy, I'm so sorry..."

"Now's not the time, Frank."

"When?"

"Not now," she whispered.

After a few minutes of silence, Chrissy asked for help getting up. Frank gently helped her up from the chair and led her out of the chapel. Waiting for her was Dean and Jamie. Before going with Dean and Jamie, Chrissy gave Frank a hug, whispering, "I still love you. Give me some time to think."

"Okay," he replied and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Frank watched as the three of them walked away. He knew Chrissy was weak, but he couldn't help, but realize how easily her arm slipped through Dino's as he led her out of the hospital.