I Never Told You What I Do For a Living

The News Just Can't Get Anything Right

'Michael Way was gunned down...' These words caught my attention right away. I looked over to the wall where the reporter sat at his desk on the television screen. I had to listen to see what she had to say.

'Police reports say the nineteen year old was the only one injured in a gang shooting in....'

I looked over at Gerard in shock, tuning out the annoyingly calm reporter. "Gang shooting?"

"I had no idea..." the priest sat beside his unconscious brother, "Mikey, please wake up. Please..."

I didn't know what to say or do in this situation. Luckily I didn't have to do anything. The intruder, known as 'Doctor Holmes', stepped in the room. He seemed to notice Gerard's collar, "Excuse me, Father." he bowed awkwardly since he had no idea what to do.

Gerard immediately looked up, "Is my brother okay?" he blurted out, quick to cut to the chase.

"Your brother?"

"Yes, Mikey is my brother. Is he okay?" Gerard was shaking horribly, and I felt bad. The only thing I could do was put my hand on his shoulder. His empty hand reached up to cover mine. I was apparently helping.

"....oh. Well it's a good thing you're here then. He's........" the doctor nervously looked at his clip board. He doesn't wanna deliver the news. Be must be new at this.

"Is he in a coma?" Gerard asks,

"W- well... Yes." the doctor said, "but There's more." He paused before he continued to explain.

"Your brother is going to need surgery to repair the punctured lung in his chest." the doctor then turned over the paper on his clip board. "He is also going to need to be watched after the surgery. He won't be going home for a while."

Gerard nodded quietly, taking in the information. "Th- thank you"

"I'll give you some time while I go grab the surgery forms."
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After he filled out the forms, we sat beside the bed and talked quietly. It was as I was staring at Gerard's brother that I slowly started to see the resemblance.
"He's going to be okay, Gerard." I told the still shaking priest.
"How do you know?" He looked at me with a scared expression. How do I know? I was just saying this to hopefully calm him down. Isn't that what I'm supposed to do? I'm bad with human interaction. I'm such a fail!

"I just do. He's in good hands here. I can promise you that." I don't know where these words are coming from lately. But thank God. It's working. Gerard actually calmed down, "I just want him to wake up." he whispered softly.

"He will in time. Just relax." I spoke in a light tone. "He wouldn't want you to be freaking out like this."

Gerard nodded and got up, "I should get you home."

"Why? Just tell them what's going on." I really didn't want to leave Gerard alone to handle this on his own. I'd rather help him out instead. He needs someone. He needs company.

"No. I should take you home." He repeated.
No. I'm not going home. Not unless he goes home and rests. His health is important too. "Only if you promise to go home and get some rest. You need to be healthy if you're going to take care if your brother. Your health is important, Gerard."

He seemed to contemplate this in his mind, struggling with internal conflict before he finally agreed, "I promise."
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After he pulled into the driveway of my house, he looked at me. "Are you okay?"

Did He seriously just ask that. Oh my God. "Are you?" I didn't wanna answer, so I asked him in return.

He sighed and nodded after hesitating.
"You should get inside. It's supposed to rain soon."

Way to change the subject, genius. "Will you keep me updated on the situation with your brother?" I honestly did care.

"I don't have any way to reach you." he said softly.

"Here's my number" I snatched his phone, putting my number in his contacts.
He just watched as I handed it back to him with my phone going off.

"You sent yourself a text?" he cocked His eyebrow.
"I needed your number for my contacts." I replied. "I know you won't remember to keep on touch, so I'll remind you."

He just nodded quietly, "alright. Do you have everything you need?" he asked me as I opened the car door and, like dork, tried to get out while the seatbelt was still strapping in.

That was just enough comedy to lighten the mood, even though it left me embarrassed. "Goodnight, Gerard." I said quietly as I tried again and this time succeeded in getting out of the car.

"Goodnight Jess" he smiled and waited until I got safely inside before driving away.
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Everything seemed fine until Monday.