My Neighbour, The Painter

4. Worst He Ever Heard

"This sucks." Ray said with a groan. He finished mixing a smoothie and handed it to a customer.

"What?" Frank asked. Starbucks was somewhat busy that day.

"Mikey's at the Hospital." Ray said. Frank almost dropped all the money he was handing a man.

"What the hell, why?" Frank asked. He took a few more orders and the shop customers quit appearing so rapidly.

"Mikey is fine." Ray said handing a guy the last order. "Its his brother." Ray said. He came to stand beside Frank.

"What's wrong with his brother?" Frank asked.

"Gerard has Cancer." Ray answered. Frank's stomach churned. Could Mikey's brother be the Gerard he knew? Frank stared at Ray in shock. "Uh?" Ray hummed.

"Where does Gerard live?" Frank asked.

"Apartment Complex X, number 13." Ray answered. Frank pushed past ray and went to the employee restroom to throw up. Ray followed with a nervous face. "Dude, what's wrong?" Ray asked.

"Gerard is my neighbour." Frank said gagging, Ray sighed.

"You didn't know?" Ray asked.

"No."

"He's been on chemo for almost a month now."

"Hus hair?"

"Surprisingly its still okay."

"Is that why he's been so sick?"

"Yea."

"I need to go."

"Alright. Go rest."

"'Kay," Frank said. He left work and went home.

______________________________________

"Mikey, Gerard." Frank said. He was approaching his flat. Mikey was helping Gerard stand and unlock the door.

"Frank?" Mikey said.

"Fuck, Frankie." Gerard said. He looked like death.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Frank asked wiping his eyes. Gerard gave him a sad look. Gerard was about to say something, but Frank went into his apartment and slammed the door. Frank went straight to his room and sat on his bed. He leant against the wall that was against his bed. He curled his knees up against his chest and took in a deep breath.

"Mikey, I'll just sleep." Gerard said, Frank assumed that Gerard was in his room beside Frank's.

"I should stay." Mikey said.

"Mikey, I'm fine." Gerard said ina tired tone.

"Gee.." Mikey began.

"Jesus, Michael. I'm twenty-fucking-eight, I'm a sick bastard. You're worried, but I'm sure some fucking time to myself won't kill me." Gerard growled loudly, he was angry.

"Fine." Mikey snapped. "I'll be back in a few days." He said. Frank heard Mikey leave the apartment entirely. He heard Gerard get on his bed, his body brushing agianst the other side of the wall.

"Frankie?" Gerard asked. Frank heard Gerard put his hand on the wall. Frank put his hand against the wall. If the wall wasn't there, their hands would touch.

"G-Gerard." Frank replied shakily. He finally controled his tears.

"Why are you upset?" Gerard asked.

"Why didn't you tell me?! You've got fucking cancer, Gerard! It's killing you, and you're basically my only friend! Did you think I didn't deserve to know?!" Frank asked, he lost it, sobbing loudly. Gerard pounded a hand on the wall and Frank sniffled.