You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

Chapter 36

Dean and Chrissy sat on the couch of their home, processing what had just happened. Chrissy had cried, feeling terrible about what Frank had said. She never wanted to hurt him, and she did love him, but not in that way anymore.

Dean was angry. He wasn't angry that Frank had feelings for her; he knew that already. Frank adored Chrissy, and he knew that he regretted his actions. However, Dean was furious that Frank had spoken to her the way he did. Chrissy was the only one who had the patience to put up with his nonsense even after their divorce.

Finally, Dean broke the silence that had hung in the air for a long time, "I'm going to talk to him."

"Dean, the man's had a heart attack... I don't think now's the time. Listen, if you think you have to defend my honor, you don't. I'm fine. He's just feeling sorry for himself."

"He shouldn't have talked to you that way, and it pisses me off."

There was knock at the door. Dean went to answer it, "What the hell happened?" Nancy Jr. came storming into the house.

"What do you mean?" Dean asked.

"I mean that woman that's at the hospital with my dad."

"Who?"

"Barbara Someone... She told me that he didn't want to see any of us."

"Well, he bit Chrissy's head off and told her to leave, so I have no clue."

Chrissy came into the foyer where Nancy and Dean were conversing.

"Nancy!" Chrissy hugged her, "How's your dad?"

"Hell if I know. Some woman is saying he wants nothing to do with any of us."

"Who?"

"Barbara, that woman he brought to dinner a month or so ago," Dean stated.

Chrissy shook her head. "He's lost it. Nancy, you know he doesn't mean it. Just a few hours ago, he was asking me to look after you kids if something would happen to him or your mom first. He doesn't mean it."

"I know, but... Uncle Dean, will you come with me? The two of us can figure it out."

"Sure, honey. Let me get my keys."

A few moments later, Dean and Nancy were on their way to the hospital.

On the way to the hospital, Nancy began to cry. "I've always been afraid of this. Poppa needs a woman in his life. I knew one day it would be someone who would take advantage of a situation."

"Your father's no dummy. He'll see through it eventually."

"I don't think so, Uncle Dino... He's getting older, and he's starting to think these are his last chances to find someone to spend his life with. He's fouled it all up."

"We're going to fix it."

"I hope so..."

When they arrived at the hospital, Barbara met them at the door to Frank's room. "He's resting. He doesn't need upset."

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Nancy burst.

"Nance." Dean said sternly. "Look, Barb, the kid has a right to see her father, and I'm here with her. So, we'll be going in now."

The two of them barged into the room where Frank was lying in bed, "Oh, Poppa. Are you alright?"

"I'm alright, honey," he said, kissing his daughter's cheek.

"Hey, Pally."

"Hey, Dino."

"Great news!" Barbara exclaimed, "They're releasing you in the morning, Frankie! They said since I'll be there to give you around the clock care..."

"Excuse me? Why will you be giving him around the clock care?"

"Because we're moving in together! Don't worry, sweetie; you don't have to call me mom. Barbara is fine!"

Dean quickly wrapped an arm around Nancy before she flew off the handle. He patted her shoulder in an attempt to keep her calm.

"Barb, can I have a word with Frank alone?"

She sighed and left the room.

"Nancy, go call Chrissy," Dean ordered.

Nancy looked at Dean and then nodded, "You made me a promise."

"And I intend to keep it."

Once Frank and Dean were alone, Frank tried to speak, "Listen..."

"No, you listen. Have you lost what little sense God gave you?! First, you speak horribly to Chrissy: the one person who has the patience for you when you're being an asshole. Now, you've got this girlfriend who is taking advantage of you when you're down and out. You're smarter than this, Frank. Think for Chrissakes!"

"You want to go there, Dean? I am thinking. Thinking about how I'm getting older... I'm gonna be fifty. I'm alone, but Barbara cares about me."

"Frank, you're acting blind to the way she's treating your daughter."

"Nancy's a big girl. She can take care of herself."

"For fucks sake, Frank. Your relationship with Ava nearly ruined your relationship with your children. You're going to do it again."

"Barb and I are in love. Maybe, we'll get married and then she'll actually be able to give me another child."

"Fuck off, Frank."  Dean was beyond angry. He knew that last comment was a dig at Chrissy. "If you're trying to push us away, it's working. Have a good life."

Dean stormed out of the room where Nancy stood with a concerned look on her face, "Uncle Dean, we have to go back home."

"What's wrong?"

"Chrissy said it's your mama..."

Wordlessly, Dean dug for the car keys in his pocket and handed them to Nancy.

Nancy grabbed the keys and his hand and led him back out of the hospital.