You're the Only Hope For Me

Chapter Nine

Frank quickly sat up and set me aside, brushing himself off. He chuckled a bit, "Jeez Rose next time you're gonna tickle fight, warn me."

I almost laughed. He was always good at trying to play things off. I was to worried about the look on Brendon's face.

"I-umm... I was just stopping by to see if you were okay. I guess someone already beat me to it," he said and eyed Frank.

I looked back at him giving a little wave and then turned back to Brendon. The flowers in his hand were now pointed at the ground. His free hand was behind his neck.

"Brendon..." I started.

"No, I get it," he said and backed away, "You found someone else. I understand."

"No, I mean, that's not what I meant," I started to feel sick. I followed him as he backed towards the door.

I grabbed the doorknob and pressed my back against the door, "Don't leave..."

"You don't need me," Brendon said. It dug like knives at my heart, "You've got all you need right over there. I wish you would've told me before I dragged you along."

"I-I didn't know! I wasn't lying when I said-" I tried to back myself up.

"Save it Rose. Please. I don't want to hear any more lies. We can still be friends, but we're done," he dropped the flowers at the door and placed his hand over mine, turning the knob and leaving the apartment.

I sighed and slid down to the ground. Frank shook his head and joined me. I sat with my head in my hands and an ache in my heart.

"What a drama queen," Frank said as he bent over to sit down.

I closed my eyes tightly. He must've realized I wasn't joking around and scooted closer. He pulled my head to his shoulder and stroked his hands through my hair.

"Hey, it's okay. I promise. The pain's only temporary," he said.

I pressed my palms into my eyes and drew out a breath. He was right. Now that I have Frank I should be happy; but at the moment, I wasn't.

His fingers caught my jaw and he kissed my forehead, "Come on, let's get you back into bed. You need some rest."

I lazily reached my arms up and he lifted me up. He gave me a squeeze and then walked me into my room. Carefully, he set me down and covered me up in blankets.

"I'll be here if you need me. Just give me a shout, alright?" he said sweetly, giving me puppy eyes.

I nodded, already feeling drowsy. He smiled a little, walking out of the room.

My head was pounding again. I just broke Brendon's heart. It's my fault. I still love Brendon, but there's something else I feel for Frank. I don't know.

I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and pulled it out. My eyes closed impatiently while the screen loaded.

It was a message from Brendon. I had my hopes up, leaning on my hand to read what he texted:

I was trying to protect you Rose. Next time you have the chance, take notice of him. Look at him closely and don't blame me when something happens.

Protect me? I growled and dropped my phone on the floor. I was too tired and frustrated to care or look into what Brendon was trying to say.

It hit me just before I fell asleep. Frank was always short of breath. His face was always pale looking. He's been losing weight like crazy.

I pulled my feet over the bed, suddenly catching the shakes. I pressed my ear to the door and listened to Frank.

He was on the phone with someone. I strained to hear what he was saying. I'd assumed, but knew it was Gerard.

"Gee, I know. I am happy. I'm just...nervous I guess," he said hesitantly.

"I can't. Not yet. We just started it off. I don't want to break her when she's close to the edge," Frank continued.

"How would you break me?" I said. Frank turned around quickly and lowered his phone.

"I-I'll call you back," he said and hung up.

"Frank..." My voice wavered.

"It's nothing, okay? I just want us to work out. I've had a major crush on you since school," he said. It sounded like a distraction, but I was too exhausted to tell.

"Come here," he said and opened his arms. He lead me back into the bedroom and climbed in with me. Holding his arms around me, he cuddled me to sleep.