You're the Only Hope For Me

Chapter Twenty

I knew something was wrong before anyone told me anything. There's a gut feeling that cannot be ignored in my stomach. It's like Frank and I are attached. When he's in pain, I'm in pain.

He somehow convinced me to stay home while they went out of state on their tour. I trusted him. The boys would never push him to do anything he couldn't do. I was just really nervous about not being there if something happened, and of course in this case it happened.

All over media, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, tumblr, everyone was exploding with concerned comments. I don't blame them. No one had assured the fans that he was okay. I didn't even know if he was okay. I tried calling Gerard, Mikey, and Ray, but neither of them picked up, which could possibly be a really bad thing.

I put my phone down and paced my living room, trying to keep focused. It couldn't be that bad. Frank was getting better. Chemo was almost done and going well. It wasn't so hard for him to fight anymore. The only thing that really worried me is his breathing. His lungs have took a beating after going through cancer treatment and with his old smoking habits.

When my phone rang, I jumped at the chance to pick it up and answered it quickly.

"Hey Ro..." he said through the phone.

I was taken aback and waited a moment before replying, "Hey Brendon."

There was an obvious awkward tension between us. We haven't talked or seen each other in months. I even had trouble listening to his music because it reminded me too much of our fall out.

"Listen," Brendon said in a raspy tone. He sounded sick, which sent my heart plummeting down into my stomach. He cleared his throat and continued, "I'm really sorry about what happened between us and I'm really sorry about Frank. You don't deserve the constant drama in your life. I miss you."

I was a sucker for the "I miss you" phrase from anyone. It made me feel extremely guilty, even if it wasn't my fault to begin with.

I looked down at my feet and bit my lip, "I miss you too."

"And I'm not saying I want things to go back to the way they were," he quickly reasserted himself, "I would never come between you and Frank. He's really lucky to have you and deserves someone as caring as you are to him. I just wanted to offer a shoulder, you know...be a friend. I know what it's like to keep your thoughts cooped up and I don't want you to feel like that. So, if you ever need somebody to talk to, I'm here."

I smiled a bit and nodded, "Thank you, I think a friend is exactly what I need, and exactly what Frank needs."

"I think I might be able to help with that," Brendon said.

The next day, we met back up at the cafe by his house. I expected it to be painfully awkward and quiet, but it was just the opposite. He wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to be friends. We talked and laughed like we did before. It felt amazing.

His phone was constantly ringing and he would step away to take the important ones. I didn't mind much. I was getting texts from Mikey about Frank's condition. Apparently he was okay, it was just a matter of getting the right amount of oxygen back in his lungs.

"What's up with you mister popular?" I questioned and pulled my coffee cup up to my lips.

He chuckled warmly and looked up at me over the brims of his glasses, "You really want to know?"

I nodded and leaned in, listening carefully. He unlocked his phone and showed me his recent calls. A bunch of familiar names loaded the screen.

"I put together a sort of helpline for Frank. If he ever isn't healthy enough to tour, there's a line of people who would gladly step in for him. If you or Gerard or anyone needs help with him, there's people for that too. And even if you just wanted someone to talk to, all of us are waiting," Brendon explained.

"You are a lifesaver Brendon. A miracle worker. Thank you so much," I looked him in the eyes and told him.

He smiled sweetly and sat up straight. He was proud of what he was doing, as he should be. This is going to do a lot for us.

I bit my lip to keep it from quivering as he read off some of the names.

"I mean obviously there's me, Spencer, and Dallon. And there's Patrick, Pete, Andy, and Joe, but those are the give-ins. We have Josh and Tyler. Oh I contacted some of Pencey Prep, well with friendships of Frank still salvageable..." the list of people went on and on and I honestly zoned out after a while. I watched Brendon's lips move and the more he talked, the happier I got.

Things were going to turn out fine.