A Million Trillion Billion (What's Eating Gilbert Grape Fanfic) *ORIGINAL*

Chapter 24 - He Hurted Me

Dr. Stevens walks in with a smile this morning. I've just given Arnie his meds, and now we have another doctor's visit. Greg told us to wait in the room with him, for Dr. Chang and Dr. Mickel. Arnie's been doing fine. The main concern is that his medicine isn't working, but that can easily be solved. They took an x-ray of his brain today, and that's what we're currently waiting on. Last night, Gilbert told me he wanted to wait for Arnie to be home to give me my early birthday gift, instead of bring it to me at the house. Gilbert's got his heart set on Arnie being back soon, although it's still a month and a half before new year.

"We have some excellent news." Dr. Chang claps his hands together, with a smile. Gilbert raises his eyebrows in delight. "Louisa has all the details, I just wanted to tell you we have good news." Dr. Chang says. Dr. Mickel rolls her eyes before turning to us, "A cure has been found for Arnie's disease." She tells us. My eyes widen, so do Arnie's and Gilbert frowns. "Also," Dr. Mickel continues, "Judging by the x-ray, we believe Arnie is well enough to have surgery for the cancer to be removed." Arnie squeezes my hand tighter, staring at the doctor. "What will it involve?" Gilbert asks, sweat dripping from his own hands. "It's a very long operation, and the recovery can take up to 6 months, or even longer in some cases." Dr. Mickel informs us. "Will he be able to recover from home?" I suddenly blurt out. "It's not likely, I'm afraid. If you were closer to the hospital then maybe, but it depends on the young man's recovery." Dr. Chang answers for me. "So how long until the operation?" Gilbert asks Dr. Mickel. "Well, we pushed him to the top of the list because it's quite urgent. The operation has been scheduled for tomorrow." Dr. Mickel sighs. "Hang on, what?!" I exclaim. "You can't just tell us he's going in for major surgery tomorrow!"

After dinner that night, I sit with Arnie on his bed, as he brushes my hair for me. He decided he wanted to try and braid it.
"They're not really going to cut into my head are they Janie?" He asks, ever so lightly running the brush through my messy hair.
I frown, swallowing hard, slightly glad he can't see how concerned my facial expression is right now.
I know how I can tell him. Tell him about everything. About Jimmy, and his diagnosis and about how Uncle Dan was my father...
"Jeremy the Starfish was best friends with Joe the Whale." I begin.
"Oh yes! I love this story Janie!" Arnie say from behind me.
"This one is going to be a bit different tonight, Arnie." I tell him, and he pokes his head over my shoulder. "I'm liiiiistening!" He exclaims, kissing my cheek before disappearing behind me again.
"Okay, so Jeremy the Starfish had a father named Stan. Stan the Starfish was a very nice starfish. He would spend every single day with Jeremy when Jeremy was a young starfish. One day, Stan got very sick, and had to go to the Anemone for a while so he could get better. No one was there to take care of Jeremy, so he was sent to his evil Aunt and Uncle's house where they made him call them Mom and Dad and forget about his real father, Stan. Jeremy cried every night he didn't see his dad, until one day his dad came to live with Jeremy and his wicked Aunt and Uncle. Jeremy was forced to cal his father Uncle Stan. Jeremy didn't like this, but he would get a punishment if he didn't. 11 years later, Stan died. It appeared that Jeremy's real Uncle killed him. When Jeremy found out, his Uncle drove him faraway so that he could never come back and tell anyone ever. Jeremy went to live with Joe the Whale and his family, and they became best friends who are inseparable, and who love each other very much. Something that Jeremy found out was that, Barney the Bullshark is very mean to Joe, and bullies him. Jeremy hates Barney for this. When Jeremy meets Barney, Barney tells him that his father is responsible for the death of his Uncle Stan. Jeremy realises Barney is his family, and starts to soften up towards him. Jeremy doesn't have the courage to tell Joe, because Barney is so mean to Joe. Even though Jeremy believes Barney has the ability to change, he would find it incredibly hard to forgive him for what he did to Joe, even though Barney is family. Sometimes, Joe reminds Jeremy of Stan, and he also sometimes believes that's why they have such an unbreakable bond. Joe the Whale has recently got sick too. Jeremy is very sad, because he is scared that he'll lose his best friend, just like he lost his dad, and he is doing everything he can to be there for Joe. Joe has to have a head operation tomorrow, and Jeremy would much rather it be him. Joe is very nervous, but he will be alright, and then he will come home and celebrate Jeremy's 19th birthday with everyone he loves and cares for. Joe is very brave, and Jeremy loves Joe more than anything in the world."

By this time, Arnie has stopped brushing my hair, and I spin around to face him.
Arnie has wide eyes, and wet eyelashes. My heart skips a beat.
"Jimmy is your family? Uncle Dan is your dad? Your Uncle killed your dad?" He exclaims.
I press my lips together. I knew hearing his reaction would be devastating.
"Jimmy is your family?" Arnie sniffs, putting down the hairbrush.
"Arnie, I-" "Jimmy hurted me! He hurted me Janie!" Arnie interrupts, standing up and walking into the hall.
I listen as his footsteps gradually fade away, until I can hear nothing but the sound of coughing and carts being wheeled up and down the hall.
That was the hardest thing I've ever had to say to anyone.

Then I slip into realisation.
Jimmy.
When I left his house, his mother looked upset.
I must find him and tell him the truth!