Frerard - Free Now (Null Trilogy Part 2)

Part 13

To my surprise, my father let me go. Something that also shocked me was the fact that he knew sign language.

"I can't hurt you too bad here," he signed, glaring at me. I let out a sharp, shaky breath.

"Why won't you let me get my hearing back?" I motioned with quivering hands.

"Then they'll know that I did this to you."

"So? It's not like you killed me!" I stressed. "I won't even tell anyone what happened. I can make it up!"

"I'll lose my job, you idiot! It's not just that, either." my Dad motioned in rage. "You don't deserve it. You're a sin against God."

"Because I'm gay?" I glared.

"Yes! And you were never planned! You're totally worthless! I shouldn't even bother."

"I am not worthless! I made a huge impact in my husband's life." I signed furiously.

My father glared harshly and punched me. I fell back against the wall and held my nose, which had begun to bleed, whimpering. I breathed heavily as I wiped the blood away, only for it to be replaced by more.

"I will get my hearing back one day," I signed with blood on my hands. "And you will deal with the consequences of your actions." I stood up and ran out. The other almost instantly ran after me. When they saw the blood, they gasped simultaneously.

"Frank? What happened?" Gerard asked in fear.

"He talked down to me, then punched me." I responded, whimpering, and leant against him. Gerard kissed my head.

"I'm so sorry, Frank..." Bob bowed his head for a moment. "I failed you."

I shook my head and lifted his chin. "It's not your fault. It's his."

"Maybe we should make an appeal to another foundation," Mikey suggested. Gerard frowned.

"The closest one is miles out of Belleville. It's even way past Arlington." When Mikey nodded sadly at Gerard's statement, I perked up.

"I think we should go find Ray and Andy." I suggested. Gerard frowned.

"Why?"

"Maybe they can help in some way. They're both real smart. Plus, we haven't seen them in ages. I miss the fros."

Bob nodded. "I agree."

Gerard gazed at me lovingly and smiled a little. "Let's go get you patched up. Then we're getting out of town."

-----

I gazed out of the window, my eyes drooping on occasion. We'd been searching around Arlington for hours.

Gerard suddenly perked up at my side, and I gazed at where he was looking.

"Wait, is that them?" Gerard signed. He then spoke something to Bob, who parked the car.

"But... there's a kid with them." I frowned. Gerard and I both gasped and beamed at each other, running over to the small group.

"Ray! Andy!" Gerard seemed to call. The pair turned to look at us, as did the child.

"Gee? Frank? Is that you?" Ray spoke and signed as he approached, beaming wide.

"Yeah!" I signed, hugging him and then Andy. My eyes widened when I saw Andy's hair. "Woah, man! What happened to the fro?" I stroked Andy's short hair. "It really suits you, though!"

Andy chuckled and smiled. Ray chuckled. "My fro was just too dominant and superior. He had to get rid of it because it wasn't good enough competition."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. The kid hid behind Ray's leg, tugging at his jeans.

"Momma, who are they?" She seemed to speak.

"These are some of mine and Daddy's old friends," Ray explained, again signing as he spoke.

I beamed. "You have a daughter!"

Ray blushed, nodding. "This is Aluri."

"She looks so much like you and Andy. Wait... does that mean you had her?"

"Yes. It's strange, I know..." Andy seemed to sigh. "Ray got pregnant."

I grinned. "Mikey had twins."

"I was pregnant, but I miscarried," Gerard signed, his gaze sad. I kissed his cheek reassuringly.

Ray's eyes were wide. "So it's not just me?"

We shook our heads, and I smiled gently at Bob and Mikey holding Ember and Jeremy.

"I'm trying for a baby now," I announced. "I hope I'm the same."

Ray smiled, then kissed Gerard's cheek also. "I'm sorry to hear what happened. I wish I could have been there to help."

Gerard smiled and shook his head. "It's not your fault. You look real happy here."

Ray nodded and hugged him before gazing at us all. "So... were you looking for us?"

I nodded again. "We need your help with something..."