Frerard - Free Now (Null Trilogy Part 2)

Part 17

My body floated between consciousness and unconsciousness. I willed myself to be able to move, to do anything.

I seemed to be in  a constant medium, never getting anywhere. After what seemed like weeks, I finally saw light. The world of unconciousness seemed to fizz away...

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My eyes fluttered open slowly and I gazed up at a bland white ceiling. I frowned, confused. When I sat up, pain shot through me. I hissed, then gasped.

I could hear.

Tears came to my eyes and I sobbed happily.

"Easy," A male voice said. I slowly sat up, still crying in amazement. I found myself staring at Gerard.

"Gee?" I whispered hoarsely.

"Yeah. It's me. You're not dreaming, sweetie. You really can hear."

"B-But how? We crashed... how did they find the appeal?"

"They didn't." Gerard smiled, stroking my cheek. "You crashed into a huge truck and the foghorn was so loud it made you hear again. You've been unconscious for almost a week. I've been sat here ever since. Mikey and Bob are looking after Lily in my absence."

"I-I can't believe it... so I got my hearing back the same way I lost it?" I whispered, wiping away stray tears.

"Yes. It's a miracle, really." Gerard kissed my cheek. "Your father is dead."

"D-Dead?" I echoed, looking down.

"I know you'll believe he doesn't deserve death. But it's his own recklessness that lead him that far. The police are investigating. You will be taken to court, but they said that they most likely will not be putting you in prison. You'll be doing community service at the most."

I nodded and kissed him gently. "Alright. I think I can deal with that." I smiled a little, trying to forget about my Dad. "You sound really, really gay." I giggled.

Gerard pouted. "Hey! I can't help it! You sound too manly for such a little guy!"

I laughed louder. "I'm just kidding, baby. I love you."

"I love you too," Gerard giggled. My heart melted at the way that sounded.

"I've waited so long to hear you say that," I whispered. Gerard smiled sweetly and kissed me passionately. As he leaned back, the door opened. Mikey, Bob, Ray and Andy entered, all with their children. And my daughter.

I beamed as they surrounded the bed, all pulling up chairs. Andy handed Lily to me, and I gasped.

"My baby..." I whispered, stroking her cheek. She made quiet mumbling noises, nuzzling close. Mikey giggled.

"She's been an angel. So quiet. It's radically different to how Ember acts."

"Yeah. I can tell Lily and Jeremy will get on well." Ray chuckled. "Aluri is pretty fond of her too."

Aluri smiled shyly. "She likes me."

I giggled. "Bless." I smiled up at them all, my gaze gentle. "It's wonderful to finally be able to hear you all."

"I'm so happy for you. If you'd have crashed into anything else, you'd be completely screwed. The police cleared up the scene, and the appeal seems to have been burned. The foundation are looking for a new appeal operator." Andy mused.

"Which is why I decided to do it!" Bob quipped.

I gasped. "Really? That's amazing! Bring justice to your clients." I winked, giggling. Bob chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"Congratulations, Frank." He purred, his pretty blue eyes shining. I nodded my thanks.

"So no more sign language, eh?" Mikey hummed. "It's gonna be pretty weird. But it's not an unwelcome change."

"You're right about that." I chided. "But I'm sure I'll find myself using it by accident. And maybe I'll teach it to Lily one day."

"We'll pass down stories." Gerard agreed. "She'll know how we got where we are. It's a story worth knowing."

"Definitely." I grinned. "I can't wait to hear her first words." I sighed happily, gazing round at my friends. "I can't wait to hear everything the world has to offer to me."