Teach Me How To Say Goodbye (A Modern Mullette story)

-1-

     I choke on the smoke surrounding me, engulfing me as I slam my body into the door. I push and push until finally, finally, the door gives in. I rush outside just as the flames catch my back. I feel a burning I've never felt before, as if my skin is peeling off. I rip the tattered shirt off as I roll on my driveway. An ambulance makes its way onto my driveway and people push through my various neighbors who have gathered here. They rush me away to the hospital, but I loose consciousness on the way there.

•••

"Do you think he'll be alright?" A familiar voice calls from the hallway
"Yes ma'am-" the apparent doctor is interrupted by my friend, Alex.
"Sir." Alex says sharply.
"My apologies. Yes sir, Hercules will be fine. And look, he might be awake now!" I hear a door open and 3 figures walk in.
"H-hey guys." I force out, the pain in my back returning gradually.
"Hey Herc. You doing ok?" John asks, gripping Alexanders hand tightly.
"I'll be ok." I reply, panic starting to set in. Where will I stay? What about my money? When will I recover? Alex apparently notices the worry etched in my face, and says, "Herc, don't worry. You can stay with me and John as long as you want. And the tailor shop staff completely understands. They are going to give you full pay and hope you feel better."
"Alex... thank you guys. This means so much. Was anything saved from the fire?" I ask.
"Nothing except for this." John says, taking a locket off of my bedside table. I take the locker gingerly, opening it to see my mothers photo still inside the little frame.
"It was my mothers." I whisper, holding back tears. Alex and John each pull up a chair and sit.
"So, what day is it?" I ask.
"Thursday." John replies.
"And the fire happened on..."
"Tuesday." Alex says. We sit in comfortable silence, until Lafayette appears in the doorway. He has at least 10 "get better" balloons, a cake and even a couple of books. He rushes over to give me, John and alex hugs.
"Lafayette?!?! H-how? I thought you were in France!" I nearly shout.
"Hercules, mon amie, are you alright? Do you need a place to stay?" Lafayette asks, genuinely worried. My eyes shoot open at the chance to stay with Lafayette, for I do have a crush on him. And not one of those small one-week things. I mean a big time crush.
"Uhh.... yeah. That'd be great." John and Alex look suspiciously at me, then alex whispers something in John's ear to make a look of remembrance wash over him. Lafayette kisses both of my cheeks, sending a blush to creep across my face and sets his presents down on my bedside table.
"I missed you, Hercules." Lafayette says, sitting down on the end of my bed.
"I missed you too, Laf."

•••

"Hercules.... we know your secret." John teases me like a third grader would.
"And what is that?" I respond.
"You like Lafayette." He smirks slyly at this.
"Yah. So?" I respond in a dull manner.
"Sooooo.... ask him out!" Alex chimes in.
"No! Are you crazy?!" I nearly shout.
"Yes." John and alex say in unison. It's the day they're finally releasing me, and John and alex are driving me to lafayette's house. I feel my breathing get heavy with excitement when I see the tiny Frenchman rush out of the house.
"Thanks for everything you guys, and wish me luck!" I call to John and Alex before closing the door.

•••

"And this is the bathroom, and my room is down the hall of you ever need anything." Lafayette smiles shyly and brings me down the opposite end of the hallway. A small room has been arranged with a twin bed, nightstand and a few nick-nacks here and there.
"Thanks for this, Lafayette. I appreciate it." I say, placing the few clothes I own on the bed.
"Hey, let's go clothes shopping!" Lafayette offers.
"I haven't got money-" I start.
"No! I'll pay, Hercules! It's no use arguing, I'll get my way." Lafayette practically begs.
"Fine." I give in. Why are my friends so good to me?

A/N
Hey there. Well, that's the first chapter, and the clothes shopping should be interesting. I'll try to update as soon as possible. Love you 😘

-Katie