Three Facts

Chapter Four

Today's the day I must run up to the cemetery to give Linda the drawing of Ashley. I'm not the least bit nervous that she won't like it because really, it's beautiful. I drew it in color because I didn't want black and gray to make her look lifeless.

I rush out the door with the beautifully drawn portrait and get into my car. I put the portrait carefully on the passenger seat and buckle my seat belt.

****

"It's beautiful." Linda's eyes fill with tears. I smile and give her a quick hug.

"She's beautiful." I respond. Linda nods, tears filled with joy and sadness. The two are a interesting combination.

"Well Gerard, I must get going. Thank you so much." I nod as Linda walks away. I love the rush I get when I help people. It feels good. My smile falls when I turn around to see the person I least expected to see.

Frank.

What is he doing here at this time of day? He doesn't notice me most likely. He's feet away from me, resting his back against a tree, smoking a cigarette. I notice he's wearing my black trench coat. I jog over to the tree and stand in front of him. Frank looks up and I notice his face is tear stained.

"What's wrong?" I ask concerned. Frank looks down at his feet.

"Dad's not coming back." Frank mumbles. I sigh, trying to hold back my anger. Why would Mr. Oliver do that to his family?! What a stupid thing to do! What do I say? What do I do?

"I-"

"I don't want pity. I didn't like him much anyways. I'm just worried about mom." Frank looks back up to me. "She can't do it alone."

No she can't. Frank is right. They need help. I feel my body start to shake a bit, but it's what I need to do. I need to help. I have to help everyone. I have to help Frank.

"Does she know you're here?" I ask. Frank shakes his head.

"No." I frown.

"I'm taking you home. There is also something I need to do."

"I don't want to go home, Gerard. It's sad over there." My heart breaks at Frank's sad face. He shouldn't be sad. He doesn't deserve this.

"Please." I beg. Frank sighs and reaches out a gloved hand. I take it and pull him up. "Let's go."

****

"Thanks so much for bringing Frank home." Mrs. Oliver says, a voice of relief and with a sad smile. I nod. Mrs. Oliver goes to walk away but I grab her wrist quickly.

"Frank told me what happened." I quickly say. Mrs. Oliver's eyes grow wide and teary. I quickly let go of her wrist and shoot her a look of sympathy. "I-i want to help."

"How could you possibly help Mr. Way?"

"I can and I will. Please. I'll work here everyday. You can lower my pay. I'll stay nights if that's not too much. You can-"

"Are you serious?" Mrs. Oliver interrupts. I slightly smile and nod.

"Yeah. I am." Mrs. Oliver shoots me back a smile.

"I'll tell everyone. Thank you so much."

"I just want to help." I respond. "I'm gonna go talk with Frank for a bit. Is that okay?" I ask. Mrs. Oliver nods. I walk down to Frank's room and knock on the door. The nob turns and Frank looks up at me.

"Hey Gee. Come for your three facts I assume?" Frank asks. I chuckle and walk in.

"That and I came to tell you that I'll be staying here a lot more to help out and stuff. I may even spend nights." I stare in surprise as Frank just shrugs his shoulders and sits back on his bed. I notice he's still wearing my trench coat.