The Girl In The Suit

Gemma

When we get back to Anne's house, Freddie is sitting up at the table drinking tea and eating toast. Michaél has come by, and they're sitting beside each other as Alison sits on the opposite side of the table.

"Hi, girls. Back already?", she says.

"Yeah, we got bored. How's the patient?"

Before she can respond, Freddie gets up from the table, comes over to me and wraps his arms around me.

I'm surprised at first, but I then hug him back.

When we separate, he says, "Ali, why don't you turn on Netflix upstairs and I'll talk with Gemmy for a second?"

She nods her head and Anne, Michaél and Alison head upstairs.

"Sit down, Tonsillitis."

I smile. I have my brother back. I sit down. 

"How are you doing, Influenza?"

"I'm good. How are you is the more important question."

I roll my eyes. "You nearly die and you still put me first."

"Of course. You come before anyone else. Look, I'm really, really sorry for what I did. At the time, and how I felt, it made sense. But it was selfish, and stupid. Nothing like it will happen again. I'm really going to miss you for those 6 weeks, but when I'm back, I promise I'll be the best brother any girl can ask for. I know I'm not a good one, but I'm trying to be. That's why I'm going. I want to be a good brother to you. I'm really sorry, Gem. I love ya, kid."

I wipe my eyes. "Its OK, Fred. I'm just so happy that you're OK and willing to help yourself. And I couldn't ask for a better brother. I actually couldn't. You're my best friend. I'll miss you so much but I'll be visiting every Sunday with the crew. Anne, Ali, Michaél. We're all here for you. I love ya so much, dope."

He smiles and then hugs me again.

"You can cry, you know."

"No. Big boys don't cry."

I roll my eyes and then ruffle his hair. 

"So,", he says separating, "you and Anne with an E?"

I roll my eyes again and say, "What about us?"

"I mean, has my ship finally sailed?"

"You've shipped us all along?"

"Well, duh, I could tell by the way to talked about her."

I chuckle. "Well, uh, we said I love you to each other today."

He stands up, wide eyed. He then puts his hands over his mouth. He then kicks his feet in the air and whoops.

I burst out laughing. "What?"

"It finally happened! I've been waiting 3 years for this, Gem! We need to have a double date before I go!"

I raise my eyebrows. "Double date?" He begins to blush. "Fredward Thomas Patrick Welch, is there something you wanna tell me?"

"Let's just say Michaél and I talked alone for a while......"

I jump up this time. "Yes! Finally! Now I can sleep at night!"

He lightly punches my shoulder. "Yeah, whatever, Parasite."

I laugh and hug him again. I would truly be lost without this goof.