Our Dearly Departed

What I Do for a Living

Part 4 What I Do For A Living

Belleville, New Jersey was average looking. There were some nice spots, some run-down spots, and some deserted spots. Gerard parallel parked the car along a street of row homes. It wasn't as run down as other sections, but it wasn't the greatest. When we got out of the car, Gerard put his hood up and made sure it was hiding his face.

"What are you doing that for?"

"I grew up here. I have to be careful. These people were at my funeral fifteen years ago."

"Oh! Right...Wait, does your brother...is he...?"

"He's human, but he knows. He's the only human who does. He has a wife and kids, but they think I'm dead, too. I never met them. We always have to meet up at our parents' house, and even that's tricky. I can't even use the driveway! We have to walk another couple of blocks."

It was sad. I had no parents to miss, but Gerard had a brother, parents, and nieces and nephews he could never even meet. We walked up the driveway in front of a small, two story white house. We didn't go to the front door. Gerard led me around the side of the house to a basement door. He knocked twice. A moment later, a tall, thin, blonde man answered the door. He gave Gerard a small smile and hugged him tightly.

"C'mon, before someone sees," he said quietly, waving us both inside.

The basement was set up like a teenager's makeshift hang out. I imagined Gerard and his brother spending time in here as kids.

"I'm Mikey," his brother said, extending his hand out.

"Nice to meet you," I said.

He shivered slightly when he shook my hand, not used to the cold.

"Sorry, you're the only other one I've met."

When he smirked, you could see the resemblance between him and Gerard. He carried himself differently, but they were definitely brothers. I let them chat about life, catching each other up. Mikey showed us pictures of his wife and children. He had two adorable girls and a lovely home.

"I'm so glad you're happy, Mikey. I'm so sorry that I can't be there."

"It's not your fault. I told you that a million times. The girls watch old home movies of you and me all the time. They love you in their own way, trust me," Mikey smiled, then turned to me, "So how the hell did a lovely person like you get tangled up with my brother?"

Oh god...how was I supposed to explain that? I looked to Gerard for help. Mikey caught my expression.

"Or do I not want to know?" he looked back to Gerard, who had guilt written all over his face, "I'll take that as a yes. Well, at any rate, he better be good to you."

"He is."

"We're not getting married or anything, Mikey!" Gerard snapped.

Mikey put his hands up in surrender. I just laughed. Our visit was cut short when Mikey got a text from his mother saying that she would be home soon. Gerard and I hugged Mikey and walked back to the car. Gerard was quiet on our drive. He had booked us a hotel room two towns over, as not to run into anyone he knew. He was silent until we got out of the car. He walked over to me as soon as we got out and hugged me tightly.

"I'm glad I have you."

That's all he said, then he took our suitcases and we went to check in. Our room was on the top floor. As soon as we got inside, Gerard shut all the curtains. Thankfully, they were thick enough to completely block out the sun. He looked at the clock on the nightstand. 6:04pm.