Emily, Come Home

Eleven

 I stared out the window, watching as the sun shone brightly through the rain. There was something so calming and peaceful about the duality of the weather. I was lost in thought until I felt arms wrap around me.

"It's peaceful," I commented . He nodded his head in agreement.

"Well, you know what they say. April showers bring May flowers."

Was it April already? I need to let Frankie know I'm okay. Maybe I can make an excuse. 

"What's the date?"

"The eighth. Why do you ask?" He pulled away and grabbed his cup from the table. I smiled slyly and shook my head.

His birthday's in April. I could send him for the ingredients to make a cake.

"No reason. I was just wondering," I dismissed casually. I thought for a moment before turning to face him. "You know, this is probably going to sound kind of stupid, but I really probably need to let Frankie know that I'm alive."

"Why?" He asked defensively.

"Well, he'll probably send a search and rescue team after me if I don't. I already missed two of our regular calls."

"I don't know..." He nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

"I won't say anything about you. I just need to let him know. It's the least I could do," I pressed. He seemed to think it over for a moment before he turned and walked out of the room. I hung my head in defeat until he returned a few moments later with my phone.

So, he had it this entire time.

"Please, be quick," he said faintly. I nodded as I searched my contacts for his number.

How could I let him know what was going on without Gerard figuring it out?

I pressed the call button and put the phone to my ear. As it rang, Gerard hovered nervously beside me.

"Em? What the fuck?" He exclaimed upon answering.

"Hey, Frankie. Sorry to worry you. I'm fine," I replied, hoping he'd pick up on the emphasis of the word.

"Nope. Fine is not what we say."

Thank God.

"I am fine," I repeated.

"Em? This is code, isn't it? Okay, what's going on?"

"Remember that merry-go-round from the city? I thought about that a couple months ago. It's almost like it wouldn't let me go." Gerard gave me a strange look, but I smiled reassuringly as I put my finger up.

"He has you?! Has he hurt you? Where are you?"

"Life's been really good. I've actually been seeing someone. It's going pretty well. It's been a breath of fresh air, almost like the country air from back home." I struggled to relay my location, mostly because I had no idea. I only knew that the house was relatively secluded.

"So, he hasn't hurt you? Okay, well, that's something. Are you still in Seattle?"

"I'm not sure. It's a possibility," I smiled at Gerard again. "Marriage isn't out of the question. He's super sweet, and he takes really good care of me."

"He's near you, isn't he?"

"Of course you'd be invited!"

"Em, I'm calling the police. Don't let him hurt you. Just keep playing along, I guess. I'll get you help."

"You have been a lifesaver. I can't imagine not having you here." Gerard tapped his wrist. "Hey, Frankie? I gotta go, okay? It was good to talk to you."

"Em, I swear to God. I'll figure out how to get them to you. I love you. Stay strong."

"Uh-huh. You, too. Bye-bye." I ended the call and handed him the phone. He turned it off and shoved it into his back pocket.

"What was that about?"

"Oh, he just asked if the relationship was serious. Asked if I'd be getting married. I couldn't very well tell him that I already was. He'd just get worried," I reasoned. He smiled warmly at me as he shrugged.

"Fair point."

"Hey, Gee?"

"Yes, angel?"

"If I make a list, do you think you could pick me up some things from the store? Also, would it be possible for you to get me some coffee? There's an amazing little place that I'd been frequenting, and I really miss it. If Bailey's there, you could ask her for my usual. She'd know." He shook his head, laughing to himself.

"Anything for you."

* * * * *

As I heard the door close, I got up to meet him at the door to help assist with the bags. When I went to him, I could immediately see that something was wrong. He seemed out of breath, and his entire body seemed to be trembling.

"Gee, what's up?" I asked cautiously. He cut his eyes sharply towards me.

"What did you say to him?" His voice was harsh.

"To who?"

"Frank. What did you say to him? When I was on my way to get your drink, I saw a bunch of cops at your apartment complex. What did you say to him?" His tone was growing more agitated.

"Nothing! You heard everything I said. Do you really think that I'd be stupid enough to call for help right in front of you?"

"I think you're smart enough to know that it was the best chance you'd get."

"That's crazy. Why would I, anyway? Things are going really well, aren't they? Why would I need to call for help? You haven't hurt me. You've taken care of me..."

"I guess you're right..."

"Maybe I should find out if he said something. I could let him know that-"

"No!" He yelled. A look of frustration flashed across his face. I backed away slowly. "No more talking to him."

"Okay," I replied timidly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Go to your room, please."

"Gee-"

"Go," he repeated forcefully. I nodded and headed towards my room. He followed behind me, and once I was inside, he shut the door behind me. I heard the locked click followed by his footsteps moving down the hall.

Well, that backfired.