The Man Who Never Speaks

18. Storm and Sunshine

"Chains around my demons, wool to brave the seasons
One single thread of gold tied me to you."

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FP made his way into Pop's diner, his stomach grumbling by the thought of having one of their famous burgers. After not having any of his favorite foods for two decades, he was trying to make up for all he had missed out on. Besides, he wasn't really in the mood to cook tonight. He'd surprise Alice with take-out, as she was crazy about it too.

When he entered, he saw Cheryl grabbing her bag before she kissed Veronica goodbye, both of them looking at each other happily in love. It was a beautiful sight, especially considering FP had heard from Alice that Cheryl's family wasn't really supportive of their relationship. And Veronica? Well, she got betrayed by her dad. Seeing her smile was a nice change.

Cheryl greeted FP before she left out of the diner, sending him a warm smile. He smiled back, relieved of how things had changed. People welcomed him again, a new feeling that he could get used to. Strangely enough, he had really started to love being around others.

"You two look happy." FP smiled at Veronica when he stopped at the counter.

"We are. We really are." The girl beamed, a happy twinkle in her eyes that FP was sure was because of Cheryl and Cheryl only.

"What can I get you?" She took her notepad to write down his order.

"Two cheeseburgers with fries, two iced teas and two brownies for dessert. To go, please." He asked her politely.

She scribbled down his order and turned to the back, to go make it for him. It was a quiet night in Pop's, normally it was crowded with people but with the rain out it appeared that people were staying in.

However, FP didn't mind, all eyes on him still felt a little uncomfortable. At least he could order in peace now. Veronica returned with his take-out bag not much later and handed it over to him.

"Here you go," The girl smiled. He took a few bills out of his wallet and placed it on the counter.

"Keep the change." He smiled politely and turned around to get back to his bike that he had parked outside, but before he could leave, Veronica's voice called from behind him.

"Sorry, FP... for not apologizing before. I feel awful about it." She said shyly, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. FP turned around again, his eyebrow furrowed in confusion.

Though they had already publicly apologized for spreading and believing the rumors they told about him, she could still barely sleep because of what she had done. In the game of her father she had misjudged an innocent man and after finding out, she suddenly questioned every single thing her father had ever told her.

"All is fine, you know that right?" He asked her, afraid that the two girls were still carrying guilt that they shouldn't carry anymore. But no matter how many times FP repeated it, it was hard to feel that it was really all okay.

"That's what you said, but Cheryl and I have a lot to make up for. And my Dad... I am so sorry he made you believe you did it when it was him all along." She told him, her eyes glossing with tears.

That her father was behind the drug trade was one thing she would probably never fully forgive him for, but using her to spread rumors and frame another man was something she would have never, ever, expected.

FP made his way back to the counter, to make sure he could look at her properly. It had never been the rumors, or Hiram's words that had upset him. He was alright with being on his own. That a father had stabbed his own daughter in her back was way worse, according to him.