The Homework Assignment
Three
Three days later Joe had to read his assignment at the big assembly in front of the entire school. All his friends and family were there. Of course Frank was there, sitting in between Callie and Iola.
Joe was called to read his essay. He read the essay, his voice filled with emotion as he did so. Several people in the audience looked around to see if they could see the amazing brother that Joe read about.
When he was done, Frank was limp with emotions because of his brother. The principal, Mrs. Molly Morgan stepped forward.
"I think we'd all like to meet Frank Hardy. I've had the pleasure myself but it isn't often the subject of one of our essays is here." She explained.
Frank was beet red as Callie pushed him forward.
He walked up onto the stage, solely focused on Joe.
The principal introduced him to thunderous applause. Frank shook her hand and then moved forward to hug his brother. "So how does it feel to have a brother that loves you as much as Joe? Everyone should have a brother that loves them as much as he does you." Mrs. Logan said.
Frank stayed close to Joe, his arm around his shoulder. "Blessed, I feel incredibly blessed to have a brother like Joe. " He said softly and finally the assembly came to an end.
Frank and Joe walked off the stage to be surrounded by their parents and friends. Iola stole Joe away for a moment while Frank talked with her brother.
"I think its wonderful that you could share that in front of the entire school. I didn't know you could be so sensitive. " She said softly.
Joe grinned and blushed at her compliment. She took his hand and pulled him over to her. She kissed him, taking him by surprise.
He responded to her kiss . They pulled apart wishing they didn't have to.
"You planning on more of that?" Joe said in a stunned sounding voice.
"Only if you want me to." Iola said. Now, it was her turn to blush.
"You bet I want you to. I, I want to kiss you too." He stammered. She smiled and hugged him. "Anytime you want to." She whispered.
The two rejoined the group outside. Frank saw his little brother's red face. He saw his happy grin and he saw his arm slip around Iola's waist.
Chet was watching them in delight. He was happy to see Joe was with his sister. It made the perfect end to a perfect day. They were all going to the Hardy house for a pool party that night. It was Friday, and everyone was eager for some fun.
Later Frank pulled Joe aside for a minute. Joe hadn't stopped grinning the entire evening. "You ask Iola out yet?" He asked. Joe nodded. "Well, what did she say?" Franked wanted to know, excited for his brother.
"She said yes." He said happily. "She's gonna be my steady girl Frank." He added after a minute.
Frank was happy for Joe. He watched with a smile as he rejoined Iola. If anyone deserved happiness and love, it was Joe. He was truly glad that he found someone as pretty, funny and totally enamored of him as Iola seemed to be.
He looked around to see his family and friends enjoying themselves. His mom and dad were dancing to music Joe had put on the sound system. Iola was dancing with Joe. The boys were either eating or in the pool swimming.
Frank pulled Callie up to dance. He looked up at the first of the night stars appearing in the sky. He kissed Callie and he saw Joe kissing Iola. His dad was kissing his mom. Aunt Gertrude had joined them and was swaying to the soft music playing in the background.
Tony and Chet were still eating and Phil was busy trying to dunk Biff in the pool.
Frank sighed happily as he kissed Callie again. He had everything a guy could want. He had parents that loved him, a brother that adored him and a beautiful girl in his arms. He was surrounded by his friends and he had more love then he ever thought possible. He had everything he could ever want right here in front of him. And he was never going to let it go again.
The End