Chapter 4

Bobby encouraged Frank to take a shower and change his clothes. Frank sat listlessly in front of the tv. Bobby wanted to talk to him but decided to leave him with his thoughts for a while. Bobby made spaghetti and meatballs, Frank's favorite. It didn't take long since he had made the sauce last night. They ate in silence. Well, mostly Bobby ate. Frank picked at his food.

"I thought you'd like this."

"It's great. You always did make great meatballs. It's just hard for me to keep stuff like this down now. Sorry."

"I can make you some soup."

"No, don't put yourself out for me, Bobby. I know I'm not worth it."

"Don't say that, Frank. You're my brother. You'd do the same for me if the situation was reversed."

Although Frank laughed, there was no joy in his voice. "You sure about that?"

"Yes." Bobby said as he got up and started clearing the table. You sit on the sofa and relax. I'll put this stuff away and then we'll go see Mom. I think it will do you both a world of good."

When Bobby came out of the kitchen, Frank was no longer on the sofa. Bobby didn't bother looking in the bedroom or bathroom. He knew his brother was gone.

Bobby had the rest of the day ahead of him and he didn't know what to do with it. He was not used to being home during the week. Maybe he should call the office to see what was up. Hell, he could go in, no one said he couldn't. What he would not do was return to the hospital today. He did not feel like taking any more abuse from his mother or seeing her lying there so helpless. And he would not go looking for Frank again, at least not now. He went into his pantry, pulled out a broom, mop, bucket and cleaning supplies.

A few hours later the buzzer sounded.

"I need to talk to you," Frank said.

Bobby felt elated and buzzed him in. Maybe Frank had changed his mind and would go see their mother.

When Frank got inside the apartment, he paced the length of the living room before speaking. "I wanna know where you get off putting me down."

"I wasn't putting you down. But Frank, you're homeless. You eat at soup kitchens. It doesn't have to be that way."

"Maybe I like living like this."

"Why? You like your lady Debbie, living that that?"

"Least I've got a lady. You got this fine apartment, an important job, money in the bank, but no lady. Or do you? Maybe I'm mistaken. If so, correct me."

"I don't have time for a relationship. I'm too busy working and taking care of our mother. You remember her, don't you?"

Frank's chest deflated a bit. "I plan to go see her when I get myself together."

"She doesn't have much time left."

"What good is me going to see her going to do? She'd probably drop dead at the sight of me."

"At least she'd die happy. I haven't been able to make her happy."

Frank moved to the door. "I'm sure you did the best you could. Don't let her drag you down." He opened the door and turned to look at Bobby. "What happened to that redhead I saw you with the other day?"

"Eames. Alex. She's my partner at work."

"She cares about you. I can tell. I'll be seeing you, Bobby."

Bobby knew it was no use trying to get him to stay. "Take care of yourself, Frank. You know where I am if you need me."

Frank walked towards the elevator and gave a backwards wave. "I know. Thanks, Bobby."

Bobby stood in the doorway until the elevator doors closed.