Joe returned feeling not good, but a lot better than he expected. Van had been willing
to listen, and for some reason he wanted to talk about Iola. It
still hurt. It hurt a lot. Nancy was right though he didn't break .
Van asked questions about Iola,but kept her questions light. Joe
realized he liked remembering some of the better times. It all was a
little better.
Joe walked by his brother's room and knocked softly. It was before
dinner. He knew Frank was upset too. Not only had he failed to figure
out what was wrong, but he'd failed to protect both of them. Frank
would blame himself wrongly shouldering the responsibility as always.
Frank was nothing if not a protector .
Joe realized somewhat ashamed that he had always relied on that.
No matter the mess, no matter how
big Frank was always there to pick him up. Joe realized through the
years maybe he had played that card a little too often, until Frank
and everybody else just assumed it was always that way. It had taken
a toll Joe admitted to himself. He suddenly understood some of
Callie's anger. Maybe Callie and he could find some peace. Nancy had broken that cycle with a vengeance. He thought that might be a good thing.
Joe quietly opened the door. Nancy's head popped up. Frank didn't
even move. Joe motioned for quiet. It look like Frank had found his
way to release some of the tension. He was sound asleep, and probably
could use the break.
" You OK?" Nan asked. She went to wake Frank.
Joe shook his head pointing at his brother. He grinned wryly ." I will
be. Let him sleep. I suspect he's guilted himself into things he's not
responsible for as usual. I sent Van over to Callie's. I figured she
might need to talk when I got done."
Nan grinned and nodded pleased." That was kind, Joe."
Joe shrugged." Figured I could take a little responsibility for her as
well. He's always carried both of us. You're right time to let him off
the ride. I'll see you at dinner."
Nan nodded." If you need anything just tell me. I made this mess. I
know I didn't know her, but I can listen. Maybe someday when you're
ready you could tell me about her."
Joe smiled ." I just need to hit you with the punch I owe you for
Callie first." Joe paused." Then I'll tell you about Iola sometime." He
promised softly.
Nancy snorted. Frank moved and groaned in his sleep."Nan?"
"Shhh go to sleep." Nan said. Frank settled back into sleep and hugged
her to him.
Joe smiled pleased. Yup his brother had it bad , and he planned on
taking it out of him at the party later.
Joe motioned for quiet and left. Nancy heaved a sigh of relief. Joe
didn't hate her. He might be angry, but he didn't hate her. She
suspected everyone would be OK.
