X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Fifty Three
Author's Word: Thank you all for the reviews. They were really great and I appreciate the kind words and thoughts. It really makes me want to write more and more. Enjoy!
The white adorned nurse brought her head up as the male pair approached.
Her attention went to the tall older one who said, "Lincoln Tolbert, please."
"Relation?"
Erik touched Frank's left shoulder. "His brother is here."
Accepting that, she flipped through her files. "Children's Ward. Around the corridor, Room 7A on your right."
Nodding once in gratitude, Frank guided Frank around to the designated area. The windows on the twin doors had CHILDREN'S WARD spelled out in thick blackened letters.
Frank stopped, looking up at his headmaster. "I got it, Erik."
Frowning, he asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's cool. Mom's already in there."
"I'll be right here. You have your communicator?" The boy held up his wrist. "Go on then." Erik patted his back.
Pushing open the left double door, Frank entered the ward. He moved slowly through the lengthy hallway, in no kind of rush to find his destination. As soon as he arrived outside Room 7A, he caught a glimpse of his mother's red hair through the window strip. He gripped the knob, slipping in.
The conversation taking place between the present three ceased at his presence.
"Honey," Alana smiled and Jeff jumped up out of her lap.
"Frankie!" The small boy hugged the named one around his middle.
"Hey, dude." Frank pressed an affectionate hand down over Jeff's head. "Hi, Mom." His graze crept over towards the one in the bed. "What's up, Lin?"
"What's up," the oldest returned equally casually.
Alana went over to kiss Frank's cheek. "I'm glad you're here, sweetie. Stay with Linny while I take Jeff to pick up some burgers."
"Sure," Frank smiled at his mother.
Alana picked up her purse from the arm of the chair she'd been using then turned to Linny. "I'll be back in half an hour with real food."
"Thanks, Mom," the teenager responded.
She mouthed 'love you' before taking Jeff by the hand.
They made their way to the double doors, spotting a male figure seated on a bench.
"Mr.— Erik," Alana acknowledged. "Thank you so much for bringing Frank."
"Think nothing of it." Erik got up. "And where are you two headed?"
"The diner near our building," Alana told him. "The boys love those burgers. Right, hon?"
"Yeah," Jeff smiled up.
Erik pointed with his thumb. "My car's right outside. I'll go pull up."
"I could not ask you to do that," she turned down.
"You did not ask and neither did I." Erik held the door open for them.
Alana smiled, walking Jeff out.
IIIIIII
Once he finished counting the speckled tiles under his feet, Frank moved on to the poster on the far east wall. He took in the numerous details of juvenile diabetes.
"My record for staring at that thing is thirty-two minutes. Pretty sure the freckled kid climbed down to attack me one night."
Frank's eyes drifted over to the bed. For a moment, he had to wonder if he had been given the correct room number. On the mattress lay a scrawny, sunken-eyed pale skinned boy wearing a hospital gown that practically flooded him. His normally neatly trimmed haircut had been replaced by what could pass for a military buzz cut at best. Both his arms had bandages coming straight down to the wrists with another on the back of his right hand as well.
"What did they do to you?" Frank wanted to know.
"Blood work, injections—all over." Linny's face soured at that. "And chemotherapy." He shook his head with a dry smile. "Hurts so bad it's hard to breathe."
"How long have you been like this?"
"They gave the diagnosis back in late October. I was feeling weak, sleepy, gross. Figured it was work and school together. Until I fell off the ladder at the store, scaring my boss senseless." Frank's brow wrinkled. "I didn't even know until like a few days before you came to visit that one weekend. Dad flies in out of nowhere then wants to beat around the bush. In and out the hospital for the flu— yeah, right."
"I don't know why he didn't even tell Mom," Frank reasoned.
"So she could go off the deep end completely?" Linny tossed out. "I tried to get her to stay put, away from all this."
Frank countered, "Because Dad told you to."
Linny shook his head. "That right there. That's why he tells you nothin'. So busy being under Mom, you would have opened your big trap. That's why he had your teacher keep you in school."
Frank's eyes turned uncharacteristically dark. "He told Erik?" Linny nodded. "But Erik— why wouldn't he tell me?"
"Because Dad said not to," Linny said simply.
The younger boy could not accept that. Erik made the orders. Charles was very nice and upbeat, but the telepath ran their household. They were both bosses. Frank could never picture Erik just going along with what Frank's father thought best.
Frank turned away. "I'll be back." He left the room without waiting on a response from his brother.
Locked by his own thoughts, Frank moved about the ward aimlessly. He passed by several doors, receiving glimpses through all of the window strips. He mostly saw bald children near his age or some with strangely marked skin or large bruising.
At one particular door, he stayed glued firmly in place. Inside he saw a girl about four or five with missing lower arms and legs smaller than anything that could be deemed normal. A man held her while a woman slept nearby.
"That's Sophia."
Frank looked over, having not even heard the blonde girl step up beside him. "You know her?"
"Her parents are here every day," she spoke again. "She was born that way, but they treat her like a big bag of diamonds. She's really lucky."
Finding that statement completely ridiculous, Frank looked at the girl closely. Extremely fair skin with peach cheeks and shoulder-length straight hair. On the surface, she did not appear insane.
"Sure. About as lucky as my brother," he remarked.
"What's wrong with your brother?"
"Leukemia."
She turned her head to face him. "You don't sound terribly worried."
"I dropped his cure out my pocket," Frank said wryly.
"What's his name?"
"Lincoln Tolbert," he said. "It's my dad. He named us after his favorite American heroes, but in reverse. Lincoln Abraham, Jefferson Thomas, and me, Franklin Benjamin. Stupid, I know."
She giggled. "It is not." She moved to journey up the hall. "I better go."
"You talk funny," Frank observed.
She stopped long enough to say, "I'm Swedish," then zipped off again.
Frank watched her go then put his attention back on Sophia. Feeling his stomach beginning to flop, he tried to keep his balance as he walked away from the door.
IIIIIII
Sensing the returning minds home again, Charles wanted to jump up to greet them. Inner restraint forced him to remain in his seat for the purpose of not prodding the situation.
He did rise when Erik entered the parlor. "How was it?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." The taller man came in fully. "He was silent the entire ride home. I suspect something happened after I left."
"You left him there?" Charles' tone rung out disbelief.
"Only briefly," Erik explained. "I took Alana and her youngest to get food. The boy is about as entertained by life as our Joey."
Charles sighed through the nose. "Erik, I thought I got across to you last year."
Erik raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"
"Alana Tolbert is Franklin's mother," Charles emphasized. "And very much a married woman."
"What are you implying?"
"I fear you are overstepping your boundaries. I know what Frank means to you, but you do have limitations as an educator."
"Hm." Erik went to the bar to mix a drink. "Did I tell you how much I liked the new art set you got for Kangaroo's birthday?"
Charles gave a small scowl to his back. "May we stay on topic, please?"
"And so personalized," Erik went on unbothered. "The name on the case was an excellent touch." Finished putting together his scotch and soda with lime, he turned back around. "It only puzzles me as to why you only used his first name."
"You know he prefers Joey."
"Yes, yes of course." Erik took a nice sip. "However, you still could have added his last name at the very least, even mere initials." He did not miss the uncomfortable shoulder slouch the Professor gave off. "But then, acknowledging that name would serve as another reminder that he isn't truly yours. Biologically or even really legally."
Masking his irritation, Charles stepped upon him. "You've no right to use this family's suffering for your own gains."
Erik glared at him, clutching his glass. "Using? Is that what you think of me? You arrogant little whelp. You weren't the one who had to chase him down in the city after he ran off from his own home less than twenty-four hours after being back there. You aren't the one who has to rebuild him after the male members of his family tear him down."
"I sought the boy out," Charles retorted venomously. "I found him alone, filled with despair and overwhelming self-doubt. I love Frank."
"So do I." Erik finished off his drink. "And I have never practiced surrender." He walked by.
Charles started to call after him, but decided it best to let him air out for now.
IIIIIII
Finished dressing for bed, Frank attempted to distract himself with a comic book. He placed it face down on top of his desk before standing.
Making his way into the lab, Frank glanced around then moved towards one of the shelves. He fished through the numerous titles before gathering the books he wanted.
"Ahem." Frank shot his head back to see that the resident scientist had returned to his work grounds. "Is this the way we do things now?" He walked in closer. "Sneak about, taking each other's belongings without asking?"
"Hey, I was gonna bring 'em back," Frank defended. "Your stuff's way better than the library."
"I am find with it, Frank. I only wanted to know why you felt the need to wait until I was out of sight." Frank shrugged and Hank got down to one knee and looked at him closely. "I know how difficult things are right now. And I'm willing to help you, but you have to talk to me."
"Sorry," Frank sighed. "So can I use 'em?"
"Go on," Hank gestured with his head. "Let me know if you need anything else."
"Yeah."
Frank gathered the paperbacks. He stopped off in the mansion library to grab Charles' book on gene theory before returning to his room.
A bit later, Scott knocked twice on the doorway then stepped in. "Hey." He took notice of the many books sprawled out on the bed. "You doing extra credit?"
"Nope," Frank replied, never glancing up.
Scott sat cross-legged on the bed, facing him. "Want to play for a while before bed?"
"I'm busy."
"You never told me how the hospital went today," Scott brought up delicately.
Frank raised his eyes. "Are you trapped in those glasses full time now?"
"Mostly," Scott said, surprised by the sudden question. "I wouldn't call it trapped exactly. I've always had poor eye sight."
"Did you know kids aren't always born with powers?" Frank held up one of the lab texts. "Sometimes they're born without fingers or legs. And sometimes they have part so small they can't even use them. Or they get these abrasions all over their skin. Except they can't hide it like Raven so they're stuck that way with people staring."
Scott followed along with intrigue. "That's terrible. Laser eyes are bad, but I could never deal with that."
"Who should have to?" Frank turned the book around to study further.
"One thing I do remember is being in a hospital," Scott said, a pained smile on his face. "When I came to, I kept calling for my mom. They waited days to tell me the truth. Probably just so I'd hang on." Looking to Frank, the only reaction he received came in the form of a page flip. "Yeah, so… I'll see you in the morning then." He got up and walked out.
Frank eventually turned off his lamp and used his own optical light to guide his reading. When Charles and later Erik came in, he feigned sleep under his blanket. After the adults finished rounds, Frank kept on with his books.
At one point, the boy felt himself pinned down. His continuous efforts to move proved futile. He shined the light from his eyes, only to discover the cause of his immobility. He no longer possessed legs or arms.
Like a jolt to his system, Frank's eyes opened and he let off a few breaths. Having activated his power upon awakening, he still found his large bedroom darker than normal.
Somewhat steady again, Frank climbed down from his bed. He wandered out and down the hall. He paused his hand before it could connect with Erik's doorknob. After all, Erik had spent months lying to him. No way could the man be trusted. Frank considered Charles next, but then decided the Professor just had to be in on this, too.
Anger replacing his fear, Frank went back to his room and shut the door soundly.
IIIIIII
Emma left the library and made a path for the staircase.
Charles snagged her hand. "And where are you headed this fine afternoon?"
She let off a much needed laugh as he dipped her in ballroom fashion. "Class, Professor."
"I'd say you have quite enough of that to go around," he remarked, bringing her back up.
"You'd be the expert." She intertwined her arms around his neck, studying his face. "There's something wrong."
Charles gripped her small waist. "Why do you say that?"
"Because your beautiful blue eyes are filled with me yet I see no dazzle," Emma noted.
Sighing softly, Charles explained, "Frank was up late last night."
"I felt it, too," she concurred forlornly. "This is too much for a little boy to have to deal with."
"I only wish I could take all of this away from him."
"Well, we're having a session out back today. It's only the younger students so it should prove more relaxing. I sent Alex and Sean off for a personal contemplation exercise— and yes, I know it will result in a football game somewhere."
Charles gave off a light chuckle. "This entire situation has left me with a great deal of guilt."
"Why?" Emma eyed him in wonder.
"My every concern should be with Franklin, yet," he focused in on her, "it's difficult to shield this new happiness."
"Then we're both guilty as charged." Emma pecked him at the corner of his mouth before they parted.
The woman made her way out to the huge backyard. She right away noticed how Becky and Joey stood together playing a hand game while Frank remained a good ten feet away. Scott tried to stand near his friend but kept his distance at the same time.
"Alright my lovely little mutants," she began, grabbing their attention, "we've spent the last few days thinking over the mental aspects of our mutations in regards to our bodies. For example, while the Professor and I tend to lean more towards illusions concentrated on a single mind, Rebecca is able to create full blown mirages that seem as real as the sun or rain. Meanwhile, it takes an enormous amount of concentration for Scott to see as a regular individual can yet he produces his optic blast with relative ease. Mutation is the most wondrous advancement to human genes."
"Bull," Frank muttered.
Emma looked to him. "Do you have a comment?"
Frank spoke louder. "You adults talk a lot of good jive about mutation. What about cancer? It's caused by abnormal blood cells. What's so great and wondrous about kids who are so messed up, some of them don't even live?"
"You bring up a valid point," Emma supported, "but you—"
"What's so great about Becky's father being dead or Joey's mom taking off 'cause of mutation?" Frank continued.
Joey looked as if he had just been slapped while Becky's eyes enlarged, completely astounded by her schoolmate.
Emma moved to quickly calm the situation. "Frank, come with me." She walked to him. "We're going to talk about this inside. Let's go."
Frank snatched away when she touched his arm. "I don't have to listen to you. I'm not in the orphan club around here. I actually have a mom and she's ten times better than you!" He turned and ran off towards the trees.
Becky and Joey went to stand on either side of Emma, who appeared at a temporary loss. Scott hung back, an even brighter redness burning behind his ruby quartz.
IIIIIII
"I am really feeling blank on this one, Maya." Sean stretched out across an armchair with his head dangling close to the carpet on one side as he talked into the phone. "Frank is just… it's like I don't even recognize him. He's moody and rude, but not in that annoying little brother way that I find weirdly cute sometimes."
"He hasn't talked to you about anything?" Maya asked.
"No. At first he was kind of frozen about the whole thing, but he's just been radiating hostility ever since they got back from the hospital yesterday."
"Well, he did have to see his brother so sick," she reasoned.
"This isn't sadness," Sean insisted, sitting upright in his chair. "This is plain weirdness. He went on a rant like an hour ago about, get this, how terrible mutation is."
Maya reacted, "Who wouldn't want to be a mutant?"
"People not lucky enough to have you in their lives," Sean said sweetly. "But Frank, Mr. Eye Scream Team? He'd never say that."
"What do you think is going on?"
Sean let loose a long puff as gripped the phone. "Wish I knew." Specifically, he wished he knew what to do.
IIIIIII
After the reasonable enough cooling off period had passed, Emma honed in on the troubled adolescent mind. The tracking brought her, to her surprise, to the mouth of a cave. Nonetheless, she entered the rocky sanctum. Her missing pupil provided illumination, sitting with his back facing the entrance.
"So," Emma spoke, standing just behind him, "this is the infamous cave. Rebecca told me about it."
"Go away, Emma," the child requested curtly.
Her hands went to her hips. "I strongly advise you not to press your luck. I know you are hurting, but you also did some hurting of your own back there. Now, I can force you into compliance against your will or we can discuss this without me going that route. Your choice, Frank."
He got to his feet and shut the light off before turning around. "Did you know my brother had leukemia?"
"Not until recently," she answered him.
"Erik knew," Frank stated disdainfully. "And I'll bet anything Charles knew, too. I thought something was wrong with my mom and the whole time it was Linny. His cells are outta control. He can barely move… what if I mutate like that? Or Jeff. Geez, he's just a kid."
Emma took his wrists to hold. "We take pride in our far more fortunate mutations. But nothing in this world is without flaw. I like to get what I want, actually quite known for it, and nothing will harm you if I have a say." She indicated the way out with her head. "Let's go. I don't like you playing in here."
Frank began to walk with her. "Emma, I'm sorry I talked to you like that."
"I'll accept it on the grounds of temporary insanity, as I've been there myself." She slipped an arm across his shoulders. "But be prepared. You have about three more apologies to give."
They stepped out of the cave, receiving a bright greeting from the sun overhead.
IIIIIII
Becky placed the bottle of milk on the table where the boys already sat.
She saw one untouched cookie plate. "Scott, it's okay. Two before dinner is fine."
"I'm not that hungry right now," he reported.
Becky looked over as someone else entered the kitchen.
"Hey, guys," Frank waved, attempting to smile.
"Hi," Becky solely returned. "You okay?"
"Sure, thanks. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said before."
"It's okay," Becky nodded.
"Yeah, you really are sorry," Scott piped up in a tone that sent all eyes to him. "I'm not listening to this." He got up and began to leave, moving right by Frank.
"Scott, seriously," Frank urged after him. "I didn't mean it, man."
Scott turned back sharply. "Oh, you didn't "mean" to make fun of my parents' deaths with your little orphan club crap? Or was it funny how I missed my mom in the hospital? Or how they told me I was going to live with people I didn't even know, who didn't even want me? I bet it's really funny for you how we're finally together, but I can't even remember my own brother." The other three children fell into absolute silence. "Frank, you can shove that fake apology because I'm not buying it." He huffed out.
"Scott!" Becky went after the seething boy.
Frank remained stunned, his entire face ready to crumble.
Joey pushed his chair out from under the table and got up. He slipped something into Frank's hand before leaving out also.
Frank examined the cookie he now held, finding no kind of stomach for it.
IIIIIII
Emma stepped into Charles' study, finding the male telepath at work on grading.
"Did you know about Lincoln Tolbert's cancer?"
Charles instantly placed his pen down to look at her. "Yes."
She went over to sit on the tip of the desk, facing him. "Is Frank at risk?"
"No."
"How do you know that for certain?"
"I've done my research," Charles informed. "Lincoln possesses the weakest immune system of the three brothers. There is no history of cancer on either side of the family, say for two or three isolated incidences unrelated to leukemia. Lincoln was also a very difficult pregnancy for Alana." Emma's eyebrows went up. "I have allies in multiple fields."
"I'll say," she concurred, amazed by the man before her. "Next question, why was I not informed?"
"Erik and I kept it between ourselves," he explained. "We didn't want anyone else placed in that position. Please understand that as headmasters, we have to make executive decisions."
"I do understand that, Charles," she said. "But I am also responsible for these children. You can't keep from telling me who has an allergy, who is afraid of the dark, who has a dangerous ability, or who is having severe family problems."
Charles admitted, "You are right."
Emma leaned forward towards him. "I want this relationship to be honest and long lasting. I never want you to feel like you can't tell me something."
Charles reached out to touch her hair. "I'll share the world with you, love. It means everything to have you in my life now."
"I may just know what you mean." She hopped up. "You get back to work."
Charles did, after taking some time to watch her walk.
IIIIIII
Erik opened the door to his bedroom, clicking the wall light on. He flung his caramel colored briefcase over onto the bed.
He turned around, spotting the long faced boy in the leather chair. "Well, well." He walked over, squatting to his level. "My little hermit emerges."
"Did you talk to Charles?"
"No, I only just got home," the man replied. "Is there something I should know?"
Frank said, "I was rotten today."
"Oh? How so?"
"I snapped at Emma and called Scott, Becky, and Joey the orphan club. I was mad and I tried to apologize, but now Scott hates me."
Erik's face clouded over, displaying his displeasure. "Why would you say something so disrespectful? You understand the pain of loss, why would you remind others of it so cruelly?"
"I was super mad, okay?" was all he came up with. "I had all this junk on my mind and you lied to me about Linny."
"You did not need to know at the time," Erik told him strongly. "What was the sense in causing you such anguish if you were powerless to do anything?"
Frank's expression changed. "You mean you weren't just following my dad's orders?"
Erik snorted, on the brink of full blown laughter. "Not hardly. I did what I did for your best interests and I'd do it again. You can accept that or not." He then received a tight hug from the boy. "Yes, this is far preferred to your behavior of late."
"I know," Frank half-moaned. "Erik, I feel just lousy. Could you… make it go away?"
Erik pulled back to look at him. "You've been in pain and I know what it means to lash out when you feel such a way." He touched the child's cheek. "I never want you to push away those you need to hang onto for dear life, boychick."
"Yes, sir," Frank nodded.
Taking his hand, Erik took them to the bed and sat himself down. "This will not be like your regular spankings for mischief. This is the sort of spanking you'll receive each and every time you allow this anger to take control of how you treat others." Erik looked into the youth's warm brown eyes closely. "It will eat you up inside, Frank and I refuse to allow it to happen."
Frank nodded, holding the man's hand tightly. "Me, too."
Erik then moved things along by bringing him across his knees. Next he pinned Frank's arms at the small of his back. He lastly used his leg to restrain both of the boy's. Arrangement set, Erik brought up his one free limb by swatting Frank in the middle of his behind.
Completely confined, Frank could barely squirm while kicking proved out of the question entirely. The whole thing triggered his tears much sooner as all he could freely do was rethink his poor decisions.
After a few more seconds, Erik released his strong hold over his charge. He brought Frank up to his shoulder and patted his back like he would a newborn.
Frank rubbed his cheek against the man's. "I'm," he took in a breath, "sorry, Erik. Shoulda trusted you."
"No more regrets from you." He rubbed his back in calming circles. "I know how difficult it has all been."
"Will you tell Mom?" he asked with a sniff.
"Certainly not while she has Linny to see to," Erik said. "Seems I'll have to spank you harder for her."
"Nuh uh," came the childish protest.
Erik chuckled deep within his throat then grew serious. "No matter what happens, I will be there for you, your mother, and your brothers. I told you once that your troubles are mine and I meant that, boychick."
Frank propped up to touch noses with him. "So my achin' butt is your achin' butt?"
Holding him with one arm, Erik said, "More like aching hand," and showed him the reddened palm.
The pre-teen touched his palm to the larger one, going into thought. "Erik, what would happen if I mutated wrong? Like into leukemia."
"Shh." Erik brought the small hand up to kiss. "No such talk or thought. I'll simply spank those genes away in the early stages. Now, is that backside of yours too sore for supper?"
"Nope, it'll live."
"Go on and wash your face then."
While Frank did as told, Erik went downstairs to put cushions inconspicuously on the seat of every dining chair.
IIIIIII
Giggles vibrated from the living room as Joey poked his head out from another opening of the massive sheet and cushion fort. He zipped away when he spotted Scott crawling for him. Then Alex popped out from the opposite route. Joey tried climbing upward but quickly wrapped himself up in a sheet.
"Aw," Alex cooed, lifting him up. "Look at the baby."
"Yeah, he's so precious." Scott patted Joey's stomach to make him smile. "We should probably change his diaper, though."
"Hey!" Joey lightly objected.
"Okay, it's baby bro's bedtime," Alex said, getting a good look at the wall clock.
"Can't we sleep down here?" Joey requested.
"Yeah, Alex," Scott supported.
Alex looked to the one in his arms. "You gonna wake up on time for me? No feet dragging?" Joey drew an X over his chest. "Alright, go get your story from Daddy Prof."
When Alex stood the still wrapped boy up, Joey scurried out on his little feet. The sight ignited laughter from the two Summers.
Reclining back, Alex turned to his remaining brother. "Hey Cyclops, we need to talk."
Scott flopped down over one of the teenager's legs. "I didn't do it."
"Fibber," Alex smirked, giving his bottom a slap that made the boy sit up again. "Listen to me, okay? I want you to cut Frankenstein a break."
Scott frowned under his shades. "No chance. He made fun of Mom and Dad, Alex."
"I know," the blonde nodded. "But I also know Erik and Charles, so he definitely won't be sleeping butt-down."
"Good," Scott commented.
"Scottie." Alex tapped the bottom of his chin. "He's your best friend."
"I thought he was. How could he say things like that?"
Alex pulled his brother over into his lap. "See, you're more in line with Hank and Sean, the brainy good all day long type. Then there are guys like me and Frank who have a tendency to be jerk wads."
Scott denied, "You're not like that."
"I've toned it down," Alex said modestly. "But when I first got here, I got my butt spanked a ton for my mouth alone."
"Really?" Scott asked in amazement.
"You better believe it." Alex squeezed him. "Frank's a good guy. There's just a sad little insecure guy doing the talking for him."
Scott sighed. "I'll think about it, okay?"
"That's my Scottie." Alex gave him a stomach pat. "Just do me on favor and don't tell him I said any of this. Last thing I need is that brat thinking I like him or something."
"Hm, I don't know," Scott pretended to ponder. "It might come up."
Alex gave him incentive by tickling his ribs. Scott laughed wildly while trying to bat the attacking fingers away.
IIIIIII
Alana stirred from slumber when a hand came down to gently shake her shoulder. She grew alert at the welcomed presence.
"Erik," she smiled. "Where's Frankie?"
"Still in classes," Erik told her.
Alana looked at her watch. "So is Jeff for the next two hours."
"I thought I'd see how you all were." He turned to she sleeping boy. "Any changes?"
"They're starting him on a new treatment in the morning. I'll try anything at this point."
Erik pulled her up to her feet. "Let him rest a bit. I'll get you some coffee."
"Oh, thank you." Alana followed him out to the designated table. "I can't tell you how great it's been having your support through all of this. You've been a wonderful friend to my family."
Erik poured her a cup of the strong black substance. "You are an exceptional mother to Frank. I'd say that's a fairly large debt to repay."
She smiled wider. "You really love my son, don't you?"
"With my life," he confirmed.
Alana put her cup down and gave him a small hug. Surprised at first, Erik moved to return the gesture until rushed footsteps headed their way.
"Alana."
She looked over, eyes widening quickly. "Phillip?" The redhead approached him with the caution she would a ghost.
"It took me a while to get leave." The man hugged her to him. "God, I've missed doing this."
"I can't believe you're here."
"It was hard, but it'll all be okay now. I'll see to things." He looked over her shoulder. "Erik. Good of the school to offer so much sympathy."
"Phil. Excuse me. I need to call to check on things at home." Walking down the hall, several pieces of metal rattled as he passed them.