Chapter 16: Keep Holding On

Tina briefed the university about her situation, and was excused from her classes as a result. That meant Tina got an extra week added onto her Thanksgiving Break to be home with her family and to help with the workload.

Tina skipped dropping her stuff off at the apartment and headed straight to the hospital where she met her family. Bob was now in stable condition, but would be bedridden until further notice. Linda and Louise were in hysterics. Gene and Zeke, on the other hand, had a certain level of anxiety and concern, but they put on a front to not worry anyone. They were able to visit with Bob for a short period of time before they had to leave to let him rest.

Linda drove Louise and Gene back to the restaurant while Tina and Zeke drove to a local café, since neither of them were really hungry due to the incident, to catch up. The two sat down on cushy chairs and ordered coffee and donuts while they caught up. Tina knew that Linda wouldn't be in the mood for briefing her on what's been going on. Besides, she needed time with, as well as support, from her boyfriend.

Zeke briefed every juicy and dramatic detail of what had been happening in the Belcher house. Louise broke up with Rudy (apparently for the third time) because he was 'too nice'. She wanted someone to challenge her and not be a sponge. It was rumored that she'd been talking to a senior boy, but neither of them had been seen together. Meanwhile, Rudy was spending more time with Jessica, which infuriated Louise.

Gene joined the drama club at Huxley and got the lead role for Young Frankenstein. Apparently, he and Todd got into a massive fight over Courtney Wheeler, where they broke up and got back together after a month apart. Courtney, who had rekindled feelings for Gene, invited him to a party, where she got drunk and practically threw herself at him and told everyone that he came on to her.

Hugo was relocated due to his blatant attempts to shut down Bob's Burgers, due to his feelings for Linda, and Ron was promoted. This was a weight lifted off their shoulders, but Bob still stressed about the restaurant as well as competing with Jimmy Pesto's and it eventually caught up to him.

"I'm really glad you're back home even if it's just for two weeks," Zeke said as he picked up a donut, "it's just not the same without you."

Tina blushed. He really did miss her. "I'm having fun at school," she started as she sipped her espresso, "but I'm glad to be back, too. I needed to come home."

Zeke reached for her hand and stroked it with his thumb. "I wish I could've gone away to college with you," he said as he kissed her on the cheek, "but until your old man gets back on his feet I'm head of the kitchen."

The two went back to the restaurant to see it was still closed due to a family emergency. They went upstairs to see Louise and Gene on the couch watching TV. "Hey guys," Tina said as they walked into the room, "where's mom?" She asked.

"She's at aunt Gayle's," Louise said hoarsely, "since her new meds are working they're spending quality time together."

"Which means they're getting hammered and watching soaps," Gene chimed in, "she said she'd be back tomorrow morning."

"Speaking of getting hammered," Louise said as she got off the couch, "Craig's having a party tonight and I need to get ready."

"I'm going with you," Gene said as he followed, "you're not going to a senior's house party by yourself. Besides, I think we all need a good time after… you know."

"Ugh, fine," she groaned, "just don't embarrass me, okay?"

"I'm not making any promises." He said as they walked down the hallway.

After Gene and Louise left, Tina and Zeke retired to Tina's room. The two curled up together in bed and watched a movie on Tina's laptop. Tina was still in shock and Zeke knew. He knew the most important thing was to be there for her, and for the entire family for that matter. After the movie ended she rested her head against his chest. "You know what's the worst thing about all of… this?" She asked.

"What?" He asked as he looked down at her.

"Dad's gonna miss his favorite holiday."

Zeke exhaled and held her a little closer. "You're right."