Chapter 3

Frank groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. Suddenly everything came back to him. But the thing that shocked him the most was, the only concern his only thought was on Joe.

The older Hardy glanced around for a sign of his younger brother.

"Joe?" He croaked weakly. Frank began to panic. Where was Joe.

Frank called again, "Joe!"

His younger brother slowly came around hearing Frank calling his name with worry in his voice.

Joe murmured, "Fr-Frank?"

Frank let out a sigh of relief. "Joe! Where are you I can't see you!"

Joe responded weakly, "O-over here." He felt Frank reach out for him and grasp his hand in his own.

Frank managed to move enough to reach his brother's side. With concern and warmth in the brown eyes he said quietly, "Joe, open your eyes come on wake up."

The younger boy groaned for a moment and slowly his eyes fluttered open, looking into the warmth and concern and love he saw in the brown eyes.

"Hey that's it Joe you alright?" Joe nodded weakly as he tried to sit up. Frank gently eased him up, keeping a steady hand on his back comfortingly.

Then slowly the two boys looked around for a possible way to escape. Frank murmured to Joe, "Lay back and take it easy for a bit. Just catch your breath. We need to get out of here. Mom and dad must be worried crazy about us by now."

Frank continued looking for any way to escape when he heard Joe cry out, "Ow!" He turned to him and said gently, "What's the matter Joe? Where are you hurt?"

His brother drew in a breath sharply and said, "M-my head. Oooooowwww."

Instinctively Frank tried to move behind his younger brother to examine his head. He winced sympathetically when he found a large lump on the back of his brother's head.

Gently he probed the wound with his fingers being as delicate as possible, so as not to hurt it more.

Joe's older brother turned to him and sighed, "You've got a nasty gash on the back of your head just lay down and relax for a bit."

The two boys sat in silence for a while. They both took the time to rethink over all the fights they had. The older Hardy realized he had been harsh towards his brother for so many years. He had gone on to make new friends and began to reject his little brother. How things had gotten worse and worse between them as time went on.

Now in moments where their lives were in danger was the moment they realized how stupid the fighting was. They began to regret every moment of it. Frank began to realize just how much he actually deep down loved Joe.

Frank took a chance and glanced at his younger brother. Finally he knew it was time to break the ice between them.

"Joe?" He murmured quietly.

"Yeah Frank?"

The older boy shook his head for a moment and sighed. "I – I'm sorry. I blew up at you this morning. I shouldn't have. And the way I've been treating you wasn't right. Mom was right this morning."

Joe's head went up as he asked, "What?"

Frank let out another deep sigh and replied unsteadily, "Mom, she – she said that you and I used to be so close. She wanted to know what had happened between us. I couldn't get myself to say anything. I've been such a jerk to you Joe. And realizing days like today we might not get another chance to make up for that."

He heard his younger brother let out a shaky sigh and turned slightly to see tears for in his brother's eyes. Just seeing that look on his brother's face broke his heart. He suddenly told himself, 'What have I done to him?'

Joe felt his brother reach for his hand and he met him halfway. Frank squeezed his hand tightly. They looked at each other and held it for a few moments. Willing to let the emotions they held against each other be released without words.

Frank sighed and murmured, "I'm sorry Joe I'm really sorry. Now I can't even believe how I've been treating you. You didn't deserve it and I'm sorry kiddo."

His younger brother inched closer to his side, and he gave him a half smile. They sat side by side in silence for another moment. Joe decided to break that silence with his usual sense of humor.

"Well this is awkward." Both boys exchanged glances and started laughing.

Then Joe felt Frank reach for his hand again and grip it and he murmured, "I've really missed you Joe. I – I love you little brother."

"I love you too big brother. I'm sorry too for always giving a reason to make you angry. I was so tired of it and I just I'm sorry too."

Frank shook his head and said, "It's not your fault, it's mine. I moved on as I grew up I began to push you away. Meeting new people at school and putting you last all the time. I know this won't even begin to make up for what I've done. I'm telling you now though things are going to change. That I promise."

The two boys leaned against each other for support.

The older Hardy suddenly had the urge and reached over and playfully ruffled his brother's hair.

Joe halfheartedly swatted his hand away and laughed. Frank smiled at his younger brother.

Frank protectively attempted to bring Joe closer to his side. Then he came up with an idea that he berated himself for not thinking of sooner.

"Joe, I need you to try and move closer to me and we can get ourselves loose. Just back to back okay?"

He saw his brother nod and slowly they inched closer to each other. Their backs touched a moment later, and they worked quickly to get the ropes untied. As soon as Frank felt the ropes loosen, he helped his brother release the rope around his legs.

They took a breath for a moment, as Frank felt Joe move closer to his side. He gave him a reassuring smile, and pulled him to his side gently. Carefully Frank wrapped a protective arm around his baby brother, praying for them either to find a way out or for help to arrive.

He glanced down at Joe and saw bright blue eyes looking back at him with a hint of fear. Frank also caught the determined look in his brother's eyes and closed his own.

They needed help now.