Hello miss me! I'm back, with a new chapter. I want to thank everyone for reviewing, following, favorites, or just reading along. and thank you to my beta reader for helping me with my story.
Author's note: discussion of depression and a suicide attempt, but nothing graphic happens, but if you read the previous chapters you are OK
A Brother's Revenge Chapter 23
Biff slowly sat up once he caught his breath, he glanced up at a pair of mischievous set of blue eyes and a big smile smiling at him. He opened his mouth to respond to Joe's witty remark, only to be cut off by Trevor excitingly shouting Joe's name. "Joeeee!"
The little boy ran over at top speed to his favorite blond Hardy. He quickly slowed down when he saw Joe's crutches. He remembered his daddy telling him to be careful and not to crash into him because of his hurt leg. The last thing he wanted to do was to break Joe.
"Hey buddy!" Joe cheerfully greeted his little friend.
"Are you better now?" The little boy asked looking up at Joe with wide, innocent eyes. "Your Mommy said you had a tummy ache, cause, you ate too much food."
"Oh, yeah," Joe shot a side glance at Frank. "I'm good, my tummy is much better." He lied, forcing back the nervousness that he felt creeping up on him again.
"Yeah, Trevor, I think he's learned his lesson about what happens when you pig out on food like he did, right Joe?" Frank said sensing Joe's anxiety and he lightly rubbed his brother's shoulder to calm him down.
Grateful for the grounding feel of his brother's touch Joe felt himself begin to calm down and relax. "That's right, right, Bro," Joe said with a sigh, "No more pigging out on hot dogs, and spicy sandwiches," he added with a smirk and a wink at Trevor, "except for pizza. You can't go wrong with pizza."
"Oh brother." Frank rolled his eyes while Trevor just giggled.
"Listen, Trevor, I'm sorry for scaring you earlier. I didn't mean it really. I wasn't being very smart." Joe said softly in all seriousness. "Are we still best buds?"
Trevor smiled brightly. "Oh, yeah! Always!"
"Phew! That's a relief " Joe said breathing an exaggerated sigh and pretending to wipe the sweat off of his forehead. He smiled, steadied himself with his crutches and held his arms out to the boy. "OK, now that we're best buds again, we have to hug to seal the deal. What do you say? Is it a deal?"
"It's a deal!" The boy giggled and wrapped his arms around Joe's waist. Joe wasted no time and enveloped the little boy in his arms.
Once Joe released Trevor from the hug, Trevor didn't want Frank to feel left out and gave him a hug as well, which the older Hardy brother accepted with a smile. "Frank too!"
"Thanks, Buddy. I needed that." Frank said as he smiled. He was trying his best to stay upbeat for his friends and the little boy. He crouched down to Trevor's level. "Hey, Trevor, tell me something. What did you do to wear out the guys like that?" He nodded towards his three worn-out friends sitting on the ground.
"We were playing Gotcha! and Biff said they needed the practice so we can be good at it when Joe's leg is feeling better, so he can play the game whiff us too. Tony kept up good, he ran fast even the girls, but guess what?"
"What?" Frank grinned, eager to hear more of the little boy's tale.
Trevor cupped the side of his mouth with his little hand, he leaned forward towards Frank's ear and said in a child's whisper, "Biff and Chet didn't do so good. I think they need to practice more. They're not as fast as me and Joe."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh I won four times." Trevor held up four fingers. "They didn't get me, cause, I run fast and I'm not even tired." He replied beaming proudly, as his smile spread from ear to ear.
"Good job buddy, Good job." Frank chuckled. He patted the boy's shoulder congratulating him.
"That's awesome! Good job Trevor! I taught you well." Joe said congratulating the boy too. "That goes for you too Tony."
"And you two? Seriously?!" Joe turned slowly shaking his head at Biff and Chet laying on the ground. "Coach Adams would make you run 100 sprints across the football field if he saw you two sprawled out on the ground huffing and puffing like this."
"And what's worse," He added managing to keep a straight face, "you let girls, GIRLS, three no less and a seven-year-old out run you! That is sad, very sad! Coach would be so disappointed."
As his friends sat on the ground glaring at him, Joe couldn't hold it any longer and burst out laughing. which got Frank doubling over with laughter as well. It was a bit of a relief to him, not so much at Joe's hilarious response, but hearing his little brother laugh just made Frank feel good.
Yup that's Joe alright, laughing at my expense. Biff thought as he lay on the ground, although it was good to hear genuine laughter coming from Joe. God how he missed his best friend. Maybe it's a good sign that Joe wasn't pissed off at him anymore. He decided to test the waters.
"Ha, ha, very funny, Joe. I hope for your sake the girls didn't hear that sexist remark." Biff retorted. "You know how they get, when they hear people say stuff like that. As for Coach, I'm not scared of him; besides, he isn't even here. And I'll have you know we were keeping up with Trevor just fine," He grunted and wiped the sweat off his forehead he rose to his feet, "Right guys?" He said to Tony and Chet.
"Yeah...Whatever you say, Biff." Tony said between breaths. "At least I didn't get out run by the girls."
Chet huffed as he got up as well. "Hey! In my defense my stomach's full of hot dogs, plus I was tricked." He stretched out his arms, twisting from side to side, getting out the kinks in his back.
Frank stopped laughing. "Tricked?" He stood up and asked his stout friend, "how's that?"
"Well, no offense but when your mom asked us to play a game with Trevor, of course he insisted on playing that tag game Joe taught him. I thought, oh sure, fine no problem...I can handle that, I'm in good shape from football. Anyhow, she failed to mention that little kids have an unending supply of energy. I felt like I was constantly running, trying to catch up to Joe."
"Actually, come to think of it, " Chet paused tapping his finger on his chin, he thought out loud, "I don't think Coach would be too disappointed with us. In fact, he would be impressed. Trevor gave us a pretty good workout." He said grinning at the little boy in front of him. "Trevor, are you playing in any kind of sports?"
"Uh-huh." The little boy answered. "My Daddy's gonna teach me to play soccer though."
"I'm sure you'll be good at it because you are a good runner." Chet said.
"I agree with you, Chet." Tony said, once he got his breathing under control and steady on his feet. "I think Trevor will excel at any sport that he chooses to play, because he's good, I mean really good. He's quick and a fast runner. I know he's only seven and he's got a lot of years in front of him." Tony paused and then continued, "but if you ask me, he has the makings of becoming the next Joe Hardy, future star athlete of Bayport High. Maybe even beyond that."
Joe stopped laughing and blinked in awe and disbelief at his friend had just said. "Uh-um, wow, Tony thank you."
That was the nicest thing that anyone had said to him in a long time. It made him want to cry. Oh great, he thought, another round of emotions. He bit the inside of the bottom of his lip to keep the tears from falling. But it didn't stop them from welling up in his eyes. At the moment he was feeling overwhelmed by the huge wave of emotions. Was this what his brother was going through when he's battling with his depression? Was this how his emotions made Frank feel? He was beginning to understand the meaning of Frank's comments that day in the hospital room, when he had said to him. "'It is just so frustrating when someone tells me that I need to cry. It feels...' He had paused to think of the right words to say, 'Like, I'm being forced into it. How can I express my feelings when I don't understand it myself? I'm still trying to figure things out. Maybe it's the depression that's making me feel this way. Maybe I am scared of losing control of myself...what if I let go, what if I can't stop...'
Is that what's happening to me? Joe thought. Am I losing control of myself? What if I can't stop it? Frank's right, this feeling sucks! He patted his stomach; forcing back the nervousness he felt creeping up on him again. He turned away from his friends for a second to blink the tears away, hoping that it was dark enough that they hadn't seen them.
Frank raised an eyebrow causing his forehead to wrinkle, as he began to ponder Tony's comment. "I don't know if the world is ready for another Joe Hardy." Just then he caught sight of Joe starting to tear up at hearing Tony's complement. He wished Joe would just talk to him about what was going on with him. He knew in his soul that it wasn't good. A part of him did know but he didn't want to admit it to himself as a thought entered his mind, depression. Frank sighed as he looked at Joe. Yeah, that had to be it. Dad's gone through it, and is probably still going through it. I'm going through it now. First the denial, fear, and then the shame of having to admit to yourself that something was wrong with you.
And now the damn depression looked like it had latched itself onto Joe. Frank felt his stress level begin to rise thinking of his little brother going through the same hell he was going through. Maybe it was the thought of him going to prison for Jack Hayden's murder that was not sitting well with Joe. Frank knew that Joe was scared. Was that why his behavior is all over the place? Was that why he was fighting with Dad and taking his anger and frustration out on him? Or was there something more going on? There had been so much that had happened and was still happening. Frank was just as pissed off as Joe was that the disc was destroyed by one of Chief Collig's officers, but Frank knew that he couldn't show it. Joe's temper was already exploding onto Fenton, adding his own temper into the mix would only cause things to escalate further. However, the destroyed disc was evidence...evidence that could've helped in clearing his name. It didn't make any sense why Officer Davis would do that. What connection did he have with the Hayden brothers? Was there a connection to them, or was it something completely different?
He supposed the truth would come out in time. But right now, Frank was more interested in clearing his name, and luckily his dad had the copy. It was literally the only evidence that they had in identifying the dark-haired figure. Like Joe, he wasn't so sure he wanted Fenton to just turn the copy of the disc over to the chief. Frank admitted to himself that he too would like to see the footage and possibly enhance it. That being said Frank trusted his father completely, and understood his reasons for not wanting to jeopardize the case. God, he couldn't go to prison, he was innocent. He did not kill Hayden. That was a fact plain and simple. The thoughts kept whirling through his head. Stop it, you can't think of yourself. Joe needs you. Frank fought the urge to rub his chest willing the ache to go away, and focused on helping Joe.
"Although I can't think of a better role model to be an example for Trevor to want to be like, than Joe." Frank said out loud, looking directly at his brother. Hoping his words would encourage him to open up and want to talk. Joe turned his head back giving Frank his attention, as Frank continued, "I believe I've told him this before but, I'm going to say it to him again because I think he needs a little reminder. Joe, even though you drive me crazy at times. You're also an amazingly kind and caring person who's always willing to help someone in trouble. I know that no matter what problems you're facing, you'll get through it, you'll find away, because you're a fighter. That's a part of who you are."
"Thanks, Bro." Joe choked up, he quickly wiped tears off his face again. He shifted to put his weight from his left leg which had started throbbing to his right leg to steady himself with his crutches.
Changing the subject slightly, "So, is everything, OK?" Biff asked slowly looking at the brothers then over to Tony and Chet, who were both wondering that themselves. The mental image of Joe standing up on the railing still sent shivers down Biff's spine. By the soft glow of the streetlights, he noticed the forced smile on Frank's face and the worry in his eyes, which told Biff that the older Hardy brother was troubled about something. He gasped inwardly; did he know that Joe had almost jumped off of the pier? It would make things a hell of a lot easier, if he did. He felt like he really needed to talk to Frank about what had happened tonight. Truthfully Biff's mind hadn't exactly been on the tag game, but more on Joe and what had happened on the boardwalk. Since he couldn't talk to Frank at the moment, he needed to talk to someone and Tony and Chet were the two closest to him. So, during the tag game when Trevor was chasing after the girls. Biff took that as his opportunity to pull his two friends aside to seek their advice on whether or not he should tell Frank. He quickly ran through what had happened when he found Joe. Tony and Chet were shocked and devastated when they heard what Joe had contemplated. They couldn't believe he would do something like that. They had also expressed their concern for Joe, and were a little angry at him for putting Biff in a position like that. They both agreed that Frank absolutely needed to know about what had happened. If Joe was suicidal, they couldn't ignore something like that. They both let Biff know that he had their support which made Biff feel a little bit better about telling Frank, but he was still concerned about both Hardy's. How would Frank even react to the news? Would it cause more problems with his health? The poor guy had been in the hospital not that long ago with a heart issue, and stress was a major contributor to that problem. It was bad enough that he was dealing with the stress of being accused of murdering Hayden. If I tell Frank his little brother tried to commit suicide tonight it might send him over the edge. Frank's his good friend how could he do that to him.
There was another factor that Biff had to consider here. He could lose Joe's friendship for good if he were to tell Frank about what happened... he had almost let it slip out with that football comment. However, in the back of his mind, Biff was afraid Joe would try it again... and that this time he would succeed, then it would be too late and he would lose his friend for good. Chet and Tony were right, he had to say something. After all Joe was his best friend. and a true friend wouldn't stand by and watch a friend drown; no, you would do everything you could to try to save him. Joe was in trouble and he needed a lifeline... and that lifeline was Frank. If he lost Joe's friendship over this then so be it, but at least Joe would be alive. Biff had made up his mind, he would talk to Frank tonight the first chance he got.
Out of the corner of his eye Frank had noticed that Biff had been staring at him for the longest time. It was almost as if he was on the verge of saying something but couldn't decide if he should or not.
Joe turned his attention away from Trevor and back to his three friends. He noticed the look that Biff was giving his brother. It was as if he was about to say something just like before just like that football comment... "Oh no, you don't, Biff." Joe narrowed his eyes as he snapped, "how dare you try to rat me out!"
Biff tore his eyes away from the older Hardy brother and the words vanishing quickly from his tongue, as his eyes shifted to the younger brother, he gulped when he saw Joe glaring at him and he grew concerned. Oh, great not again, I set him off. Tony and Chet also grew concerned as well, thinking that Joe was about to explode like they had seen him do earlier during the picnic. Joe's temper was infamous, and they had all witnessed him losing his temper many times, but he had always managed to control it. They noticed that now his temper was starting to become out of control and that the littlest thing could set him off.
Joe's dark thoughts started creeping up in his head. What the hell am I doing? Why am I taking my anger out on Biff? He's done nothing wrong. He's your good and loyal best friend... your second brother. Stop taking your anger out on him! Joe berated himself. No, the problem wasn't with Biff. It is because you're still angry with Dad over him wanting to turn the disc over to Chief Collig. How could he do that, damnit! He simply couldn't not allow that to happen. How could he trust Chief Collig and the incompetence of his officers? After one of his officers destroyed the other disc. That disc was the only evidence that they had that could clear Frank of murder. He needed to get his hands on it to enhanced the identity of the dark-haired figure on there before his father turns it over to Chief Collig. That was the only way that Franks name would be cleared. No one else was going to do it. No, no if anyone was going to clear Frank's name it will have to be me.
Joe shook his head as the thoughts wouldn't stop whirling around his brain. Stop it! You're acting crazy! All at once he began replaying those angry scenes he caused earlier in his head, why did he act like that? What's wrong with me? Am I going crazy? He couldn't stop his dark thoughts from rambling on, what kind of a friend am I to any of my friends for that matter? They don't deserve to be caught up in my crazy shit. They all deserve better...just like, Vanessa...she'll dump my ass after this night is over. It just as well, once her mother gets her first impression of me, she won't want me dating her daughter. Frank has Callie to take care of him, he'll go to Princeton, she'll go with him...they will get married and move far away. Callie would love that anyway...with me out of the way, she'll finally get what she wants, to have Frank all to herself. I don't want to make Mom and Aunt Gertrude cry and worry. My father hates me...he said it himself, he won't care if I'm gone. He'll have Frank, his perfect son, to fawn all over. Did Tony and Chet really mean to say those nice things, or were they just words? Frank my big brother, best friend and partner in crime fighting. Words can't express how much I love you, bro. It pains me that I can't tell you, 'My secret' but after I'm gone, you'll be free of me. I'm sorry, so sorry. I know you'll be hurt but after some time has passed, you'll find the strength to move on and live a happy life with Callie. You're wrong about me being a role model for Trevor. Why would any kid want to be like me? I'm no good. All I do is hurt people! I DON'T WANT TO HURT ANYMORE! The world would be better off if I were dead! Once I clear Frank's name things will be right again. Then I'll be able to leave this world forever!
Joe took a deep breath trying to calm himself down. Oh God, not again! He could feel a panic attack coming on...God please not now, not now, not in front of my friends... Please make it stop! He glanced down at Trevor who was looking up at him curiously.
"Joe?" Trevor asked.
Frank could feel Joe's nervousness rising once again and he noticed the changes in his breathing. Why was he glaring and snapping at Biff again? Could it be because, Biff knows something? Biff must know the truth, and Joe doesn't want Biff to tell him, he concluded.
Frank glanced down at the little boy who was watching his brother. He instinctively put himself between Joe and Trevor to keep the boy safe just in case things got physical, because at the moment he didn't trust Joe's unpredictable behavior. Joe had scared the little boy earlier, and the last thing they wanted was to traumatize the child anymore. The McNeely's were probably watching them as well, and would not be as forgiving this time around if their son got hurt.
"Joe. You alright?" Frank said gently. He put a hand on his brother's shoulder to calm him down.
At the touch and hearing his brother's voice Joe instantly snapped out of his dark thoughts, "Oh yeah, Bro, I-I'm fine. Everything's fine."
Quickly changing the subject, Joe cleared his throat and turning his attention to his friends, he apologized. "Listen guys, I'm sorry for acting like a jerk earlier and disrupting everyone's holiday."
Biff, Tony, Chet exchanged looks with each other. Tony and Chet were still bothered by Biff's bombshell news about Joe's suicide attempt on the boardwalk. They understood that Frank and Joe were both dealing with a lot of tough stuff going on with their family as well as dealing with their health issues. The guys couldn't really blame them. This is Frank and Joe Hardy! Their friends! They have risked their lives countless times to save the life of a stranger, or a friend, in need. And right now, they were the ones in need of a friend.
"It's okay, Joe." Chet said in as calming a voice he could muster. "We get it. we know you guys are dealing with some stuff."
"Yeah, We're cool." Tony said adding his support. "You know we've got your back. if you ever need to talk or blow off some steam, we're here ready to listen."
"Thank you, Tony, Chet for that, but no I was in the wrong. I shouldn't have acted that way." Joe said, honestly. It was time to switch gears and steer everyone away from the drama. He was going to give them one last thrill with Joe Hardy. He took a deep calming breath to settle his nerves away and force good vibes into his soul. "Just for that, I'm going to make it up to you guys."
"What do you mean?" Biff asked curiously. He still had an uneasy feeling in his stomach from thinking that Joe was still mad at him. To his surprise Joe walked over to him with his crutches and steadied himself, he put an arm around his muscular shoulders. His angry expression quickly vanished as a spark ignited in his blue eyes, and a huge smirk spread across his face.
"I might just let you guys win a game or two over at the game area."
Biff raised a brow. That sounded like Joe again. He sighed calmly. Later he would have to talk to Frank, but right now he just wanted to have fun with his friends, that was something they all needed. To have fun, play games and watch the fireworks. He scoffed, keeping up with the banter like before. "Really? You, Mr. Super Competitive, are going to let us win? I find that hard to believe."
"Obviously, you Big Goof, you didn't hear the operative word in that sentence." Joe zinged him back shaking his head. "I said I MIGHT let you win." He nodded at the little boy standing next to his brother. "Trevor, gets to choose the game."
"Are you sure you're up for this, Joe?" Frank asked concern. It was as if someone had flipped a switch and Joe was back to his calm self.
"Yes of course, Bro. I'm fine. Fit as a fiddle." Joe replied reassuring his brother. "Now who wants to play a game!"
"Me! Me!" Little Trevor cheered jumping up and down.
"Well then let's go!" Joe called out hurrying as fast as he could on his crutches towards the game area. Trevor burst out laughing and ran a long side his number one favorite blond hero as fast as his little legs could take him. Leaving Frank, Biff, Chet and Tony behind as they stood there stunned at the switch in Joe's behaviour and attitude.
"Wow. What was that all about?" Chet shook his head as he broke the silence. "Joe's not okay, is he?"
"Yeah." Tony agreed wearily. He turned to Biff and put a hand on his shoulder. "Biff, you need to tell Frank, now."
"Tell me what?" Frank asked concerned.
Biff cast his eyes down to his shoes and began contemplating on how to put into words on what to say to Frank about Joe.
"Biff, I have this feeling that something happened on the pier tonight. I think my dad was about to tell me, but then Joe cut in preventing him from saying anything and the two of them ended up arguing over the case." The older Hardy brother said. "I'm guessing you know something, that I should probably know, but that Joe doesn't want me to know."
Biff slowly lifted his head. "Yeah, I know. I agree you should know and I want to tell you. I just..."
Frank interrupted, "Joe didn't threaten you into not to tell me, did he? Because if he did I..."
"No. It's nothing like that. It's just not an easy thing to say." Biff reassured Frank as the image of Joe standing up on the railing flashed in Biff's head again.
"Well then what is it? I'm not going to be angry at you or anything." Frank took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He refused to let his own depression take over, it was not going to beat him. "I can't help if I don't know what the problem is."
"Biff, tell him." Chet urged his muscular friend.
"I take it you guys, know too." Frank stated looking from Chet to Tony.
"Yeah, we do." Tony admitted. "Biff told us just before you guys got here. He needed to; it was eating him up. It still is."
"Ok guys, give. What is it?" Frank huffed out. "What is it that Joe doesn't want me to know?"
"Okay, I'll tell you." Biff sighed, took a deep breath, and just spit it out. "Frank, Joe..."
"Hey, come on, slow pokes! Let's go!" Joe called out cutting off Biff's words. He stood just a few feet from them with Little Trevor waving at them to come with them.
"Hold on a sec! We'll be right there." Frank called back.
FJFJFJFJFJFJFJ
Joe looked back to see where everyone was and he growled when he saw the serious look on Biff's face. He could tell that he was about to say something to his brother and he knew that he couldn't take the chance of him telling Frank. I'm sorry Biff, but he can't know, Joe thought. He glanced down at Trevor as an idea popped in his head. He hated the idea of using the little boy like this, but he felt he had no choice.
"Hey Trevor, why don't you go get Frank? And tell the other three slowpokes to come on. They can chit-chat later, as soon as they come we can go play games." Joe said, playfully nudging the little boy towards his brother.
"Okay!" The little boy exclaimed excitedly.
FJFJFJFJFJFJFJ
Frank turned back to Biff. "Okay, Biff, what were you saying?" Biff opened his mouth to speak again. Then suddenly out of nowhere Frank felt a little hand grab his hand, and started pulling him away, he whirled around to see that it was Trevor.
"Trevor!"
"Come on, Frank! Let's go play!" Trevor said laughing and grunting as he began pulling his second favorite Hardy boy hero with all of his might towards Joe.
"Trevor, wait, buddy, I need to talk to Biff for a minute." Frank said stopping the boy from pulling on him.
"But, Joe said you guys can chit-chat later. Come play games with us." Trevor said, tugging on Frank's arm again.
"We'll play with you guys in a sec, I promise." Frank reasoned a second time.
"Nope! Now! Come on!" the child disagreed and began pulling him forward.
Frank growled in frustration. He was so close in finding out what it was that Joe was keeping from him. He decided it was no use in reasoning with the child anymore and he allowed Trevor to take him over to his brother. As they drew close Frank could see Joe smiling as if he had gotten away with something. As soon as he saw Joe's expression, Frank knew that Joe had sent Trevor over to keep Biff from telling him something. Really, Joe? Really. That was a low thing to do. You must think you're so clever, I should skin you alive for using Trevor as a tactic like that. Oh, just you wait, little brother, I'm going to find out what you're hiding.
The little boy beckon Biff, Chet and Tony with his finger to follow them. "Come on, guys! Let's go play!"
Biff, Chet and Tony exchanged looks with each other. Biff sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "I guess I'll try later. But someone's going to have to keep Joe busy and distracted long enough for me to talk to Frank and let him know what happened."
Tony rubbed his chin with his hand thinking of something, "Oh, I know! Vanessa!" he snapped his fingers.
Chet and Biff looked at him puzzled so Tony explained. "Once Vanessa gets back with her mom, she and Joe will continue with their date. I'm sure at some point he's going to want to spend some time alone with her before this night is over. Maybe during the fireworks."
"Yeah!" Chet agreed. "We're all going to want to be with our dates to watch the fireworks. Obviously, Callie will want to be with Frank, but still, that would be the perfect time for you, Biff, to talk to Frank."
"Alright." Biff sighed again. "We better go and catch up to them." Feeling confident about their plan the three boys rushed to catch up to the Hardy's and Trevor as they headed towards the game area.
FJFJFJFJFJFJFJF
Meanwhile, back at the picnic area…
Laura felt her heart dropped to her feet when she saw Frank put himself between Joe and Little Trevor. She heard a gasp of horror escape from Gertrude's lips at Joe's sudden outburst.
The two Hardy women along with the McNeely's were watching the exchange between the teenagers. At first things looked like they were going good so far, Laura kept her eye particularly on Joe watching him laugh and joke around with Trevor and his friends. They watched as Lizzy, Brenda and Marcy, come over to each get a bottle water out from the cooler that was on the ground beside their picnic table before going sitting on their blanket on the ground and talking with each other.
Then it looked like someone had flipped a switch and Joe's demeanor suddenly changed from joyful... to anger. He looked like he was glaring at Biff and that that outburst, "how dare you try to rat me out!"
From what Laura could see it looked as if Biff was about to say something to Frank, Perhaps Biff was going to tell Frank about what had happened when... But Joe cut him off, just like he did with Fenton. Laura felt bad for Biff of having to witness the horrible situation with Joe. As she observed the interactions between the boy she thought that perhaps Chet and Tony knew what had happened as well. She hated that they were getting dragged into this mess. And what's worse is that Trevor was getting dragged into this as well. This was starting to become dangerous.
She had seen enough, fireworks or not, she was going to send a text to Fenton that they were going to take Joe home once the kids got back from their game. There they would break the news to Frank about Joe's suicide attempt and the possibility of sending him to Bellevue while they waited for Dr. Reese to come to their house.
She watched her sons and their friends go off with Trevor towards the game area. "Is Joe, okay?" Pete's concern voice broke into Laura's thoughts. "He doesn't seem to be."
Laura quickly shook her thoughts away and gave Pete her full attention. "Uhm. Yeah, I mean yes, he will be." She sighed wearily, "I'm sorry but Joe's not himself right now. There are a lot of things happening and he's more than a little stressed out because of Frank and that investigation. The boys are close so when one is hurting or in trouble the other one takes it personally."
"I understand, I really do." Pete said and he then quickly told Laura about his run in with the boys at the restroom area when he was waiting for his wife to be done. "Joe looked really upset, I tried to ask him if anything was wrong, but he ignored me and darted inside the men's restroom. I get why he's angry, and they both have every reason to be upset with me, especially Frank."
"It's my fault." Lindsey said sniffing back tears. "I upset Joe earlier when I brought up the missing gun. I didn't mean to accuse Frank. I'm just scared Pete's going to lose his job over this especially with the new baby coming and making sure Trevor has everything he needs, not to mention money is tight right now. " she started to tear up.
"Honey, it will be okay." Pete said putting his arm around his wife's shoulders to console her." He turned back to Laura. "Frank and I talked. I apologized to him for losing his gun. He accepted my apology and took part of the blame upon himself, which he didn't have to do."
"That's Frank for you. He doesn't hold grudges and will take ownership of his actions." Laura said as she reached out to put a hand on the young mother's hand. "I know. We understand Lindsey. You didn't mean to say what you said. Like I said, Joe's under a great deal of stress right now. In fact our whole family is. Fenton and I don't blame you for anything. I know you're going through some difficult times right now and are trying your best to take care of your children. I have been in your shoes. I know it's not easy with family not being close by. It is in times like these when you need their support the most, especially your mother, and with them living in Florida they can't help with the day to day.
"Lindsey, I know I can't replace your mother or the rest of your family, but if you ever need some help or advice, you can always call or send a text. I'll give you my number before we leave. You have our support with anything you need. And don't worry about Pete losing his job. I'll talk to Fenton. He'll put in a good word for you Pete, so you that way you can keep your job at the shooting range. Chief Collig maybe a hard man at times, but he is a fair man."
"Thank you, Laura. That really means a lot to us." Lindsey said sniffing back her tears.
"Yes, thank you for that. Frank, told me the same thing." Pete replied gratefully. "I don't deserve your husband's help. You and Fenton have every right to be angry with me after my careless mistake got your son in trouble. I'm just grateful to have good friends like you Hardy's. However, I'm not one to ask for charity for me or my family, so if you would permit me to offer the same in return. If there is anything Lindsey and I can do for you and your family, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Pete." Laura said sniffing back tears of her own. "We appreciate the offer; we'll keep that in mind."
"Wait." Lindsey piped up. "Is it safe for Trevor to be around Joe right now? Pete, maybe you should go get him." She asked concern rising in her voice, she looked at Laura. "We don't want to add any more stress on Joe and Frank for that matter."
Laura glanced over at Gertrude to see how she should answer that. To be honest they weren't certain with Joe's unpredictable behavior. However, they couldn't risk the chance of the little boy of getting hurt.
"We don't think Joe would intentionally hurt Trevor." Gertrude said carefully as she answered honestly for her sister-in-law. "However, like Laura said Joe's not himself right now."
Laura was doing everything she could to put up a brave front on the outside, but inside she was falling apart worrying about her own child like Lindsey was with hers.
"I know your little boy adores both of my sons a great deal." Laura said thoughtfully, then she added with seriousness and honesty, "And I know my sons care a great deal for Trevor as well. They would feel terrible if anything happened to him. So, I think to be on the safe side it would be best for Trevor to not be around Joe at least for tonight."
"Hopefully once things have calm down with our family, we can plan a get together or something" Gertrude suggested. "That way Trevor will be able to play fun games with Joe and Frank."
"Oh yes, thank you Gertrude, that's a great idea." Laura agreed. "Please Pete, Lindsey, we'd love to have you over to our house for dinner sometime. And we can't wait to meet your new little one once he or she is here."
"Thank you, we'd like that." Pete replied turning to his wife. "Once the kids get back from playing their game. We'll take Trevor and go watch the fireworks at another part of the pier. To give Joe and his friends a break."
His wife nodded in agreement, as she turned to Laura, "We do hope that Joe will be okay. And that the situation with Frank can be resolved quickly so your whole family can have peace."
"Mrs. Hardy?"
Laura looked up from the table, to see Vanessa and Callie coming up to them. Walking beside Vanessa was a tall and slender woman who looked like a slightly older version of Vanessa. She was wearing a light blue summer maxi dress and sandals and her long curly blond hair was cascading down her shoulders.
"Oh, welcome back girls." Laura quickly put a friendly smile on her face. She studied the girls faces and noticed that they had been crying as well.
"Mrs. Hardy, I'd like you to meet my mother, Andrea Bender." Vanessa said making the introductions. "Mom, this is Joe's mother, Mrs. Hardy."
"Hello, Andrea, it's a pleasure to meet you, please call me Laura." Laura stood up extending her hand to the woman.
Andrea smiled kindly accepting Laura's handshake, "It's nice to meet you too, Laura."
"Please, come join us." Laura quickly introduced Andrea to Gertrude and the McNeely's who all greeted her with friendly smiles and handshakes, before they all sat back down at the table.
"Andrea, can I get you something to eat or drink. We have water and soda and I know there's some food left in the coolers." Gertrude offered.
"Well, I'll have a bottled water, if it's not any trouble." Andrea said.
"Oh, it's no trouble at all, I'd be happy to." Gertrude reached down and opened a cooler sitting on the ground beside her and pulled out a bottled water and handing it to Andrea. "Would anyone else like a water or soda while I have it open?" She looked at Vanessa and Callie. "Girls, how about you?"
"I'd take a bottle water, thank you Miss Har..." Callie started to replied.
"Tat, Tat, I've told you kids before its Aunt Gertrude, to you," the older woman corrected her.
"I'm sorry. Aunt Gertrude. I'd like a bottled water, please and thank you." Callie said with a sheepish smile.
"That's better." Gertrude responded and then reached into the cooler and pulled out another water and gave it to Callie. "Anyone else?" Other than Lindsey everyone else politely declined the offer of water.
"Laura, I must say," Andrea began after taking a sip of her water. "I've been looking forward to meeting your family. I've read news feeds about your husband's cases. He's solved so many not to mention the hardened criminals he's sent away to prison. Very impressive I must say. You must be so proud of him and your two boys who look like they are following in his footsteps. Vanessa has also has informed me on some of the troubles you and your family are going currently having, but I just wanted you to know Laura, that I'm sorry of what your family is going through, and I hope everything gets resolved soon, so that way you all can have some peace of mind. As I've said I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of your family."
"Thank you, Andrea." Laura replied gratefully.
Andrea continued on as she nudged Vanessa and winked at Callie as she took a sip of her water, "Of course, I'm eager to meet Joe, he's all my daughter talks at home. How beautiful his blue eyes and smile are and how cute he looks in his red gym shorts... "
"MOM!" Vanessa groan and rolled her eyes embarrassed. Callie choked on the water as it went down the wrong pipe as she started to giggle. It felt good to laugh after the bad feeling she was having worrying about Frank and the awful things she said about Joe. Lizzy, Brenda and Marcy turned towards the group with smiles and giggles at the comment of Joe and the red gym shorts.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My bluntness is my worst quality about me, it tends to embarrass my daughter at times." Andrea apologized her face reddening slightly from embarrassment.
"It's okay, Andrea. We've all said things at times that embarrasses our kids." Laura suppressed a laugh herself it did feel good but it didn't take the worry away about her boys especially Joe. She quickly changed the subject as Pete and Lindsey moved down the bench to make room for Andrea and the girls to join them at the table. "Anyway, Fenton got called away but he should be back soon. As for Frank and Joe, they are over at the game area playing a game with little Trevor and their other friends."
"Who's little Trevor?" Andrea asked.
"He would be our rambunctious seven-year-old son." Pete answered.
"Yes, and he has a fascination with Frank and Joe." Lindsey added. "He thinks they are the bees' knees. He was looking forward to playing a tag game with Frank and Joe. Joe couldn't play the game because of his leg so they took him over to the booths to play a game. I'm sure he's having the time of his life."
"That is so sweet." Andrea said.
Laura and Gertrude said nothing and just exchanged looks with each other. They were praying that nothing bad would happen and that Joe behaved himself.
"Trevor, will probably have them all worn out when they come back." Lizzy said. "I know I still am."
"Me too." Brenda added.
"I don't know where your son gets all his energy." Marcy said to Pete and Lindsey.
'I'd like to know that myself." Lindsey said smiling.
"You know girls, I was going to call the boys to let them know you're back." Laura said. "But maybe you'd like to go down to the game area and surprise them instead. Then you can bring them all back here in time for the fireworks."
'Well, I'm, up for that." Vanessa said. She wanted to see if Joe was alright. "I'd like to get in on the games too." She turned to her mother. "Is that okay with you Mom?"
"Yes, it's perfectly fine, Sweetie, Go have fun, I'll stay here and get acquainted with Laura, Gertrude and everyone else here."
"Callie, what do you say? Do you want to come with me?" Vanessa asked.
Callie stared down at her water bottle for a second. She was a little nervous to be around Joe. At some point she knew that she had to talk to him and to apologize to him. She knew that they needed to work things out once and for all. She also really wanted to see Frank, and make sure that he was okay because she couldn't stop worrying about him.
She looked up at Vanessa and answered, "Well we can't let them have all the fun." She smiled, pushing her worry thoughts away. "Lizzy, Brenda, Marcy are you in?"
"Well as long as there's no more running involved, I'm in." Brenda said standing up of the ground. 'We're in." Lizzy and Marcy both followed suit." With that the girls were in their way to meet up with the guys.