It's Not A Question But A Lesson Learned In Time

It's Not A Question But A Lesson Learned In Time - Chapter Twenty-Two

"So I guess I'll see you at work tomorrow then." Lee mumbled. I nodded unable to reply. He kissed me again, pushing me back against the door.

"Unless you want to come in for a bit." I breathed. Lee smirked and nodded.

He stepped back a little to allow me to turn around and open the door, I grabbed his hand and led him into the house. I decided I should notify Ben or Joe of my presence, so if Hannah rang they could tell her I was back safe.

"Ben?" I called. "I'm back..."

"You're back late aren't you? I was expecting you'd be back ages ago." I heard him call from the lounge.

"I know. Lee and I went for dinner after-" I stopped dead in the doorway to the lounge as I saw him glance up at me.

No one said anything for a long time, I just remained in the doorway staring at him. He looked pretty rough, his hair was more of a mess than usual, his eyes were slightly bloodshot and he had dark bags under his eyes.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I asked angrily.

Wow, great opening line.

"What the fuck am I doing here? I'm here to take you home. What the hell were you thinking?!" He had stood up and was now standing in front of me.

"I don't know what I was thinking, maybe it was something to do with how you were being the biggest asshole ever, and how I can't stand to be around you."

"Erm, I think I should leave you guys alone..." I heard Lee say awkwardly from behind me.

"No. Don't worry. As long as he's here I'm staying away from the house. Let's go somewhere." I turned and smiled. Lee looked apprehensive as he nodded.

"Frankie..." Ben started before being interrupted.

"Francesca, don't you dare walk out of here!" My dad all but yelled.

"Stop! Stop trying to order me around! I don't want you here and I am not going home. So just give up ok?! Go home, look after Joey, have fun in your little band and leave me the fuck alone!" I spat. I was glaring at him, waiting for him to reply. He looked angry, which I understood, but he also looked hurt.

"You know why we did it Frankie." He said quietly, "why can't you understand that? It's not like we just jumped straight back into this, we thought a lot about it, and about the consequences. No one else has a problem with it. It's just you."

"Maybe that's because Joey is too young, and maybe because no one else had to suffer what I did. She was my mom. And it's your fault." My voice came out a little colder than I meant, but I didn't care. He was silent for a minute.

"No one else had to suffer what you suffered? You're right, I don't know what it's like to lose my mom. But I lost my wife okay? I lost the love of my life that day, she was everything to me, we had been together for so long that I could never imagine living without her! But then after that day I had to learn how to. Because she wasn't there anymore. And that is no ones fault but those assholes that killed her. It was stupid of me to come here. You think that because of what happened, and because you can't get past it, that the whole world has to stop and be shitty and grieve right alongside you. I just can't believe how much you've changed since she died. I can't imagine what she would think if she saw you like this. You're such a... A self centred, spoilt brat, I don't know why I bother anymore. If you ever learn to grow up, maybe you'll come home for a visit. Joey's going to miss you. Have a nice fucking life." He shrugged before calmly walking past me and leaving.

I let out a shaky breath as I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to face Lee again.

"Sorry." I apologized quietly, not able to look him in the eye. He shook his head.

"It's okay." He mumbled, pulling me into a hug. I let my tears soak his shirt as we continued to hug. "Don't worry Frankie. It'll be okay," he kissed the side of my head gently. I tightened my grip on him a little, believing him when he reassured me everything would be fine and praying he was actually right.

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So here you go. Not sure how long it is. I always think I've managed to write a really long chapter and then I look and it's ridiculously short. So you'll just have to live with this.

But yeah, he found her!

Sorry it's a week later than I said it would be, but with work, Christmas and family visiting I just haven't had time to write it all, although I have had the argument between Frankie and BJA written for a long time. The rest had to be worked in.

There's not a lot left now either, maybe three or four more chapters?

Anyway. Let me know what you think! Comment, vote, all that usual stuff.

Thanks, Cooper x

PS. I'm like 90% sure the Disney princess thing hasn't ever happened, I just wanted to fill the chapter a bit. But if anyone knows whether Billie Joe, or any of Green Day for that matter, has ever actually dressed as a Disney princess please let me know because I'm sure that would be the best thing ever - Tre Cool in the dress and wig in the Holiday video doesn't count :)