Three Cheers

My parents didn't really get on me about Gerard leaving. Like Frank had mention; they were preaching to the choir. They helped out some with the girls, even my brothers helped. I figured that it was like going back to 5 years, when I had baby Busy. My dad loved having the girls, as he usually did, and didn't mind watching them when Frank and Mikey couldn't.

Mikey had picked up Busy at the store as I was leaving. Thora was napping on my hip; she had been going on about playing with happy.

"I'll bring Biz back by 5." Mikey took her hand.

I leant down and kissed her cheek, "I love you."

She smiled at me, "I love you, too." She pet Thora's sleeping hand, "Love you, Baby Bear."

Thora murmured something in her sleep, causing Busy to giggle.

"Bye, Biz." I waved to her.

She and Mikey waved back as they left. I locked up the store and carried Thora to the car with me, setting her in her car seat. I got in the driver seat, looking back at her for a moment. I tried not to cry at the sight of her soft snoozing. I wished Gerard could see what I saw when I looked at our babies.


It was around 4:30 when Frank had called to tell me that Fran went into labor. He wasn't as freaked out as I thought he would be. He took her on to the hospital, letting me know, just in case I needed him. I told him that I would be down to see Fran soon, after Busy came home. After hanging up, Thora and Happy came walking out of her bedroom.

She stumbled, groaning softly, "Mama, I'm hungry." She said with a yawn.

I picked her up and set her in my lap, "What do you want to eat?"

"I dunno." She pressed her head to my chest, "I needs food."

I laughed softly, "Okay, how about mac-n-cheese?"

"Yeah." Again, she yawned.

I carried Thora to the kitchen, letting her rest on my hip. I set her on the counter, beginning to make her mac-n-cheese and put dog food out for Happy.

"Mama, somebody's here." Thora said, peeking her head towards the front window.

I turned and saw a dark figure walking up the porch, through the blinds. I didn't move too quickly, because, before I could turn around, I heard Thora climbing off the counter and running towards the door. "Hey!" I called to her, Happy following behind her.

Thora giggled as I rushed after her, grabbing her as she pulled the door open. She whined at me as I held her back, and then she gasped happily; "Daddy!"

I frowned at the sight of Gerard at my door, while Happy barked and sat. Gerard looked the same, hair was messier than he usually kept it, and he had ink stains on his arms and hands. He smiled at Thora; "Hey Baby Bear."

My stomach twisted in anger; Thora wiggled from my grip and fell onto the floor. She didn't cry or flinch, she just ran at Gerard; "You come back!" She squealed.

Gerard picked her up, kissing her cheek, "I'm sorry I was gone so long."

She buried her face against his neck, "Don't leave. I miss you."

My heart wrenched, I swore I was gonna be sick. I swallowed the bile and continued to watch them.

"Hi October." Gerard looked at me.

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

Thora frowned at me, "Mama." She gave me that disciplinary voice.

"I came to see the girls." He spoke this as if it were no big deal.

I went over and grabbed Thora from him, causing her to cry out. I held her tightly as she wiggled, "Mama! Leggo!" Her words were quick and in a whine.

Gerard rushed in, "October--"

I turned away from him, "You get the hell out of my house," I snapped at him, "You fuckin' leave like you did before."

Thora cried, hitting her little fist against my arms, "I want my daddy!"

"Put her down," Gerard grabbed my arm, "Calm the fuck down."

Thora managed to slip down my body, down to the floor and ran back to Gerard. I felt like my whole composure was coming undone. I started to tear up and my heart began to beat rapidly. I was going to have a heart attack. No, I was going to have a mental breakdown.

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do more; hit Gerard and just lose myself and cry. I didn't bother with either; I wiped my face, my cheeks, feverishly to rid the wetness. I sniffled and watched Gerard cradle Thora, "Why are you here?" I growled at him.

He looked at me, "To see Busy and Thora."

"You're such a dick, Gerard. You don't deserve to see then." I spat angrily.

"I missed them." He muttered quickly.

"Yeah, and I told you from the beginning--"

He cut me off, "I know what you said," he pet Thora's back, "And I was stupid. I don't know what was going through my head--"

"Get out!" I screamed, "I don't want to hear excuses!"

Thora began to cry against Gerard's chest; he just looked at me with a furrowed brow. He didn't say anything else, he just stared, probably unsure of what to think. I seriously wanted to hit him.

"Just calm down," he muttered, "Let me stop Thora's crying and then I'll leave, okay?"

I just snarled at him, and turned away, heading towards the kitchen. I needed a drink. I was set to kill Gerard.