Three Cheers

I turned Thora's food off, listening to her talk to Gerard. It hurt to see her so happy that Gerard was back, because he was just going to leave again. I stayed in the kitchen, finishing her food and drinking some water.

I went into the living room, "Baby, here's your lunch."

Thora looked up at me, smiling, "Thank you, mama."

She set down on the couch, and Gerard began to feed her. I sat down on the opposite side of her, trying not to look at him. I was so angry with Gerard, but I missed him so damn much. I was in a conflicting place; love and hate; a thin line. I looked away, listening to them giggle and laugh.

Thankfully, my phone rang, so I was distracted. I got up and returned to the kitchen; it was Frank, "Hey, how's Fran?"

Frank let out a breathless laugh, "She had the baby. It's a boy."

All the anger melted away, I cooed happily, "Aw! Congrats Frankie! I'm so happy for you! Who does he look like?"

"Who do you think?" He chuckled, "We named him Anthony."

"I'm so happy for you guys!" I cooed again, "I can't wait to see him."

"I'm gonna text you a picture, you're gonna love him, October."

"Tell Fran that I'll be by later."

"I will."

"See ya, Frank."

I hung up with Frank and returned to the living room. Thora finished eating, and I sat down beside her, "Guess what, Baby," she looked at me, "Auntie Franny had her baby."

Thora's eyes lit up, "She did?!"

"Yeah, it's a little boy," I smiled at her, "We're gonna go see her when Uncle Mikey brings Busy home."

Thora squealed with excitement and looked up at Gerard, "Daddy, you come with us?"

Gerard looked at me and I narrowed my eyes at him. He looked back down at Thora, "Me and Uncle Mikey will go later."

Thora frowned, "Aw! Please?"

"Thora, daddy's busy, so--"

She cut me off, "Please? Please, mama?"

I sighed, "We'll see, babe."

Thora took that as a yes and hopped up, "Yes!"

I shook my head, smiling at her enthusiastic dance. She stopped suddenly when the doorbell rang and the door swung open. She squealed, "Busy! Busy, guess what!" She ran towards the door, with me following behind her.

Thora tackled little Busy into a hug, straight into Mikey's legs. The girls giggled, "Busy! Auntie Franny has a baby! She has a baby!"

Busy giggled, "I know! It's a boy, Baby Bear! Uncle Frankie called Uncle Mikey."

"Can we go now?" Thora asked, hopping around.

Before I could respond; Mikey and Busy's smiles dropped. I looked behind me and saw Gerard approach. Busy didn't move, Mikey's brow rose, "Gee, what're you doing here? I didn't know--"

He cut him off, "Ray and I decided to come early. He's setting up the studio at the old place and we wanted to surprise you guys." Gerard explained.

Mikey didn't utter a word; Busy stood there until Thora grabbed her hand; "Mama was right, B, daddy come back!"

It was unrealistic how stoic Busy was. It was like watching a movie; a woman seeing someone she hadn't in so long. Only, the woman is my 5 year old daughter.

Gerard cleared his throat, kneeling beside me, "Biz, I missed you."

He held his arms out but Busy didn't move. I went over, Thora was confused too, "Biz?" I touched her arm; she dropped the comics she was holding and ran off.

She ran past Gerard and down towards the hall. I heard a bedroom door open and close, and then the click of the lock. She went into my room; "Oh damn." I mumbled.

Mikey shut the front door, and then picked up the comics, "Want me--?"

I shook my head, "I'll get her." I licked over my bottom lip, "You guys can take Thora to see Frank and Frances."

Thora huffed, "But I want Busy to come with us!"

I sighed and knelt down to her, "Busy is upset, Baby Bear."

"How comes?" She asked with a frown.

"I don't know, but I'm sure it's nothing some kisses can't fix."

Thora smiled, "Mine?"

I laughed, "We'll see. You want to go with daddy and Uncle Mikey?"

Thora shook her head, "I want Busy to see the baby with me."

"Okay, come with me and we'll get Busy to come out." I stood up, taking Thora's hand, "You guys..." I trailed a moment as I looked at Mikey and Gerard, "Uh, give us a few minutes."

Mikey nodded, "Sure, October."

Gerard just stood there, while I looked at him expectantly; "What?" He asked.

"Go outside and smoke or somethin'." I muttered.

"No way. I should go with you--"

"Gee, dude, just come outside with me." Mikey grabbed his arm, "Just let October handle it."

Gerard rolled his eyes and followed Mikey; I seriously wanted to smack him in the face.