FicWad

Chapter One..

Frank moved around in his car seat excitedly regaling is boyfriend Mikey and friend Matt of the fun time he had back when he was studying at the university of Maine. Mikey smiled over at him as he drove, having a moment of 'god, I love him' as he watched the excitement in his bubbly attitude.
"It was only a year but honestly, the girl is my best friend. I've missed her so much! You guys are really going to love her!" Frank beamed.
Matt leaned forward to peer between Mikey and Frank from the back seat.
"She sounds like an awesome girl, how come she's moving in with you?" He asked curiously. Frank's face fell.
"Well.. She wasn't happy at home. Her mum died about four years ago and she doesn't get along with her dad so I suggested she transfer to Jersey" he replied.
"Oh.. Poor darling. Don't worry, baby. I'm sure she'll love it here. It helps being surrounded by good friends and I'm sure she's missed you too" Mikey squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Yeah Frank, don't worry! We can't wait to meet her" Matt assured.
"I just want her to be happy. I know she's really anxious about the move. I invited everyone over tonight so she can meet them and make some friends" Frank smiled.
"Any idea if Gee will come tonight, Mikes? He's hardly responded to any of us lately and he didn't show up for practice last week" Matt asked. Mikey sighed.
"Maybe.. He's taken the break up hard despite how badly she treated him.. I feel like I've hardly seen him. He's always in his room or at the piano"
"I get it but that girl was not worth crying over" Matt sighed, concerned for his friend.
"I don't even think he's crying over her exactly. I think she just ruined his confidence. All the comments and insults. She was emotionally abusive. And the break up.. She really emasculated him" Frank kissed Mikey's hand in his, seeing him become sad over the thought of his brothers hurt.
"He'll work through it. He's going to be alright, I know it. Now let's cheer up the conversation in here or Scarlett won't want to get in the car with us!" Matt chuckled making them all laugh.


Meanwhile Scarlett focused on steadying her breathing and focusing on her hands interlaced in her lap.
'Breathe.. Breathe.. You're okay' she thought to herself, glancing up out the window as she felt the train start to slow a bit.
"Next stop, New Jersey" the voice boomed from the box speaker. Scarlett quickly rummaged around in her handbag fishing out her hair brush, running it through and tidying her long ice blonde locks and adjusting her navy bandana. After reapplying her red lipstick she quickly checked her phone. She smile seeing a text message from her brother Bob.
'Im proud of you and I hope you know how much I love you baby sister xxx' she read. Tears pricked in her eyes. She missed him already. She picked up her handbag and small duffle as the train came to a complete stop. Shuffling through the people she exited the train and onto the crowded platform. Her stomach churned with anxiety as people whirled around her getting to where they needed to go, dodging past her but overwhelming her just the same. Her eyes welled with tears for just a moment until a stranger tapped her arm gently.
"Excuse me miss, are you lost?" she turned sharply to meet the familiar voice. There was Frankie. The familiar, the warm, the open hearted best friend she had missed so dearly.
"Oh my god!" she threw her arms around his, bursting into tears.
"I missed you baby girl... Aw honey, why are you crying?" Frank laughed as he held her, spinning her in a loving hug as the platform cleared. Placing her down he looked at her tear stained cheeks and beaming smile.
"I just can't believe you're here. I can't believe I'm here! I was so anxious the whole way but it was all worth it. I missed you, Frankie" she smiled wiping the tears from her face.
"That's okay! You're here now and you're going to love Jersey!" Frank held her hands tightly. Matt and Mikey walked up with welcoming smiles on their faces. Mikey was tall and slender, messy brown hair framing his gentle face. His eyes, hazel brown shone brighter as he smiled big, excited to meet the girl from the stories, the girl Frank held dear. Scarlett knew straight away this was the amazing boyfriend Frank had described time and time again. His hair had changed but she recognised him from the photos. Matt walked up next to him, his choppy dark brown hair blowing behind him in the wind. He had a boyish smile and bright blue eyes. His eyes widened when he saw her. Subtly as he could he gave her an up and down look. Her slender figure was accentuated by her tight black jeans and navy muscle tee. Her skin was flawless and milky, her lips full and eyes a beautiful shade of green, framed by long dark lashes. Her hair rolled down in waves to her hips and her cheeks a beautiful shade of pink with a shy flush. She was beautiful.
"Oh, Scarlett I'm so excited for you to meet everyone!" Frank chided as Mikey and Bert stopped beside him.
"Hey Scarlett, I'm the boyfriend, Mikey" he laughed giving her a big hug.
"Hi Mikey, it's so nice to finally meet you" she blushed shyly.
"And I'm Matt" Matt smiled giving her a hug and taking her bags for her.
"Hey, it's lovely to meet you both. Sorry about the tears, so embarrassing" she laughed it off, wiping under her eyes in case the mascara ran.
"Oh, not to worry! It's been a big day for you I'm sure" Mikey rubbed her back.
"Yeah, I guess I'm a little overwhelmed" she exhaled.
"Not too overwhelmed for a party I hope!" Frank nudged.
"Oh no, Frankie what have you done?" She laughed, relaxing a little.
"I was just so excited that you've moved, so I invited some close friends over to meet you. You'll love them Scarlett and I know they'll love you. Pretty please can we have a party? My garage has been converted into a nice rumpus room, with a bar, lounges and a good sound system. It'll be fun!" Frank was practically jumping up and down with excitement. She couldn't disappoint him.
'And besides, it'll be nice to make some new friends' she comforted herself.
"Okay, Frankie. Party is on" she laughed.
"Excellent! I'll be picking up food and drinks for tonight while these guys help you settle in. Anything in particular you like to eat or drink?" Matt asked as they started to lead her out of the station and back to the car.
"Um.. I'm a vegetarian and not really a big drinker, but I guess tequila would be my favourite" she smiled.
"Mine too" Matt winked as they arrived at the car.
"You don't mind being back seat bandit with me do you" he asked as he placed her bags in the boot.
"Not at all, we wouldn't want to come between these love birds" she giggled as they got into the car.
"That's a good idea Scarlett, I mean can you blame me.. Look at him! I told you he was handsome" Frank smiled as Mikey leaned in for a kiss.
"You know Mikey, he used to show me photos of you all the time and brag about how handsome and amazing you were. Couldn't shut him up! If you ever doubted for a moment that he missed you, I can promise you he did" Scarlett smiled with a laugh.
"Aw, baby, you're so cute" Mikey laughed.
"Hey! You weren't meant to tell him that, we don't want him getting over confident" Frank joked. Mikey kissed him and mouthed 'I love you'.
"You two are sweet" Scarlett smiled, happy to see Frank so happy.
"Thank you! So is there any special man in your life?" Mikey asked. Everyone turning back to look at her. Scarlett froze.
"Um.. No. We broke up about two years ago. I haven't really been in the dating scene much since then" she blushed.
"Don't be embarrassed, honey! Maybe now that you're in a new home, city and University you'll feel ready" Frank smiled warmly as they started to drive to her new beginning.
"You're right.. Maybe I am ready" she smiled gazing out the window, thinking to herself ~ 'there's no place like home'.