THINNER
by
Antigone
Chapter 35
The Chapters
Frank Hardy was emotionally and physically exhausted. Joe had
disappeared as soon as they’d arrived home, and Frank had found him
sleeping, wrapped in all his covers.
He’d confessed to his mother the awful scene that had occurred in the
hallway, and his trip to the guidance counselor. Laura had instantly
gotten on the phone and vocally dismembered the man for his ignorance to
male eating issues and his failed attempt to help her son. Frank had
eaten little for lunch and gone to sit in Joe’s room for awhile,
watching the rise and fall of the blankets and finding a strange sort of
comfort in it. At least Joe was here, he was with him, and now Frank was
beginning to understand some of the issues that plagued his younger
brother: the loss of confidence, the insistence that no one cared for
him, that he was alone.
Frank sighed and rolled over to check the clock. 5:30. They’d be
called for dinner soon, and the elder Hardy wanted to talk to Joe before
then. Forcing himself up, he briefly combed his hair, straightened his
shirt, and crossed the bathroom to his brother’s room.
Joe was awake, his hair slightly tousled, sitting on the edge of the bed
rocking himself ever so slightly.
“Joe?”
The younger Hardy looked up, his eyes slightly pink.
“You all right?”
He shook his head. Frank came slowly in and sat beside him.
“Are you thinking about earlier?”
Joe’s eyes filled. Frank touched his shoulder.
“I can see all my ribs,” he murmured.
Frank swallowed, hard.
“And I like it.”
Frank shut his eyes, but he felt Joe turn to look at him.
“And now I’m really scared.”
The elder Hardy drew a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm for his
brother’s sake.
“Frank.”
He opened his eyes and met Joe’s terror filled blue ones.
“I’m really sick, aren’t I?”
No
crap! Frank was tempted to scream. But he just nodded.
Joe turned away and stared at himself in the mirror. “Then why am I
still so…big?”
Frank threw his arms around his brother and held him tightly as Joe
burst into tears.
Let the author know what you think of this story
Home Library Authors Rogue's Gallery Vehicles Chums Message Board Rap Sheet Links Contact
Disclaimer
The Hardy Boys belong to Simon and Schuster and the Stratemeyer Foundation. The Hardy Boys Fan Fiction authors of the Hardy Detective Agency have just borrowed them for an adventure or two. The authors promise to put the boys back when they are done with them. The authors do claim copyright to the original characters in this story. Please do not borrow original characters without express permission of the authors.