WISHES

by

Duckling

Chapter 9

The Chapters

INTRO

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

“Joe,” Frank whispered hoarsely as he saw his brother’s bright blue eyes peering up at them. Frank let his hand brush his brother’s cheek briefly. Joe blushed, the color in stark contrast to his wan face, but his sapphire eyes reflected the unabashed affection he saw in his brother’s own.  

The girls turned away, embarrassed to have witnessed the tender exchange between the brothers, but touched by it as well. After a moment, Vanessa looked back into her boyfriend’s face and was pleased to see he was rapidly regaining his color. “Hi,” she said huskily, as she bent down to give him a kiss. “I missed you.”  

“Missed you too,” Joe said softly, his eyes holding her own until he shifted his gaze to his brother, and finally let it rest on Callie.  

“Joe,” the girl began breathlessly, “I’m so terribly-”  

“I know,” Joe interrupted quietly. “I heard you. I . . .  I can’t say that it was no big deal, because it was.” The blond boy gulped as he repressed another shudder. Then he gave his brother’s girlfriend a brief smile. “But I can say that my complaints were equally thoughtless, and you had every reason to be exasperated by me.”  

 “But please, next time I irritate you, please don’t send me away forever.” Joe’s voice was soft, and almost teasing, but his bright blue eyes held a pleading note.  

Callie was shocked at the trace of fear she saw there. Joe was afraid of her? Swallowing back her guilt and surprise, she squeezed the hand she was still holding. “I promise, Joe,” the girl replied softly, willing away the fear she had seen momentarily flicker in those dark blue eyes. “I promise no matter what happens, I will never wish you away again. Not even temporarily.”  

Joe peered intently into Callie’s eyes, as if searching for any duplicity. Finally he sighed, and a real smile crossed his face. “Thanks, Cal .”  

Callie smiled back at the boy as she felt Frank place a hand on her shoulder. Elated, she turned to face her boyfriend. He gave her a brief smile before focusing his attention once more on his brother.  

He had touched her. Callie had hardly dared to hope that he would speak to her anytime soon. Frank loved Joe more than anyone else in the world, and rarely forgave anyone who was foolish enough to harm the younger boy. Although she hadn’t technically hurt Joe, she knew Frank well enough to know that her wishing his brother away would affect their relationship. But perhaps, she thought with a happy smile, perhaps it hadn’t ruined it.  

Frank by now had helped his brother into a sitting position. Joe suddenly looked over at Callie and caught her eye.  

A spark of mischief flashed in his blue eyes as he stated innocently: “It’s freezing down here. Can’t we just leave, already?”  

The others laughed as Frank pulled his brother to his feet. No doubt about it, Joe Hardy was back.    

The End

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