In several of my Frank drabbles, I’ve hinted to the fact that I had a story idea that never got fully developed… and this still isn’t it, but it’s part of the idea haha. I’ll slowly get bits and pieces written over time haha.
Disclaimer:This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.
Frank smiled as he listened to his niece talk about her classes.
Her needs as an advanced student had led to him returning to academics and becoming a professor again.
Plus, his job meant that she could attend the university practically for nothing.
“Who’s that?” Mary asked as they turned the corner to his office.
Frank opened his mouth to say he didn’t know, but then the woman turned to look at them.
His ex fiancé.
“Mary,” he said. “Go to the conference room.”
“But,” the teenager started to argue.
“Go,” he said firmly.
Mary let out a teenager like sigh and stopped into the conference room that was a few doors down from his office.
—-
You hard heard them coming before they’d rounded the corner. You’d known it was Frank just from the sound of his voice.
You expected him to look older, especially since it had been twelve years since you’d seen him last. You hadn’t expected him to age like fine wine.
He said nothing as he unlocked his office door and pushed it open. He motioned for you to enter first and closed the door behind himself.
“What are you doing here?” his voice tone was sharp and to the point.
“I just accepted a position in the English department,” you explained. “I didn’t know you worked here when I applied or, hell, even when I accepted the job.”
“So how did you find out?” he asked, slightly less defensive, but still not friendly.
“The Humanities Department secretary,” you replied. “She asked where I’d last taught and when I said Boston University, she mentioned you and your genius niece, which eliminate everyone else.”
Frank nodded stiffly.
“I didn’t want you to find out that I was here from someone else,” you explained, after a moment. “I didn’t this it was fair, considering.”
Frank just nodded again.
—-
He was being rude and he knew it, but he blamed the shock of seeing her again.
After all, she was the one person he had gone to before he’d left for Florida. He had asked her to come with him. But she’d said no.
“I don’t blame you,” he said, thinking and saying the words at the same time.
He really didn’t. She had just gotten her job in the English Department and leaving would have risked her ability to get another position anywhere else.
Hell, he’d struggled to get this job. It had only been the situation with Mary that had gotten the Dean to even give him a chance.
“I’ve missed you,” she said, softly. “A lot of time has passed…” she cleared her throat. “I’m divorced. He was another professor and why I left Boston. I have family here.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. He nodded towards the door. “It’s just Mary and me. Always has been.”
“I always knew you’d be a good dad.”
Frank looked up at her and, for the first time in twelve years, felt his heart skip a beat.
You hooked me early on. OMG I want to see where this goes! @theycallmebecca please tell me you’re going to add to this?
