“That’s only because he doesn’t know you, dear,” Rose said, softly. “Once he gets to know you, he’ll have no choice but to fall in love with you.”
Fran patted her arm. “Thank you, lovely, that’s nice of you to say so.”
“Well, it’s the truth. Now, we need to think of a way that the two of you can be together.”
Fran smiled at her. “The only way we could be together is to leave this pack, leave my job, my friends and family, and move somewhere new,” he said, his heart heavy. “And that would break my heart.”
“The fates have a way of sorting everything out, you’ll see. You and your young man will be together soon and living happily ever after.”
Fran smiled sadly. “You’re such a romantic, Rose.”
Rose laughed. “I know, I always have been.”
Just then the door opened, and Robbie walked in carrying a chart. He pulled up short when he saw Fran sat talking to Rose.
“Hello Rose, Fran. Do you want me to come back later?”
Fran shook his head and stood up, quickly wiping his face with his hands. “Nope, Miss Rose and I were just talking nonsense.” He leant down and kissed her cheek. “Thank you,” he said, smiling at her.
She patted his cheek. “It will all work out, you’ll see.”
Fran nodded and with a pat to Robbie’s shoulder, he walked out.
Rose shook her head sadly.
“Everything alright, Rose?” Robbie asked her gently, walking to the side of her bed.
“I’m still dying, Robbie. But I’m not worried about me, I’m worried about our Fran.”
“Something’s troubling him. I’ve not had time to talk to him yet to find out what’s wrong,” Robbie told her.
“I fear that he might get his heart broken, and if that happens, I’m not sure he’ll ever recover. I tried to be positive, but my heart hurts for him and what he’ll have to go through.”
Robbie looked confused. “Fran’s not seeing anyone at the moment. Has he met someone?”
Rose stared at him. “It’s not my secret to tell, just please watch out for him. The coming few weeks will be a trial for him.”
“I will, Rose, never fear. I’ll look after him,” Robbie assured her.
“And just keep an open mind,” Rose cautioned him.
“I will,” Robbie promised. He would always have his cousin’s back, come hell or high water.
CHAPTER 4
Clocking off time came and Fran was looking forward to going home and resting. He had updated Tracy, the nurse taking over from him, and was now changing out of his teal scrubs, and into his jeans and a t-shirt when his phone dinged. He grabbed it and looked at the message and groaned. It was from his uncle, saying that they were having a family dinner tonight and to be at the castle for seven.
He was wondering if he could get out of it, when moments later a second message came through, this one from Finn, saying he was looking forward to seeing Fran and they could arrange their next shopping trip.
Fran leant his head against his locker door and sighed, knowing he didn’t really have a choice. He sent a message back to both Berni and Finn that he would be there.
Once the message was sent, he banged his head on his locker door.
He heard the door behind him open and then close, and turning, saw Robbie standing there, looking at him in concern.
“Cuz, tell me what’s wrong,” Robbie said gently.
Fran’s eyes filled with tears, and he shook his head. “I can’t, not yet.”
