Sweet Nothing (Frank Adler AU)

9

"Ok, you weren't kidding about the names..." I say as I put the list down that Frank had presented me, courtesy of Mary and Roberta. "I mean, some of them are pretty inspired..."

"I'm not naming the kid, Bluey". Frank runs a hand down his face. I also note that Bingo is on there and smirk.

"It could be worse..."

He looks at me. "Tell me how it could get much worse? another few options were names from Ice Age. You ever heard of a girl called Sid?"

"I mean...there's Sidney, that's a girl name too". I shrug

"You're not making this any better". He looks at me with some amusement. "It's just be nice to finally find something that we can both agree on, and that actually goes with Adler".

I glance to him. "And when did we agree that she's taking your last name? I might want her to have mine".

He knows that there's some sarcasm there and just nods. "Ok fine, but can we at least get a list that we actually like?"

We look through the book that Roberta brought over and left us, making faces at a few that sound like they belong in a dictionary, as well as writing down a few we both agree on.

I stop and look at him. "I...er...I think her middle name should be Diane".

Frank is silent, thinking it over in his head and then nods. "I think so too...Diane would've loved this".

"Now we just have to find something that will go". I smile lightly and we get back to going down the endless list of girl names before we look at the ones we have so far.  Frank makes himself some coffee and some juice for me, both of us writing out the names in full and looking them over.

"I actually like this one". He points to the name that has also been standing out to me too.

Dolly.

The full name has a kind of 'bounce' to it. Dolly Diane Adler. Bittersweet for Frank who would have loved his sister to share this, despite the unusual circumstances, but also to remember her by as well.

"I think we may have found our name". I agree, liking it even more now I've looked at it and said it a few times in my head. "I, er...guess I should be getting going". Now seeing the time. Mary is at Roberta's house but will be home soon, so I should be getting back before hitting traffic.

"You could always stay? I think Mary would like to see you". Frank now suggests.

I purse my lips. "Well, I guess I could say hello before I go". I don't think that Mary would forgive me if she missed me.

It's not long before the doorbell goes and both Roberta and Mary come tumbling in. "Thea! Look at you!" Roberta comes over and gives me a hug, now looking at my bump that's a little more visible than it has been. "How went the great name hunt?"

"We finally have one we agree on". Frank says, "coffee?" Now,offering her a drink while I say hello to Mary.

"Please, so c'mon then! Let's hear it!" Roberta now says, looking at us both with anticipation

Frank smiles lightly. "Dolly".

A rather inhumane screech from Roberta now fills the room as she hugs us both. "That's just beautiful! What do you think Mary?"

Mary smiles and nods. "I like it".

"You'd better, coz it's staying". Frank says as he makes Roberta's coffee and then brings it to her, along with a snack for his niece. "You had fun at Roberta's?"

"Duh". Comes her reply and I chuckle. "We did karaoke and had popcorn".

I take my bag and coat. "I really need to get home".

"I'll see you out". Frank says and follows me to the door after I say goodbye to Roberta and Mary. "So...erm, I don't have Mary next Friday night...I wondered whether you wanted to either go to dinner, or even have dinner here..." he trails off.

We're trying, and he's trying a lot more when it comes to getting to know one another. I can't fault him for that, plus his company isn't as painful as it first started out as. "Sure. I'll text you". I agree, "see you Friday".

"See you". He says as I walk out and make my way home.

Over the weekend, I don't feel so great. I thought I was past the stage of feeling ill but the last two days have kicked my ass. Come Monday morning, I manage to all but drag myself into work, however Emma notices I look like death and comes over. "You need to go home".

"I'm fine..." I protest but feel anything but that. In fact, I'm beginning to feel a little light headed the longer I stand for. "I..." I don't even have time to finish the sentence as I feel myself begin to lose all capability of standing. Emma's muffled voice is unclear for me to hear and it's not until I'm looking up at her that I realise I fainted.

"It's alright, I got you" she tells me as she rolls me onto my side for fear of me being sick.

"Frank..." is all I can say. "Call Frank, phone..."

I can't think of anything else but him.