Frank POV

I thought that maybe working on our project at Gerard’s house would be okay. Well, it’s not. It’s awkward and quiet, and Mikey is here. Mikey and I used to be just as close as he was to Gerard, but now it is obvious that he hates me a lot. We were in the middle of working on our catapult’s blueprints when he walked into the kitchen, clearly unaware that I would be joining them this afternoon. He greeted me through clenched teeth, and I could tell that he didn’t mean the nice impression that he tried to give off. Mikey didn’t linger too long in the kitchen, and as soon as he left, Gerard did too. They may think that I don’t know that they’re talking about me upstairs, but I do.

After a few minutes of hushed argument, Gerard makes his way downstairs and back to me. He tries to fake a smile, but I can see right through it, I’ve been doing it long enough to have that ability.

“So…I think I can get some spare wood and such for the catapult from my dad. I see him this weekend, so I can probably have it on Monday. Do you think you could find some rope and a small container for the marshmallow?” he asks, leaning on the counter.

“…Sure.”

“We don’t need it just yet, I mean; we still have to work more on the design.” Gerard says, trying to assure me.

I keep trying to focus on the project, but I can’t stop thinking about the events that just unfolded upstairs.

“Does Mikey still hate me?” I say without thinking, and as soon as it leaves my lips I regret it.

“What?”

“I’m sorry. “ I half-whisper before I grab my bag and pack up to leave.

As I walk out of the door, Gerard stays silent and follows me. When he gets to get door, he stops to watch me leave, and I can feel his eyes on me. It’s already getting dark, but I don’t mind. Leaves blow in the wind and sweep under my feet, being crushed when I meet them. When I get about two houses down from Gerard’s, I swear I heard someone yell at me. I’d say it was Gerard, but I probably just imagined it.

It just sounded like someone said “I forgive you.”

After walking for a while, I finally got home. Like I expected, my dad isn’t home, he wasn’t here when I left for school this morning either. Instead of my dad sitting on the couch in our living room, it’s my cousin, Lindsey. She smiled from ear to ear when I walked in, and she jumped up to follow me to my room.

“Frankie, I haven’t seen you since I visited you! Where have you been?” she asks entering my room after me, closing the door.

“I don’t know, school?”

“I heard you and your dad had a spat the other night while I was at the library. What happened?” she asked, concerned.

Lindsey is the only person who knows about the incident other than Gerard and the guys. I trust her over anyone else in my family.

“I came out of the closet.”

“I knew it. I’ve been waiting for this day ever since I met you.” She smiled giving me a hug. “Congratulations.”

“Well, Dad’s not as happy about it as you are. I don’t want to think about that though.”

“Of course.” She asked, walking over to my bed and sitting on it, crossing her legs.

“So what’s up? Why are you staying here, aren’t you suppose to be an adult now?”

“My shit apartment has to be fumigated. Go figure.”

“What, your blowjob money couldn’t pay for a better apartment?” I ask playfully, earning a hit with a pillow.

“What about you, lover boy? I heard you were at certain boy’s house today. Details, please.”

“It was uncomfortable. “ I say, sitting down next to her.

“Have you told him about your sexual preferences yet?” She asked, giggling.

“No, I think he still hates me. I can’t blame him, though.” I reply, sighing loudly.

“Let him know that you want to make up for everything.”

Weirdly enough, I think I should follow her advice.

Notes

Lots of dialogue, sorry if its terrible.