Let Me Teach You A Thing Or Two

So it seems I’m rushing around for the umpteenth time because I woke up late. This teacher thing is harder than I thought. I walk out of my house with my shades on and a coffee in hand. I lock the door behind me and head to work.

I pull into the parking lot and head inside, I walk into the office to sign in. There was Hayley, she looks at me with blush on her cheeks. Oh boy, this chick still doesn’t get it. I put my sunglasses on top of my head and grab the pen.

“Hey there Frank,” she greets me as she walks up to the desk.

“Hey Hayley,” I mumble.

“How was your week here?” She asks obviously trying to keep me here with her for as long as she can.

“Eh, alright. The kids are a lot nicer than they were when I went here,” I reply honestly.

“You went here?”

“Uh.. yeah. Class of ‘05.”

“I graduated here two years earlier than you. Class of ‘03.”

“Funny,” I mumble, “Well I better get going.” I smile and wink before sliding my sunglasses back on. Her eyes sparkle with surprise and her cheeks flush a rosey color.

I walk out and down the halls to the music room. I pass gerard and his friends, they don’t notice me or bump into me which is a first. I place my stuff down and realize I forgot stuff in my car. Ah shit. I open the door to see Gerard sneaking out to the back of the building. It’s only a week and you’re already skipping a class. I ignore it for now and head to my car to go get my guitars and bass. It takes me two trips but I finally got them in, I need a cigarette. Thank god I don’t have a class first period. I go out the door Gerard did to see if he is still out here. And sure enough he is but what strikes me is his drawing. That is such a cool concept, I have to ruin his fun tho. I step on his pencils, lightly so I don’t break them. He reaches for one and instead he feels my shoe. He looks up and his mouth falls open, got you!

"I know I'm fantastic to look at but you can close your mouth, we don't want bugs flying in there do we?" I says sarcastically.

"Sorry, sir," he apologizes. I watch him get up and gather his things with his cigarette in his mouth, maybe I’ll just take his instead of wasting one.

"Say, those things are nasty. You shouldn't be smoking those at your age."

"Why does it matter what I do or not?"

"Well right now you should be in class but aren't so either you give me that and I don't write you up or we could do this the hard way," I reply sternly, c’mon be a sport I want that and you’re wasting it.

"Fine," he mumbles as he hands the cigarette to me, ah yes success.

"By the way that's a really good drawing, actually good isn't a good word to use more like amazing."

"Really?"

"Yeah Gerard you are super talented."

“I uh… thanks, Mr. Iero.”

“No problem now get going I’ll see you in class later,” I assure him.

“Alright, later,” he says as he walks past me. I watch him and couldn’t help but look at his butt. So round, wait this is actually fucked up.

I sigh and take a puff of the cigarette, this is what I have been dying for this morning. I observe my surroundings and now understand why he sits out here. It’s peaceful and no one can see you so it’s like a shield from the world even if you are at school. This school has changed, I do wonder tho if the hole under the dugout still exists. I walk around till I find it and there is the hole. This makes me so happy, my buds and I use to hang out here all the time. I peak under to see if our names are still carved in and there they were. Not only our names but a few others, I guess we started a weird legacy. I read the names and notice that Gerards is on there along with Ray, Bob, Mikey, and Jada. That’s cool, her’s looks new though, maybe they just added it.

I hear the bell ring and I had already finished my cigarette awhile ago so I just head back inside. Sadly I have a class this period so I think of what today’s agenda might be. Maybe I’ll just get them to pair up and perform something. If they are classical then I’ll let them go separate. I walk in the door and a few kids follow behind. Next thing I know is there are more kids piling in. I sit down in my seat and pull out my phone to see if I got any texts or tweets. I got a shit ton from fans of the band. I scroll through each one and reply to a few of them then put my phone away and begin class when the next bell rings.

“Morning class, since all of you are talented in some way I’m going to let you guys pair up and perform a song for us,” I explain, “I’ll give you a few moments to pick a song and partners, also I get that some of you aren’t friends or what ever but it’s fun to talk to new people. Alright and GO!”

Just like that kids were running around trying to find people. Wow they are super excited about this. This make me super thrilled, man why couldn’t my class by like that?

“Time is up! Everyone find someone?” I ask, a few people nod their heads,” Okay so who wants to go first?”

“We do!” I think Alex says.

“Alright c’mon up, oh yeah as you guys can see I brought in my guitars and bass. So pick what you want to play, or even sing.”

It’s Alex, Jack, and two other guys whose names escape my mind at the moment. They look at me with reassurance, I nod my head telling them to go. They begin to play Basket Case by Green Day, ah, good choice. Bonus points for them. A few more groups go then the bell rings.

“See you Monday! Have a good weekend!” I bid them farewell.

Another class comes and goes, my stomach growls for only me to hear. Jesus I’m hungry, I look through my pockets. I finally find what I’m looking for. A granola bar that I grabbed before running out of the house this morning. I roll up the sleeves of my shirt then rip the wrapper off and begin eating it when I see a few eyes on me.

“What?” I say with my mouth full.

“Sir, those are cool tattoos,” Kevin says. I look at my arms, oh shit, I roll down my sleeves.

“Don’t say anything to any teachers, I’m not suppose to have these. They only know about the one on my neck and the ones on my knuckles,” I explain to whoever is listening, which is the whole class at this point because the bell rang. I sigh and finish my granola bar before I explain what we are doing today.

“Okay, so today we are going to pair up. Form a mini band I guess you could say. Once you have found your partners you are going to perform in front of the class. Choose what ever song you want to sing. I brought in my guitars and bass so if you play those you can. Alright, get a move on,” I finish explaining and sit down in my chair to watch everyone scramble to find a partner. I look over to a corner to see a kid sitting there all alone.

I get up and walk over to him, he doesn’t look up at me as I approach his desk. I get down on one knee to look him in the eyes. He is wearing eye shadow which really makes his light blue eyes pop. His hair is short on one side and long on the other. His hair is swept over to one side, which is cool. My hair did something crazy at one point, when I quit I’ll do it again. He is wearing a black shirt that says ‘gandhi is my homeboy’. Ha, he has a sense of humor. His pants are black and he is wearing high chucks.

“Hey,” I say.

“Oh, hi Mr. Iero I didn’t see you there,” the boy speaks, his voice very deep and soothing.

“It’s okay,” I forgive him,” why aren’t you looking for any partners?”

“I don’t like anyone in here,” he replies honestly.

“Oh, uh, okay. Why don’t you?” I ask, this time he looks me in the eyes. My heart melts a little.

“Because they listen to shity music, judge me, and give me looks.”

“Fine, well, I’ll perform with you.”

“No,” his eyes get wide with panic.

“Why not? I am the teacher after all, so whatever I say goes.”

“But… I.. uh don’t play anything or sing,” he whispers shyly.

“You don’t have to be good, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll let you listen to your music on your iPod every Monday and Friday. If you get up there and sing while I play guitar.”

He processed what I had said then look at me, “Okay.”

“Awesome, what is your name by the way? It’s only been a week and I am still terrible with names,” I explain.

“Andy,” he replies with a lighter attitude. I smile and stand up.

“Alright, Andy. We can go first so you can get it over with.”

“Um.. okay. What song do you want to play?” he asks me a little more excited now.

“Hm… thats up to you, since you are the student.”

“Uh… how about Under Pressure?”

“You do realize that is a duet right?” I reassure him. He nods this time with a smile on his face, oh I see what you did there.

“Alright, lets do it,” I say as I get up and he follows. Everyone seems to be set and is waiting for my okay to begin.

“So since none of you paired up with Andy here. Me and him are going to sing for you guys,” I explain as I roll up my sleeves and walk over to my guitar. I throw the strap on then walk up next to him.

“We are.. uh… gonna sing Under Pressure,” He whispers.

“What?” someone asked.

“He said we’re going to sing Under Pressure,” Kevin responded. I smile at him as if saying thank you.

“When you are ready Andy,” I say to him in reassurance. He swallows closes his eyes and nods his head. I begin to play.

[Andy]
Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you
No man ask for

I begin singing from where he left off.

[Frank]
Under pressure
That brings a building down
Splits a family in two

He looks at me playing while singing the next line, starting to build up confidence.

[Andy]
Puts people on streets

[Frank] I smile and giggle before singing the next line.
Um ba ba be
Um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da - that's okay

[Andy]
It's the terror of knowing
What the world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming

I begin to walking around and jumping along. Not only am I getting into it but the whole class claps along.

[Frank]
'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow gets me higher

Andy walks up an aisle then leans on Kevin's desk.

[Andy]
Pressure on people on streets

I look up at him then jump on my desk while still playing, everyone looks at me with amazement. Only if they knew.

[Frank]
Day day de mm hm
Da da da ba ba
Okay

I jump off my desk in a really bad ass way. Everyone by this time were out of their seat and dancing along. Andy is on a student’s desk as well waiting for his turn to sing.

Chippin around - kick my brains around the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours
Ee do ba be
Ee da ba ba ba
Um bo bo
Be lap

I walk over to him and stand in front of the desk he’s standing on. He looks down at me with adrenaline in his eyes. This biggest smiles blastered on his face. All the kids are up in the front dancing along, some lip singing.

[Andy] People on streets
[Frank] ee da de da de
[Andy] People on streets
[Frank] ee da de da de da de da


[Andy]
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming

Andy jumps down and we lean our backs together, and sing/shout the next line.

[Together] 'Let me out!'

[Frank]
Pray tomorrow - gets me higher
Higher
High

I stop playing and try to hold out the longest note in the world. I breath before singing the next line. Sweat is running down the side of my head. I begin playing again.

Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work

[Andy]
Keep coming up with love
But it's so slashed and torn

Andy walks over to my desk and sits down on the top. I bend down then slowly stand up as I sing the the next words.

[Frank] Why- why- why?
Love love love love love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance
Why can't we give love that one more chance

I begin to jump up and down. Everyone joins in with me.

Why can't we give love give love give love give love
Give love give love give love give love give love

He looks over at me to reply to what I just sang.

[Andy]
Because love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the ([frank] People on streets) edge of the night
And loves ([frank] People on streets) dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves

We’re both on either side of the room. We start to walk towards each other. Not losing contact. People move out of our way.

This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure

We finally reach each other and stare at each other. Its like no one is around. I whisper the last line.

[Frank]
Pressure

Everyone is cheering and clapping. I smile and wink at Andy before turning to everyone and bowing. Andy joins in and bows with me. I laugh then walk over to the guitar stand to place down my guitar. Which I named Pansy, I love this guitar like a lot. Everyone is talking to Andy now and have huge smiles on their faces. They all are sitting back down.

“Alright,” I say as I smile,” That was a ton of fun. Andy you have an amazing voice. You remind me of another kid in a class after this one. So after that big show who would like to go next?” I wipe my face from the sweat, I’m pretty sure I have sweat stains. For some reason I did bring in another shirt, so that comes in handy.

“I would like to go next,” Kevin states.

“Alright, come on down with your group,” I reply as I sit down in my chair to cool down.

The class ends and everyone is talking to each other which makes me extremely happy. Andy is talking to Kevin but before he leaves I call his name. He smiles and says later to Kevin then walks over to me.

“Hey kiddo, that was awesome,” I tell him.

“Thanks, sir,” He blushes.

“Alright, monday remind me that I have to introduce you to someone okay?”

“Okay,” he smiles.

“Get going, I’ll see you monday.”

Before anyone enters I check to see if I have any sweat stains. Surprisingly I don’t, I lean back and look up at the ceiling. That was the most fun I’ve had in the past weeks. My band hasn’t played any gigs lately and I miss performing so much. The adrenaline, jumping up and down, playing guitar, hearing people sing the words back, the crowd, having a band, the stage. It’s what I live for, it’s what I’m meant to do but instead here I am trying to get money to afford stuff.

The bell rings and I repeat the same thing for the third time,” Good morning class! Right, today is going to be different. I want all of you to pair up. You guys are going to preform. Yes I realize that maybe none of you have worked with each other or friends for that matter but you are going to pair up and decide on a song. I brought in my guitars and a bass so that way for those you know how can play. Right, so get to it.”

I skim the room and see Gerard is stoked about this. Not only him but his friends seem to be excited.

“So who wants to go first?” I asks.

“We do!” Patrick exclaims.

“Alright Patrick, up you guys go.”

Patrick and three other guys go up with him.

“Do you guys all know each other?” I asks before they start.

“Uh, not really,” Patrick replies.

He’s on guitar, the dude with the fro is also on guitar, one guy is on drum, and a kid with eyeliner is on bass. I think they might be Bon Jovi fans because they begin to play Livin’ on a Prayer. Patrick begins to sing. I’m feeling that Jersey vibe and I bang my head along to the song. Kids get into it, and lip sing. They finish and everyone goes, except for Gerard’s group. Everyone seems to be all in this. I’m so happy this worked out.

“Alright, last but not least. Gerard and your group,” I announce.

They walk up and Gerard takes his place up front, Ray to his left with Pansy, Mikey to his right with the bass, and next to Mikey is Jada with the piano. Gerard looks at them for reassurance, they nod their heads. They seem really into what they are about to do.

“I wear myself too thin,
Can't help myself this time.
I'm on the outside looking in,
Can't see myself this time….” Gerard begins to sing. Oh… My God. They are singing my song! My fucking song! How did they find this? Just.. what? Oh no… I sit there not moving just thinking.

He keeps singing the rest of them get into it jumping around. Gerard even walks up to me and sings. I just stare at him wide eyed. Just how is all I ask.

“THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED!” Patrick shouts as he grabs the sides of his hat,” LIKE HOLY SHIT, BRAVO.” He begins to clap and so does everyone else except for me. When they are finished I stand up and was about to say something but the bell rings.

They all leave but I run to the door and slam it before Gerard can walk out.

“Excuse you,” Gerard says sarcastically but his eyes are opened shocked.

“How?” was all the came out.

“Um.. I don’t understand.”
“Where did you find that song, how did.. what?”

“Starbucks.”

“Come again?”

“I have to Monday cause y’know this is school and all,” he drags out as he walks over and sit on my desk. Wow someone is feeling cocky as all hell.

“Oh cut the crap,” I say sharply.

He raises his hands in surrender, “Sorry, sir.”

“How did you find out about this song?” I asks again. I walk toward him and cross my arms when I stop in front of him.

“Remember when we saw each other at starbucks? Well you see, I went to throw out my trash when I saw you there. So I threw it out and you look so concentrated on what ever you were working on so I slightly peeked over your shoulder to see what it was,” he explains,” And all I saw was Pencey Prep and there was a picture with guys in it with you in it.”

“That’s my personal life, you shouldn’t have looked. It’s none of your business.”

Gerard looks down, “I’m sorry, sir.”

I sigh and rub my face with one of my hands,” It’s alright, just… don’t tell anyone else besides your friends because I’m pretty sure they already know.”

“Yes, Mr. Iero,” he replies innocently. It makes my heart melt just a little.

Gerard looks up at me, “You better get going to class before you are late.”

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” Gerard asks confused.

“Checking me out are we?” I ask as I lean closer to him. His face turns redder than rudolph's nose.
“Uh… noooo,” he tries hard to sound normal.

“You’re funny when you lie,” I say. Why am I flirting with him? I’m too old for him, but it feels right at the same time. What is wrong with me.

“Oh, um, thanks,” was all that he was able to say.

“Well, I don’t want to keep your friends waiting, go to your next class. Here is a pass,” I say as I write him a pass. I rip off the pass from the pad and hand it to him. He jumps down and without meaning to I look down and see that his pants seem to pitch a tent. I just clear my throat.

“Thank you, Mr. Iero,” he thanks me as he leaves the classroom. I try my hardest to not look but I look down at his ass, and damn is all I have to say. Gerard looks back at me, I smile and wink at him. Once he is out of sight, I lean against my desk in support. This kid makes me dizzy, I barely know him. I want to know him, or get to know him anyway. Although I am surprised at what he sang, he sang it better then me.

Notes

So the words that are like this are actions that happen while they are preforming. I'm extremely tired and I just finished this chapter for you guys. I think its long? I'm not totally sure. My eyes burn from staring at this screen. Anyway, I had fun in West Virginia. Uh.. I can't think straight at all. My brain is completely not with me right now. Also there was this huge fucking beetle before and according to my dad is could bite so it scared the fuck out of me. But I'm okay just scared. haha. Right well enjoy. Leave feed back. I love reading what you guys have to say! Peace and Love to all.

-Liz (song atm Under Pressure MCR and The Used cover)