The Light Behind His Eyes

Frank was still dropping tears when we were sitting outside of the principle's office. He didn't say a word, and I didn't pressure him too. Every once in a while I would pat his shoulder, or smile at him. None of my techniques worked, of course. Though I wanted to ask him why he was crying after beating up the biggest asshole at school, I didn't want to ask him anything he didn't feel comfortable with.
The principle's door swung open. Stephan was being let out by a teacher. Stephan's eyes were staring at Frank, but Frank kept his eyes to the ground.
"Gerard, Frank, come in." A woman's voice said from inside.
I had the urge to hold Frank's hand while we walked inside, but Frank walked inside ahead of me. We sat down next to each other, facing Mrs. Osmar. She had the cliché teacher look. The glasses, the hair in a bun, a cheap dress. She looked at me, "Your first day and you already have gotten in a fight."
I replied, "Well, my friend was in trouble-he was shedding blood."
"Oh? From the looks of it, Stephan was a few punches away from being sent to the hospital. And all for what? A few bucks?"
"Wait, are you suggesting Alex should have just gave him all his money?"
"I'm not suggesting anything at all." She smiled.
I don't remember Mrs. Osmar being such a bitch.
Frank's voice spoke up, "Well, maybe if the teachers came in sooner, no one would have gotten hurt."
Mrs. Osmar turned her head to Frank, "Excuse me?"
Frank smiled a bit, "Oh, you didn't hear me? I said," He stood up, "Maybe if the fucking teachers did their fucking jobs, Alex, Gerard, and Stephan wouldn't have gotten hurt."
Mrs. Osmar replied, her voice raising, "You need to sit back down!"
Frank didn't hesitate when he walked out the door. Mrs. Osmar yelled after him, "Get your ass back over here!" She groaned before turning to me, "You got anything to say?"
Maybe it was Frank's attitude that got me heat up. Maybe it wore off on me. I wasn't sure but when I screamed at her, "You're a fucking bitch" she gave me the most evil look I have ever seen. I rushed out before things got uglier. I managed to catch up with Frank who was stomping out of school grounds. He knew I was beside him, but didn't say anything. He kept walking. I wasn't sure at first where he was heading, but when we turned to the corner of Boulevard St., I knew.
He stopped in front of my bookstore. He looked at me, "Are you going to open it or what?"
"Oh," was all I said before pulling out my keys. I opened the door, and we both walked in. He basically laughed at my store, "Wow, I feel like this is a museum of lost books." He added, "What? Are we stuck in the 1900's? Come on Gerard, you own this store. Make some changes."
I walked behind the counter, "What do you suggest?" I smiled.
He walked over to the other side of the counter and leaned in, "Coffee and reading combined. We'll move some shelves around, add some tables, chairs, and a coffee maker."
I nodded, "Great idea. One problem, I don't have the money for it all."
Frank grinned, "I do. I've been saving up for college, but I don't mind spending it now."
"No, I can't let you do that-"
"Are we really going to argue over how I want to spend my own money?" He raised a brow.
He got me there.
I shrugged, "Okay, but I'm going to pay you back."
There was a spark in Frank's eye, "It doesn't have to be in money." He grinned as he walked over to the shelves. He took off his jacket, showing off his Black Flag t-shirt. I grinned, "You like Black Flag? Or are you one of those people who wear the shirt for fun?"
Frank smiled before he sang, "I'm about to have a nervous breakdown, my head really hurts. If I don't find a way out of here,"
I sang, "I'm going to go berserk because I'm crazy and I'm hurt," we seemed to be having fun, singing along to "Nervous Breakdown by Black Flags" (by the way if you hadn't heard of them, I strongly recommend). We were moving aside shelves, singing Misfit songs, the Smiths, Morrissey, and so on. We basically re arranged everything before heading out to the furniture store. Frank had gathered his money and purchased several round tables, chairs. I thought we were done, but he dragged me to other stores just to buy lights, a coffee maker, nice cups, etc.
Frank was behind the counter, "I told you we'd make great co-workers."
I smiled as I set up the tables, "Yeah, you were right."
Frank walked over and leaned into me, "Everything is looking great."
I felt my cheeks burn, "Yeah, it is."
Was he hitting on me? Nah, he was just complimenting. Frank grinned, "Looks like we're done." I was proud of us two. We managed to turn this "museum" into a hang out. The music, coffee and books combined can make Frank and I some easy money.
"Knock, knock." Alex walked in, "Wow, looks great in here." He said, looking around the store.
Frank, being the anti-social guy he is, stood behind the counter. He didn't say a word.
Alex smiled at me, "When are you guys officially open for business?"

Notes