The Light Behind His Eyes

Frank was quiet as Alex and I talked about the music choices. Alex joked that I should play a couple of more punk songs before playing, "It's raining men" randomly just to see the odd looks in my customer's faces. I laughed and asked Frank, "Wouldn't that be fucking amazing?" I tried my best to get him into the conversation, but he let me down with one word replies.
"Yeah." He said softly.
Alex had his eyes on him, "I guess you're a little uncomfortable. Sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner," Alex stuck out his hand, "My name's Alex...I really want to thank you. For kicking Stephan's ass."
Frank shook his hand, "Frank. Frank Iero. And no problem, he had it coming."
Alex smiled, "Well Frank Iero, I expect you to take care of my friend here," he smiled as he patted my back, "How's your forehead?"
"It bleeds suddenly, but I'll live. How's your eye?"
Alex's purple eye was swollen, really disgusting. He smiled, "It should go back to normal in a couple hours. Thanks to you too, you were the first to get up there and take a beating. I'm glad Jack went to get you two, he couldn't even win a fight with a baby." He laughed, "Oh," Alex looked at his wrist watch, "Speaking of Jack, I am late for...work."
"Jack reminds you of work?" I asked.
Alex didn't reply. He waved bye before leaving out the door. I looked over to Frank who was smiling, biting down on the nail of his thumb. He grinned, "Wanna spy?"
I grinned back, "I thought you'd never ask,"
Abruptly, we rushed out the store. We saw Alex walk in the pizza store, not suspecting a thing. Frank turned to me, "I'm going to walk in and find a seat in the back. Come in ten seconds after I walk in, got it?"
I nodded, smiling, "Yeah, yeah, just go, hurry," this was fun to me. It's been a while since I spied on a friend, seeing what they're up too.
Frank walked next door, casually walking in with a group of other teenagers. One...two...three...four...five...six...seven...eight...nine...ten. I walked towards next door, shoving my hands into my pockets. I walked in, the pizza place was crowded. It was surprising, but then again, looking at the cheap prices made me realize anything that was cheap as $5 for a large box, anyone would buy no matter what. I looked around to find Frank in the back, gesturing me to come over. I walked over and sat down next to him. He smiled, "Look at him, poor kid. He's working his ass off." I looked over to Alex who was behind the counter piling box after box to serve the customers. It seemed stressful, rushed. Maybe this was why I wanted to own a bookstore. It's quiet, peaceful.
Frank and I stayed in the same spot for ten minutes. Alex was still piling and shouting numbers. It was quiet between Frank and I.
"Hey."
Frank and I looked up to find a busty blonde with long hair passing her breasts. She smiled at Frank, "You're the one who kicked Stephan's ass, huh? Yeah," she sat down next to him, not breaking eye contact, "You're Hank, right?"
I held back my laugh, shoving my hands over my mouth.
Frank smiled at me a bit before turning to the blonde, "Close. It's Frank. But I'm guessing your small brain couldn't remember so I'll let it slide."
I admit, it was stereotypical but funny. I chuckled, trying not to burst into laughter.
She scowled, "Hilarious for a fucking loser."
I replied with a large grin, "Hilarious for someone who approached him in the first place."
She rolled her eyes as she got off the chair and disappeared into the crowd. Frank and I laughed, almost tearing up. He chuckled, "Can you believe that just happened?"
I smiled, "Well, I wouldn't blame her for hitting on you in the first place."
Frank turned serious, "Wait, what?"
My face burned, "Uh-nothing-I wonder what Alex is doing." I stretched out my neck, trying to look over the heads in the store.
"Wait, what did you mean-"
"Hey look,"
Alex was walking over to a nearby table, near the large window. He was on break, I was guessing. He kept looking at his watch, over and over-until finally, he adjusted in his seat. He was looking out the window across the street from my bookstore. I didn't say anything to Frank as I walked over to get a better look to whatever he was looking at. Then I saw it. He was staring at Jack. Jack was outside the Auto store, holding a sign up that said, "BUY THREE TIRES, GET THE FOURTH FREE!". He was spinning it awkwardly, dancing around. I looked at Alex who was staring-no, it wasn't just staring. He was admiring. I knew he was because that's the same look I give to Frank when he isn't looking. Alex was taking small bites of his pizza, his eyes on Jack. He would laugh when Jack accidentally dropped the sign (which happened a lot).
I smiled a bit.
This was cute. Alex liked Jack.
I walked over and tapped Alex's shoulder. Alex jumped, "Holy shit, Gerard. You fucking scared me." I sat across from him, "Enjoying the view?"
Alex looked at me, "I mean, it's the same thing every day." okay, fine Alex, I'll play your game.
I nodded, looking over my shoulder outside the window. My eyes laid on Jack who was still trying to gain everyone's attention with the sign. I chuckled as I looked over to Alex, "Jack's out there."
Alex cleared his throat, "Really? Wow, I didn't know..."
"Cut the bull, Alex. You like him, don't you?"
"What-"
"I don't judge, really."
"Gerard, no listen-"
"I mean, I think you guys would make a cute couple."
Alex raised his brow, "You think so?"

Notes