I See You Lying Next to Me

***Frank’s POV***
“Hun I need to get to class, we can’t do this right now.” I said as I pushed Tess off of me. “But you never get to spend time with me! You’re always so busy with your job.” She whined as she put on a fake pouting face. “I know but you have to understand that this is the only job I have right now, and I can’t afford losing it by calling in sick all the time to be with you.” She sighed. “Fine…But don’t forget our date tonight!” She exclaimed as I closed the car door behind me and watched her drive off. As I walked more towards the school, I began to think of ways on how I could break up with her. I mean don’t get me wrong, Tess was absolutely beautiful and charming, but she was just so clingy and whiny that I couldn’t take it anymore. We had been dating for at least 8 months now, and I’ve been trying to break up with her for about 2 months after I caught her cheating on me with my best friend. For some reason I forgave her for everything but we still were not the same as we used to be. As I continued to ponder on my thoughts, I entered the half-filled classroom and set all my stuff onto my desk. Before I could sit down with a nice cup of coffee, I was interrupted by the telephone ringing. I groaned as I answered it. “Hello?” I greeted as I kicked my feet up onto the desk and held the phone up to my ear. “Oh hello Frank. This is Marcy from the front office. I just wanted to inform you that you will be having a new student attend your class today. He has just dropped by to pick up his schedule so he’ll be a little bit late.” She spoke from the other line. “Okay I’ll make sure to let him in and add him to my list of students.” I replied, scratching the back of my neck. “Ok he’ll be over there shortly. Bye.” “Bye.” I replied as I ended the phone call and set it back down onto the receiver. I then looked up to see one of my students hand raised. “Mr. Iero?” She asked. “Yes Ashley?” I asked in a groggily tone. “Is it true that we’re getting a new student?” I nodded. “Yes, so you all need to be on your best behavior.” I ordered as I began to hear some feet shuffling outside the classroom door. “That must be him.” I mumbled to myself as I shot out of my seat to open the door. As I opened the door, I saw a shy-looking boy standing before me. He was actually quite attractive for a senior if I do say so myself. He had dark, hazel eyes that hid behind his messy, black locks and he wore a light application of eyeliner which made his eyes stand out. “Hello, you must be the new student.” I greeted formally while reaching out to shake his hand. As he met my hand I could feel it shaking as it was obvious to see he was really nervous. He stood there staring at me for a while with an emotionless expression before I finally spoke up again. “Do you have a name?” I asked, followed by a chuckle. He gulped as if he was scared to say anything. “G-Gerard…” He mumbled quietly. “Ah ok I remember now. Well it’s nice to meet you Gerard, I’m your new teacher, Mr. Iero.” I could see that he was slightly confused at what I had just said. “Y-you’re my teacher?” He questioned, stroking his fingers through his messy hair. “Yeah, I know I look young, but I’ve had a lot of experience, so please do come in!” I cheered as I led him into my small, cramped classroom. “Everyone I would like you to meet your new classmate, Gerard.” I spoke loud enough for the whole class to hear. I could see the horror on Gerard’s face as everyone’s eyes glued onto him. He must have not been used to these kind of school settings before. “Hey faggot! What school did you come from?” I shot my head up to see Austin yelling from the back of the classroom. He was literally my least favorite student and I was infuriated to hear those words come out of his mouth. “Austin! We do not greet our new students in that matter!” I scolded in my serious, “teacher” voice. The new kid seemed to be startled by my scolding so I settled down. “So what school did you come from?” I asked trying to sound as calm as possible. He then began to speak but I couldn’t quite comprehend what he was saying. “I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you, could you speak up a little bit?” I asked politely. “I was homeschooled.” He spoke loud enough for all of us to hear this time. Everything started to make sense now. He was probably so nervous since this was his first public school experience. Before I could reply to his comment I was interrupted by Austin. “Oh so the queer was homeschooled!” He shouted causing the room to fill with muffled laughter. I looked down at Gerard as his face remained blank with emotion. My face grew red with anger as to what he had said, and I was sick of Austin’s shit. “Austin, head down to the office while you pick up a slip to have detention with me after school today.” I ordered as Austin finally got up and headed out of my classroom to go to the office. “I’m sorry about that-“”It’s fine…” He muttered. I felt terrible about the whole incident that I had to say something. “He didn’t mean to call you a faggot, he-“”He’s not wrong…” He spoke. “I’m sorry, what?” I questioned. “He’s not wrong about me being a faggot…” My eyes widened at the boy’s comment. Did he just admit to being a faggot? Does that mean he’s…gay? I tried to immediately fill in the awkward silence. “Oh I see…Well how bout you go find a seat so we can start off the new lesson and we can just forget that all that happened. Alright?” I offered, patting his back as he nodded. “Alright, well you are welcomed to sit anywhere you like.” I spoke as I noticed he sat closest to my desk. A slight smile crept on my face as I knew that today after class would be the perfect time to get to know more about him. There was just something about him that was…what’s the word? Different I guess…

Throughout the lesson I was teaching, I was noticing how Gerard wasn’t paying any attention at all. Was I throwing him off guard with my teaching? Was I being too boring? Just to make Gerard feel more included, I decided to call on him. “Gerard?” His head shot up immediately. “Hmm?” “Would you mind finding the solution to this problem?” Fear struck in his eyes as he realized that he was not paying attention enough to answer the question. “Do you want me to go over it again?” I asked, giving him a light smile. “No its ok sir-“He was then interrupted by the bell signaling for the next period. “Alright class get out your history homework for your next class so you don’t have to worry about taking it out after break!” I announced to the class. As the kids got out their stuff and fled out the door, I made sure to take Gerard to the side. “Gerard?” He looked up at me with his bright, beady eyes. “Could you come here for a second?” I asked as he slowly approached my desk. “Y-yes sir?” I chuckled. “No need to be nervous, I just wanted to have a little chat.” He let out a sigh of relief. “I was just wondering if you were interested in spending lunch with me in my classroom if you aren’t already set up with a group of friends.” A small grin began to form on his face. “Yes sir that would be great.” I giggled. “Alright, so just stay in here after history and I can get a chance to learn more about you.” He nodded. “Thanks Mr. Iero.” He beamed. “No problem kid. It was nice meeting you.”

Notes

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