The Boy Next Door

(Frank’s P.O.V)

I walked into school early seeing as mum had drove me, the halls were pretty much empty besides a few people milling around. I arrived at my locker rifling through the contents, trying to find the right books for my first class. I jumped as I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. “Dude you’re really jumpy.” Ray said with a smirk. “I didn’t hear you.” I defended, with a hand on my chest trying to settle my racing heart. “How was your weekend?” He asked shrugging off his backpack. “Okay, very uneventful. My mum has organised a barbecue with the neighbours though.” I huffed in annoyance hating the idea of being ignored by Gerard and Mikey for a few hours.

Ray watched, me trying to gauge my feelings toward the upcoming event. “You know, Gerard and Mikey aren’t that bad. Mikey has always been shy but he’s really nice when you get to know him and Gerard….. Gerard has just been really weird lately, I think some stuff could be going on at home but every time I ask he just changes the subject.” Ray seemed to zone out at the last part of the sentence, staring into space like he was trying to work something out. How did he know Gerard and Mikey are my neighbours. One of them probably told him, that means I came up in conversation. I decided not to dwell on this news and just try to enjoy my day.
I look down the hall way as a sea of kids made their way to their lockers, Gerard sticking out like a sore thumb, with his black eye and a general ‘I hate everyone and everything’ look on his face. He stopped in his tracks as he saw Ray coming straight at him like a steam train. “What happened?” Ray asked genially concerned. “Nothing, I just wasn’t watching where I was going and ran straight into a door.” He looked at the ground as he told the story, obviously lying. “I gotta go, I forgot to give Mikey something.”

Gerard walked past me without a word. I looked at Ray, asking the first question that came to mind. “Does Gerard hate me?” “No.” He almost yelled. I looked at him raising my eyebrow in question. “He doesn’t hate you, it’s just… I don’t know, he’s been acting strange for a while now…..but it’s definitely not because of you.” Ray reassured me, slinging his arm around my shoulder as we made our way to class.

We had science first and Ray informed me we were dissecting a Toad. Great, that’s why I became a vegetarian, I hated the idea of an innocent animal dyeing, they did nothing to deserve that. Now I have to cut up a little Toad, I felt sick at the idea. I walked into class heading to the front where a young blond haired male teacher stood cleaning the board. “Hi, I’m Frank.” I said to the man’s back. He whirled around smiling as he introduced himself. “Hi Frank I’m Mr. McComish. Um, there’s a spare seat over there by the window.” He pointed to a seat in the back row next to a black haired kid that was drawing furiously in his book.

I walked over to my new lab partner, stopping and gaping as I realised who it was. Gerard leaned over his book, oblivious to my presence. I slipped into the seat next to him clearing my throat to gain his attention. He looked up at me through his hair for a few seconds before going back to drawing. I looked around the room and located Ray up the front with Bob, both laughing loudly to god knows what. I tried to pay attention to what the teacher was saying but my curiosity got the better of me. I started leaning closer to him, trying to get a better view. He’s drawing was amazing, a face came from the middle of the page, slowly being swallowed by the darkness.

The book slammed shut making me jump. “Do you mind?” He asked glaring at me. “I just wanted to have a look. It’s really good.” His gazed softened as he realised I wasn’t going to judge him. “Thanks.” He said it so quietly I wasn’t sure if it had been my imagination or not. He directed his attention to the teacher, a small smile on his face as he slumped in his seat. I got up to get my gloves and lab coat as the rest of the class ran to the closet, trying to get the cleanest coat. I was surprised when Gerard came out of the herds of kids with an extra coat in his hand. He shucked it at me as he made his way back to the desk. My mind started whirling, maybe he doesn’t hate me. “You never would have gotten out of that crowd, they’re like a pack of animals. I just want to get this over with.” He said obviously noticing my confusion.

He started to prepare the Toad, not waiting for a response. Mr. McComish walked over to our table, a big smile plastered on his face. He pasted me a scalpel and a pair of small scissors. “Okay Frank, first of all you’re going to want to make an incision in the middle of the two front legs .” I followed his instruction, holding the Toad down and cutting into it. This foul smelling liquid poured out all over my gloved hands. I could hear the teachers voice calling my name as my vision started going, the floor rushing towards my face was the last thing I remembered before I passed out.

(Time lapse)

I woke in a white room, florescent lights burning my eyes from above. I rubbed my balled up hands into my eyes, waiting for the room to come into focus. My head started pounding as the colours slowly morphed into shapes, Gerard sat in the free chair next to the bed, the same book he’d been drawing in from science in his lap.

“Where am I?” I asked, my voice croaky with sleep. He put the book down that he’d been drawing in, leaning back in his chair while watching me. “Your in the first aid room.” He said as he passed me a glass of water. I took the glass and downed the content in one go as I started remembering the events that lead to me ending up unconscious. “How long was I out?” I asked feeling a large bump on the back of my head. “About an hour. The school called your mum, she’s should be here in about fifteen minutes.” He said checking his watch. “Why aren’t you in class.” I questioned, earning an annoyed groan. He took a deep breath, glaring at me before he replied. “Since you’re my lab partner Mr. McComish asked me to wait with you until lunch or your mum got here. For someone who just recovered from passing out you sure talk a lot.” He grumbled flipping open his book, starting to draw once again.

I watched him draw for awhile until my curiosity go the better of me. “What are you drawing?” He looked up, narrowing he’s eyes at me. But before he could start insulting me the door flew open and mum ran in wrapping me in a huge hug as she covered my face in kisses. “Oh my poor Frankie baby. Are you okay?” She asked, pulling back to look at me. “I’m fine mum.” I said, my face burning with embarrassment.

Mum finally noticed the now sniggering Gerard. “Hi Gerard. How have you been? What happened to your eye.” she asked him, a concerned look on her face. “I walked into a door.” He answered, again looking incredibly embarrassed. “It would be good if it was Halloween, you could be a pirate.“ She laughed at her grand idea, trying to get me to join in. “I wish it was, I would so do that.“ He said smiling for the first time in my presence.

“So I see you’ve met Frankie.” She said with an overly excited look on her face. “Yeah my friend Ray has volunteered to show him around. We also have a few classes together.” He explained to my enthusiastic mother. “Does he sit with you and Ray at lunch?” She asked. “Yeah, Mikey and Bob sit with us as well.” Mum looked at me with an accusing expression. “God Frankie your such a drama queen! You made it seem like everyone hated you.”

How could she believe him over me, he’s horrible and I’m her son. She looked at my teary eyes and quivering lip and quickly made a diversion. “It was nice seeing you Gerard, say hi to Mikey and your mum for me. I forgot I had someone coming over soon. I’ll see you on Saturday.” She helped me out of bed and collected my books that were on the bed side table before whisking me out of the room.

Once we were safely out of the room she began ordering me around. “Okay Frank we’re going to go to your locker so you can drop your books off, then your going to tell me exactly what happened.” I didn’t even bother trying to argue as I lead mum to my locker. I fiddle with the lock hearing it click open, I quickly chuck in my books before shutting my locker and following my mum and her clicking heels down the deserted corridor and out to her car.

I collapse into the leather seat, resting my head against the window. “Start talking Frank.” Mum commanded as she started the car. I took a breath thinking of the best way to start. “Gerard and Mikey hate me.” I looked up at her, gauging her reaction. “Frankie, are you sure your not just being overly dramatic again.” She gave me a look I’ve seen many a time. “Course you don’t get it. What was I expecting with you and him being besties and all.“ “What are you talking about? Gerard and Mikey are nice boys to be around but we’re hardly ‘besties’.“

I muttered obscenities under my breath as I tried to keep my cool. “They’re not that nice. They wouldn’t even talk to me at school and then when I was walking home they were talking about me. Gerard’s weird. He’s so hot and cold, one minute he’ll be all upset for no good reason then he’ll be fine the next.” God, this sound really pathetic when you say it out loud. I looked over at my mum who was acting as if I’d said nothing.

“Mum.” No response. “I’m inviting the Way boys and Donna over for afternoon tea today, you can help me make some cookies since your not at school.” She stated not even looking at me, all I could feel are butterflies in my stomach as I realised what was happening, but these butterflies felt more like bats and they wanted out. “This isn’t fair, he isn‘t nice when your not around.” I complained, slowly banging my head against the window.

“I was thinking we could make a batch of peanut butter and a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Does that sound good? I was also thinking of making a coffee cake since its your favourite.” “But mum” My whines being ignored. “Or do you think that’s to much. It is only afternoon tea.” “Mum can you please listen to me.” “Have you unpacked properly yet? I’ve unpacked most of the house.” “I doesn’t matter cause we’re not having them over.” I yelled into the cramped car. “Frank, I am trying to make friends with the neighbours so you‘ll have a friend that can come over after school. Not like your other friends that always lived to far away. I know you don’t think they like you but they’re actually really nice. I think they’re just the type of kids that take awhile to warm up to people. I don’t ask much of you, so please just do this one thing for me.”

I took a deep breath. Mum was only doing this for me after all. I haven’t made it easy when we moved in the past. I had a habit of shutting off from the world for a few months, subconsciously trying to get back at mum for taking me away from my friends. I wouldn’t admit this to her, but I would like it if me and at least one of the Way boys became friends. “Make the coffee cake.” I said, giving in to my mothers yet again. “What?” She asked, a puzzled expression on her face. “Its not to much, the cookies and cake.” Her face lit up. “Thank you Frankie it means a lot to me.” “Yeah, whatever” I grumbled.

The rest of the journey was silent besides the quiet music that streamed through the car. We arrived home a short time later. Mum instantly steering me towards the kitchen. “Okay, you get started on the cookies while I call Donna.” She said, walking out of the room before I could reply. I let out a big sigh as I opened the pantry, taking in the endless amounts of food.

I took out all my ingredients after what seemed like an eternity of searching, dumping them on the bench. I looked them over, quickly coming to the conclusion that I really couldn’t be fucked. I think I recall seeing a packet of choc chip cookies in there anyway. Maybe if I just pour flower everywhere and heat up the cookies mum wouldn’t notice they weren’t hand made. I wondered over to the pantry for the second time, searching the shelves for my golden ticket out of here.

“Franklin Anthony Iero. Don’t even think about it.” I slowly turned being confronted by the stern glare of my mother with her hands on her hips. “I wasn’t going to do anything.” “Exactly. Nothing says we can be friends more than store bought food.” I sniggered. “So we finally understand each other.” I gave her my award winning smile.

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Come on, this will be fun.” I snorted at her remark, yeah right. “What happened to you? I remember when you use to love baking with your mummy. You use to crack the eggs and sneak chocolate chips when you thought I wasn’t looking. We’d talk about your boy problems when you got older and what we would do in all these different scenarios, we’d have a great time.” I looked up at my reminiscing mother and sighed in defeat taking the apron she held out to me. “There’s my boy.” she smile ruffling up my hair. “I’m just letting you know I’m putting extra coffee in the cake.” I grumbled slipping on the apron.

We cooked in silence for awhile. I could sense the lack of speech eating away at her and I was wondering how long it would take until she could stand it no longer. Apparently not so long. “So, is there any cute boys at school?” “Mum.” I shook my head at her, making her erupt in laughter. “Oh lighten up, if you don’t like this topic of conversation think of something else to talk about.”
I thought for awhile chewing on my lip in contemplation. “What am I meant to do with Gerard and Mikey? They haven’t even really talked to me yet.” She sighed at my genuine concern. “I don’t know. You could watch a movie, play a board game. Just get to know them and if its really that bad you could always come and talk to me and Donna.” “Firstly, play a board game, seriously. Even if people still enjoyed playing board games we only have mouse trap and a few others that are even lamer. Second of all, how do I get to know them? You know I get nervous when I get put on the spot.”

“Frank, take a deep breath. This is meant to be fun, so just try to enjoy yourself. Ask them what books they like or movies or what their hobbies are, its not that hard.” “Okay, I’ll think of things I can ask them while the foods in the oven.” I mumbled as I walked towards my room. “Relax!” Yelled mum as I made my way to the attic.

Relax. Relax, is she kidding me. Relax okay. Relax, to make or become less tense: to become less anxious, hostile, defensive, or formal, or make somebody or something so. That shouldn’t be so hard, I was wrong and my brain sure let me know. I paced the length of my bedroom, up and down and up and down.

If we liked the same type of stuff it would be fine. Like if we all like Dawn of the Dead, I could ask them which are their favourite scenes and other things like that. But what if they didn’t, that is the most important bit. They could make fun of me or worse, there could be an awkward silence. Something that most people don’t understand is the power that a potentially awkward silence has on me.

Mum says I can go and talk with them if it gets to much, but how much awkward do I have to go through before I can make that decision and how am I meant to make it look all casual. What am I going to say to them, ’My mum said if I get to uncomfortable that I could ship you guys off to the them’ I have a small feeling that wouldn’t go down to well. There’s also the problem of Mikey, he’s very timid and what if he doesn’t respond when I ask him something. I gasped out loud as the newest potential disaster occurred to me, what if I somehow offend them.

My breath quickened making me feel slightly dizzy. Breath, I have to remember to breath. I took in a deep breath, letting my eyes drift shut. The doorbell ringing snapped me out of my calm. They’re here the little voice in my head pretty much screamed at me, making my small panic attach surge to life. Breath. In and out and in and out, I told myself as I made my way down the stairs. “Frankie they’re here.” mum called as I walked into the kitchen.

Gerard and Mikey sat around the kitchen table, as mum gave them two steaming mugs full of coffee. I never noticed before, but they actually look very similar especially when they have the same expression of worry. Donna sat next to Mikey happily chatting away with my mum, who now bustling around the kitchen bringing in trays of food and an array of different teas. I slipped into the seat next to Gerard since I knew mum would have a fit later if I didn’t.

Mikey gave me a small smile from his place at the table while Gerard stared intently at the cake and cookies which now sat in the middle of the table. Mum sat down and looked around at everyone, focusing on me and my lack of effort. She gave me a look before showing what a great hostess she was. “So who wants some cake?” Mum asked the table full of people, the teenagers at the table swiftly nodding.

She passed out the cake on small decoratively coloured plates. “Hi Frank, we haven’t met yet. I’m Donna, Gerard and Mikey’s mother.” Donna spoke awakening me from my day dreaming. “Obviously.” I heard Gerard mumble before he put a spoon full of cake in his mouth. “Anyway, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted. Linda’s told us a lot about you. Like how you play the guitar.” She smiled at me expectantly, like she’d asked a question and now wanted an answer. “Ah yeah I do.” “That’s great. Have you thought about joining band? Gerard and Mikey are in it and I think Ray and Bob are to. It would be so fun, Gerard can sing, Mikey can play bass guitar and you could be the guitarist.” I heard a small groan coming from Gerard, quite enough for only me and Mikey too hear. “I’ll think about it. I’m not a big fan of playing in front of people.” I lied, trying to save me and Gerard the discomfort.

After awhile of small talk mum said the words I was dreading to hear. “Frank, how about you and the boys hangout in your room for a while. Here take some food and top up your drinks before you go.” Mum handed me a plate laden with food while I threw her a pleading look which she pretended she didn’t see. I got up and walked to the doorway, looking over my shoulder to make sure they were following. I hastily made my way up the stairs trying to not let my mind go over all the things that could go wrong.

I heard sniggering as they spotted the pictures lining the hall. Most featuring me when I was younger, doing various activities. One of mums favourite was of me dressed up in her old ballet tutu when I was around five. I had bright red lipstick drawn over half my face and was treating the hallway as my own personal cat walk, strutting up and down like I owned the place while mum pretended to be the paparazzi. I shuddered at the thought as I turned into the hall and made my way to the staircase that led to the attic.

I walked into my room watching as the brothers examined my room. My posters, my books, my DVDs, my CDs, my interests and dislikes. My most personal things were on show, leaving me exposed and vulnerable. I sat down on the edge of the bed as my heart hammered in my chest. God if you can hear me please let some type of disaster happen. Nothing fancy, maybe a Zombie Apocalypse or something as extreme. Thank you God, that will be all.

(Gerard’s P.O.V)

I scanned over his music selection, pleasantly surprised by the amount of good music he owned. Sadly these days people with good taste were few and far between. “You have good taste in music.” I looked over at Frank as he shook his head, his eyes coming into focus as he came out of his daze. “Sorry what did you say?” He muttered. “I said you have a good taste in music.” I unconsciously rolled my eyes as I repeated myself. “Um thanks.” He replied, looking a bit unsure.

The silence took over the room again as I joined Mikey near the window. I looked into my messy room, wondering if Frank ever did. Probably not. I don’t like the idea of a stranger watching me go about my day without my knowing. I took a deep breath turning back to the nervous looking Frank. “So what are we gonna do anyway?” “Well I was thinking we could watch a movie or something like that.” “How about we have a little chat instead.”

Oh my god! What do they put in their coffee. They must have drugged me. “Why the sudden change? Ever since I first got here you’ve been pretty much ignoring me. Why would you want to talk now?” He looked pissed off and slightly sad at the previous interaction we’ve had, or maybe I should say lack of. I chewed on my lip as I thought. We’ll I had to play along now.

“Like it or not you’re my neighbour and Ray and Bob have taken a liking to you, so we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other. Don’t you think we should at least get to know one another a bit?” I answered in a disinterested tone. “Okay. Ask away” “Wait, what?” I was expecting him to reject my idea instantly. I was kind of relying on it. “You want to get to know me, ask away. There is actually a few questions I would like to ask you myself.” “I… um….I-I’m not really sure.” I looked at Mikey for help as I started to slowly lose my cool.

(Franks P.O.V)

As I watch Gerard trip over his words my nerves washed away. He wasn’t as tuff as he acted. He was just a scared little boy putting on the façade of someone who gets affected by nothing. I picked up the remote from my desk and pressed play, starting the DVD that I hadn’t taken out.
Gerard was relieved with the change in topic but said nothing about it as he settled himself on the new couch in the corner. Mikey also sitting next to him as they waited for the movie to start. The selection menu came on, Mama sprawled across the top of the screen as I pressed play. The movie played through without a hitch, except when Mikey kept flinching when something jumped out at us. Mums voice drifted up to us as the credits started rolling. I’m going to have to congratulate her on her perfect timing later.

The Way boys got up from their place on the couch, Gerard stretching his arms behind his head while Mikey v-lined towards the door. Me and Gerard followed Mikey down the stairs, not saying a word to each other. We reached the bottom of the stairs, surprised to see Donna already standing at the door. She beamed as the group of boys approached. “Well it’s been absolute pleasure having you and the boys over. I can’t wait till Saturday. Donna will I finally be able to meet that husband of yours?”

I’m surprised I could see the humour in the situation. Both the adults were overjoyed about the upcoming barbecue when the teenagers in the room were all sick with dread. “Yeah, definitely. He’s looking forward to it. Thanks for having us over, I’m sure the boys had a great time.” She took a second to smile at Gerard and Mikey before continuing on. “It was nice to finally meet you Frank.” She said, patting me on the shoulder in a very motherly way. “It was nice meeting you to Donna.” She walked out the door, Gerard and Mikey already waiting for her out on the balcony. They waved to us before they started toward their house. “Bye you two.” She said over her shoulder while following the boys home, me and mum giving a small wave.

We walked back into he house, mum shutting the door as I escaped to my bedroom. I flopped onto the bed not worrying to take off my shoes as I fell into a restless sleep, despite the fact of my mental exhaustion.

Notes

Hey guys! I’m so sorry for the long wait. I don’t know what happened. I’ve been totally nuts the last few weeks. I was howling at the oven and trying to send my cat pictures telepathically at 2am, on a school night. Oh that reminds me, I’m so so mean but its funny. Don’t judge. My cat was asleep on my window sill so I snuck up as quietly as I possibly could and flung back the curtains yelling boo. She got so scared she fell of the window sill and had to catch herself on the curtains. It was so funny! OMG two days later and I still burst into laughter every time I think about it. I do love Dr. D though so I gave her lots of cuddles and kisses to make her feel better afterwards. She’s so strange, she only drinks water from glasses, preferably wine glasses. Weirdo! Sorry I’m probably boring you with cat talk :D I’m a bit hyper! Just a bit, cue manic laughter. The chapters shitty, sorry about that. I’m gonna try to update more often, it’s just not good enough. Right now I feel like bouncy around the room and being a kangabooy so goodbye honey bunnies, I love you all and thanks for putting up with me! Bounce, bounce and away!