Love Should Always Be Blind

I was listening to the Misfits on my Ipod, when Sarah stormed into my room. I knew it was her the instant her perfume made it's way through my nostrils. And although I had headphones in I could still feel the vibrations of the door opening and closing, along with her feet rhythmically making their way over to my bed. Even after all that, her weight dipping into the bed was a dead give away. Being in a particularly better mood, not as sarcastic and moody as I usually am, I decided to be polite and take one ear bud out.

“What is it, Sarah?” I nonchalantly asked, after a dejected sigh.

“Get up, Gerard. Me and you are going to the Mall.” She replied matter of factually. Knitting my eyebrows together, I took out the other ear bud as well.

“Why?” I demand. Sarah sighed.

“Why not? It's something fun to do...and Mom is annoying the shit out of me, cleaning the house getting ready for tonight.” She explained, grumbling the last part out.

“Ohhh. So there is a reason.” I smirked.

“Whatever. Do you want to be home when Mom's ordering us all around to 'clean this' or 'fix that'?” She rebuttaled. I chuckled softly under my breathe.

“No I guess not.” I agreed, sitting up, swinging my feet over the bed and onto the carpeted floor.
I reached for my White Cane, right of the head board, then sat up. Sarah took my unoccupied hand and we left my room. The lemony sent of pine-sol, instantly smacked me in the face of Mom's crazy cleaning spree for tonight. I rolled my eyes beneath my black sunglasses.
Taking the staircase with ease, we made it to the front door in no time. Quickly I slipped on my converse, hoping to dodge Mom. Sarah frantically opened the coat closet to get her purse, but just as her weight shifted to open the front door...

“Where are you two going?” Mom's voice demanded in a tone only a Mother could pull off. Sarah sighed so quietly that I knew I only heard it.

“The mall.” Was Sarah's short reply, twisting to look over our shoulders. Mom sighed dramatically.

“Be careful. You know I don't like the mall. There's too many people there.” She tisked. Sarah sighed again, making it loud enough for us all to hear her annoyance.

“When am I never not careful Mom?” Sarah clipped.

“Sarah.” Mom scowled, me only imagining her giving Sarah a sour look of disapproval.

“Sorry. But can we go? Please? Gerard hasn't left the house in almost a week.” She reminded Mom, taking the guilt trip. Mom sighed heavily. So much sighing.

“Fine. But be back before five to help me with dinner.” She compromised.

“Deal!” Sarah chirped, and without another word flew open the door, to slam it shut behind her, and dragged me across the front lawn to her car.

“God, Mom needs to get laid or something. She has such a stick up her ass.” Sarah grumbled, throwing me into the passenger side. I giggled in agreement, picturing Sarah shaking her head. Then with a slam of the door and a few short clipped thuds on the pavement of shoes, Sarah opened the drivers side door.

“Buckle.” Sarah ordered. It was my turn to sigh, as I reached behind myself to grab the strap and click it in place over my lap. But after all that drama we were finally off to the mall.

*****

The one good thing about being blind was that I couldn't know whether or not people were gawking or giving me dirty looks. I just walking around in ignorant bliss, using my White Cane and wearing my sunglasses inside. And Sarah didn't give two fucks unless people actually said something directly mean to me. So her and I walked around the mall for a few hours, passing time, as Sarah looked at clothes, and whatnot. We even got some ice cream cones around three. I'm always glad to get sweets. Mom's a big health nut and we sneak treats like little kids, when we can. My favorite part of the day, though was when me and Sarah went to the music shop, in the corner of the mall. After all you don't need eyes to appreciate music. Music is how love should be. You always fall in love with it blindly. And that's a good thing for me too.

Sarah and I were just roaming around the store, thumbing threw record albums. In fact I loved that part too, believe it or not. Just feeling the paper binding, smelling the scent similar to a book store. My favorite thing in the entire world at a record store, was to just sit down on a stool and just listen on those big black clunky headphones, the store leaves out for customers to listen on. You never know what music it's going to be...or at least I don't. It's like a surprise birthday gift of some sort. Sometimes you hate it and other times you don't. It's the best way to find good new music. However when we arrived at the store, someone else was occupying the music headphones, so instead Sarah and I moved over to fumble threw the albums until the strangers was done.

“Oh my God!” Sarah loudly whispered into my ear, while I was admiring a particular crease in an album cover.

“What?” I whispered back harshly, cocking my head back to hear Sarah more easily.

“There's this guy behind you, the one listening to music, who's been staring at you for like the past five minutes.” She explained. I rolled my dead eyes from behind my sunglasses.

“So what.” I sighed.

“No, like I mean he's checking you out!”

“What? Why?” I demanded, feeling a blush rise one my cheeks.

“Shh! He'll hear you. I don't know. Why not?” Sarah countered. I shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

“I dunno. People don't 'check me out'”. I huffed. Sarah slapped my shoulder.

“Don't say that.” She demanded an angry offended tone, making it's way into her voice.

“Fine...well what does he look like?” I wondered after an awkward pause.

“Hmm. Well he has black hair, which is short and looks kinda blonde on the sides. Like he's got kind of a fohawk going on...Uhm he's pale...I think green hazel eyes. Big eyes with heavy eyelids. Kinda short from what I can tell. He's wearing eyeliner. He seems like a punk.” Sarah described for me in a subtle way, giggling at the end from her observation.

“Huh.” I mumbled. “...can you tell what he's listening to?”

“I dunno. Why don't you go ask him?” Sarah shrugged in my imagination due to her tone.

“What?! No! I can't just do that?” I screeched.

“Don't yell! He'll hear you.” Sarah shushed, “Don't be a baby though.”

“He won't here me with the headphones on, dummy.”

“Oh shut up...Oh God! If looks could make someone fall in love...you'd be throwing yourself at this guy right now. He's totally checking you out!” Sarah bubbled.

“Well it wouldn't work very well on me either way.” I drawled out sarcastically. That earned me another slap to my shoulder.

“Oh stop that!” Sarah reprimanded.

“What! It's true! Lighten up, Sarah!” I chuckled despite the burn on my shoulders skin.

“Whatever...but I guess you can grow some balls another day anyways.” She hummed back. I arched an eyebrow at her tone.

“Why?” I wondered, hesitantly.

“Oh just because he's making his way over here right now!” She brushed off casually.

“WHAT!?” I chocked, causing Sarah to just laugh.

“Calm down, just be cool.” She offered.

“Wha- what do I even say? How close is he?” I stammered, feeling my tongue swell with anxiety.

“Like right behind you.” She laughed easily. I felt my face burn on fire with a scarlet shade at her revealing words. And just like that I heard a deep cough come from behind me. Tensing up, I rigidly spun around to face my admirer.

“Uh. Uhm...yes?” I sputtered out like an idiot. I guess if this guy feel in love with my looks, he had another thing coming for him with my personality. I was a little rusty having no friends but family and all.

“Hi.” and deep smooth voice graced out into the air. Sarah wasn't kidding about the short thing. His voice was at least a good three inches shorter from where I stood. “Look, I know this is weird, but I just think you're really attractive. And if you want you should text or call me sometime...here.” My admirer said with a hint of nerves in his voice, and then he took a hold of my hand, effortlessly slipping a piece of paper into my palm. The initially contact made me jump, as I wasn't expecting it, but quickly recovered. I just stood there gaping like a fish, light headed and stupefied that something like this was actually happening to me. Before I could respond, though, this guy cooly brushed by me, leaving my breathing short and heart into hyper drive. A scent of coffee and cigarettes and cologne infiltrated my nose; a lingering sign of the man I'd just met.

“Oh my God!” Sarah laughed. “Let me see the note!” Swallowing loudly, I turned back around to face my sister, to numbly pass her the crumpled piece of paper. After a moment of silence I couldn't take the anticipation.

“Well, what does it say?” I demanded.

“Well, first of all it says his name is Frank with a heart next to it,” Sarah snickered, “And then it just has his phone number on it.”

“Should I call him?” I wondered aloud.

“Well, I don't see why not. He didn't seem creepy...just like he has a huge crush on you. And he's cute enough for you I guess.”

“I don't really care about looks, Sarah. They mean nothing to me.”

“Whatever, Gerard. All I'm saying, is why not?” I nodded absentmindedly, and huffed out a deep exhalation.

“Yeah...why not?” I repeated.

*****

Turns out Sarah and I got out of coming home early to help Mom cook dinner; instead we had to pick up Matt from football practice. The trade really was no trade at all. We'd all much rather have picked up Matt than be in the same kitchen as Mom.

“God, Matthew! You reek.” Sarah whaled, once Matt got into the back seat.

“Deal with it.” Matt chuckled. I felt him lean forward and rest his head on my shoulder rest.

“Hey, Gee! How was you're day?” He asked.

“Ohh! Yes, Gerard. Tell us how your day was.” Sarah teased, making her way out of our parking space.

“Shut up.” I muttered, wringing my hands together nervously.

“Did I miss something?” Matt asked innocently.

“Our little Gee here got a guys number at the mall this afternoon.” Sarah gushed, practically oozing enthusiasm. I rolled my eyes.

“Really? That's great!” Matt exclaimed, patting me on the shoulder. “Just wait til Mom finds out!” He continued, but I froze. Mom.

“About that...I dunno if that's such a great idea.” I slowly began. Mom didn't know about my sexuality...if you can even call it that. Really I didn't care what gender I fell in love with. After all I couldn't see. Personality was all I care about. If I was attracted to you, that's all I needed. My siblings knew this obviously. Just not Mom. I was too afraid to tell her honestly.

“Right, right.” Matt muttered.

“Well we can just say someone gave you their number, okay?” Sarah offered, “We just don't have to give details...right?”

“Right!” Matt and I said in unison. And with that, Sarah, Matt, and I made our way home. The drive was short lived, filled with a comfortable silence minus the music playing in the background. Once Sarah parked and cut the engine, Matt and her climbed out. Matt, made his way to the front to help me out as I grabbed my cane.

“God, you really do stink.” I commented, when I got a big whiff of sweat and dirt, as he leaned in to help out.

“Oh shut up, I'll take a shower once I get in.” He laughed, unaffected by Sarah and I's comments. With a few rhythmic steps down the brick walkway we all made our way into the house. Once threw the threshold, Matt let go of me and I could hear him climbing the stairs; straight to the bathroom upstairs.


“Where's the fire?” Mom asked, noticing Matt's bolt upstairs.

“He smells God awful. He promised he'd take a shower first thing.” Sarah explained, as I felt her grab my elbow, steering me to the kitchen, where I could hear Mom fluttering around.

“Oh...well good. I don't want him smelling like a dog when David and his son get here.” Mom shrugged off.

“When will that be exactly?” I wondered, while Sarah and I took a seat at the dining room table.

“Any minute now, really. That shower better not take long. I intend to eat first thing so the food doesn't get cold.” Mom went on, obvious anxiety in her voice.

“Mom.” Sarah said sternly. “Don't worry. You guys have been dating for like three months now. We're all going to be on our best behavior.”

“I know, I know. But David's never seen the house or meet you kids. If he doesn't like you or I don't like the way he treats you or his kid treats you guys, it's over.” Mom ramble the nerves in her voice growing with each word. When she said 'you kids' I knew she was really talking about me.

“Mom, seriously. Relax. It's going to be fine.” Sarah calmly reassured. Mom sighed deeply.

“I suppose you're right.” Mom sighed again.

“I am. The food smells great, by the way!” Sarah tried to encourage. “Spaghetti and wine?”

“Mhm...so how was the mall?” Mom hummed.

“Oh! Yeah!” Sarah cried, “You'll never guess what happened!”

“What?” Mom wondered, genuine curiosity taking over her tone.

“Someone gave Gerard their number! They asked him out!” She cried, as I blushed a deep beet red. Mom huffed hesitantly.

“Is that so? Did the girl seem nice? How did she act? Was she polite?” Mom spewed out the third degree, without hesitation. I groaned internally at her apprehension. Why couldn't she just be happy someone was showing interest in me? Me! The seventeen year old blind virgin, who'd never even had a first proper kiss. Before Sarah or I could reply, however there was the ringing of the doorbell. Mom gasped, probably jumping in her spot.

“Oh! That must be them!” She cried, as her foot steps pattered frantically against the tile, making their way to the front door. I sighed, feeling anxiety rush threw my bloodstream. What if they didn't like me? What if they regretted dating Mom all because she has a blind kid? I would never forgive myself.

“Breathe.” Sarah whispered gently into my ear. I tried to smile. “It's going to be fine. Just be yourself.” She encouraged, then grabbed my hand to help me stand up. I nodded despite myself.

“Where are they? Are they close?” I wondered, a shakiness drenching my words. Sarah, I felt tilted her head to see over my shoulder, past the dinning room arch, that let you see to the front door.

“Oh no fucking way.” She breathed in shock.

“What?! What's wrong?” I inhaled deeply, a million terrible scenarios running threw my mind. This was just too much anxiety for one day that I couldn't handle.

“You are never going to guess.” She said, a smirk in her tone that confused me.

“For fucks sake, Sarah, what is it!” I demanded, all while trying to suppress a heart attack.

“David and his son, Frank are here. Mall Frank to be exact.” Sarah reviled. My eyebrows that had been scrunched in confusion, unlocked and relaxed for a split second before shooting up into my hair line, when her words sunk in. What? Of all things. God must have been really angry at me that day.

“What?” I chocked out, feeling tears brim in my eyes. “H-how? Why?! Sarah...I-I can't do this.” I panicked, my hands beginning to tremble.

“Shh. Gerard, honey, breathe. Yes you can! It's going to be okay. Just laugh this off!” She suggested.

“But I don't want him to know I'm blind.” I hissed out. “At least not yet.” I added on with a whimper. “How can I hide this?” Sarah grabbed my shoulder, giving it a squeeze, but let go as she gasped. She really needed to stop doing that.

“I have a great idea!” She whisper screamed.

“What!” I demanded.

“I'll wear sunglasses with you! And Matt will too! I'll text him, so he'll read the text and come out like that! Like it wasn't planned!” She exclaimed, obviously pleased with herself.

“Okay, yeah. But where are you going to get fucking sunglasses before they come in the room!” I pointed out, getting frustrated.

“Chill, Gee. I have some in my purse.” She cooly replied, leaving me for a second, as I felt her body heat disappear. Then there was rummaging of content from her purse, that she'd throw on the table when we got home. Not a minute later, I felt Sarah take my hand.

“Done. Don't worry, Gee. I got you're back.” She warmly said, her voice doing all the smiling.

“I love you Sarah.” I smiled in relief.

“I love you too, nerd.” She chuckled, giving my hand a tug. “...Oh, here they come.” Great, I cursed in my head, feeling my hands instantly begin to sweat.

“And these are my two older kids. Sarah and Ger- Why are you guys...” Mom trailed off. She couldn't necessarily ask Sarah why she was wearing sunglasses without drawing attention to myself. Shit. I hadn't even thought of the fact Mom probably already told David I was blind. I could only pray, he hadn't told Frank. Nonetheless, I beamed in satisfaction. Mom coughed uncomfortably.

“Anyways. David and Frank. This is Sarah and Gerard. Their younger brother Matt will be down soon. He's just showering up from football practice.”

“So nice to meet you, David...Frank.” Sarah drawled, smugly. I couldn't help but smirk myself, only imagining what Frank's face looked like. I could hear Sarah's hand clasping with David and Frank's in a hand shake. I swallowed loudly, afraid that I might miss their hands. Instead, I just reached mine out and let them grab my hand instead. Immediately once I felt skin, I clasped my fingers around theirs and shook. The first hand was strong and rough. David's typically. The others was clammy and soft. Frank, I chuckled to myself, once releasing his hand. It comforted me to think his hands were sweating because of me. Mom cleared her throat, once that awkward ordeal was over.

“Why don't we all take a seat, and dish out, while we wait for Matthew.” She suggested.

*****

Sarah and I almost blew our cover when Matt made his way into the dinning room with his sunglasses on. Of course I couldn't see him but everyone's reaction's were priceless. At first, everyone just stopped talking and it got real quiet. I had an advantage too because my back was to the doorway. When I heard everybody turning around, I mirrored their actions. Sarah sniggered, which made me chuckled as well. Mom I'm sure was either pissed off or blushing like crazy...or both. And Frank and David probably just very confused.

“So glad you made it.” Mom clipped out, obviously trying to hide her frustration. I almost felt bad for the whole charade. Almost. I would fool Frank as long as I could.
Matt walked around the table to take a seat next to Frank, as Sarah and I sat beside each other, Frank in front of me, while Mom and David sat at the tables ends.

“So...uh, why are you guys all wearing sunglasses.” Frank's deep voice asked in amusement. Just the sound of his voice made my stomach swoop and twist.

“Why not?” Sarah cooly retaliated. “Sunglasses make you look cool...and we wanted to impress you.” That made us all laugh, relieving the tension slightly.

We all passed bowls of noodles, sauce, and bread sticks, Sarah subtly helping me plate my dish. Mom and David chatted easily, while all us kids nibbled on our food awkwardly. We all knew our parents were praying we all made nice, but it's always weird to force friendship. When it was apparent, we weren't going to try and make awkward conversation, Mom and David dragged us in unwillingly. First Mom asked Frank what he liked to do. The always go to ice breakers. Then David asked what Sarah was going to college for. Yet again another weird grown up question trying to make conversation with anyone ten years younger than them. Then David asked Matt about sports. Matt amused him, then went onto say how he liked this cheerleader. The whole girl topic apparently triggered a memory with Mom, finding a way to join me into the conversation.

“Oh! Yeah! Gerard met a girl today at the mall!” Mom cut in excitedly.

“Girl?” Frank immediately repeated, making me blush like a firetruck. Dammit.

“Uh- uhm.” I coughed, squirming uncomfortably in my wooden chair. “Yeah?” I mumbled, the word coming out more like a question.

“What's so weird about that?” Mom demanded, taking it as an insult towards me. You know the
whole, 'Oh a girl's talking to you? A girl?', sarcastic bullshit bullies say.

“No! Not at all.” Frank covered up. “...He just seems gay.” He added nonchalantly. I coughed out, trying to breathe properly. I could only imagine Mom's face boiling with anger.

“Frank!” His Dad shouted, then I heard a smack to a shoulder. “Why would you say something like that? Apologize.”

“Oh no, no, no! It's okay really! I'm n-not offended.” I quickly cut in, trying to save the dinner. It was my own fault for not telling Mom the truth. I'd be offended too if I were Frank.

“See.” Frank chirped. “He doesn't care.”

“Okay!” Sarah exclaimed, clapping her hands together, when the table grew unbearably silent.

“Well, I'm stuffed! Why don't we all go outside? Matt, you and Frank can play catch?”

“What a lovely idea.” Mom immediately joined in. “You kids go outside and David and I will clean up. We all should digest our food anyways before dessert.”

And with that, there was scrapping of wooden legs from chairs against the tiled floor and clanking of silverware. Sarah took hold of my arm, hooking it with her own and lead the way out into the backyard. Frank and Matt followed us from behind. Once we all made it outside, the hot summer heat instantly began to warm up my cool cheeks. I could feel the heat too, of the descending sunset. Sarah let go of my grip, making me feel left out in open water, as Matt followed, leaving Frank and I alone. I think they went to go look in the shed to find a baseball.

“So you met a girl, huh?” Frank asked, once I figured Sarah and Matt were out of ear shot. The backyard door was closed, giving us complete privacy.

“I'm so sorry!” I pleaded, turning to face the sound of his silky voice. “I didn't mean it like that! I-I just-” I rambled until Frank cut me off.

“No. It's okay. Really. I get it. It took me years for me to tell my Dad.” He offered, a smile in his voice. I huffed out a heavy exhalation.

“I'm sorry...but I'm not really gay.” I shrugged. “I mean, I like guys but I like girls too.”

“So you're bisexual?” He wondered.

“Uh, not really. I like whatever I'm attracted to. I don't care what you are.” I explain.

“Oh, that's actually really cool....Gerard?” Frank said trying out my name for the first time, causing another wave or viscous butterflies to erupt in my belly.

“Yeah.” I laugh. “You didn't really give me a chance to tell you my name.” I blush. Before Frank could reply though, Sarah and Matt were back.

“Hey! We found the baseball!” Matt shouted, causing mine and I'm sure Franks neck to snap towards the sound of his voice.

“Sweet!” Frank said, “C'mon, Gerard.” He continued, slapping me on the back, followed by the sound of his feet descending the porch steps.

“Oh uhm. I'll watch.” I lied. Well I never said that expression. Like ever.

“Why not? It'll be fun!” He cried.

“Not much for sports” I shrugged.

“Yeah, Me and Gee are just going to watch from the patio.” Sarah cut in, while her own feet made their way up the steps.

“Okay then. Suit yourself.” Frank sighed. With that, Sarah and I sat on the porch swing while the sound of a ball being tossed around, filled the air. Matt and Frank soon fell into easy conversation about school and whatnot that made for perfect background noise.

“So...what does he look like?” I wondered, taking Sarah's hand into mine.

“I already told you.” She laughed. I chuckled back.

“I know...but what else?” I pressed. Sarah sighed, while thinking for a moment, running her fingers over my knuckles.

“Well for starters. He has a nose and lip ring that I didn't notice at first-”

“Really?” I interjected, “That's interesting.”

“Mhm. And gauges too. He even has a scorpion neck tattoo. Like I said earlier. He's got that punk vibe going for him.” I giggled at that.

“Anything else?”

“Hmm.” Sarah thought for a moment. “Well...right now, he totally keeps looking back at you over his shoulder.”

“Really?” I blushed at the thought.

“Yeah and now he's trying to causally take off his shirt. Oh God! He's definably not being subtle about it either.”

“What?!” I giggled loudly at the mental picture. “How is he doing it?”

“Well, he looked back at you before and after he took the shirt off.” Sarah said, pausing to giggle too. “But he has a good body, so that's not so bad.”

“I don't care about that.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

“Lighten up, Gee. Of course it doesn't matter, but why not take the bonus.” Sarah shrugged, feeling her shoulders raise and fall against my own.

“Well, either way. He's wasting his time. I can't see a Goddamn thing.” I said, causing Sarah and I to both fall into another fit of laughter. While Sarah and I were laughing our heads off, there was a pausing in the sound of the baseball being thrown into the air. Before anyone could do anything, Frank had quickly turned around.

“Hey! Gerard! Catch!” He hollered. Everything after that, happened so suddenly neither Sarah, Matt, or I had time to react and I soon felt a blow straight to my nose, accompanied with a crack, pain, and the taste of blood spouting down my face. On a whim Frank had must of wanted to throw the ball at me, without much thought, causing Matt not enough time to tell him no, or Sarah to catch the ball for me, and of course since I didn't know what he wanted, I had no time to dodge the baseball that went flying to my face.

“Aw!” I groaned instantly, cupping my hand to my nose, trying to make the blood stop flowing.

“What the fuck!” Sarah screamed, her hands on my shoulder, on my face, in my hair. “What the fuck is wrong with you? Why would you throw the ball at him!” She screeched at Frank. The sound of two frantic footsteps were making their way onto the porch, towards me.

“He was supposed to catch the ball! I just wanted to join him in on the game!” Frank yelled back, defending himself.

“He's fucking blind, you cunt! He can't see!” Sarah shouted, anger fuming in her words.

“Wh-what?” Frank stuttered, all defense and anger gone from his voice. “I-I didn't know.” Right then and there, I just wanted to melt into the wooden porch floor and disappear from embarrassment.

“Well don't just stand there, you idiots! Help me! I need something to block his nose!” Sarah demanded.

“Here!” Frank said, shoving something into Sarah's hands, then I felt a cloth pushed against my nostrils. I hissed in pain. Despite all the chaos though, I registered it was Franks shirt he had taken off, by the distinct smell of him; cigarettes and coffee and something else indistinguishable. Sarah and, I think, Matt then both took hold of each of my shoulders hauling me onto my feet.

“Open the door!” Sarah ordered, Frank stepping to the side to do as she asked. Once we all stumbled back inside to the dinning room, I could heard Mom and Davids hummed chattering, then Mom's sharp intake of breathe once she took in sight of me.

“Oh God! What on earth happened!” Mom gasped.

“Frank, being the dumb ass he is, threw a baseball at Gerard's face. I think his nose is broken!”

“I didn't know he was blind! No one told me!”

“David? Why didn't you tell Frank?”

“I-I...uhm...”

“Do you care so much? Does it make a difference? Are you ashamed of that, because I can't have that. You have to accept my children too!”

“No! I don't care! I don't care so much, I didn't think it was an issue to tell Frank!”

“Well apparently it is! Someone should have told me! I just fucking threw a baseball at a blind kid!” Frank shouted. They were all shouting. I wanted to cry. I hated fighting. I was going to be sick. All their shouting dissipated, however, as Sarah ushered me into Mom's bathroom.

Without words she lead me to the sink, helping me sit upon the counter. Her movement scuttled around, then I felt her press a cold wet wash cloth against my face. I hissed at the sting. I don't know why, but I guess that was some kind of last thin straw that broke, and I began to sob.

“Oh, baby! Don't cry. C'mon, Gee.” Sarah cooed, using the other hand that wasn't holing the wash cloth in place, to rub my arm.

“I-I-I just f-feel so s-st-stupid!” I blubbered.

“No! You're not stupid. Frank's stupid.”

“N-no. He didn't k-know. I'm stupid for not telling him...don't be made at him Sarah.” I pleaded.

“Fine.” She sighed heavily. “Boy has this dinner thing gone to pieces.” She muttered dryly after a moment. I let out a sarcastic laugh, empty of humor.

“You can say that again.” I bit.

“Hey. Kiddo. Don't be too hard on yourself.” Sarah said. I shrugged feeling a few more warm tears leak out of the corners of my eyes.

“Do you think it's broken?” I wondered after a moment of dull silence. Sarah pulled back the cloth to get a better look.

“Well I'm no doctor, but I don't think so. Maybe fractured, but I don't think it's broken. Kid nicked you good, though.” She said, tilting my head here and there as she spoke. Not two seconds later, there was a soft knock on the door. Sarah twisted back.

“Can I talk to him.” Franks voice shyly infiltrated the room. Sarah grumbled, but I nudged her.

“Fine.” She huffed. “Five minutes and that's it.” she warned, and with that weaved her way around Frank and left the bathroom. It was awkwardly silent for a moment. Frank sighed then, though, breaking the tension.

“I am so sorry, Gerard. I never would have throw that baseball at you if I would have known. I feel terrible. You probably hate me now. I feel like a dick.” He rambled.

“No, no!” I cut off, “I'm stupid for not telling you.” I mumbled glumly. Frank was silent for a second, I wasn't sure what he looked like or what he was doing, but then I felt him right in front of me, his cold breath wavering onto my face.

“How come you didn't?” He finally asked. I felt my face burn and eyes sting with a fresh wave of tears.

“I'm sorry.” My voice croaked. “I was worried you wouldn't like me anymore if you knew...I-I just wanted for you to think I was normal. For someone to think I was normal for once.”

“Hey, hey. Don't cry.” Frank shushed, grabbing my hand. I felt my heart accelerate and stomach drop all at once. His hands were slightly callous but warm and comforting, as his thumb began to stroke over my knuckles.

“I would never ever feel that way. I honestly don't care. I like you. I wouldn't care if you were deaf or were in a wheelchair or whatever. Promise.” I blushed profusely at his statement.

“Why do you like me? You hardly know me.” I wondered tentatively.

“Well I'd like to get to know you...I call this a good enough ice breaker, don't you?” He joked and I couldn't help but laugh at the lame joke.

“And I promise not to throw any balls at your face...unless you ask me to” He laughed.

“Oh my God!” I laughed too, pushing his shoulder with the hand that wasn't holding his. Frank giggled, a cute feminine laugh that made my heart melt.

“I really am sorry though.” Frank said, his voice sobering up. “But you guys really had me fooled. Did you all wear sunglasses just to trick me?” I blushed again and nodded.

“I wear sunglasses all the time. But Sarah and Matt just did that for my sake.” I confessed.

“You're such a dork!” He teased, and I smirked. “I need to be informed on these things, or I'll go my whole life throwing baseballs at blind kids faces.” I tensed at that however.

“Blind kids?” I repeated slightly hurt by his terminology. “I'm just a blind kid?”

“No! Not like that...I just...shit. I need to stop putting my foot in my mouth.” He sighed “I'm just not used to this, I guess. I don't mean to be rude.” I nodded.

“It's okay. I just don't like that term.”

“Okay. I won't use it. Promise.” He replied instantly. I smiled. Frank and I got quiet after that, his hand still wrapped around mine. Then I felt him lean in, and his lips brushed against my cheek. I thought my face was going to catch on fire, but then Frank pulled back and pulled some of my hair behind my ears. Before we could say anything more though, Sarah's voice popped back into the small bathroom.

“Time's up.” She announced. I rolled my eyes.

“C'mon. I think we need to go clear things up before Mom and David break up, anyways.” I declared. Frank and Sarah muttered in agreement.
Once we opened the door, immediately we could hear bickering.

“Gerard! Are you okay?” Mom exclaimed, the sound of her jumping to her feet infiltrating my sensitive hearing.

“Yes. Look. I'm okay. I'm not mad at anyone.” I tried to reason.

“I am so sorry, Gerard.” David apologized.

“It's okay. Really. This is all just a big misunderstanding. Frank didn't know. You didn't tell him because you didn't think it was a big deal. I get it. I'm not mad...And Mom. Please don't be mad at David over something like this. It's stupid. Let's just laugh about this now.” I ranted off, the room gone silent.

“Whatever you want, baby. As long as you're not upset.” Mom said trying to sound soothing. I nodded.

“I'm not.”

“Okay, then.” She sighed. “Why don't we take you to the ER just in case. I think your nose might be broken.” Mom said. I sighed.

“Well...I guess I'll take Frank home. I'll call you Susan.” David timidly said, accompanied with the sound of his lips kissing Mom's...cheek?

“Alright.” She agreed. With that David and Frank left, Frank brushing his hand against mine before he left, letting me feel one last lingering touch, to tide me over until I could see him again.

Notes

Sorry for any typo's. I'm honestly terrible at editting.