I Believe We're the Enemy

Gerard busted out the doors of Mr. Arin's office. He shouted, "This isn't fair."
Frank froze in place as Gerard stumbled past him. Gerard suddenly fell onto the ground. Frank rushed over by his side and helped him up. He wrapped Gerard's arm over his shoulder and led him down the hall, making his way to the nurse. Frank asked, "What happened?"
"I'm fucking suspended."
"What?"
"A week." Gerard continued, "Mr. Arin doesn't like me. He never did. He calls me a trouble maker. I got a week of suspension while Rogen gets a slap on the wrist." Gerard tightened his jaw, "I can't believe this." Gerard looked at Frank, "Listen, you're going to be okay while I'm gone. I can't promise that Rogen won't try to hurt you, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. You're smart."
Frank looked at Gerard. They locked eyes. Frank said, "Thanks."
Gerard smiled weakly, "No problem, kid."

****

The next day, Frank avoided Rogen as much as possible. He kept an eye out from the morning, until the bell rang for school to end. Frank hurried to his locker. He became paranoid as he stuffed his books into his locker and slammed it shut-a hand grasped onto his shoulder, turning his body his around and slamming his back against the lockers.
Rogen smiled, "Hey Frank. How are ya?"
Frank kept quiet, his eyes were showing fear as they stared into Rogen's.
Rogen leaned into Frank, "Let's chat." Rogen grabbed onto Frank's shirt and reeled him into the closest bathroom. Rogen threw Frank inside before locking the bathroom. The two faced one another in the three-stalled bathroom.
Rogen straightened out his jacket, "I'm not gonna hurt you."
Frank took a step back, "I don't believe you."
"Oh, so you do talk." Rogen added, "Listen, I'm here to offer you a deal." Rogen took a step toward Frank, "You're afraid of me, which is understandable. But, the question is, how scared of me are you exactly?"
Frank replied, "I'm not-" He stopped. He looked away, not adding another word.
Rogen said as softly as he can, "I'll never lay a hand on you again. As a matter of fact, I'll let you hang out with me. We'll party, drink beers after school, get laid-I know some guys who find you attractive. Does that sound good?"
Frank became more confident, "But what's the catch?"
Rogen tucked in his lips, "You and Gerard are pretty close. But I can see you're kind of annoyed of him. What I’m asking is that you take something for me…” Rogen looked away, “Gerard and I use to friends back in middle school but I soon came to know that we were on different paths. He knows my weaknesses, I know his.”
“You want his weakness? What is that?”
“Gerard carries this necklace in his jean pocket every day. He’s had it since middle school. I want you to get it and give it to me.”
“What’s so special about the necklace?”
“That’s none of your business...do we have a deal? You can end your junior year in peace.”
Frank was in thought, “I...I don’t know.”
Rogen tucked in his lips, “I’ll give you a week to give to me. If not, then I guess we’re enemies.” Rogen unlocked the bathroom door, “Think about it.”

Notes