The red hair shined brightly against the dark green and blacks of the field at dusk. Frank noticed the glinting of sunlight on hair as he fled the classroom. Walking over to investigate, he heard soft sobs, as if someone was trying to bully themselves into not trying and failing.

Frank approached the shock of red hair with a shaking body underneath slowly and cautiously. He placed himself next to the convulsing boy and turned his head towards the face. The boy’s eye was horribly swollen and red-brown blood stained his face. Hazel eyes were surrounded by puffy red circles. Tears cleared paths through the blood on his face.

“Hi,” Frank whispered. The boy jumped, not realising someone had joined him in his corner of misery.

“Why are you here?!” he replied with fear in his voice. “You shouldn’t be here!”

“It’s okay… I won’t hurt you. Name’s Frank. What about you?”

Gerard hesitated, not sure if he wanted to answer. After minutes of hesitation, he answered.

“Gerard.” For some reason, he trusted Frank. Oh no, he thought miserably. I better not be doing this. I can’t fall in love again. I can’t. Those words set off a new set of heaving sobs. But he was distracted from his sobs a bit. Something about the dark short hair and strong jaw fascinated Gerard. It left him wanting something. Something he had only ever wanted from one person previously.

“Gerard, you look terrible,” Frank replied with that teasing smile only a real friend can give and get away with. “Let’s get you home.”He knew that this kid needed help. There were open cuts and countless scars on his arms and a beaten and bruised face. Where were this kid’s parents? Bruises peeked out from under his clothing. Frank took the shaky white hands, cold as ice and thin as bones, in his own warm ones and gently pulled. Gerard sprang up as if he weighed nothing.

Notes