31 Days

(Still Gerard's pov)


I plopped down into my seat at the back of the classroom, Frank sitting to my right. I glanced around, noticing the front 2 rows have already been filled by your typical straight A student and teachers pet. All of them already doing what was written on the board as a warm up.

A loud group of teens walked in, consisting of what are considered the populars, and sport jocks. I didn't pay any attention to them. Yea they would occasionally through a name at my or some stupid insult having to do with my mom, but them weren't as bad as Bert.

Bert McCracken was part of a group of outcasts, but not like mine and Franks group. These kinda of outcast he calls friend, including him self.... Are into drugs, alcohol, all that shit. They even got into street fighting. What the hell?! And to make it all 10x as worse for me is that Bert has the biggest fucking hatred for me I have ever witnessed and dealt with. I've been to the hospital 3 times in the past 2 years because of him, mostly broken noses, cracked ribs, the usual. Everyday, for 2 years since he moved here, I was, and still am, his personal punching bag.

And speak of the fucking devil....


Bert and his little group stride into the classroom, and lucky for me, the only spots open happen to be right to my left. Wonderful.. All of them head to the seats, Bert right next to me. I try to ignore his presence, pulling out my sketchbook, and slightly facing towards Frank. I concentrate on my little doodle of a vampire, sighing lightly, and mentally making myself stay calm.

I can tell Frank has noticed my predicament, because he keeps glancing at me in concern.

The teacher begins with role, then starts blabbing on and on about some stupid unknown poem written 300 years ago. Half way through I notice Bert glaring at me from time to time. Goddamn it he's planning something. I focus in on my work for once. 10 minutes later a balled up piece of paper is thrown onto my desk, I internally sigh and open it up, already knowing it probably consists of some form of threat or insult.

Hey fag, how about you meet me at your locker during lunch? Have a nice chat?

I am terrified, normally people in this situation would just face him, or avoid their locker at all costs, but they didn't know Bert. If you don't show up, he will find you and beat the ever livin shit outta you, and if you go, same outcome.

I try to steady my breath, but I already know a panic attack is on its way, fuck. I crumpled the paper back into a ball, throwing it over my shoulder I quickly ask to go to the restroom, and the teacher, though mean and strict, let me. I gather my stuff quickly and run out into the hallway, then into the boys restroom. I dump my stuff onto the floor of a larger stall and slide down the wall onto the floor, breathing heavy, my mind already running threw possible things that he will do to me. Stab me, he's already done that before, beat me, broken nose? A new street fighting technique?

I shutter at the thought. My breath fast and choppy, my heart beat racing. I feel tears creep up, ready to escape from my eyes, when suddenly the bathroom door is opened, and Frank slides in.

"Hey, shh it's okay, it's just me, Gerard, focus on my breathing if it helps Okay? In... And out...in... And out... That's it, just breath." He says, sitting down on his legs next to me on the floor.

I just breath, focusing in on how his tiny hands are now rubbing my back, in calming, circular motions. I close my eyes.

10 minutes later the bell rings, and we have to go to music. I open my eyes slowly and look up at Frank, who is now standing up, and reaching a hand to me, to help me up as well. I gather my things, and before we walk out, I stop. Look at him again instead of the floor. He stops too, and looks at me.

"Th-thanks.. You know.. F-for coming to check on me..." I mumble slightly.

"You're my best friend, I'd never leave you in here dealing with that shit," he says calmly, with a small smile.

I nod. We walk out and head to our music classroom. Even though Ray and Mikey are a year below us they have music with us, something about the other class time being to crowded or whatever.
Finally we reach the room, and take our places by Ray, Mikey, and Bob. Mikey glances at me in concern, but Frank quickly explains everything, having read the note as well apparently.

The teacher is pretty cool, she lets us do whatever we want as long as it has to do with music, and occasionally she will assign projects. Every Friday we have a little talent show thing, and the winner gets a 'no homework' pass for any class. Which is awesome, if I wasn't deathly afraid of crowds, and singing in front of people. Even Frank hasn't heard me sing before, he just knows I'm "totally fucking awesome at it" because my brother blabs all the time.

5 minutes later, after role was taken, we begin the show. We all gather around the small-ish stage, and Mrs.Finch walks onto the stage.

"So, it's Friday, you know what that means!" She said enthusiastically,"it's talent time!!! But, this week has a twist! In this hat," she shakes a blank red baseball cap in her hands, " are the names of everyone in this class, we will pick 4 names and those 4 will perform for the reward. Now, shall we start?!" She announces. A few "yeas" and groans are heard in reply.

"Well okay, let's start!" She shakes the hat around then picks out a slip of paper, "Taylor!" She says, the supposed girl names Taylor cheers, and walks up to get in line. The teacher shakes the hat yet again before picking out another slip. "Frank!" He groans slightly but gets up a shuffles into the line of performers, picking up his guitar on the way.

Another shake and a third name drawn,"Sky!" An entire group of girls giggle and cheer as a tall blond stands and skips into line.

Finally, last name. I pray it's not me, I would end up dead. As simple as that. I cross my fingers and close me eyes. I hear the rustle of paper, and then silence. "Gerard!!" The teacher practically sings. My eyes shoot open. No no no no nooooooo. I shake my head drastically. Pleading with my eyes not to make me.

"Sorry bud, gotta do it" I sigh, and slowly, walk over into line. Waiting for my death to happen at any moment.

Notes

Okay, so this is semi-long I think... Idk... I hope it's okay. Sorry if I switched from present to past tense at some parts, I do that sometimes lol. Comment plz!! I need feedback!! Thank you!!!



-xoxo Bands.And.Blood