In My Mind Only

Frank came out wearing an over sized t-shirt and baggy sweatpants. He looked..small and it was hilarious. I laughed.
"What's funny?" He asked as he sat across from me at the kitchen table. I shook my head.
"Nothing important," I responded. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Whatever. So let's talk. You breaking them up," he began. I cringed.
"I get that I only have a few months with you guys, but do I really have to force them apart?" I asked as I took a sip of my coffee.
"That's the only way. Get them to start fighting and break up their relationship." He took a huge gulp if him coffee, signing in satisfaction when he put his cup down. "This coffee is very good. Thank you," he said.
Sometimes I forgot how much of a respectful kid he could be. He's been teasing me until I'm angry at him ever since we talked.
"How has class been without me?" I asked.
"The same really. Only, the kids haven't really been doing work," he responded. I sighed. I only left those kids an essay.
"Have you completed your essay?" I took another sip.
"I finished it on the first day," he said.
"The entire two pages?"
"My favorite memory could only be a page. Is that okay, or would you like me to lie?" He asked. I took another sip. This was getting awkward. He was saying things that I couldn't asked about, because he wouldn't even tell me.
"Why would you even have to lie?"
"Because my favorite memory only took up one page. Okay, then. I'll just lie. But I'll make it so unrealistic that you'll throw up," he explained. I laughed nervously. It was so awkward, I wanted to leave the room.
"I need to pee," I said as I got up.
"'Kay."
I walked away and washed my face instead of using the bathroom. I dried my face and took a few deep breaths. How am I supposed to be okay with separating two people? I sighed and walked back out into the living room. He switched spots so he was now sitting on the love seat. I sat across from him on my recliner. He looked deep in thought as I stared at him.
"So," I started.
"Hm?" He asked, not even looking at me.
"Why do you seem so intent on separating them?" I asked. I knew he was going to lie.
"He's been hurting Jealousy, emotionally, of course. I want that to stop. Even if I have to sacrifice what she thinks is happiness and, of course, you as well. No offense," he said, once again, with no hesitation.
"So, basically, you're just using me?" I asked. We both knew the answer.
"He's hurting my family. You do whatever you can to protect them," he asked.
"Is Jealously the only reason you want them to split?" I asked. He seemed to hesitate before nodding. I sighed and slid my hand down my face.
"You are a fucking kid, aren't you?" He shrugged his shoulders.
"You protect your friends so well, I can only imagine how protective of your family you are," I said. He chuckled and I missed it once again.
"You have no idea," he responded.
"You're a good kid, Frank. Really."
"You're saying that to someone who will throw you under the abusive fist in a heartbeat for their friend?" he asked. I shrugged.
"Ray interests me. What can I say? Though, it's just a little hard to believe that he emotionally abuses Jealousy. He doesn't seem the type."
"Yeah, but you know the saying. Something about a book cover and judging," he said nonchalantly. I laughed.
"Never judge a book by it's cover?" I clarified. I saw the corners of his mouth twitch up slightly, and took that as a smile.
"Yeah, that. Anyways, I figure that I can start up a little rumor. After that, we let the ball keep rolling. Eventually, they'll make a big deal out of it themselves and all we have to do is wait. Whenever you notice him stressed and all that jazz, offer your classroom to him anytime. Let him know he can trust you. I'll be Jealousy's go to person since she tells me everything. At that point, we have to wait for him to go to you, which he will," he explained.
"How do you know he will? I'm a teacher and you don't even trust me."
"Well, you're gonna need to be a little more lenient with him. As much as I hate to say, give him a few grade passes and let him know that you have his back. This isn't going to be easy, Mr. Way, but if we work together and stay on plan, we can do this." I nodded in understanding.
"When do we start?" I asked. I felt a little small at the fact that a 17 year old kid was helping me with my love life. Sure, he was doing it for Ray's girlfriend and maybe even himself, but he was still helping me nonetheless.
"I'll start the rumor next week, so it'll be half way through the school by the time you come back. Since they're both looked up to, everyone will seem to care and be talking about it. They'll become the center of attention. Soon, we'll play our parts." He seemed well informed. But his want to hurt Ray seemed deeper than just Jealousy.
"Before you get too comfortable with this plan, kid, I have a few conditions. Basically only one," I explained. He nodded for me to continue.
"I'll go along with this plan, if you answer any questions I have about you. And you can't lie." I was waiting for him to decline but all he did was take in another gulp of coffee and nod.
"Sounds about fair. But, you only get one question a day," he said.
"Two," I demanded.
"Fine. Two. Use them wisely, sir," he teased once again. Frank Iero. He was only a kid, yet he basically had me wrapped around his finger.
"I need to get home," he suddenly said.
"Ah, yes. Okay, let's go," I said as I stood up and grabbed my keys. I watched as he grabbed his bag and walked out the door with me following. As I expected, the car ride was silent. I dropped him off a block away from where he directed me to his house. It looked very pretty from far away. I can only imagine up close.
"I'll text you tomorrow and let you know how everything is at school, sir. You know, I was really surprised that you didn't ask me any questions today. Oh, well," he said as he got out the car.
"Wait. What? I didn't think I could start to-"
"See you!" He said as he closed the door and walked away. All I could do was laugh and drive away.
This kid.

Notes

I have a bird. Her name is Lola. She hates me o.o Not exaggerating cx
Well, enjoy. Feedback much appreciated!

-OAIF <3