The next few days after the therapy session passed by without incident. I went through school numbly, did my homework, drew, and sang. It’s basically what my life revolved around anyway.

Ray had stopped to talk to me briefly about the group therapy and I was as vague as possible. I was starting to get the feeling that he just didn’t care. He had his own life and new, outgoing friends. I was beginning to feel sad about that. Maybe I would share it with the group.

Frank always loomed in the back of my head ever since therapy. His smug grin made me sick. Now that I think about it, his eyes were equivalent to that of a snake. I only had a short encounter with him, but I already knew something about him was toxic. He enjoyed people’s pain and that’s not something I found sexy. However, he was magnetic and always there. I wanted to get him off of my mind, but I couldn’t for some odd reason. It’s funny how someone you’ve only met once can create a lasting impression. I guess that’s why they say that first impressions are of importance.

Stirring me from my thoughts, Mikey strolled in through my bedroom door, not bothering to knock.

“What do you want?” I asked, my brows furrowed out of sheer confusion. Mikey never walked into my room. He usually kept to himself or he would be pre-occupied with his friends. We’ve grown apart as brothers in our teenage years, unfortunately.

“I need help,” he answered. He glanced down, as if he was ashamed or guilty of something he’s done.

My brother came to me for help? Amazing. This was rare. “What can I help you with?”

“I have a crush,” he started. He bit his lip gently and still wouldn’t meet my eyes. “The crush is a boy.”

My mouth gaped open. I was unaware of the fact that my brother liked boys. Why did he hide this from me? Anger began to rise up, sharp words threatening to crawl up my throat and tumble out. I quickly shoved the feeling down and dedicated my time to listening.

“Continue.”

“He’s gay. I want to ask him out, but I’d get made fun of by all my other friends. They’re slightly on the homophobic side.” This time he looked at me, worry was glazed over his eyes, as well as sadness.

“Well, maybe you just need some new friends. If they were really your friends, they’d understand. If they don’t, you know you always have me. Do what makes you happy as a person. Don’t let others control your life,” I said. I felt sorry for my brother. I wanted to tell him about Frank now that the conversation was leading into a deeper topic. Of course, others issues should be before my issues.

“That’s very true and I think I’ll do that. I just need to process it for a little while, if that’s okay. Thank you, Gerard,” Mikey said, a sincere tone lacing his words.

“Anything for you.” I smiled. “Now, can I tell you something that I haven’t told anyone? I’ve been keeping it to myself and I really need to let it out. Maybe you can help me.”

“Of course, what’s up?” He turned towards me more, his interest making itself known. I never told him about personal matters.

“I met this boy in therapy. His name is Frank. He’s gorgeous. He has penetrating hazel eyes that are very intense, tattoos galore, a wonderful voice, and a bunch of other nice qualities. Frank is aesthetically pleasing, but he’s a major jerk. He made fun of me the first day by ridiculing the way I dressed. He has that smug look that’s always present, however he kept glancing at me every now and then throughout the hour. My thoughts are consumed of him and I think I like him, but how can I when I’ve only met him once, and when I did, he was rude?” I explained.

Mikey was thinking. He had a certain expression he’d make when he was pondering deeply about something. “Well, some people are just attracted to danger. It thrills us and makes us want the unattainable object more. No offense, but you’ve never actually been paid attention to very much in your life. He kept looking at you, showing interest, only tricking your brain into thinking he likes you, so of course, you develop the false feeling back. Looks are a huge part of determining love. We’ve been conditioned to think that way. It’s not wrong, just human nature. I would approach him, make him respect you, assert your place, and maybe then, you’ll become friends. Find common interests, it isn’t that difficult.”

Damn, he was so scientific and strangely accurate. For a 14 year old, he sure new his facts and probably had a lot of experiences that I’ve never been told about.

“He’ll ridicule me though. Frank takes pleasure in making people suffer, it’s just what I’ve observed,” I responded. I glanced to Mikey, hoping he knew the answer.

“Then don’t show that you’re flustered or angry in any way. Humiliate him. Maybe if you show that you aren’t weak, he’ll accept you,” he suggested. He seemed concrete in this idea. As a nerdy kid, he’s dealt with harmful people in a quiet manner, so I trusted him.

“Thank you.” I hugged him for the first time in a long time. “We should have more talks like this.”

“I think so too,” Mikey agreed.

Tomorrow when I entered that building, I would use Mikey’s advice and show Frank that he’s met his match.

Notes

Sorry for such a short chapter & long wait.
I got side-tracked by work and daily life. I promise I'll update more often
Thank you for reading!