Starry Night by Edgar Allan Poe

“Okay, girls, have a good day at school! Daddy loves you so much,” I told them as they unbuckled their seatbelts. I was parked in front of the school where there were plenty of other cars doing the same; they frustrated me to no end with their endless honking and reckless driving.

“We love you, too, daddy!” They yelled in unison as they climbed out of the car. Just as the door was about to close, Lily stuck her head back in.

“Oh, daddy! We forgot to tell you that open house is today. Will you come?” She asked. I sighed softly.

“Yes, of course. Just remember that daddy needs to know things right away just in case he had plans, okay?” I said, giving her a soft smile. She nodded her head frantically.

“Okay, daddy. We’re sorry. Do you still love us?” She asked, a big smile on her face. I chuckled and rolled my eyes fondly.

“Of course I love you still! You’re both my world,” I laughed. She gave me a thumbs up.

“Good! Keep doing that!” And then she slammed the door and ran off hand in hand with her sister. I watched them, fondly, as they were led by a teacher inside the school until the car behind me honked, causing me to jump in my seat. I poked my head out of the window.

“Hold your fucking horses, I’m making sure my kids are safe, you fucking psycho!” I yelled as they continued honking. I took my sweet time with adjusting my already adjusted mirrors and putting it into drive before finally leaving the parking lot. I flipped the finger at the SUV behind me after seeing them do the same. “Fuck you, too,” I muttered under my breath.

I wandered about the town, going into different shops and back and forth to the local park seeing as I wasn’t scheduled to go into my cover up job today. I hadn’t felt like lazing around at the house, so I just stuck to driving and walking around. I headed into the library after loitering around the park for a moment and scanned the books. I stared off into space as I looked through the books, thinking about everything and nothing at all.

“You’re into romances?” I heard a voice from behind me say. I straightened up and turned around, genuinely surprised to see the girls’ principle smirking at me. I kept my calm and raised a brow.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, unsure of what he meant. He nodded at the books behind me and I turned to see that I was in the romance section. I turned back to Gerard and shrugged.

“I was staring off into space, but I am a hopeless romantic,” I chuckled. “How are you?” I asked, holding my hand out to shake. Gerard took my hand firmly and shook it, once again holding on a second longer than anyone else would. I felt my lip twitch into a small smirk.

“I’m doing well. And you?” He asked, staring right into my eyes.

“I’m doing great, thank you for asking.” We stayed silent for a moment.

“You are seriously too formal, Frank,” Gerard chuckled. I shrugged, my smirk growing bigger.

“My father made sure of that,” I responded, slightly flinching at the memory of my father and the day he showed me his real job. There was a moment of silence before I realized that I basically shared something way too personal. I cleared my throat, averting my gaze.

“Are you attending the open house tonight?” He asked. I nodded my head.

“Yes. Lily and Cherry neglected to tell me until this morning, but thankfully, I’m off today, so it all worked out.” Gerard nodded. “So what are you doing here, if you don’t mind me asking?” I asked, tilting my head a little.

“I often come here during a lunchbreak or two. I enjoy reading and the silence,” he admitted. I hummed an agreement before we went into another sort of awkward silence. Suddenly, he reached out to me and touch the tip of my hair.

“Gerard?” I asked, smirking.

“Your hair is very nice,” he murmured. I raised my brow.

“This looks a lot like you’re flirting,” I said, amusement in my voice. His gaze flickered to my eyes.

“How appropriate, seeing as that’s exactly what I’m doing.” This caught me a little off guard, my eyes widening a little. I stepped away.

“While that is very flattering, I am a father and a married man,” I explained, smiling a little.

“I’m aware of all of that. As am I. You’ve caught my eye, Mr. Iero,” He said, pulling his hand back to his side and looking directly into my eyes. I smirked.

“I see. Like I said, I’m very flattered.” We stayed silent again. That seems to be our thing.

“You’re not at all as shy as Mr. Stump,” he noted. “Your confidence, I like it.” I raised my brow.

“Mr. Stump? Is your wife aware of your straying from the house?” I asked. He cocked his head to the side, a smirk on his face.

“I’m much sneakier than one would think. But I feel as though you are the same way.”

“I’ve never once cheated on my wife, if that’s what you’re asking,” I said, turning back around to look over the books. I felt him step closer.

“Oh, but wouldn’t you like to,” he asked, yet it sounded more like an accusation.

“Mr. Way, I’ve only met you yesterday,” I chuckled, amused with his pining. He scoffed.

“And? I saw the way you were looking at me. I’m sure my wife did as well,” he said. I slightly tensed up at that before relaxing once more.

“I can’t deny when there is an attractive person in front of me. I was merely admiring your looks. I’m not looking for an affair.” He was silent for a moment before I felt his hand on his waist and I shivered at his touch. He noticed, seeing as I could practically feel the smirk radiating from him. Almost too soon, he pulled his hand away and stepped back. I let out a breath of relief and turned back around to face him. He was looking down at his phone.

“I apologize, but it seems I’ve gotta go,” he said, giving me a brief smile before heading out of the aisle and, soon, out of the library. It was only then that I realized how hard my heart was pounding. Jesus, that guy. I growled softly to myself before heading out of the library myself and walking down the long path to my car. It was nearly one in the afternoon; I didn’t know what to do with myself. So, I began thinking about the girls’ principle.

He seemed a little too confident for his own good, but it made him all the more attractive. He had this atmosphere about him that drew me in, and probably everyone else. He was a man everyone liked. He could be as cocky as he wanted and everyone would go with it. I had respect for him on that bit, but cheating on his wife was too far. Lindsey seemed like a terrific woman, definitely someone Jamia would get along very well with. And yet, Gerard felt compelled to cheat on her. As attractive and likeable as he was, there was no way I was cheating on my wife just for a one-night stand.

Soon, I made it back to my car and climbed in, starting the car before I drove around the city mindlessly. I thought to visit Jamia at her office, but she was busy. I didn’t want to disturb her. My parents lived in a different state and I really had no friends other than the guys at the business and I’d rather not converse with them today. It was my day off. I just wanted to enjoy it. No cleaning. I’m not even going to sweep my fucking house.

Eventually, about half an hour later, I decided to just go home and take a small nap before I had to pick the girls up. Although sleeping in is something I would love to do, my girls need an education. I had thought about homeschooling, but that would require me having to stay home. I couldn’t risk getting a call in the middle of teaching them and then having to leave them alone for a while. Staying in school was the best route to go.

The house was almost too silent. I wasn’t used to this luxury of having the house all to myself and suddenly, I didn’t want to waste it all on a nap, but I did lay in my bed until I figured it out. I spent my time staring at the ceiling, thinking about nothing but the patterns on it. It felt wonderful not having to worry about my next clean, or watching the girls, or putting up a front for my wife. I could just be myself. It was relaxing.

“Hm, maybe a nap would be wonderful,” I chuckled softly to myself as I turned on my side and closed my eyes. I stared at the darkness behind my lids. I didn’t even get to fall asleep before my phone went off and I sighed. I literally had no one who would be texting me; I preferred not to make friends. They start getting curious and it’s more trouble than it’s worth. I picked my phone off of the bed and opened it.

Unknown Number: I’d be honored if you met me for a cup of coffee after open house. Think about it xGerard

Well, fuck me.

Notes

I apologize for my long absence. I have not been in the best creative mood, so I thought it best to step away for a moment. As long as I needed. There are many new stories and authors up here and I haven't had a chance to read them all. If you want my opinion on anything or just to bounce ideas off one another, send me a message.

As for incident at Manchester, I am so sorry. But, please, remember that there is good in the world and this doesn't define our human race. Even though there are days I struggle with seeing that myself, I want everyone to remember that we all have bad days and it's okay to let your smile fall for a little bit. But you need stand up stronger than before, grab hands with your neighbor and hold on tightly. We can do this together. We can change the world one kind word at a time.

Much Love,
-OAIF <3