The Blind Leading The Blind

I woke up a little early in the morning, packing a lunch solely from my mini fridge and the stash Mikey had given me. My phone beeped and I turned the volume down before holding it to my ear and pressing play. “Gee: Mikey gave me this number, I hope it’s right. Just thought I’d test it out.”
I smiled to myself and tucked my phone in my jean pocket before slipping my coat on. I swung my backpack onto my shoulders and started down the stairs, trying to be as quiet as possible. I managed to get out of the house without waking my mother, hurrying down the street to the bus stop. I fumbled with my earbuds, jamming them into my ears and cranking up whatever came first.

Mikey was waiting for me in our usual spot, the wall near the south entrance. I walked over and sat down, holding my cane between my knees as I slipped my backpack off and set it down.
“Morning.”
I glanced at Mikey. “Sorry,” I mumbled, looking down. “Not really in a good mood.” Mikey shifted and his arm fell across my shoulders.
“What’s wrong, Frankie? Everything okay?”
I shrugged and rubbed the side of my face. “I guess. Just tired mostly. I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something.” I could smell the free breakfast in the cafeteria from here, and it was making my stomach growl, but the school told me my mom had too much money for me to qualify for the free meals. Mikey had tried to figure something out, but it never worked. The school board just didn’t seem to get it. Surely it wasn’t that hard to understand?
The bell cut through my thoughts and Mikey touched my arm lightly. “I’ll see you back here at lunch, okay? Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, flashing him a brief fake smile as he got up. I listened to him walk away for a few steps before picking up my backpack and cane and heading out.

I got a text in between two classes, and switched my music off to let it play. Instead of the automated woman’s voice I was used to, Gerard’s slightly nasal but somehow soothing voice played through my headphones.
“Hey. I just discovered voice text messages. It’s a little weird. But Mikey said you seemed upset, so I thought I’d give it a try. He seems to think I can help, but I’m not really sure how.” He chuckled quietly before going on. “If you text me, maybe you can give me some ideas on how to make you feel better. You’re not alone in this world, Frankie, don’t forget that.”
I smiled to myself, switching my music back on. Maybe Gerard was going to be a little more important to me than I’d thought.

I got to our spot at lunch before Mikey did, so I tugged out my phone and pressed the button. “Text Gee. I like ice cream.”
I hummed as I heard the text sent tone and unzipped my backpack, rummaging around until I found my lunch. I was just opening the box when Mikey ran over. “Sorry, I was talking to Hayley and lost track of time.”
I looked up and smiled. “No biggie. Gerard texted me again.”
“Oh? What’d he have to say?”
“He said you were worried about me.”
Mikey hesitated as I unwrapped my sandwich from the ziploc bag.
“Yeah, I am,” he answered at last, almost defiantly. “You’ve seemed really down for a couple weeks now, and I know you’re usually such a positive person. Am I not enough?”
I giggled softly and shook my head. “You sound like an old wife when she finds out her husband has been cheating on her. Of course you’re enough, Mikey. You’re my best friend and you do so much for me already. It’s hard to imagine you doing more for me. It’s not your fault and it’s not something you can fix. I’ll be okay.”
“If you say so,” Mikey sighed, then rubbed my shoulder. “Your phone is buzzing, you should get that.”
I nodded, picking it up and answering the call. “Hello?”
“Hey,” Gerard said softly. “I thought this might be easier than texting. You’re on your lunch break, right?”
“Yes, I am. Are you stalking me now? Should I be scared?”
Gerard laughed and I could hear some kind of rustling. I hated talking on the phone, but I couldn’t tell him now. “No, I just wondered if you wanted me to pick you up after school. I could take you for ice cream and we could talk?”
I smiled to myself, ducking my head. “Mhm. That would be great. I’ll uh. I’ll wait outside the library. I gotta go...I’ll see you then.”
I hung up and Mikey punched my shoulder. “I’m glad you guys get along.”
I glanced at him and sighed. “I thought you didn’t like me flirting with him and stuff.”
Mikey chuckled and leaned into me a little. “It’s slightly weird. But he’s a good guy, and so are you.”
I blinked. “He told me about his drug problem.”
Mikey hesitated. “It’s not a problem anymore, I-”
“No, I know,” I smiled, tilting my head. “I don’t judge him for that. I just wonder why he started drinking in the first place?”
He sighed and rubbed my shoulder lightly. “Frankie, I can’t tell you that. It’s very personal to him and he should be the one to tell you.”
I nodded and ran a hand through my hair. “Okay. I guess he wasn’t ready to tell me.”
Mikey kissed my cheek and hugged me gently. “I guess not.”
He pulled away after a few seconds and hummed to himself as I started to eat my sandwich.
“You know that kid Brianne?”
“Mhm,” I hummed, nodding. “In honors arts. She seems nice.”
“Well,” Mikey went on slowly, as if telling me something he was scared to. “She changed her name to Ben. He says he’s going to start T soon.”
I smiled and opened my packet of crisps. “Awesome. I’m glad for him, that’s a hard thing to do.”
“Really?” Mikey asked, seeming surprised. I turned my head towards him.
“Of course,” I answered, frowning slightly. “You didn’t think I was transphobic or something?” Mikey leaned against me. “No, no. I just...I dunno. Would you date Ben?” I shrugged him off. “Mikey, what’s this about? Ben has a girlfriend.”
He sat up quickly. “Nothing. I was just curious. Can I have some crisps?”
I handed him the packet. “They’re yours anyway, dude.”

Notes