Frank trudged down the hall, juggling books and binders for 5 classes in his arms. He blocked out the jokes from the other students and turned away from the faces that interrogated him. He turned down the hall to his room, only to be sent flying across the ground by another student tripping him. He scrambled to grab his books before they were kicked or ripped apart and thrown around as the kids gathered around to laugh and call names.
He stacked his things and put them under his arm to stand just as another student kicked him in the ribs, knocking him over again. His head swam with thoughts of suicide and escape, his ears pulsing with the laughter. He choked back tears and held his books tighter as he felt strong arms wrap around him and lift him up. He was shivering and protested with a shaky voice, too terrified to open his eyes and see who it was. He tried to curl up and hide, but instead felt the arms pull up his head by the chin and wipe away tears from his cheeks. He cautiously opened one eye to see Gerard's red hair and his usual concerned expression.
"Gee," he sobbed and curled up into Gerard's arms, his warmth comforting him.
"I'm here, I'm right here. They're gone, it's okay."
Gerard held Frank up and looked him in the eyes, "They're gone, they left." Frank's lips quivered and he sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve.
"Thank you," he said, gasping in between words. Gerard wiped the tears off of Frank's face with his thumb.
"You're always welcome." Girls down the hall pointed and giggled, vigorously whispering back and forth. They pushed one girl towards Frank and Gerard. Looking pleased with themselves, they watched as the girl slowly edged towards them, blushing hard.
"Um, Hi." She looked up nervously and gave an awkward little wave.
"We were wondering if… you two… were, like, together. Like, as a couple?" She looked at her feet and her whole face looked like it could burst into flames at any moment.
"No, we aren't. He's my best friend. But thank you for asking before spreading silly rumors." Gerard smiled and held out his hand.
"I'm Gerard, by the way. Who are you?" The girl's face returned to a normal color as she shook his hand.
"I'm Lynz. Nice to meet you. Sorry for embarrassing you." She smiled apologetically. "It's okay, no harm done." Gerard smiled back and the girl's face lit up in a huge grin.
"Well, we should all get to the buses. Nice to meet you, again!" She took off down the hallway and all her friends pulled her into their circle, asking about what he had said.
"They aren't, but they'd be so cute! The red haired one, he's really hot!" She gushed. Frank watched the girls hurry down the stairs to the first floor, wishing that they had never brought that up.
"Are you okay now?" Gerard put his hand on Frank's shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks again," He smiled.
"I'm glad you were here." Gerard smiled and patted his shoulder before walking down the stairs to his locker. Frank walked in the other direction to his own locker and grabbed his book bag, shoving his books in, and slamming the locker door. His heart was racing and he was getting angrier every second. He hurried down the stairs and went for his bus, but stopped and looked down the street where he and Gerard used to go to walk home. It was empty, no people.