Frerard - Yes Sir!

Chapter 3

I felt a little more confident on the drive to school the following morning. In fact, I would go as far as to say I was looking forward to it. I convinced myself that it was the teaching that I was looking forward to, but I knew deep down that it was partly seeing Frank again that had put a bit of a spring in my step.

You couldn't deny the fact that he was gorgeous. Even if I wasn't Bi, I would appreciate what a good-looking guy he was. I hoped he would be the teacher that I would befriend. I felt comfortable around him, maybe because we were both 'arty'. I don't know.

I headed into the staff room and made myself a coffee, and before long found myself in a cluster of teachers, all asking me questions. Nothing too heavy. Just where I'd studied; how I'd found my first day. It was nice to be included, but my eyes kept wandering around the room looking for Frank. I didn't see him that morning though and was a little disappointed as I headed off for first period.

Passing the music rooms, I found myself peering in.

There I saw Frank with a few students sat around him. He held a guitar in his lap as did the students. They were all smiling and each attempting to copy his hand movements along the neck of his guitar.

"Hey" I heard Frank say to his students. "You guys did great this morning. I'm really proud of you. Better head off to class now though, huh?"

I smiled as I walked towards my own class. It was obvious Frank was giving extra tuition and his students seemed to really enjoy it.

'Jeez! So he's not just insanely hot, but he's a nice guy too' I thought to himself.

The class bell sounded my first class piled in. After the initial chatter, I managed to get them to do some work. I asked them all to choose their favourite horror movie and re-create the poster for it. This seemed to please everyone, and they all quickly got on with gathering pencils, paints and whatever other supplies they would need, then after a little discussion on which were the best movies, they got on with it. I wandered the class, offering advice and encouragement and it was at that moment that I began to feel like a real teacher. The rest of my classes that morning went equally as well, and by lunch I was really fucking happy.

As I sat again at my desk and pulled out my lunch, Frank appeared at the doorway.

"Hey Gerard" he started. "You coming having lunch in the staff room today?"

After giving it a moment's thought, I agreed and followed Frank out of the room and down the long corridors.

Sitting in the staff room with Frank initially, we were then joined by several others who chatted along as they ate.

"So I've been getting rave reviews from most of my classes about you Gerard" Casey, the English teacher told me.

"Oh really" I blushed a little.

"Same" added Lydia, who I think taught History. "They all think you're really cool."

"Oh. Better watch out Frank" Lindsey, the Drama Teacher laughed. "You're gonna lose that crown if you're not careful."

"Fuck off" Frank snorted.

"I'm telling you" She continued to Frank. "The kids love him. You might be having to take a step down from that first-place podium spot Mr Iero."

I turned to look at Frank, my cheeks no doubt inflamed. "Mr Iero?" I questioned cocking my head to the side.

"The one and only" Frank replied with a big smile and a wink.

Of course he was the fucking cool teacher. How did I not realise that? The funny music teacher with the tattoos and piercings. God I felt such an idiot.

I quietly finished my lunch and headed out of the staff room without anyone noticing. I don't know why I felt so stupid, but I did. Was Frank just taking the piss? Did he think it was funny yesterday to let me ramble on about being as cool as him? I shook my head and headed into the store room to give it yet another unnecessary sort out.

As I came back out I found Frank leaning against the front of my desk.

"Oh Hi" I quietly offered.

"I wondered where you'd gone. Why d'you leave so soon?" he asked.

"Um just wanted to get organised for class" I lied.

"Hey I'm sorry if you're upset about yesterday Gerard" he apologised. "I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"Oh, no, it's fine" I said with a casual wave of my hand. "I was only joking about the kids thinking I was cool. I've never been cool so certainly don't expect to become so now."

"Well I think you're pretty awesome Mr Way" Frank said a little quieter than usual. "And I know the kids do too."

I swallowed hard at his words, telling myself he didn't mean it in any way that I wanted him to. He was just being polite. I cleared my throat and found some papers to shuffle in order to gain some composure. Frank didn't move, nor did he take his eyes off me.

"You know" he began. "The music and drama department are trying to get some funding to take a bunch of kids on an music and cultural trip. I was thinking, why don't we incorporate art as well? That way we'd be more likely to get the go ahead for the trip."

"Um I don't know Frank" I replied. "I've literally been here for a day. I don't really feel quite ready to take a load of kids away on a trip."

"Oh it would be months off anyway" Frank replied casually. "It will be fun. Come on. Just think about it?"

"Okay" I replied sceptically.

I neared my desk and Frank just stayed in place. I felt awkward trying to pass him so closely, but he still didn't move. As I was in front of him, he took hold of my arm.

"Promise you'll think about it?" he asked as he turned me slightly towards him.

"Mhm" I nodded, noticing the slight squeeze he gave to my arm.

"Cool" he said as he stood to leave. "Oh and by the way. Some of us go out after work on Friday, so don't make any plans ok?"

"What? No. I........."

"It's not up for debate Gerard. It can be your official welcome" he said as he left, again offering a wink.