Frerard - New Beginnings

5

Frank was left reeling from Gerard's innocent question.  He berated himself for making everything about him - being all self-indulgent about his problems and how he felt all of the time.  He realised that he must have come off as a bit of a dick, and it was obvious that Gerard had taken his hostility towards him personally.  He knew that that was exactly how it would have seemed, and it occurred to him once again, that he had become so far removed from the Frank that once was.  The old Frank had a way of making everyone feel like an instant friend with his bubbly and laugh out loud personality.  He was warm and caring, honest and genuine.  At least he was, until he had found himself embroiled with the worst of what Jersey had to offer.  The absolute scum of the city.  The people who sucked the very soul out of Frank and made him the complete opposite to those things - becoming cold, selfish and an absolute liar.  He had tried and tried to get away from it all, but once Ryan had dragged him into it, there was no escape. Not unless it was in a coffin.  

As much as he needed to keep his old life locked away and keep himself to himself in this sleepy village, Gerard's questioning of why Frank didn't like him had him feeling guilt ridden.  

"I do like you Gerard" he answered, although there was very little conviction to his voice.

Gerard just shrugged a little and a sad smile spread across his face.

"It doesn't matter" he said, before turning and going back to his work.

Frank's guilt increased tenfold as the day went on.  Gerard didn't bring it up again, instead going back to his old self, as though the question had never been asked.  Still Frank felt awkward, and somewhat cruel at letting Gerard think that he wasn't liked.  Frank hadn't even given the guy a chance had he?

As they were readying for the end of the day, Frank found himself hovering awkwardly by the door as he locked it.

"Hey" he began, Gerard turning and offering a smile in his direction. "I was thinking about maybe heading to that town your Aunt mentioned one day.  See if there's anything going on there.  Do you maybe wanna come with me?"

Gerard simply nodded.  "Sure" he said finally.  "Sounds great."

So that was how Frank found himself sitting awkwardly alongside Gerard in Mr Way's old truck, heading to the neighbouring town for the day.  Gerard was unusually quiet, and as much as it surprised him, Frank was actually missing his constant chatter, finding the quiet of the journey a little unsettling.  He had asked himself over and over what the hell he'd been thinking asking Gerard to go out for the day with him.  He'd done so well up to now, just keeping to himself and not allowing anyone to intrude on his privacy. Yet here he was, one on one with a practical stranger off for a fucking outing with him. Jesus, how had this happened?

After a little while, they stumbled upon the seaside town that Aunt Patricia had suggested.  It was your typical tacky, tasteless seaside resort, but it looked like there was potential for a little fun at least.

Gerard parked the vehicle up and the two exited the parking lot and walked uncomfortably side by side until they reached to shore front.  It was a cacophony of sounds and smells and the two instantly felt a little more at ease once the air of silence surrounding them had been broken by the noises coming from the bars and arcades.

"So, um, what d'you wanna do?" Gerard asked Frank, who just shrugged in response.

"You wanna go in the arcades?" he suggested.