So Long and Goodnight - Frerard

I Am Not Afraid to Keep on Living

PoV: Frankeh

"Byee!" I shouted, running towards the bus. I pulled my bag back up onto my shoulder as I sprinted to the edge. I stumbled on through the door, collapsing in a seat. It was only a few yards between my house and the road, but sprinting first thing in the morning isn't always fun.

I looked at my watch. 7:59. It was going to take at least 10 minutes to get to school. First day at a new school and already late. I mentally face palmed.

The new neighbourhood seemed strange. I had only been living here a week so I didn't know anyone. It was just me and my dad.

When I finally arrived, it was 8:13. Great. I strolled in, trying to look for some kind of sign to lead to an office. After what seemed like years of walking (where as in reality it was 2 minutes) I found a door marked "office". I knocked and waited outside.

"Come in!" A voiced boomed from inside. I stepped in nervously. "Aha, you must be, what was it again? Frances?"
"Frankie." I corrected.
"Ok. I'm Miss Jebb. I just work in the office here. Let me find you your timetable."
She messed around a bit on her computer whilst I just hummed, bored. After a couple minutes, I was handed a time table. First period: maths. Oh, the joys.

I sauntered down the corridor, consulting my map every 5 seconds. I finally found the maths room and knocked on the door. I was usually full of energy but today I felt done. I was so worrued about moving to this new neighbourhood and the new school that I hadn't got any sleep. 1 cup of coffee won't really help now.

I was ushered to the back of the classroom by the teacher where there was 1 empty seat. Next to it sat a girl with long black hair. I sat down nervously and took out a notebook.
"Yo, I'm Gerry. Short for Geraldine but yeah. And you are?"
"Frankie." I replied quietly.
"Cool. So you probably want to know what the fuck is happening here, don't you. So basic senior year algebra."
"Right."
"What did you learn at your old school?"
"I didn't have an old school, I was home schooled," I replied. "By my mom, but then she..." I stopped myself, knowing I wouldn't be able to stop myself having a breakdown if I carried on talking. We sat in an awkward silence for a minute or so before she talked again.
"Look, ok... Um, I'll explain." She went on about some maths which I didn't pay attention to. Maths wasn't my strong point.

After maths, we had music. Music was definitely my strong point. It turned out we were studying classical so that wasn't much good. I was more into rock, as I played electric guitar.

I sat through 45 minutes of rambling by the teacher before the bell announced break. I ran down to the practice rooms, hoping to take a break. Music was my escape. I noticed a guitar in the corner and picked it up. After tuning it a bit, I started to play a few chords. I began to sing a song I had been working on, my fingers strumming on the strings. My voice felt a little croaky, but it didn't sound as bad as it could of.

After I had finished, I heard clapping. I turned around a little scared. I noticed Gerry standing in the corner, clapping her hands.
"How long have you been watching?!"
"The whole time." She spoke so casually. "Play it again, I like your voice." I began to play softly, my voice barely a whisper.
"No no no, louder. I want to hear the lyrics." I breathed in before restarting.
"Can you take this spike?
Will it fill our hearts with thoughts of endless
Night time sky?
Can you take this spike?
Will it wash away this jet black feeling?"
She clapped again. "Amazing! Have you got a title yet?" I shook my head.
"How about vampires will never hurt you?" I smiled and nodded my head. "I love it".

The day trailed on. At lunch and during my free period I spent all my time in the practice room, Gerry watching me. It seemed weird at first but I just adjusted to her. As soon as the bell indicating the end of 8th period rang, I ran straight out the classroom. I didn't have time for that hell hole.

I stopped by the bike sheds, where I noticed Gerry. "Hey," she said. "Do you want to come round?" I was a bit shocked but nodded my head.
"Um, sure. Let me tell my dad." I took out my phone and sent a quick text.
"Let's go," she ran down the road and I followed.