Diseased [Frerard] [Petekey]

Chapter 33

Frank-

I met Gerard at the bar. He refused to let me pick him up, so he was shivering by the time he got there.

He was walking up as I was parking. I flung myself out of my car and ran to him.

"Why didn't you wear a jacket? It's way too cold out here", I began to scold.

"I knew it'd be way too hot in there, I didn't want to carry a jacket around", he shrugged.

He teeth chattered as we went in.

"Do you want to borrow a jacket? I think I have one in my car", I offered.

"Nah, I'll be okay once I warm up", he shook.

I rolled my eyes. We found ourselves at the bar once we walked in. I ordered a beer (one of the only I planned to order tonight) and we got seated in a booth in the corner.

Sweaty bodies rubbed against each other and people conversed all around us. I downed my beer within a few chugs and decided I wouldn't order another for at least thirty minutes.

Gerard didn't seem phased by this. He looked at me with a smug expression.

"What?" I laughed.

"I could've gotten that before we got to the table", he taunted. "You're weak".

"Yeah yeah, I'm sorry you're better than me", I rolled my eyes playfully.

"I'm just kidding", he laughed. "When does this band start again?"

"I think around eight or nine. It won't be too long", I responded.

He nodded, assumably processing it.

"Hey! Frank!" someone yelled from the sweaty crowd of people.

I was confused as I looked around. I caught eyes with Andrew Velazquez. I instantly remembered him.

In our high school, we did a program where a high schooler would meet up with an elementary student and do some crafts with them or go to a music class or just learn about the high school and such.

"Andrew, hey," I stood up. "What the hell are you doing here? I'm positive you're still in high school dude".

"Shhh", he hissed, looking around to see if anyone caught that.

I laughed at his concern. As if anyone would go and snitch on him in this town. No one gave a fuck.

"Hey, I haven't seen you in forever", he held up his hand.

I did the familiar hand shake we made up so long ago. It was so intricate but years of knowing it gave me good practice.

"Yeah, I left town for a bit but I'm back now. This is my friend", I pointed out. "Gerard".

"Yeah, I remember you, you were my friend David's mentor", Andrew shook his head.

Confusion crossed Gerard's face.

"David?" he clarified.

"Yeah", he nodded. "David Escamilla. Really punk kid. I remember him raving about how cool you were because you always drunk and smoked on school property. He was a fifth grader who thought some hard shit was pretty badass".

"Oh, that's why I don't remember him", Gerard laughed, seemingly internally bothered by the fact that he forgot.

"Wait, you went to BH?" I asked Gerard.

"I don't remember shit, but everyone here does", Gerard laughed.

"How do I not remember you and Mikey?" I was stoked for a moment.