Shut Up And Kiss Me Now

I'm Not Your Babe

Title Credit: "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga

--

On Monday morning, I wasn't entirely happy to come in today. But I have to, so I did. To be honest, I want to come in, but I don't want to see Jack. I told Rian I wouldn't be so hard on him, but it's so hard when your heart's been broken twice in a span of one week. It's just so hard.

My first hour class was okay, but I was dreading my second hour. Yes, because of Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. That's all I could think about! Why can't I just be NORMAL and think about how Mark Hoppus is pretty much Jesus?! 'Cause he is.

But Jack. Jacky. Jack-O! Jack. Why do I like him so much?

I love his beautiful brown eyes, his gorgeous smile, and his cute, dorky laugh.

I love how his nose is a bit bigger than his face, his tall, lanky figure.

I love that he's not afraid to speak his mind or be himself.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when the bell rang. Dammit. Well, better take attendance and start the class.

Let's see....who's here? Kellin Quinn...Justin Hills...All the Andy's are here...Mark Foster is here...

Alright, looks like everybody except Rian and Jack are he--

Where are Rian and Jack? Rian's always here!

I got up and walked around to the front of my desk, slightly sitting on it, "Good morning, everybody! How was everybody's weekend?" I said to the class, earning groans from everyone. I rolled my eyes.

"I know it's Monday and it's morning, but damn guys! Don't be such zombies! What would you all like to do to--"

The door shot open and two boys were panting, wheezing, sweaty, and could barely get out a word. Jack & Rian.

"Mr. Gaska-," Rian panted. "S-Sorry we're late. I c-couldn't get Jack up." That was because of me, I guarantee it.

"Uh, that's fine, were you not in your first hour?" I added.

"No, I couldn't get Jack up. Sorry Alex--I mean, Mr. Gaskarth," Rian was acting weird today. He's never late, nor has he ever ditched. What has gotten into him?

"Ri, it's okay. You're like a brother, just calk me Alex," I said, and he nodded. "If it's fine with the both of you, I'd like to see you after class, did you get a late pass?" They nodded, handing it to me.

"Thank you, go sit down."

Once Jack and Rian sat down and I updated the attendance, I re-started the class, "Alright, could I have all singers bring a chair up to the front?" I asked, receiving all the singers grabbing a chair and bringing it up with confused looks.

"Now, I want all the guitarists to grab a guitar and their chair, and pick a partner. Then sit next to them." I directed, receiving the same from the guitarists. I noticed that Jack sat by himself in this activity. He looked sad when he walked in, and he looked sad now. I wonder what the matter is? It looks like Jack's not getting a partner any time soon, so I told everyone to just sit and talk for a minute so I could talk to Jack. I know I'm also his guidance counselor and all, and I should talk to him later, but...I figured that I need to talk to him now.

I walked over to Jack, earning a raised eyebrow from Rian. I rolled my eyes and shrugged it off, kneeling down in front of Jack, taking his guitar out of his hands and setting it to the side, "Hey! Give that--Oh, Alex...Hi..." he trailed off awkwardly. I held his hands and asked him to sit down on one of the steps with me. He obliged, and sat down next to me.

"What's wrong, Jack?" I asked him, earning a groan from him.

"C'mon, Jay," I said, trying to get him to talk to me. "I'm your guidance counselor, friend, teacher, and I can sense that there is something wrong. You might as well tell me." He sighed in defeat.

"Fine," he sighed. "You really wanna know, Alex? I bummed because of what you said to me Saturday. To be honest, I don't know what I want. I'm confused. You don't think I care about you but I really, really do." I knew I was the reason he was bummed.

"Jack, I really like you. But I can't be in a friends with benefits type of thing. I feel happier when I'm in a relationship. I'm sorry I said that to you, but I was just hurt, ya know? Here, why don't we partner up for this activity? You play guitar and I'll sing." I said, trying to at least stay with him. For his sake, he seemed lonely.

"Alex. I don't think--"

"Jack, please," I begged. "You seem lonely and this is a partner activity. I don't want to take points off for people who won't be your partner."

Jack sighed in defeat again, smiling a little, "Okay," he said. "What song should we do?"

"Well, I was thinking Alejandro by Lady Gaga, whataya think?" I responded. He grinned and nodded.

"Okay, does everyone know what they have to do?"

"Not yet," I said. "This is actually an assessment for vocalists and guitarists. They don't know that." I winked. "You know the chords to Alejandro, right?" Jack shook his head.

"Could you print 'em out for me? I learn pretty fast." I nodded I'm reply, getting up to print out the tabs for the song.

Once they were printed out, I brought them back over to Jack.

"Practice this by yourself at my desk while I give instructions to the others, if they don't know how to play the songs they choose, they're gonna need me to print 'em out." I said, giving the pages to Jack and walking away. I went to stand in front of the other guitarists and vocalists and started to speak, clearing my throat first to get their attention.

"Okay, with your partners, choose a song that you can play ACOUSTICALLY and bring it to me so I can read over the lyrics. I'll happily print out the lyrics and the tabs for you if you don't know how to play it or know the lyrics. Get started," I directed, turning to the drummers and bassists of the class. "Your assessments are separate from the guitar and vocal ones. Their assessments will take two weeks at most, so until then, pick an original beat-slash-bass line or find tabs on the internet for a cover song, or talk amongst yourselves. Remember, it must appropriate talk and no bullying. Once the guitarists and vocalists are finished, I'll talk more about your assessments, alright?"

I heard groans of "Alright Mr. Gaskarth"s, and an, "Alright ya fucker," which I knew was Rian.

"Okay, get to work or talk quietly." I said. walking back to my desk to see a line already started. Kellin and Jack Fowler were at the front and Kellin was teasing Jack or something. He looked pissed.

"I think it's funny how you have no friends and you have to partner up with the teacher, Barafag," Kellin teased. "God, that's hilario--"

"Kellin, I swear to fucking God if you don't shut your goddamn mouth, I will kick your ass!" Jack retorted back, angrier than ever. Looks like I've gotta break up yet another fight.

I butted into the argument, "Kellin, I want to see you after class today also." I sat down in my chair next to Jack.

"Jack, just keep practicing the song. If you want, come in here after school if I don't get to you today," I said, turning to Jack and Kellin. "What song are the two of you doing for this?"

"We decided on a cover." Jack said.

"We'll be doing Whataya Want From Me by Adam Lambert." Kellin added. I nodded my head impressed.

"Okay," I replied. "Whataya Want From Me, great song. Adam Lambert is very talented. Kellin do you need me to print out the lyrics?" Kellin shook his head no. "Alright. Jack, do you need the tabs?" He nodded.

"I do," he said. "Could you print 'em out?" I smiled and nodded.

"Of course," I said as they printed out. I grabbed them from the printer, stapled it, and handed it to him. "There you go, Jack. Have fun practicing for the assessment."