Common People (frerard)

Chapter 16

Classes were getting a little busy and recently I've found myself holed up in my studio as I worked. I stared at the diagrams on my screen when the door opened. I looked up and looked at Bert with a small smile. He sat down at his desk with a small, defeated sigh. I took off my headphones.

"You okay?" I asked.

"Stress," he replied.

"Wanna talk about it?" I asked.

"It's just family stuff," he said. "How's it going with you? How's Andy? I don't think I've seen him around."

"He moved away," I said. "I'm dating this other guy now, Frank Iero. I think. I know we said we want to be exclusive but I'm just nervous and I haven't really seen him since we kissed even though I live with him because I've just been working a lot and getting rides a lot from another friend."

Bert looked a little overwhelmed from all the info as he looked at me.

"So, how's this Frank guy?" He asked.

I blushed. "He's really nice."

"I'm glad you found someone new, I kind of hated Andy," he said.

I shrugged. It almost feels like I'm starting to understand what Andy did. Sometimes it makes my head spin. I know it wasn't good but it's hard to blame him for it instead of myself. Maybe I've been holed up in the studio because I've been unknowingly avoiding Frank because I've been so confused.

"Does Frank go here?" He asked.

"Yeah, yeah, he's a freshman," I said.

Bert nodded, powering up his computer.

"Did you get dinner already?" He asked and I shook my head. "I can get us pizza delivered."

"No, you don't have to do that," I said.

"It's chill," he said, typing something on his computer.

I bit my lip as I looked back at my screen. My phone buzzed and I looked down at the text.

Frank: hey, did you need a ride home today or were you gonna get one from Jamia?

I sighed.

Gerard: I'll probably get one from Jamia, working on a project right now

Frank: no worries, I'll see you later

There was a pang of guilt in the pit of my stomach. Frank sounded mad at me. Is he mad at me? Maybe I should text him and tell him I can go with him. No, it's okay. Frank wouldn't hurt me. Would he? No. But I deserve it. I tapped my middle finger to my thumb as I worked.

"You okay?" Bert asked.

I nodded, biting my lip. There was a small hiss as he opened up a can of soda but that was quickly diminished when the door burst open. I flinched, looking over at Lindsey who had her arms full and had most likely kicked the door open. Bert hurried to help her carry everything in.

"What is that?" I asked.

"We are having a Halloween party," she said. "Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year so my party is the Saturday after."

"We?" Bert asked.

"Yes," she said. "Other majors throw parties for their majors but we're such a small major. So this year graphic will also be throwing a party and everyone is invited so it is gonna be huge and the best party this campus has ever seen."

"Where are you throwing the party?" Bert asked.

"Did I mention my parents are away that weekend?" She asked.