The backpack fell to the floor, and you slid into the kitchen, planning to knock out your homework as quickly as you could so you could pick out your outfit for your older brother’s birthday later tonight.

You winced, remembering that Gerard had never agreed to go with you. You didn’t have a date.

You knew he was struggling, but the tiffs between you and the boy across the street had seemed to get a little…antsy as of late.

Not to mention that Jamie Keheller, the football quarterback from your year, had asked you out to the cinema. And after being taunted on by Gerard, you’d accepted. The date was terrible. And after, Jamie had literally licked your mouth with his massive tongue.

“You’re home?” Your mother asked, entering the room. “Gerard’s here.”

You froze at the mention of him, but she just casually brushed past you towards the cupboard. “You’re going with him tonight, aren’t you?”

The memory of Jamie’s giant tongue filled your mind, and with all your willpower you said, “No. I’m going with someone else.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Is it that Keheller boy? He’s a nice one.”

And that’s when you saw Gerard standing there in the hallway, still clad in his dirty football gear. He was the linebacker, the opposer to Jamie. But he looked betrayed and hollowed out, his broad shoulders sagged as he jogged from the kitchen and upstairs.

“Gerard, wait,” You said frantically, reaching him in the hallway.

“Explain that,” He hissed, whirling on you.