Chapter Five

It was now November. The leaves on the trees were as good as nonexistent and the ones that still clung to the branches were vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Fall was coming to a close which meant Thanksgiving was just around the corner.

Ally was still with Aidan and she was happy. She had met his family a few weeks ago and they loved her. She frowned suddenly when she remembered her parents' reaction to Aidan. Her mother, of course, adored him and her father was reluctant to give the guy a chance. 

She knew it'd be hard, what with having Frank around all these years. Her dad had warmed up to him quite a bit. Now he was being introduced to someone else and being forced to accept the situation. It wasn't easy.

Ally found herself sighing. She was glad her mother finally approved of him but she was upset her father wasn't on board yet. Her whole life she had aimed to please both her parents but her dad's approval and recognition had always secretly meant more to her. So it sucked not to have it in regards to her and Aidan. 

Furthermore, she was worried her dad wouldn't allow her to spend Thanksgiving with Aidan's family. She had just been invited and it was short notice but she wanted to go.

However, she and her family had their own tradition. And that included her family having Thanksgiving dinner with Frank and his mom. She had barely spoken to Frank anymore these days and though he assured her they were still friends she didn't want it to be awkward come Thanksgiving. So she gathered her courage and forced herself to confront her parents about spending Thanksgiving with Aidan's family.

Ally took a few deep breaths as she left her room and headed into the kitchen where her parents were having a late lunch. 

She walked in with confidence and a cheery smile. "Hey, mom. Hi, dad. I have something I want to run across you both."

Her parents met each other's gaze before meeting hers. "What's it regarding?" her father asked seriously. 

"Thanksgiving," she responded lightly. "Now, I know we usually have plans to stay here and eat a huge meal but I was wondering if maybe you'd allow me to spend Thanksgiving elsewhere."

Her mom stayed silent but her dad asked, "Where would this 'elsewhere' be?"

"At Aidan's house. He just called and invited me. He ran it by his parents and they're totally on board. I know it's kind of last minute seeing as how Thanksgiving is four days away but I really want to go."

Finally, her mom piped in. "That sounds lovely, sweetheart, but Thanksgiving is family time. You know that. As much as I'd love for you to spend more time with Aidan and his family, I'd love it more if you were here to help me with cooking and cleaning come Thursday." 

Ally wasn't giving up yet. "But, mom, I can still help you before I go with whatever you need. Most of the prep is done before Thursday and we can get an early start that morning."

Her mother sighed and then her dad intervened. "I think the answer is still no." He was firm and adamant. "Your mother is right. Thanksgiving is a family holiday. If your mother needs you here there's no way you're going anywhere. Besides, Frank and Evelyn will be coming over as usual. Don't you want to be here so Frank isn't alone with us boring adults?"

Ally sighed and groaned. "He'll probably be bored either way. He and Aidan don't get along for whatever reason so it's awkward and uncomfortable for them to be around each other. I really don't get why. I spend time with both of them and both are nice and funny. They could be friends if they just tried."

"Sweetie, I know you want to do your own thing," her dad stated. "You're growing up. But you're staying here for Thanksgiving and that's final."

"Fine," she muttered before returning to her room and slamming the door shut.

She didn't understand why her dad was being so complicated. Her mom seemed like she was about to cave in until her dad jumped in. He must really not like Aidan though he told her time and again he trusted her judgment.

Sighing, she plopped on her bed and called Aidan to tell him she wouldn't be seeing him on Thanksgiving.

...

Coming to school to start another lame week was the last thing Frank wanted to do. School had become a place where he was constantly uncomfortable. 

In the halls he had to see Ally and Aidan together and when the making out began he just turned the other way and pretended not to see it. 

It was hard.

He wished for it to be like the previous years. He wished it were he and Ally again but that didn't seem likely. He barely spoke to her the way he used to. He still considered her a friend even though he felt far from it.

In Econ class Ally sat away from him. She glanced his way every so often but offered nothing more than a small smile. He hated being in this position, hated putting her in this position.

After class he made no effort to talk to her or even walk her to class or ask about her weekend. She no longer stayed behind to offer up small talk. Instead she hurried to her next class with Aidan. 

Come break he'd avoid the first building all together. Usually they made out by their lockers. Frank dreaded third and fourth period but avoided Ally all together. At lunch they'd sometimes sit together but lately there was no talking involved. She'd draw in her notebook, do homework for classes, or read. Frank hated not being able to talk to her about how he was feeling. It sucked to want someone who only wanted your friendship.

Monday and Tuesday the patterns were the same: Frank avoided Ally, she ignored him, and ate lunch with Aidan. But on Wednesday she strode through the back doors to the cafeteria and joined him near the grass. 

His headphones were already in and though he wanted to take them out and look at her or even speak to her, he chose another route, hoping maybe she'd offer something like the last several times before she gave up.

...

Ally sighed as she took a seat under the big, shaded tree she and Frank usually sat under. She knew his headphones were in and that he probably wouldn't talk to her if she opened her mouth but she still longed to talk to him, especially since Thanksgiving was tomorrow and they'd be stuck together the whole night.

So she gathered her courage and said, "I hope it's not like this tomorrow. Are you and your mom even coming tomorrow night?"

Frank took out his headphones and looked at her for what felt like the first time in weeks. 

"Of course we're still coming," he replied as if it were obvious. "Why? Did plans change?"

"No," Ally grumbled. "As if you'd care if they had."

"Ally, I'm �"," 

Ally turned a heated gaze at Frank. "Look, I know we haven't exactly been close lately but you don't have to be a big jerk about everything. If the past few weeks here is what it's going to be like tomorrow night then I don't want you there. It's awkward enough as it is. You say you're my friend but you seriously need to reevaluate that word. You don't talk to me like you used to, you barely look at me anymore. If you really don't want to be friends anymore just say so."

Frank had been going through hell seeing Aidan with Ally, so he had no idea she'd be this upset with the way things were. I mean, she had Aidan for basically everything and more than she once needed Frank for. But Frank still wanted a role in her life, no matter how small. He wasn't ready to just give up and hurt her.

"We are still friends," he insisted. "Ally, I care about you so much. I'm sorry if it seems like I don't. I just figured with Aidan around you wouldn't need me as much. I don't want it to be awkward tomorrow either."

Ally gazed intently at him before sighing. "Alright, I guess I can understand that. I just need you to know that you're important to me. You've always been important to me. You were in my life way before Aidan and I don't want my relationship with him to change the one we have."

As Frank looked at Ally he could feel his resolve cracking, his façade breaking. He couldn't be distant with her. He couldn't shield his emotions the way he wanted to. Ally meant too much to him. From here on out he had to start treating her that way. 

"It won't," he assured her with a genuine smile.

"Really? 'Cause I've missed you."

His smile stretched across his face even more as he said, "I've missed you too."

Then Ally scooted closer to Frank and wrapped her arms around him. He held her tightly and kissed her forehead. 

"I've missed this," she murmured as she closed her eyes. 

"You have no idea," Frank murmured gently. Being close to Ally could always make him feel weak, special, and relaxed all at once. 

Within a few more minutes they let go of each other and smiled. 

"So I guess I'll see you in English," Ally said with a smile.

Frank nodded with a wide smile and replied, "As well as tomorrow night."

Ally found herself beaming with joy. She had Frank back and so her next move was to kiss his cheek and hurry off to class. "See ya," she called back with a big smile. 

As she entered her Physics class she couldn't help but feel happy and relieved. It showed on her face when Aidan walked in and smiled widely at her, noticing.

"Have a good lunch?" he asked curiously. "It's been awhile since I've seen you smile that big after lunch with Frank."

She shrugged and said, "We talked, made up. We're better now."

"Wow, that's great, Ally."

Aidan sounded pleased but beneath the surface she felt he was worried and she didn't understand why. She loved Aidan, they were together. Yet she loved Frank as well, and she wasn't sure if it was still the friendly type of love she was able to differentiate at the beginning of the year or if it was something more. 

She didn't dare go there though. Even if she did get butterflies earlier from being so close to Frank it wasn't because she had feelings for him. Right?

...

As Frank entered the men's changing room connected to the gym, he couldn't help but feel lighter and more energetic. He usually hated gym. Gym was dull and boring. But he still had Ally on his mind and could still feel the kiss she placed on his cheek earlier, something she'd never done before.

He shook his head as he put his belongings in a locker and continued smiling. Just as he was about to start changing, Carson McCain and three of his scumbag friends showed up and began badgering him, something that hadn't happened in a while.

"Well, Anderson, you're looking chipper," Carson said with a smile. "Is Ally talking to you again?" At that his friends scoffed and Carson shook his head before continuing. "You know, you've cost me a lot of money these past several weeks. Want to guess why?"

"You're into guys now and I won't put out so you're going elsewhere?" Frank commented.

At that Carson's face turned red and he scowled. "More like because of this Ally and Aidan business. There's been bets going around regarding all three of you, some going months back. You see, most of us were expecting you and Ally to get together soon seeing as how you were practically attached to the hip before Aidan showed up. But we both know that didn't happen. So then there were bets taken to wager how long their relationship would last and so far you're not being true to form." 

Carson crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a locker a bit of a ways down from Frank's. He was shaking his head for mock effect, as if he actually cared about Frank and Ally at all.

"You see, everyone can see the way you look at Ally. I've been seeing it for years. For some reason she can't. Typical of girls I guess, but most of us expected you to intervene at some point. I was counting on that. Placed nearly two hundred bucks on that outcome and you know what? You've disappointed me. You're pathetic, Anderson. Girls may have thought you were a hotshot in middle school but this is high school and Aidan Riley is basically more than what you were then. So you know what? We're going to hold another bet. One that will make up for all the money you've cost me. Wanna know what it is?"

Carson leaned in very deliberately into Frank's personal space and waited the space of a heartbeat.

"We're waiting to see who gets into her pants first: you, or Aidan. And by the looks of it you're never getting there."

As the words were dealt with the magnitude of a harsh blow to the gut, Frank responded instantly. His fist recoiled and doubled back with bone crushing loudness.

He couldn't even remember the last time he'd been this furiously angry. He couldn't focus on anything but hurting Carson.

And within moments of dealing the first blow, three guys were on him at once while the other ran away. Carson and two of his friends were on Frank like glue and for some reason, he was winning. 

All he could see was red and deep down he knew there was pain from somewhere inside but he could barely feel whatever damage was being inflicted to his exterior. 

After what felt like five minutes, their P.E. teacher finally entered the locker room and broke up the fight. He had to pry Frank off of Carson who was the only guy conscious enough to stay in the fight to the end.

"Office, now!" 

Frank wiped his lower lip as he scowled at Carson and realized then that it was bleeding. He'd avoided a fight over Ally for nearly a year and he knew with clarity that once she found out she'd be disappointed in him. He sighed and followed their teacher to the office to await their punishment.

...

Ally left her Physics class with Aidan right by her side. He kissed her goodbye before heading to his last class while she entered her English class. Already she could tell something in the air was different as she took her usual seat. Several students were murmuring in hushed tones and some were even sharing pictures on their phones. She tried to make out what was being said but to no avail.

Finally, after several seconds, more students arrived and these ones were ripe with gossip as well, and louder than the ones already seated.

"I heard he took on all three like they were rag dolls," one kid exclaimed.

"What caused it?"

"Can you guess? It's always over the same thing."

"I'm telling you he's crazy. He used to be such a heartthrob but now no one will go near him. I mean, good looks can only get you so far," another girl chimed in, shaking her head. "Everyone can see how hung up he is on her. You'd have to be blind not to. I just don't get how she doesn't see it. I mean, he's wasted on her. Damaged goods for sure. No one wants to be with a guy who's that devoted to someone else."

"Tell me about it. Anyway, did you see some of those photos? Eddie Pierceton managed to take a few while the coach wasn't looking and they were brutal. Donnie and Drew were knocked out on the floor, John ran to get help, and Frank had Carson in a chokehold when he got there to break it up. I swear Carson's always involved in some way when it comes to a fight involving Frank....or her."

"Eddie thinks it's because Carson used to like her as a kid but she despised him. So now he just picks on Frank since he got in the way." 

Then their English teacher walked in and called the class to order and all Ally could do was stare uncomprehendingly in front of her. Frank had gotten into a fight which would explain why he wasn't in class. No doubt receiving his punishment. Carson had been involved yet again.

Ally sighed as she glanced down at her desk. She felt so small at that point and so sick. She wasn't stupid. She knew Frank cared about her, knew he loved her, but she couldn't cross that line. It wasn't anyone's business but hers and Frankie's regarding their relationship. They were friends. They looked out for each other.

But that still didn't help her uneasy stomach as class rolled on. Today was the last day of the week since they'd have Thursday and Friday off and, of course, the weekend. 

She had decided not to jump to conclusions until she talked to Frank. She needed to hear his side. Even though she hated him getting into fights regarding her, Carson usually deserved what came to him. 

...

Three-fourths of the way into the period, Frank walked into the class with a slip for the teacher, a busted lower lip, bruises on his face, scrapes on his arms, and tears in his shirt.

He came in without a word and took his usual seat next to Ally who stared in horror. How could he be so calm? She gaped at him and shook her head, ready to slap him if the fight he got into wasn't even worth it.

After class Ally sprang out of her seat and yelled, "What the hell happened?" at Frank. 

He gazed into her hysterical blue-green eyes and sighed. He wanted to spill the story right then and there but as he made a quick glance around he decided against it, seeing that many of their peers were both watching them and within hearing distance. So he grabbed her hand and led them out of the classroom, pulling them near her locker before he explained what happened.

"Okay, first of all, you don't need to worry about me. Second of all, I'm fine. I didn't get suspended though he promised to call my mom and suggest an in home suspension. I may look bad but the other guys look far worse, trust me."

Ally shook her head and asked, "How did it happen, Frankie?! I overheard people saying it was Carson. Others said something about Eddie, John, Drew, and Donnie? What happened to cause the fight?"

Frank could see the worry on Ally's face but he never revealed more than Ally needed to know. He didn't want to upset her with the fact that people were betting on their relationship or even hers and Aidan's. So he edited the truth a bit.

"Just Carson running his mouth as usual. He cornered me in the locker room before P.E. with three other guys. One ran for help when the fight broke out, the other three ganged up on me. I took the first two out and was left with Carson. It all happened so fast I could barely feel a thing until it was over," Frank explained quickly, hoping she wouldn't ask for more, but this was Ally. So of course she would.

"What did he say, Frank? I know you. You haven't gotten into a fight in nearly a year. Was it over me? That's usually the case and I want to know why. He must have said something to make you flip like that. I mean, you're tough but three guys?"

Frank sighed and mumbled, "I can't tell you. I don't want you to feel degraded, okay?" 

Ally's eyes looked so sad in that moment. Her entire being was pleading with him to be open, honest, but he wouldn't tell her the truth if it would spare her hurt feelings.

"Ally, I'm sorry. I can't tell you everything but Carson was out of line. He and his friends were just being stupid."

Ally was about to respond with something to help her case when Aidan spotted them and joined them in a casual manner.

"So there you are," he said with an amused tone to Frank. "Thought you'd still be in the office after everything I heard."

"What you heard was most likely a rumor. No one knows the truth but me, Carson, and his dweebs though they've probably tweaked the story a bit," Frank stated.

"I heard you threw the first punch and that you took out Drew and Donnie so fast they never stood a chance. I also heard they just reacted to you punching Carson whom by the way looks ten times worse than you do," Aidan replied.

"He deserved what he got." Frank wasn't backing down. "If you'd have heard him you'd have done the same thing."

"Did you tell Ally yet what he said?" Aidan asked curiously. 

"What she needs to know," Frank responded, unintentionally telling the truth.

Aidan then met Ally's gaze and said, "Do you want to know the truth?"

At that Frank glared at Aidan. Like he would know the truth when he wasn't even there.

Ally shrugged at Aidan's response and replied, "I hate being left alone in the dark. I get snooty remarks and looks from people in my classes enough as it is. I think I deserve to know what else is stirring in the s**t pot."

Aidan nodded. "Eddie's a friend, sorta. He overheard Carson saying they had several bets going on regarding all three of us."

"And she doesn't need to know what they're regarding," Frank interjected.

Ally frowned. "What were they about?" she asked softly, seemingly scared to know the answers.

"If you and I would last," Aidan commented. "If Frank would sabotage us." Aidan then met Frank's gaze and looked back at Ally. "That's pretty much it."

At that Frank wanted to gape at Aidan, wondering if he was just saying what he knew, or if he was sparing Ally the real reason he got into a fight.

As Frank gauged Ally's reaction, she nodded and looked like she was digesting the information. She looked pale and a bit sick. He wanted to give her a comforting hug and as soon as he wished it, Aidan placed his arm around her and kissed her temple. 

"People are just jealous," Aidan murmured. "You're beautiful. I'm popular. Rumors circulate because it keeps people entertained. I'm sorry it's at your expense though."

When Ally's color still hadn't come back Aidan took hold of her face and said, "Hey, how about I drive you home? Maybe stop for ice cream on the way?" 

The look Ally gave Aidan next tore a little piece of Frank's heart out. She had the saddest eyes he'd ever seen. Eventually she nodded and looked at Frank. "Thanks for sticking up for me again for the umpteenth time."

"Don't mention it," Frank murmured with an easy smile. 

"Alright, I have to go to my locker still but you can head to my car." Aidan fished his keys out of his back pocket and handed them to Ally before kissing her cheek. "I'll meet you there."

She nodded slowly and walked off, giving Frank a gentle hug before heading out to the parking lot.

Frank's expression hardened when he was left alone with Aidan. "Entitled to the truth, huh? You know, don't you?"

Aidan shook his head and said, "She doesn't need to know the full truth. I can't believe the gall of that guy. Is it true he used to like her as a kid?"

At that Frank's entire face soured. "Carson McCain? Are you kidding? Him and his best friend used to torture her relentlessly. He always picked on her, called her names, made fun of her, played keep away with her own belongings. Where did you come to the conclusion that he liked her?"

At that Aidan shrugged and softly said, "His sister Claire. She's a bit older. We used to be friends. At the time I didn't know who Ally was but Claire often wondered what people saw in Allyson. Now I know what but it's still strange." After a few more moments of silence Aidan added one more thing: "Look, I trust you enough to not pull anything with me and Ally. I trust her more than I trust you, but you're a good guy from what I experienced. Anyway, I just feel you should know if you do try anything I'll come after you."

"Yeah and if you break her heart I can't be held responsible for what happens to you either."

Aidan smirked and then walked away. "See you later, Frank."

And for the first time since Frank had known the guy, he found himself respecting him. Maybe just a little bit, but it was definitely there.