CHAPTER V: UNCHANGING FAMILY

My family consists of three members: my father, my mother, and myself. Although both of my parents are working, they still find time for having dinner with me, or leisurely going out at parks or malls.

Father is a Civil Engineer and every time we pass by a building or house; he points and tells me interesting facts about how it was built. We liked to wrestle for the littlest things, like food or the remote control until my mother comes in and breaks up the fight instantly. Maybe it's because we are biologically the same, but there was a connection between me and him that only us would ever understand.

On the other hand, mother was strict and had a certain aura around her. She works as a University Professor and already had my education planned out ever since I got out of her womb. The schools that I attended, the tutors I learned from, and the foundation of my learning plan: all of it came from her. She and father are complete opposite. I would sometimes look up from my worksheet and would see her watch me with proudness and adoration. There is always a feeling of pride and affection that overwhelmed me whenever my mother would tell stories of myself, and how she cared for me through her simple, and usually overlooked ways.

But beneath the cozy, warm family of mine, I would feel the harsh cold winter shown through blunt words and observations.

I open the door carefully, making sure to make as little noise as possible. Unfortunately, my father was sitting in the sofa, hand on the remote. He immediately sensed my footsteps and gave me a small smile. My mother was in the kitchen as she prepared something, I assumed would be our dinner. She had a hand on her hips, and I can already tell the upcoming scolding I would receive.

"Someone's a little late than usual? Why are you only here so late? The world isn't as safe as it was before." Elizabeth Hendrix, my mother, berated. "Did you play games with Caleb again? You'll be going into college soon, so at least limit your time—"

"I didn't, mom." I replied, "I got a little lost on the way home."

"Nice try, but you've learned the directions to your home ever since you've become a high schooler." Benjamin Hendrix, my father, raised his eyebrows. "Or you've had a little chat with a special someone?"

I blinked.

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"But I don't know your name?" She tilted her head, "What should I call you then?"

"I'll hold on to that, cute boy!"

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Internally shaking my head, I narrowed my eyes at him. "No, dad. I got a little confused because I had a lot on my mind today."

I tried to repress my blush on my cheeks. Damn it, popping into my head so suddenly. She was not a special someone, absolutely not. He definitely noticed it, though. But before he could say anything, my mother cut him off.

"Did something happen at school?" She asked me, raising an eyebrow.

I sighed, I guess there was no point of prolonging it anymore.

I sit at the sofa, next to my father, and pull out the quiz I had earlier. I gave it to my mother, who scanned it as soon as it was in her hands. Her transition from genuine curiosity and worry to slight irritation was obvious, and I lowered my head. With one look at my mother's reaction, he sighed and gave me an understanding look before going back to watch television.

This wasn't the first time I've given 'disappointing' scores to them, but I wouldn't be honest with myself if I was fine with it. It was predictable in a way: my mother will be the first to hear of it and react. My father would quickly catch on, would give me either a slight pat on the shoulder or the knowing look he gave me just now. Then, my mother would express her disappointment and I would listen as my father stayed away from the conversation.

"Malcolm."

I flinch slightly at her tone, no matter how many times I heard it, fear would always creep inside of me. I swallow it back down but ultimately fail and respond with a shaky, "I'm sorry, mom."

"Sorry does not take back this— this score of yours! How many years has it been since you had a grade like this? I know that you can do better… so why? Did the study plan not work for you at all?"

"No! It's not like that mom. I—" I take a deep breath, calming myself down. "It worked for me, it's just that the topic of the quiz wasn't something I thoroughly prepared for. It's my fault."

"So, you didn't follow the plan at all? Because if you did, you would have a perfect score in every quiz! I've designed it so that you have the perfect balance of rest and studying! You should not get distracted

I clench my fist. "I'm sorry, mom."

She looked at me, before using her hand to pinch the bridge of her nose. My father stood up from the couch and placed a hand on her shoulder, silently signaling her to stop. She sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder, making me flinch. She gently squeezed it, "Do better next time, alright?"

"Yes, mom."

"I know you can." She smiled, the frustration in her tone dissipated into a familiar gentle, soft voice. "Because you are my son."

I nod stiffly, grabbing my bag and slinging it on my shoulders. I glanced at the both of them, and it was like nothing even happened in the first place. My father was back on watching some show on the television, and my mother walked back towards the kitchen to continue what she was doing before. I take a deep breath and trudge towards my room, steps a little heavier than before.

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Once the door was shut and locked for good measure, I climb onto my bed and close my eyes. You think that even if this cycle was going on for years, I would get used to it.

That wasn't true at all.

"Forget it, it already happened." I said, almost to myself.

I prop myself up into a sitting position, a pillow on my back, and scrolled through random posts on Social Media. Caleb, the natural romantic he is (which is a total lie, I caught him trying to search on google 'the best places to go with your girlfriend'), floods it with pictures of him and Allison on their dates per usual. I stare at their latest one, both of them leaning on each other as they watched the sunset. Allison's head was on his shoulder, and Caleb's hand was on her waist. If it weren't for the fact that this relationship wouldn't last because of his quest for the finding 'the one', I would probably cheer them on their relationship. Though, it wasn't my business at all, so I like to ignore it as much as I can.

Liking the picture, I scroll down again.

The next picture were the silhouettes of a girl and a boy, who were sitting at the edge of a bridge, staring at the sunset. Up above, there was a quotation of some cheesy love quote that elementary girls would squeal on. I roll my eyes as I spot the Caleb's comment, tagging Allison with a red heart. I couldn't understand why—

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"Woah! Look at the sunset!" She points at the sunset, and then downwards at the river. "And how the water is acting like a mirror for it! It's a shame that we're the only ones here... it's beautiful!"

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My cringe and amusement transformed into irritation. I could still remember my father's face as he stared at me earlier.

"Malcolm, dinner's ready!"

I forcefully remove any thoughts of a girl with an annoying smile and went towards our dining room. My mother greeted me with her usual smile, and my father was already telling a funny story that he most likely copied from the show that he was watching. I laugh at his punchline and laugh harder once my mother came up with a witty comeback to his joke.

The cozy, warm home was back, and it was if the cold, harsh winter never came in the first place.