Chapter 2

Christian's POV

It was a better life, a better environment, better people. Moving out of my grandfather's house may be the best decision my mother ever made. I came to love my grandmother. Yes, grandmothers. One of them is my mother's aunt. Well, she was strict as hell, but she has the best intention. My other grandma is kind and loves to talk to all of her grandchildren. She cooks for the family when my parents are very busy doing the cooking. Her food is always great and they are my comfort food. She was the grandma anyone would like to have. I talked to her more than my parents, but I do talk to them most of the time. Some secrets are not for their ears. Instead, I tell my grandmother everything because I know she wouldn't rat me out.

I was still in middle school at that time when we move out. When my mom told her about what that bastard of a grandfather does to me, she forbid me ever to go there again. My parents couldn't agree more with her. So I continue my life as usual. By the time I graduated from middle school and continue to junior high school, I learn how to stand up for myself. I asked my mom if I could join the martial art club, and she gives me permission. Some of the bullies are still trying to bully me, but the rest of them are intimidated by me. But as I grow up, the bullies did too. And those childish but cruel joke or prank are starting to get meaner. It does unspeakable damage to my heart.

I may be strong physically, but my mind is still weak. Sometimes I cried silently inside the bathroom stall, the other times I just bottle things up. I cannot bring myself to even tell my grandma. I'm a teenage boy, I shouldn't be a wimpy and pathetic kid. I tried to steel myself, perfecting my mask. I was trying so hard I didn't notice I become an introverted boy with a short fuse. Usually, I just ignore them the best I could, but if they ever bring up my parents or family in their insult, I will snap. And once I snap, no one could tell about what am I going to do. One time, they keep mocking my parents about something so ridiculous, I snapped and throw a metal chair in their way.

Thank God nothing was damaged or I have to answer the principal. But that did scare them enough to stop badmouthing my parents. They keep sneering and jaunts at me, but I don't care. As long as it was me and not my family, I'll take it. Nothing change. It just the same as in middle school. I was alone all the time. I didn't even bother to make friends. What could they possibly do for me? Defend me? Bullshit. I better defend myself. All of them are hypocrites, bullying other people they thought was weaker than them, trying to hide their own faults and problems. Three years went by and I'm graduated from junior high school. Time for senior high school then. I sighed in frustration. Is it another three years of suffering? I thought bitterly.

But surprisingly, it's a little bit better than my middle school or junior high school. I got to make friends, I even thrive here. This is where I met my two best friends, Nathan and Matthew Varix. They are brothers, not by blood, but adopted brothers. Though not bound by blood, they are very close. I was grateful when I met them. I thought I could never trust people again, but here I am, slowly opening up to these two brothers. Goddamn, they are the best friends I could ask for. They understand me without any words uttered. Seems like they connected to me somehow. But outside these two, I don't trust anybody else. People are trying to get close to me because of my achievement. Man, I couldn't care less about achievements. It made my parents happy and proud, but honestly, it was just a way to pass time.

I got bored easily, being a Gemini born would do that to you. And don't get me started on girls. Ugh, dear god and deities, why the hell girls are so annoying and fake as fuck? I mean, there are genuine and fun girls, but most of them are a bitch in the ass. The likes guys with money, power, or achievement don't they? Anyone who caught their eyes would be their prey. After getting bored, they would ditch them to find new prey. Nope, thank you, I really don't need a dead weight in my life. I never had an interest in girls or anyone really. The brothers did pique my interest, but just as best friends or heck, maybe even as brothers to me. As an only child, I crave the company of siblings. I sighed, ruffling my hair as I looked at the girls with a lack of interest.

The school event is near, and we have to attend in pair. As soon as the word was announced, girls and guys scramble to find a partner. And right now in front of me, there is a flock of girls vying for my attention and snatch me as their partner. I was growing irritated by their high pitched squeal and their banters on who will take me as their partner. Then suddenly the brothers showed up. "Sorry ladies seem like our Christian here is not interested. How about us? You can fight your ways to take us as your partner. How about it?" Nathan grin at them, Matthew seemed perplexed by his brother bluntness. Well, he is very blunt and straightforward, that's why I trust him. Matthew, on the other hand, is quiet yet he exudes power, and that just adds to his mysterious aura. The girls gushed at them.

Nathan looked at me and gave me a small smile, mouthing 'Sorry we're late, the teacher held us back for the event preparation.' I nodded at him. Believe it or not, he is the head of the school committee. His and Matthew's grades and popularity are through the roofs. Add me in with them and we are named 'The Princes'. Honestly, it such a terrible nicknaming. Three Princes, really? What part of me looks like a damn prince? They even when the extra to gave each of us personal nickname. Nathan is Dawn Prince, Matthew is Dusk Prince, and I myself is Twilight Prince. I grimace at the nickname. Whatever, I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. I can't stand it. I turned my back on them and tried to leave the place when a hand grabbed my wrist. I looked back to see Matthew.

He gave me a look, and I understand it immediately. I shake my head and he glares at me. I shoot up my hands in surrender. He sighed and shoo me away. I jogged down the hall to my locker. I punched in the password and grab my backpack. I slam shut the locker and suddenly the wave of anxiety and nausea hits me. Fuck, it is happening again. Lately, it starts to happen more frequently, I don't know why. It's very troublesome for me. The air in me feels like sucked out. I can't breathe. I clutched my chest and slides down the locker to the ground. I heave out heavy breath and pants. All I can hear is the blood rushing in my own ears and the sound of running footsteps getting closer to me.

I tried to look the way the sounds are coming from and see the brothers is running toward me. Their mouth moves as if they are talking to me. Ah, probably they are. But I can't hear anything they say. They rush to either of my sides, looking frantically at me, their eyes wide. I heave out a more heavy breath and the pain explodes behind my eyes. I can bear the pain no longer. The last thing I remember is a weak voice pleading for help. I blacked out.