Chapter 5:Your a Nobody

It was a scorching Sunday afternoon. My dad was outside chopping wood, still furious about the recent event. His hatred for me seemed to intensify every day.

Kyle was goofing around with our sister Grace on the floor, surrounded by colorful puzzles and toy cars. Grace was thrilled to have him back. Kyle was the only one who seemed normal, exuding the charm of a prince and the humility of a man down on his luck.

Mom sat in her usual corner chair, staring out of the window. Her mind wandered to places only she could dream of. Dad was wearing the same clothes as yesterday, and I didn't recall hearing the tap run last night. I assumed Mom had to deal with his sweaty smell after he finished cutting wood.

I glanced at Mom and noticed how she was staring at Dad. For a moment, I wondered, "Why him, Mom? You deserve so much better."

Dad's voice broke the silence. "Kyle!" His voice was laced with annoyance. He took off his hat and wiped his forehead with his arm. "KYLE!" he repeated, louder this time. He slammed the blade into the bark of the tree, leaving it to stand at a ninety-degree angle. Dad then walked toward the wooden door with a cigar in his mouth, standing with his hands on his waist and legs apart.

"Sorry, Dad, I was preparing an assessment." Kyle quickly straightened his body as if he were in the army.

"Someday, that tongue of yours will get you into trouble," Dad commented. "You two boys, come sit at this table." He gestured to an old, rusted white metal table with matching chairs.

We followed him and sat down. He handed Kyle a bottle of water. "You should be thirsty, son!" He glanced over at me, making me feel guilty for the water Kyle was drinking. Kyle offered me the bottle, but with lightning speed, Dad grabbed it, looking at me with disdain. I couldn't understand why Dad had this attitude toward me, but like everything else, I brushed it off, pretending not to take note, though deep down, I was hurting.

"Is there something wrong with me? Am I deformed? Did my parents hate me because I was slightly darker in complexion?" I wondered silently.

"So, boys, do you know why you are here?" Dad asked.

We shook our heads. Dad lit a cigar, grinning as he blew thick smoke in my face. "James, has anyone ever told you that you're a fascinating character?"

I frowned and shook my head.

"Well, some people like quiet ones to bully and push over. Others go to special schools for this." He glanced at me from top to bottom, then smiled. "Kid, can I give you some advice? Sneak out of the house, run, and never come back."

I smiled, thinking Dad was joking, but then again, he never joked.

"Dad, what are you saying? He's my brother. Where he goes, I go."

Dad looked over at the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. De Villiers. "Howdy, neighbors! It's a bright and beautiful day. Are you working in the garden, Andy?"

"No, tidying up to relocate my good old friend," Andy replied.

"Relocate?" Dad repeated. "Where are you moving to? And are you selling?"

"Yes, we sold the place," Mrs. De Villiers said. "The Johnson family purchased it. He's a lovely young lawyer, and his wife is a doctor."

"Any annoying kids?" Dad asked.

"Haha," laughed Mr. Villiers. "That i am not sure of, i thought by now you would be fond of kids after knowing you for over ten years George." Just as Andy was about to continue, Mrs. Margrette spoke up.

"It's not that I don't like kids. It's just…"Dad paused, looking at me.

"It's okay, George. We all have preferences in love," Mrs. Margrette responded.

"Anyway, George, how long will you be keeping that rusted old van in front of your gate? Why not place it in the garage?"asked Mr. Andy.

Dad looked at Mr. Andy, his gaze sharp. "Well, Andy, what can I say? It's a special gift from my dad. Keeping the car out here will make others believe there's nothing around here."

Mrs. De Villiers glanced at her wristwatch. "Oh my… look at the time, dear. We will be leaving this weekend, so we need to finish up here."

"Oh… yes, dear. We should get going. Andy, mate, we'll catch up. Take care."

"Good luck with the move. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask," Dad replied.

Mrs. De Villiers smiled faintly, aware of how Dad treated his family.

Heavy rain clouds started to gather. I walked over to the garage and began shooting cans with my slingshot. Inside, Dad read a newspaper with his cigar while Kyle and Grace played board games. As the day progressed, the rain began to fall, trapping us all inside. I peered out the room window, dreading the return to school tomorrow and the bullying that awaited me. I wished for a miracle where people respected me more and Dad disappeared forever.

Everyone thought Kyle and I shared the same dad, but we looked completely different. I was glad this man wasn't my biological father. Although I was an unplanned pregnancy, I hoped to meet my real dad someday. I had done as much research as I could, but since it happened in the early hours in an alley, I found nothing. What was Mom thinking, meeting a stranger?

Dad stormed into the room, angry for no reason, gripping a bottle of vodka. He was drunk again. "You know you're an ungrateful person," he spat, pointing a finger at me. "You haven't done anything good in this house. All you do is sit there and get everything spoon-fed to you." He stared at me with hatred. "It's because of you that I'm reminded every day of what your mom did." He took another sip and staggered to the window, barely keeping his balance.

"Life," he muttered, "life is full of surprises when you least expect them. You're either a lion or the prey." As he turned, I noticed how grey he had become. Despite his hatred, I felt sorry for him. He was more angry at himself, reflecting that anger by constantly picking on me. But who am I?Who am I? I repeated the thoughts.

"James, you're a nobody." Wait, did I just say that out loud?

"Yes, you heard me. You're a nobody. You will always be unloved. You won't ever have a father figure. You will always be this unwanted maggot stuck here." He sat beside me, reeking of alcohol. "Son, nobody wants you. Why don't you jump off a bridge or get out of life?" His eyes darkened with growing hatred. "You're a worthless piece of crap." He stood up, his laughter abrupt and hollow. "You're the prey in my den. A cowering fool." He grinned, exposing his stained yellow teeth. "You're a mute. Say something, dammit." He placed his hand over my throat, his grip tightening. "A fool who will get his day." His grip tightened further.

"Kill me already," I thought, challenging him with my stare.

"Everything okay here?" Kyle stood at the door. Dad glanced up, releasing his grip.

"What's going on, Dad?" Kyle walked up to him. Dad glanced at the mirror, staring at himself before looking away, disgusted.

"Nothing, son i was just telling your brother to start standing up for himself." Dads demeanor changed, and he grinned. "Right, son?" He patted my cheek.

"The two of you go tidy up the barn." He said as he walked over to the window. We exited the room, as i glanced back and the reflection of a monster at the window.

"Someday karma will pay you a visit." I thought.