Chapter 9 - Attention

JAMES

“I have a shift at the drugstore tonight.” I nod silently, rushing to eat my breakfast. “But don't get any wrong ideas.” Warns me, with that tone of voice that always makes me shudder. “You will come home as soon as you leave the university, without any detours. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Father.” The cereal that slides down my throat feels like sandpaper due to the big knot that refuses to disappear.

“Okay, I'll get your fucking medicine today.” Grunts, tightening on the wrist his favorite watch. “Your mother didn't even do a good job of giving me a healthy son.” Denies with disappointment in the eyes. “At least your inhaler still works?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?” Frowns his brow and clenches the fists at his sides.

“Yes, sir.”

“Don't forget it again. I don't know what crap they teach you in that place, but I'm your father, so you're gonna treat me with the respect I deserve.”

“Yes, Father.”

“I'll wait for your text when you return. You know what will happen if you're late.” I nod and sigh of relief when the front door finally closes and I'm left all alone in the house.

It's his house, there is no way I can consider this place as my home, and the only memories that come to my mind within these walls are of pain and suffering. Nate taught me the true meaning of what a family should be, even though he himself does not have a close relationship with his father.

I never had the courage to tell him the true cause of all those bruises that appear by “accident” on my body, always discovering them in a silly carelessness of mine or because Father was not concerned enough to leave them in an area that is sheltered under my clothes.

Fortunately, he never managed to break any bones while I grew up, since that would be more difficult to explain. Once, he nearly succeeded with my ankle after pushing me off the last two steps of the stairs... I was grateful that it was my ankle and not my neck. I notice the phone vibrating in my trouser pocket when I finish washing the dishes. I dry my hands with a napkin and unlock the screen, I smile when I realize who it is.

—New Message ✉ 'Jas :3'—

@Jas: [I hope you don't forget to bring your pom-poms for today's practice.]

A little chuckle escapes me and I move my fingers quickly to respond.

[You're kidding? I'm not gonna cheer you up with pom-poms. (*ﾉωﾉ). Besides, it's a practice, not a real game]✓✓

@Jas: [And here I was, getting excited. The sad disappointment. ノ( ゜-゜ノ) ]

My heart is all crazy as I run upstairs and prepare everything I need for today. I check to see if there is any medicine left in my inhaler, safely stowed in a special pouch that I sewed into my backpack, plus a couple of books, just in case. I smile as I remember the class I will be sharing with Jas today.

[Don't forget your Spanish dictionary.]✓✓

@Jas: [Wh9y do I neTed a dictionary for5, if I will# have your help? That's more th.an enough for me.]

Why is he writing like that? Is he having trouble with the touch screen?

[I don't think we can sit together. The seats are already assigned, remember? (￣ ￣|||)]✓✓

@Jas: [I'll ta5ke care of that. ;)]

[ What's that supposed to mean? ]✓✓

@Jas: [You cool, me 6nervous. I leave yo@u now, I'm on my last lap 8eue and. it's hard to write lik3 thiz]

[Are you running? No wonder you type like that. Okay, see you at the university.