Chapter Text
Turning over, I saw my alarm reading 6:59 and not a second later, it was seven, and my alarm began blaring. I turned on my back and stared at the ceiling, knowing it's Monday, and I need to get up and step into the miserable life I have as a 14-year-old sophomore. I slipped out of bed and headed towards the bathroom, hidden away in my room.
I stepped into the shower letting the hot water soothe my skin. It felt great, and if I had my way, I'd stay longer, but parents and school await. I stepped out, dried myself off before heading back to my room to get dressed.
I threw on a gray t-shirt and a red and black plaid shirt that I left unbuttoned—followed by a pair of jeans and socks then completing the outfit with my everyday black beanie.
I headed back to the bathroom, combing my brown hair then brushing my teeth. Once again, in my room, I grabbed my bag just as Mom yelled up to me. "Billy, hurry up! We're leaving in ten minutes!"
I inwardly groaned and rolled my eyes before slowly heading downstairs. In the kitchen was my Mom looking through her phone with a travel mug of coffee in hand. She looked up and smiled, "Good, you're awake. How'd you sleep?"
"Okay," I replied.
"That's good." Mom replied. I began making a bowl of cereal when I felt two arms wrap around me, making me flinch on contact. I looked behind me and saw it was my Mom.
"Um, Mom?"
"Hmm?"
"What are you doing?" I asked curiously.
"Hugging you," She asked with the tone parents use when you ask a stupid question. I knew she was hugging me, but why?
"Why?" I asked, slightly annoyed.
"Because I love you," She replied, kissing me on the cheek. My face tensed up as I tried to escape her kiss. She stopped in her tracks, giving me a stern look.
"And?" She asked, eying me.
"I love you too," I replied quickly, getting slightly red in the face. I feel weird saying "love you" it makes me uncomfortable I don't do great with my feelings even though it's just my Mom.
"Good boy."
I finished making cereal while my Mom told me to meet her in the car when I was done. I quickly ate the cereal before jumping into Mom's Toyota.
The car ride was pretty quiet, with Mom focusing on the road and me listening to my music.
Eventually, we pulled up to the school. Mom pulled the car up to the curb to drop me off for the day. Many say we look alike, same complexation, identical chestnut brown hair, and stormy grey eyes. Even though we look alike, I don't feel we're the same, and it all starts with expectations.
Once she parked the car, I pulled the door open and had one foot out onto the concrete sidewalk.
"Wait, Billy, let's talk?" She asked in a calm demeanor, but she's not asking she's telling.
I sighed before shutting the door and turning back towards her. I gave a fake smile to please her and hurry her along. The sooner I'm in school, the better.
"I know your grades are excellent and your father and I couldn't be prouder, but"
But, there's always a but, Whenever Mom says she's proud or some other bs, there's still something I could do better.
"We want you to get extra credit so that you can look great on your college apps." Mom continued the lecture with her same calm voice, and I had to resist the eye roll I wanted to give.
"Yes, Mom, but that's a few years away?" I replied quickly, trying to get out of the car sooner then she wants.
"Yes, but it's never too early to think about your future," Mom assured.
"Okay, I'll ask," I said, submitting.
"Good, well, go on your going to be late," Mom instructed, smiling. "I'll see you tonight."
I nodded before opening the door and stepping out, she made sure to wave and say she loved me, but if my GPA dipped below a 4.0, that conversation would have been worse.
Walking through the halls, I listened to music. I tried to ignore the madness of the halls; people love to fight, and gossip. Also, everyone's favorite bully does his favorite activity, tormenting the freshman. I feel for the small kids, but everyone knows to mind their business not to upset the King of Fawcett high.
This bully, also known as the King of Fawcett is Ray Crawford quarterback and captain of the Panthers, of course, Ray does what he wants when he wants and to who he wants. I can't stand him. And if I'm telling the truth, all football players are just like him. They rule the school and get away with almost anything. All we other kids can do is stay out of there way.
Making it to my locker, I swung the blue metal door open, shoving my bag inside while pulling out my books and binder for the morning. After shutting it, a pale face with jet black hair covering half greeted me.
"Hey Kelly," I replied calmly.
"Hey yourself," Kelly replied coolly while doing our impromptu handshake. It's a stupid hand motion we've been doing since we were kids I don't know why we still do it at fourteen-years-old.
We began walking towards homeroom when we passed Ray again and his band of jocks. They were now giving the poor freshman a wedgie. It was getting hard to watch.
"Poor kid," Kelly mentioned.
"Yeah, Ray's such an ass," I replied.
"True, but this is a good lesson that the kid will have," Kelly began to explain. I rolled my eyes because Kelly's going into his classic Mom mode. It's a nickname that annoys the crap out of him, but he sounds like a mom when he talks this way.
"What's that?" I asked, smirking.
"Don't f*** with the king," Kelly said, using a mocking noble voice. I had to let out a small laugh.
"True that."
I eventually made it to my homeroom, so Kelly and I had to go our separate ways. "So I'll see you at lunch?" Kelly asked.
"Yep, we can work on the song for Friday," I suggested with a nod.
"Cool can't wait," Kelly said, smirking. I had to return the favor thinking about making music later, one of the few things I can enjoy.
Kelly gave me a fist bump before continuing down the hall. I watched him go for a second before walking into homeroom, ready for a morning of boredom.
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Study hall. My favorite class of the day you get to do whatever you need to, and it's quiet. I love quiet, and during school full of a bunch of teens pumped on hormones quiet isn't a normal state.
My study hall is my last period before lunch, so I often I finish any homework I got earlier in the day and study or just read whatever book I'm on. I love reading. It allows you to escape reality and immerse yourself in a different new one. Also, I can avoid the shi*** aspects of mine.
I was immersed in my book when I heard my name called. Looking up, I saw the teacher looking at me, "Billy, can you go with Mrs. Taylor, please?"
I saw at the door was the guidance counselor, Mrs. Taylor, she's nice, I guess. I don't know her too well since we've only talked once or twice about scheduling. Her golden-brown hair is always down, and her freckled complexion is a deep contrast from my pale one.
I nodded towards the teacher and walked over to Mrs. Taylor. She gave a big smile before speaking, "Hi Billy, how are ya?"
"Good, I guess," I replied quietly.
"Good good," She said as we stepped into the hall. Her smile still stood on her face, and she confidently said, "I have a student looking for an English tutor, and I think you'd be perfect." My eyes wanted to pop out of my head at her suggestion because tutoring is not my thing. Socializing all together isn't my thing, and I try my best to avoid talking to others altogether. Kelly's the only one I can talk too. But instead of losing my cool, I showed a nervous face.
"Really?" I asked the uncertainty in my voice.
"Yes, his name's Freddie, and I've already talked to him he says he's ready and committed to improving his grade." Mrs. Taylor talked slowly, making sure I heard every word.
"Um, I don't know Mrs. Taylor, I'm really busy," I explained, trying my hardest to get out of this request.
She put her hands on her hips and gave me a questioning look, "Billy, please don't tell me you'd lie to your guidance counselor when all she's asking is for you to help a fellow student who's struggling?"
A lump crawled up my throat, forcing me to swallow as I bit my lip, "Of course not." I produced an innocent and awkward smile after being caught in my lie. I try to be friendly with the people that deserve it like Kelly, my Mom, and people like Mrs. Taylor, but on the other hand, I don't talk much, and when you tutor someone, you have to speak to them.
Mrs. Taylor smiled before brushing her hair out of her face, "Excellent, I'll let him know and have him meet you in the library tomorrow after school. Okay?"
I nodded.
"Awesome, thanks again, Billy," She said before walking away. All I can think is what have I got myself into this Freddie is probably lazy or stupid, and now I have to get him to pass, I don't need this added stress in my life.
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"So, you're a tutor now?" Kelly asked me with a confused tone as we walked in line, getting our food.
"Yeah, I guess, Mrs. Taylor didn't give me much of a choice," I admitted shrugging my shoulders.
"Really?" He asked with a curious expression.
"She didn't actually force me, but the look she gave me, I knew I had no choice," I explained as I started making a salad. Kelly grabbed a slice of pizza and some fruit.
"Hmm," Kelly nodded with an odd smirk," That sucks."
"Tell me about it."
Kelly grabbed two pudding cups before paying with me, paying right after him. We found a table in the back corner of the cafeteria away from everyone else—just the way we like it. We've already established that I'm a loner of sorts well Kelly's kind of the same way, but he does often take more risks.
"Honestly, I don't know why Mrs. Taylor thinks I'm perfect to be a tutor," I added, mixing up my salad. "You know how I am around people."
"True, but you also have perfect grades, and you never get detention, unlike some of us," Kelly explained, ending on a sour note. I smirked at him. A few weeks ago, he got detention, thanks to a BS story fed by some football players. Kelly got blamed because he didn't have an alibi and was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the eyes of our principal, the jocks can do no wrong and are perfect little angels.
"Hey!" Kelly yelled, throwing a fry playfully at me. "it wasn't funny!"
"I know I know, sorry," I said, putting my hands up in surrender while continuing to smirk. Kelly smirked back.
"But I'm right; you know you're like the model high school student to Parents and teachers everywhere."
"Not according to my parents," I piped in, beginning to chew my lettuce.
"Well, they're the exception, but to everyone else, you're perfect," Kelly elaborated.
"You and I both know I'm not perfect, and if perfect means I get to spend time with a Freshman you can't read, then I'll pass."
"Be positive. You're helping some kid out who needs it, and you get to be away from your parents for an extra hour." Kelly said while eating and going into Mom mode.
I shook my head before looking back at him, "You need to stop being a mom."
"Shut up!" Kelly yelled, firing more fries my way.
*****************************************************
Stepping off the bus, I felt a sense of dread since I'd be home in a few minutes. Mom would probably be home, but I'd have a few hours till Dad would be home, which is always a good thing. Walking home is enjoyable because it's quiet except for my music, and no one is breathing down your neck, telling you what to do or who they want you to be. But I knew I only had a few minutes of bliss before real life comes straight into my face.
As if on cue, my Mom's car was in the driveway, and she'd talk to me as soon as I walk in. She always wants to know about my day or, more importantly, if I had any tests throughout the day. And what my score was.
I opened the door and slipped off my shoes. I didn't see my Mom, and she hadn't called for me, so maybe my luck's changing. Slowly making my way up the stairs, I heard her call, and I stopped in my tracks.
"Billy, is that you?"
I rolled my eyes before turning around and going back down, "Yes, Mom coming."
I met her at the bottom of the stairs she had a broad smile on her face, "How was your day, honey? Did you ask for extra credit?"
"Yes," I replied, giving a small smile to hide my annoyance.
"That's my boy," She began to beam before pulling me into a hug, squeezing tight. I tensed at the contact the same as this morning but kept my mouth shut.
Letting go, she began to go back the way she came when she spoke up, "Any tests today?"
"Nope," I said popping the 'P.'" But I'm a tutor now."
"Oh, that's nice of you. Plus, we can put that on your college apps," Mom added enthusiastically. I nodded in response.
Mom gave me a weird look after my nod, "Billy, honey, you okay?"
I snapped my head up," Yeah, I'm fine."
She developed a worried look now," Are you sure?"
"mmhm," I nodded.
"Okay, just checking," Mom explained, still with her worried look. "Well, hurry and finish your homework. Dinner should be ready in an hour."
I nodded before hurrying upstairs, Dad would be home soon, and I'd like some time to myself before he gets here.
Only an hour later, I heard the front door open, meaning Dad's home. I decided not to worry yet and just finish my homework before dinner.
A little while later, Mom called me down. I slowly made my way down, finding Dad already seated with a beer in hand, and Mom placing the food on the table. Dad is your average successful businessman who got a wife and had a kid. 6'4 with broad shoulders and stubborn with the best of them. He looked up, hearing me come in and smiled at me.
"Hey, bud, how was school?" He asked, projecting his deep voice.
"Okay," I replied, quietly taking my seat.
Dad took a swig of beer as he began to serve himself, grabbing a few pieces of chicken. "Mom said you got some extra credit."
"Yep," I said, quietly making a salad for myself.
"Good to hear last period your grades were slipping, you're not going to get into a university if your grades fall again."
I held my eye roll because that would be extremely stupid. That would only make him mad and trust me. You won't like Dad angry. Anyway, my grades last marking period we're good enough to make the honor roll, but in case you haven't noticed, I have to have perfect grades to please them.
"How's the food, guys?" Mom asked, sitting down and joining us.
"Chicken's great honey," Dad said, digging in. I kept quiet as I began to eat my salad.
"What about you, Billy, I made the salad just for you," Mom made sure to point out.
"It's good, thank you," I quietly responded. I'm a vegetarian forgot to mention that earlier. Dad hates it because he thinks it's not very masculine, but if he wanted me to eat meat, he shouldn't have taken me hunting when I was ten.
Dad had a disapproving look on his face, which only meant a lecture was coming. I mentally groaned.
"You know this vegetarian thing needs to stop," He began then popping chicken into his mouth.
"Why?" I asked, coming out harsher then I meant.
Dad didn't seem fazed by my tone, so he answered, "Have you seen yourself?" Harsh. "You've got no fat on your bones." He said this with a joking tone shaking my arm. I don't like being touched, especially by my Dad. I slid my arm back and sunk deeper into my chair.
Mom noticed my discomfort, so she stepped in, "Jeff leave him alone he eats enough. We've talked about this."
"I know, babe, but if he's ever going to find a girl, he's got to build up some muscle.
"Jeff! Billy is fine just the way he is, and any girl will see that." Mom scolded. I felt my cheeks blush red, and an uncomfortable feeling crawled up my skin. This is the typical conversation Dad has about me. I can tell he feels some disappointment towards me. He thinks I'm not man enough and will have a hard time getting girls. He might be right. I'm not a social butterfly, after all. And of course, Mom came to my defense, which is always comforting.
"Look, all I'm saying is he could gain some weight and muscle," Dad argued back but used a calm demeanor. Mom gave a pointed look, signaling she didn't want to hear him comment on my body again. I hoped he'd listen. It's dishearting hearing your Dad talk about you the way mine does. But I have grown to get used to it because it's a daily occurrence. The vegetarian argument has been going on for years, and there's plenty of other things I do that my Dad doesn't love.
The rest of dinner went by uneventful Dad talked about work as did my Mom, and I ate my salad, keeping quiet happy pick on my faults hour was over. Mom mentioned that I'm a tutor now, and my Dad had the same reaction she did. Glad that I can put something else on my College application. Once excused, I ran back upstairs to get ready for bed and to read my book.
I grabbed a red sweatshirt and a pair of sweats before changing into them. Next, I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Quickly accomplishing both tasks, I popped back into my room, ready to read my book when there was a knock at my door. "Come in," I called, sitting down onto my bed.
Slowly opening the door was my Mom. She had sheets in her hands and looked worried almost. "Hey, honey, I've just brought up some sheets for you."
"Okay, thanks, you can put them down there. I'll change them later," I explained, pointing to the top of my dresser. Mom nodded before setting the sheets down. When she finished, she took a seat on the edge of my bed while facing me. I gave her an odd look shutting my book.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay after what happened during dinner?" She asked with a nervous and soothing tone to her voice. Mom does care. I know this, and she's not as demanding as Dad except for my grades, but at least she cares. I don't know if Dad cares about me or if it's just the image he wants me to have.
"I'm fine," I promised, hoping she'd leave this is the touchy-feely conversation she loves to have that makes my insides get all queasy.
"Are you sure because it's okay if you aren't I know how your father can get sometimes?" She asked softly.
"Mom, I'm fine. He does it every day. I'm used to it," I assured her.
She began to speak again and started to have that worried look on her face yet again, "I know, but he shouldn't the way you eat is fine, and it's your choice he shouldn't be trying to convince you that there's something wrong with you."
These moments where Mom tries to comfort me or to disagree with Dad on subjects about me happen pretty often. And if I'm truthful, the only problem I have with my Mom is how much she pressures me on grades. She accepts me for who I am. It's comforting and makes me feel secure.
"Mom, I know and trust me, I'm fine," I explained, continuing to watch her be flustered and agitated. I gave her a; please drop it look. She read the message loud and clear, "Okay, I'll stop and leave you be. I just needed to make sure my baby was okay," Mom said, smiling and looking relieved. Of course, she had to kiss my cheek as she said, "my baby."
I recoiled away in embarrassment, gaining a laugh from her. On the way out, she said goodnight.
"Night," I said back as she closed the door. Finally, I have time to myself, so I dropped right into my book, hoping all my problems would float away.
Well what you guys think? Opinion's on Billy and his Parents? How about Kelly?
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