A family is a group of people who want as well as choose to be together embraced by a bond so powerful and strong that not even the slightest test of trials or troubles can breach. It is also said that in a family, no one is left behind, despite the problems and events that happened or will happen within the family.
"What kind of trash is this? Is this what they teach in all college schools here in Los Angeles? I'm tired transferring in every colleges just because of this lesson. This is bullshit." I said while holding the folder. Inside the folder is the lesson that I will study for the semester and it's about family, relationships, bond. For me, all of the words indicated here are lies and needed to be thrown inside the dirtiest trashcan in the world.
"Yes, mister. In every school here, we have the same lesson every semester." My instructor for home schooling answered. I looked at her with no expression. Seriously?
"Get another lesson for me." I demanded. I threw the folder on the table. She was shocked due to my actions but who the hell cares? I can do whatever I want. She was about to speak when the door in my room opened. My grandmother came in.
"Grandma!" I smiled and walked towards her. She smiled back and welcomed me with a hug. She kissed the side of my cheeks.
"Are you throwing tantrums again Erebus? This is your fifteenth time transferring just because of that lesson." She said while we walk towards to couch in my room. She nodded at my instructor as sign of greeting. My grandmother is old now. Speaking a lot will make her tired.
I signaled my instructor to pick up the papers and folders and go outside. "Let's just continue that nonsense lesson tomorrow." I said.
Aftterwards, I joined my grandmother on the couch. "What brings you here, grandma?" I asked and smiled at her. She looked at me.
"You didn't join us for breakfast and lunch." She answered with a worried tone.
Is she not used to it yet? It's been a month since my birthday. Since then, I started not joining them for meals in this house, or should I say hell?
"Grandma, you know the reason." I reasoned and looked away. If this is the topic, it is so difficult to look at her. She can read emotions, I don't know why. Since I was a kid, I always lied about my feelings. I am always okay in the eyes of my family, but it was all a facade to hide my true emotions. My grandmother used to read me stories before going to sleep, because I don't have a mother to do those things. Yeah, my mother died, due to an 'illness'. But I'm Erebus, I will never buy fake stuffs.
"Yes, I know. But it's been a month since the chair in front of me at the dining table was occupied. Don't you miss having a meal with your grandma?" She said and caressed my hair. It always feel so relaxing when someone that really cares for you do that.
In the dining table, there are three seats that were occupied by people, whom I hate the most. One for my father, one for his second wife, and one for their son. Those three people are the ones whom loathed so much and I will hate for the rest of my life. Other kids' childhood was fun, unlike mine. I was never happy as a kid. They always put the burden on me. My father always beat me up whenever he was mad and I didn't even commit anything bad, like a sin. I did what he wanted me to do, everything. My step mother gave me the worst childhood memory that I will carry for the rest of my life, she made me work, starve, and beg. His son, my step brother lived the life that I've always wished I had. My father smiled at him during recognitions when I had more awards that him. I only have my grandmother. While my step brother, he has everyone on his side.
"Will they join us?" I asked and finally looked at her in the eyes. Her eyes softened, I know she already figured up that I am anxious. I faked a smile. "I'm okay, grandma. I'm always okay."
She nodded but I know she didn't buy my lie. She stood up so I followed her. She looked at me and smiled. She touched my cheek.
"I will wait for you tonight. Remember, I will always be by your side. For now, I will be the light on your world, my grandson." She said and left me.
I stared at the door for a few minutes before my senses came back.
I sat on the couch and made the hardest decision in my entire life. Will I join them for dinner? I can't even imagine me sitting just a few inches away from my step brother. It's disgusting. But my grandmother, she said she will wait for me. I looked down and stared at the floor. It is just one meal and after that, there will be no more. But I can't stand being with them even just for a millisecond. They are said to be my family, but they ruined my life and took away the happiness that I deserve.
My phone beeped. I checked it and it is a message from my friend, Duncan.
"Are you joining us for dinner, bro? I'll reserve a seat for you." He's always aware of my eating schedule. I've been eating with him for a month. His family is rich too, and he can do whatever he wants. I typed a reply.
"No, dude. I'll join them." I replied. I was about to put my phone in my pocket when it rang. It's Duncan.
"Yo." I greeted as soon as I answered the call.
"Bro, did you win the lottery or what?" He almost screamed. I know it's new for him. I never opened up to him but he can feel it by my actions. He knows I hate my family.
"Why would I even do lottery things?" I said, confused.
He sighed very loudly like he can't believe what is happening right now. I chuckled. I almost forgot about the dinner. What are friends for?
"You replied five words that are really weird and impossible. Hmm, maybe, just because you're broke now?" He answered and laughed. He can laugh loudly since he is in his room, I guess, or room of one of his girls. He's a casanova, afterall.
"Bro, I'm a Huxley. Even though I am just sitting here, my money will work for me." I said, disgusted.
"Oh yeah, the heir. But are you serious? You will join them?" He said in a worried and serious tone. I sighed and looked at the door. I went silent for a minute and made a decision.
"Yes. I'll be okay, dude. Let's just have breakfast tomorrow. Bring Freya." I said and hang up. Freya is his fling and also my friend. She's kind, though.
I went to the bathroom and removed all my clothes. I need to think and be calm. I opened the shower and let the droplets of water travel all around my body. From my hair, down to my toes. I let out multiple heavy sighs. It will be again the first time since my birthday. I will see them again, at the dining table.
I closed my eyes and captured the memory of my mother's face. "Mom, it's me. I will have dinner with them tonight. Am I going to be okay? There's grandma, though. She will take care of me. I miss you, mom, so damn much." I opened my eyes and the black wall of my bathroom welcomed my sight.
It is so dark. It was always been dark.
I wore my clothes. Just a simple black shirt and plants. I sprayed my perfume. I walked towards my door, I was about to reach the doorknob when my hand stopped. "Will I really do this?" I asked myself for the last time. I closed my eyes tightly and reached the doorknob. The lights all over the hallways welcomed my sight, it hurts my eyes. Ugh, I hate the light in this house so much. I have everything in this house. It reminds me of everything. I made my way through the hallways, the maids were shocked to see me walking towards the dinning room and they bowed at me.
I stopped when the head of the maids talked. "Where are you going, Mister?" She asked.
"To hell." I said, not giving a damn to almost twenty maids cleaning the hallway. She looked shocked at me but changed it to a confused look. "To the dining room. Why? Am I going to the wrong way?" I changed my answer and looked at her, bored.
"No, sir." She answered. She is much older than me. But I hate her too. She can do something, back then. I begged for her help too, but she did nothing.
She was about to talk again whe I started walking. I made it to the end of the hallway. As soon as I stepped in the dining area, a maid announced.
"Mr. Erebus Huxley is here."
I appeared while they are having dinner. They all looked at me. My grandmother smiled, glad to see me. I smiled back. My expression became dark again as I looked at their faces. The faces that brought out the monster in me.
I smirked.
"It's been a while, family."