Troubles of a Teenage Boy (BXB)

Chapter One

Matthew age 11

It was a sunny and warm day, and I watched the other kids having fun in the park, families enjoying picnics. I wanted so much to join them, but I felt safer hiding behind this tree, away from everyone. One boy, with striking black hair, was at the center of a group, everyone laughing around him.

It must be nice to have friends.

The boy with the black hair noticed me watching him. When our eyes met, I quickly hid behind the tree, my heart pounding.

"Hey, why are you hiding?"

"I know you're there, so why don't you just come out?"

Why did he have to come over?

I shuffled out from behind the tree, my eyes fixed on the grass. I could feel him looking at me, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I must have looked filthy in my oversized, dirty top, black shorts, and bare feet.

"Hi, I'm Alex."

I slowly lifted my head. He had the most amazing golden eyes I had ever seen, a stark contrast to his pale skin and black hair.

"M... M... Matthew," I stuttered.

"Why were you watching us, Matthew?"

Is he mad? Should I run?

I glanced around, considering escape. If he tried to hurt me, my dad would know I left the house without permission, and then he'd punish me even more.

"Hey, you don't have to be scared of me. I'm not going to hurt you. How old are you?"

"Eleven." I glanced back at him. He was smiling, a genuine, kind smile that didn't feel fake.

"Why are you scared?"

"I'm not supposed to talk to others. If he finds out, I'll get punished."

"Who will punish you?"

"My dad. If he finds out... I... I have to go now." I started to walk away, but Alex grabbed my wrist gently.

"Wait," he said, and then let go. "Sorry... Let's keep it a secret that we talked if you don't want him to find out. I won't tell anyone, okay? So I'll see you again, right?"

Why did he want to see me again? Did he not care how I looked?

I smiled back at him and nodded.

"I'll... I'll come back tomorrow. I'll wait at this tree."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow."

I walked down the path to my house, glancing back to see Alex still watching me. I smiled and waved before turning the corner.

As I approached my house, I noticed the door was ajar. My stomach churned. My dad knew I wasn't home, and he left the door open so I wouldn't waste time sneaking in. I took a deep breath, entered, and closed the door behind me. I hated being locked in the dark house. Today, it was worth it because I met Alex. He wanted to see me again.

I made my way to the living room where my dad was waiting, beer in one hand, cigarette in the other. His grim look told me he was angry.

"Come here now, boy." His tone was harsh. The look on his face showed he had a bad day, so today's punishment would be worse.

I stood in front of him.

"Sit." I obeyed, knowing refusal would make it worse.

"Give me your foot."