Trapped

5

Erik's POV
Every friend I have doesn't stay long. It's either because I move a lot or they meet my parents, and they leave. It's hard for me to have any because my dad would say none of them are good enough for him or me and I hardly have time to have friends. When I did have friends, they backstabbed me. I had a group of best friends and they beat me up with other kids at school.

I train every day for tennis from three to five hours a day, so there is no time to give my companionship and care. After tennis, I would have to do homework. It's been a little easy to be Ellie's friend because my dad hasn't been around a lot to see me play tennis, so I would lie and say that I did.

It's Saturday, and I get a little break from tennis for the weekend. I usually waste my time in my room relaxing and refreshing for the week but today I am going to spend time with El. I find myself happier when I am around her. There are secrets that I have not shared with anyone, and I have this feeling I want to tell her... The secrets are becoming a burden and I don't know how I have let it come this far.

These secrets are only known by my dad and parts where my mom knows and some with Lyle knowing but other than that, I am a closed person. Being at my house isn't all bad, but there are times where I wish to escape. Sometimes I feel trapped... I also wished I could have had a more playful and merry childhood, but my parents want me to over succeed, so there is not an option for horsing around.

I break my thoughts and I jog down the stairs, informing my mom I am going out for a drive but knowing me, I am going over El's place. She nods, giving me the signal it was okay. I hop in my jeep, heading over to her place. I park in front of her house, walking up. A man opens up the door, and I assume it's her dad.

"Hello? How can I help ya?"

"I am here for Ellie."

Ellie squeezed past him. "Hey! What are you doing here?" She says, surprised.

I smile, happy to see her face. "I wanted to see if you wanted to hang."

"She is busy cleaning the house." Her dad states.

"Okay, I will just wait in my car."

"I did not say she can go out with you. I do not even know you son."

"Oh! Sorry, sir!" I put my hand out. "I am Erik Menendez, her friend from school."

He looks at my hand and doesn't shake it. I awkwardly put my hand back next to my side.

"Dad, I am practically done cleaning. Can I go out for a few?"

He stares at me. "What will you be doing?"

"Well, I didn't eat lunch, so I thought we would get some food and hang outside since the day is filled with fresh warm air."

He turns to Ellie. "You better bring me back something."

"Does that mean a yes?"

Her dad chuckles lightly. "Yes."

"Sweet! One second, Erik!" She announces, running back into the house.

Her father and I awkwardly stand at his door silently.

I break the silence. "Any food in particular?"