The Painter | L.T [A.U]

Thirty-Four

~Louis~

My dad was released from the hospital a week later. During that week, I stayed with my family. Noah stayed with Zayn, Liam, and Niall. I haven't heard from Melissa. I'm not sure if I want to.

My family was really gloomy due to the fact that our dad was now disabled. The only thing that really brought smiles to our faces were Ernest and Doris.

Noah called everyday to see how I was. He told me so much has happened to me, that he's sure I can't be okay. Which is true, but as long as my dad is alive, I'm okay. My family means so much more than anything in the world.

It was a struggle bringing my dad into the house. One of the wheels got stuck in a hole that was on the front steps of the porch. I then realized I had to fix it. I wouldn't want it falling down, injuring someone. I walked to the nearest market and bought a couple of newspapers. That afternoon I spent my time looking for a job, any job that could help me. I found a job, as a waiter. It was a night shift. It was the only shift available.

The restaurant was pretty large, and I thought I could make quite some money off of tips. Besides the tips, I got $6 an hour. I assumed that's what waiters get, since the majority of the money comes from tips.

There were three other people working as waiters. They were all working high schoolers just looking for extra money. One of them was named Ally, and she always looked fucking bored. Actually, they all did.

I thought it'd be a fun job. It was terrible. Customers barely gave tips, and when they did, it was $3. The most I made in a week had been $100. It wasn't enough to pay bills and rent, along with my dads hospital bills. So I looked for a second job that would keep me busy during the day. I looked through newspapers and had many interviews, but I wasn't "skilled enough".

At one point I said,"Everyone starts without being skilled, and I will become skilled if you give me the chance."

I didn't get the job.

After a week I got a minimal job, which was the only job I could get. I did the work of others. Things like mowing lawns, and car washing was all I basically did. It raised my weekly earnings, but wasn't quite enough even with the job as a waiter.

I was walking home from washing two cars who belong to a young couple when I saw my dad outside. He was on the ground, by the steps and the wheelchair was on top of him. I ran to him, and got him up on his wheelchair. His forehead was bleeding, and he was crying, covering his face with his hands.

"It's okay," I assured him, wrapping my arms around him.

"I'm nothing now. I can't even walk and- I'm just a burden on this family. I need a job but I doubt anyone would hire me.... I'm in pain! I'm in pain on the inside and I really can't do much about it! I can't pretend nothing happened- it will never be the same!" He sobbed.

"No you're not. I love you- we all do. Lets get you inside," I kissed him on the forehead not minding blood of his on my lips.

"You're a good son. You've always been good," he wiped his eyes. I couldn't get him up the steps, so I had to get him in through the back door. There weren't steps or anything.

I got him inside and gave him a wet cloth so he'd wipe his face off. Lottie and my mum walked in and their eyes widened.

"Oh honey what happened?" My mum gasped.

"That's what I am wondering! What happened? You were supposed to be watching him! I mean he's not a baby but you know he isn't okay right now! He's having a hard time!"

"Louis..." my dad mumbled.

"I don't want him falling again! I can't let him get hurt! We need to all stick together," I added. I was furious. I had never yelled at my mum like that- or Lottie. I wanted to apologize, but I couldn't. I was mad, period.