The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 6: The Pauper's Nightmare

"And that's what I did today at school." I conclude, taking another bite of my dad's lasagna.

After having to persuade my parents for hours to wait until we had dinner to actually tell them what I did at school and let me finish my homework for Art Class, did they agree. But only if I tell them about Antonio saving me. I was reluctant to say anything but knew I had to if I don't want to end up having weekly meetings with my therapist.

"Looks like you got it pretty easy, Cassiel, and you thought you were going to get bullied." Dad reminds me of last night's worrying.

"Because I thought I was!" I counter, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Honey, I told you that you had nothing to worry about. Erik, you should've seen our poor son. He was shaking like a little chihuahua on our way to the school." Mom informs my dad which only made me feel more embarrassed and ultimately tried to avoid looking at Dad. He must think I'm so pathetic and weak.......

"Cassiel, look at me." Dad orders.

I shake my head, afraid that he'll look at me with pity and disappointment in his eyes. My ears pick up on a chair scooting back against the tile floor and heavy footsteps walking closer to me until two arms wrapped themselves around my frail body.

"Son, listen to me. There's no one after you here and I don't think you're weak. I know you think I'm disappointed in you but I'm not. I'm proud of you. I'm proud that you told me about your liking to men instead of keeping it a secret from me. I've told you before and I'll tell you again, I don't care what gender you like. All I care about is you and your happiness." Dad reminds me again only this time do I believe him.

I wrap my arms around his neck and nuzzle into his chest, returning his hug. "I-I know, Daddy...... I'm s-sorry......" I murmur.

"It's alright, son. Did you finish your homework?" Dad asks, pulling away. I nod my head and continue eating as I listen to my mom talk about her day.

We spent a couple of hours up after having dinner and cleaning up our messes. Mom went to work on her new marketing strategy that one intern suggested while Dad made lunch for us tomorrow. Me, I stayed in the living room to watch Faking It until it was ten o'clock where I head up to room to sleep.

* * *

Bleep...... Bleep...... Bleep......

Ugh..... What happened? Did I...... Did I die? Am I dead? Am I in Heaven now? Or Hell?

Bleep.... Bleep.... Bleep.....

"Where is he?! Where's my son?!" Mom's voice shouts but she sounds so far away..... Maybe I am in Heaven and I'm just watching Mom from above?

Bleep..... Bleep..... Bleep.....

But if I'm in Heaven, why do I kept hearing that bleeping sound? It's very annoying..... Unless I'm not in Heaven? If I'm not, then where am I?

"Oh, Cassiel! My little baby!" Mom cries and I felt someone embracing my body, spreading their warmth into me.

I get it now..... I'm in the hospital...... But how did I get here? The last thing I remember was cutting myself in the bathroom..... And watching my blood fall to the floor...... Did I faint?

"What happened to him?!" Mom snaps at someone.

"Well, ma'am. This boy here lost a large amount of blood that a blood transfusion was in order. He'll be alright. The worst is over though personally, this bastard deserved what came to him. Liking a boy just ain't Christian like. He should have let whoever was trying to fix him to continue." A deep southern accent informs disgustedly to Mom.