Don't Leave Me... Again |[TMF]|

9- A Guardian's Failed Vow

Drew's POV-

I am standing before a closed door, grasping the brass knob that's rigidly sitting in my hand. The handle feels cool and slightly rough under my finger tips as I put more pressure on it.

I don't know why I'm hesitating so much. By now I should be inside. But somehow, somethings repelling me.

I take a deep breath, then give a firm twist of the wrist, turning the knob to open the door.

-Click-

Slowly pushing the door open. A gentle creaking sound fills my ears, as the door swings inwards. Revealing the stairs with a figure sitting on them. What?

My father!

What is he doing here? He wasn't supposed to come back until a few weeks. Somethings must have happened. Maybe his trip was cancelled.

His bowed head in between his knees. Clutching his phone with one hand so tight; that his knuckles were white from the pressure. His expression is one of anger, his eyes narrowed and his lips pressed together in a tight line.

I slowly close the groaning brass hardware. Turning the lock on the door, I hear my father abruptly stand up on the stairs.
As he hisses my name.

"Andrew."

His face contorting with anger. He holds his phone tightly, the screen shining brightly in the dim light. His words are harsh and condemning, laden with hatred and ignorance. His voice raises, and his hands ball into fists as his anger boils over, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. He is a menacing presence, and I can feel the weight of his emotions pressing down upon me.

I turn around gulping at his presence. Even though he's in front of me on the stairs, he still manages to tower over me. I feel small, weak, a nothing compared to him.

"Yes, father?" I ask quietly.

His jaw is clenched tightly, his brow furrows even more, and his eyes are narrowed in an angry, penetrating glare. It was as if he was drilling holes into my skull. He was either having a really bad day. Or...

His words coming out all of a sudden. "Andrew. Are you gay?" His words are sharp and filled with venom, and each syllable is laced with the weight of his malice. He speaks with his narrowed eyes and his jaw clenched, as though trying to contain the fury that they feel.

His words cut me off my thoughts. A sudden panic rushed through my whole body, as he took steps coming down the steps. Each thump of his shoe building up. Becoming loud and deafening in my head.

"Course not," I laugh nervously as I back up. He reaches the bottom of the stairwell. "I have a girlfriend. Remember? Zoey."

He stops right in front of my face letting out a laugh that is more of a cackle, his voice filled with malice. It chills my bones and sends a shiver down my spine, as I can hear his utter contempt for my existence. His gargling is followed by a burst of air, as though relishing the pain they were building up. It's a sound that is equal parts terrifying and maddening.