Bully stepbrother

83. Liar

CADEN

That same day, after Mad had returned, freshly showered and dressed in a pink loose-knit sweater, she had my leg on her thighs, massaging tenderly.

Martha, on the other hand, was informing us about my progress, believing I might be discharged soon.

She babbled about transferring schools, mentioned the possibility of moving back, and even entertained the idea of seeking vengeance on whoever was responsible. Somehow, I believed she might mean it.

Martha is a nice person; Mad is lucky to have her as a mother.

My mother, if alive, must have probably forgotten about me, let alone know I was on a hospital bed right now.

But with these two women around, I was at ease and even grateful for life. Then, Dad chose to butcher the harmony in the space and walked in, ceasing the happiness in my space once again.

He advanced into the room, hands in his jean pockets, seeming timid, like how I'd act back at home when he would sit across the living room, watching basketball all by himself.

The moment he walked in, Mad stood from the bed and stopped beside me. Her hand came to my back, stroking up and down, tenderly.

I'd lost control if not for her presence; she was all I needed. She was my happy place, my comfort, my ease.

"Son!" He started, and I wondered who else was out there.

"Jude, not now," Martha warned him, but he seemed to ignore her. She was standing by the window, next to several pots of plants I'd received from guests I don't even know, but the nurses had delivered anyway.

"How are you?" He went on when I didn't respond.

You can do it! Stay bold. I mentally encouraged myself.

"Why are you here? What do you want?" I asked, cutting to the chase.

A confused expression appeared on his face; he fidgeted slightly before blurting: "You got shot, why wouldn't I be here?"

Whoa!

"News to my ears. Since when do you care?" I bluntly remarked.

With that, Martha beckoned at Mad. "We will give you two some space," she suggested.

Automatically, my hand clasped Mad's. I found her poignant gaze, hoping she understood I didn't want her to leave.

"D-Don't leave me with this monster," I sharply stated, glancing at the man across the room, acting all saint right now.

In my throat, a large lump refused to wash down.

"I am your father. I care about you since birth, certainly."

"Liar." I barked at him, prompting Martha's hands over her eyes, and Mad's over my back.

"Caden..." He started a step toward me.

I jerked up from the bed, eyes dilated, trying to process his spontaneous action. "Don't come near me!" I warned.

"Okay. I can stand here." He surrendered, hands in the air. His eyes rapidly blinked. "Is it okay?" He asked, referring to the space between us.

"It will be when you get out," I demanded.

I was aware of his presence ever since yesterday, but I never thought it would feel like this seeing him in person.

The last time I saw him, he was hitting me, calling me a devil, blaming me for his messed up life, throwing my bag outside his house, the place I grew up.