Blurred Lines

~Brandon~

18 years ago- Brandons POV:

"Stupid fuck! I told you to watch what the fuck you were doing!" I stared at the floor as my father yelled at me. He was always yelling at me. I don't think I remember a time where he wasn't yelling at me.

"You fucking bastard! I can't stand to fucking look at you!" I barely registered the stinging pain on my cheek. I only realized he hit me when I heard my mother's pleas for him not to do it again.

I was used to the abuse by now. It's been going on for years now. I just accept it, it's not like I can do anything anyway. It barely hurts now, I just feel a slight burn or itch wherever he hits me.

"Please Bradley! Stop!" I glanced over my shoulder at my mommy. She was on the floor, on her knees. Her face was slightly red as black streaks ran down her face.

I never understood why she would cry, I wasn't in any real pain so why must she cry? She knows her tears will only make him angrier, so why waste them on me? It's not worth the consequence.

"SHUT UP! And stop all that damn crying woman or I swear I'll fucking kill him." I didn't make a sound as my father grabbed me by my hair and pushed me down on the ground.

"No! Please Bradley, just stop hurting him! He's your son!" He chuckled darkly before he gripped my chin, making me look at my mommy.

"This is YOUR son. I told you I wanted nothing to do with him and you kept this little bastard. I can't stand to look at his face. I'm not even sure if he's fucking mine." My mom shook her head before she looked at me.

"Please Bradley," He grunted before he let go of me and roughly pushed me aside. He stomped over to my mom before grabbing her arm and forcing her up right.

"Stop fucking whining!" She shuddered violently before she let out a small cry.

"You cry for that little bastard? Is he all you give a fuck about?!" My father screamed before he shoved her to the ground beside me.

She cried as she quickly grabbed me and pulled me into her embrace. I smiled at the scent of perfume. It was always the same, apples and vanilla. I found comfort in it, it made me feel calm and protected.

"Fuckin' useless." He spat before he stomped up the stairs, cursing my mom for having me as he did.

We both sat still until we heard the bedroom door slam shut. My mommy turned and looked down at me with tears in her eyes. She laid her head on mine as she slowly brushed her hand against the side of my head.

"I'm so sorry Brandon, I'm so sorry." She whispered into my hair. I had no idea why she was apologizing. I was very confused and there was no way for me to explain to her just how confused I was.

"I promise he loves you, honey. H-He's just struggling right now but he'll get better. He will. I know it!" He won't. He hates me almost as much as I hate him.

He never wanted a kid, much less a son that looks nothing like him. He thinks I'm pulling my mom away from him. When he looks at me he sees competition, not family.

There was a darkness that fell over this house when the sun went down. It was always tense but at night, it was even worse. Mostly because that's when Bradley started drinking and when he was drunk he'd hit me.

He's never hit my mom. I'm thankful for that, because if he ever did, I'm not sure what I'd do to him. I'd happily take a beating everyday if it meant my mommy was safe. She means the world to me, I love her so much. She's all I have.

"Brandon, please say something!" Suddenly my mom was holding me by my face, making me look at her. I frowned seeing the sad look on her face. She was sad because of me, because I couldn't do what she wanted me to do.