The Internet is Where the True Monsters Hide

Chapter 1

"You worthless, lousy, good for nothing piece of shit." The words ring through memories of two years ago with my father. I hadn't seen him for twelve years up until that point, when he had showed up at my Mom and I's home to terrorize us. It started a good evening, well as good as it can get with your mom working for minimum wage at a gas station up the road, barley making enough money to get by on. Mom walked into the door carrying a pizza from the gas station, she always saved the pizza that either got burned or messed up.

"Hey Ryan, how was school?" Mom was always cheerful, whenever I saw her. She was so greatful to get away from my piece of shit father and that was enough to make life blessed for her. I gave her a smile.

"School was good, mom. Mrs. Burns is back after having her baby." I always managed to give her something good that happened at school, Mrs. Burns the thrity-something teacher was a saint to mom and I. Always helping when she could and tutored me if needed.

"Aww, tell her I said congrats on Monday." I nodded my head and looked back at the television set. "Oh and here is dinner, three meat pizza, it will be on the counter when you are ready." She smiled again whilst curiously looking at the TV. Then proceeded down the hall to her room.

The next thirty minutes is when I'd see my mom's bubbly, happy expression fade into a million sorrows and regret. The knock at the door triggered it all. I got up and looked through the rusted peep hole. A man, heavy built, long beard, greasy hair and full sleeves of tattoos stood in front of the door. I unlocked the main lock leaving the chain lock secure, not that it would provide much safety by the looks of him.

"Um, can I help you?" I said through the crack in the door. The man looked at me deadpan until his expression lightened and a smile arose on his face.

"Ryan, look how much you've grown, almost as tall as me. Is your mother home?" I gave a puzzled look, how did he know my name, why did he want my mother, and the overall question, who was this man? I took a step back and unlocked the chain, he seemed like no threat. God I wished I hadn't done that. He pushed his way past me and looked around the house.

"Mom is getting changed she will be out in a second." I gave him the slightest fake smile so he wouldn't kill me or something. I knew I was forgetting something, oh yeah hospitality, something my mom strived to achieve. "Can I get you a drink? Or a slice of pizza while you wait?" He looked at me dumbfounded like I had spoke another language.

"You act just like her, uh you got any beer?" I shook my head no, my mom hated alcohol so much.

"No sir, we have water, soda and um milk." He smiled at me, almost in a sympathetic way. He then nodded and asked for a soda. I had just entered the kitchen when I heard a gasp from my mother.

"Randy, what the hell are you doing in my home?" I darted out of the kitchen like a roach exposed to light. My mom was standing there in her light blue tank top and pajama bottoms. Hands on her hips and her smile was replaced with a frown.

"Relax Chrissy, I'm here for a visit with my son. God knows I haven't seen him in twelve years. Doesn't a father have rights to see his child?" He shouted making me flinch in response. I was standing behind my mom, a cowardly thing to do but I was just as much confused as scared. His eyes caught sight of me. "Come here boy, give yer dad a hug." My feet stood in place, I wasn't going near him.

"Look sir, you can't come in here saying you are my father. I'd like if you would leave our home." He glared at me, a frown appeared then a look of hatred disfigured his face.

"Your home, ha, your home. My child support pays for this shithole and yet it's your home. What do you do, sit around all day doing nothing? You worthless, lousy, good for nothing piece of shit." His shouts exploded around us giving me goosebumps. "You sit around all day while your mom works her ass off so you can sit around watching TV. You deserve to burn in hell for that."

I didn't want a life lesson from this man. And at that point I could see anger boiling in my moms eyes. "Get the hell out of this home Randy, before I call the police." He walked over to her raising a hand up to her face. Without a second of hesitation I punched him in the gut. He doubled over but quickly recovered by sending a fist into my face.

"Lights out Ryan." Was the last thing I heard before I passed out.