Wonder

Chapter 1

28th January, 2013.

 I watched my Dad storm down the stairs through the upstairs railing. “Dad, don’t go…” I mumbled, the sleeves of my shirt soaked in tears. He stopped in his tracks and gave me a once over, but continued down the stairs.

“Greg, stop. Think about the kids…” my Mum held his hand but he shrugged it off angrily.

“No Katherine, not this time!” he snapped.

“But what about Nath-“she started but he cut her off.

“What about Nathan? All I wanted was a normal kid from you! Was that too much to ask for?!” I knew he was not coming back this time. He hated me.

“Greg, stop!” Mum spoke again but Dad pushed her away, dragging his suitcase behind him.

“If he never existed,” he said pointing at me,” and I had a normal son, then maybe we would’ve been a different family. Maybe even a happy one.” He finished and got out of the house, slamming the door shut behind him.

Mum started to cry, came up to me and wrapped me in her arms. Moments later, my older brother Max appeared with a worried look on his face.  “Mum?” he said softly, running up the stairs. He sat down with us.” I saw Greg leave. Is everything alright?” Mum shook her head. “Is he gone?” he asked, but all she did was cry more. Max sighed.”It’s gonna be alright” he rubbed her back. He looked at me, gave me a tight hug and all the while I kept my head down ”It’s gonna be just fine…” he trailed off.

This happened twelve years ago. Our father, I mean my father left us when I was seven and Max was thirteen.  It’s been a long time and I haven’t seen him since then, I guess that’s a good thing, that’s what Max says but whatever. Max’s father aka mum’s first husband died in a car accident when Max was only two. Then mum met my dad, Greg, got married and had me ‘the problem child’. I blame myself for dad leaving us but mum scolds me every time I say that. According to her I’m the  ‘most amazing thing’ that has ever happened to her and Max agrees, which doesn’t make sense cause he should be offended like I would be if mum said that about him but I guess he’s awesome in that way.

My name is Nathan, Nathan Sykes. I’m nineteen. My mum’s called Katherine and I have an older brother Max. I have normal friends …well ‘a’ friend, Jay. I go to a normal school (I start uni this year though) I have two eyes, one nose, two ears… quite normal, right? I look like a normal teenage boy except I’m not. I’d tell you what’s wrong with me but I’m afraid you’ll start judging me so I won’t.

I start university next week, I’m excited but scared at the same time. I’m not social at all. But the good thing is Jay will be there. He’s always there for me. Last night he took me to a bar, I hate bars, actually I hate everything as long as there are people involved cause like I said, I’m not social but whatever. So last night Jay was chatting up this girl, basically he was teaching me how to pick up girls. Funny guy. Anyway I observed him quietly but then this huge six feet guy with the arms and the muscles came over and tapped my shoulder saying ‘That’s my seat’. His breath smelled like puke. I swear I threw up in my mouth a bit but then I saw Jay standing up from his chair ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked the man ‘This little faggot took my seat’ he spat at Jay. As soon as the word ‘faggot’ left his mouth Jay’s ears turned red with anger. BY THE WAY Jay has anger issues, especially when I’m around but whatever. Anyway Jay sort of punched the guy and then we ran out of the bar. The big guy had a bloody nose and ran after us but we were faster so we got home safe.  Thank god.