LOSER

Level 5

   Michael's father was a tall man, tan from working in the fields so much. His back was slightly hunched due to him constantly picking fruits and vegitables. His dark hair was turning gray in certain areas and his espresso colored eyes were surrounded by stress caused wrinkles. He stepped into the house with a smile on his face, glad to see his son and his wife.

   "Michael! How did the ceremony go, boy?" He sat on a couch in the living room, looking at Michael with a serious but loving look. Michael glanced back at his mother and Jeremy before smiling weakly and mumbling a 'fine'. His dad nodded and looked around thd house for a while.

   "So where's the girl?" Michael gulped and bit his lip. He was about to answer when his mom stepped in, holding a proud and confident look.

   "Michael doesnt have a girl." His mom stated matter-of-factly. His dad furrowed his eyebrows, looking at Michael with a look of both confusion and slight anger.

   "Why?" The simple question stuck in the air, making both Jeremy's and Michael's hearts race a thousand miles an hour. His mom licked her lips before speaking up again.

   "He has a boy, Marc." His dads head snapped in his direction, and his eyes held a fire that only one who wanted a war would have. He sighed in both anger and disappointment, shaking his head slightly.

   "Gusto mo ng lalaki? Kung ano ang isang pagkabigo. Akala ko mas mahusay ka." Michael bit his lip and sighed, looking down at the floor with tears welling up in his eyes. Jeremy stepped forward timidly and wrapped his arms around his best friend and soulmate, wanting to comfort him and protect him to no extent.  Michaels mother spoke up with a ferocity that was not expected from the small woman.

   "Marc. Michael is our son, and if a boy makes him happier than a girl why are we to judge? Nobody said anything to you for liking me, a poor merchants girl, did they? So don't you dare be disappointed in our child for finding happiness." With that, the small woman turned and smiled warmly at her son, who looked at her in awe. 

   "Mama, you didn't have to do that..." Michael muttered quietly, wrapping his arms around Jeremy and holding on as if his life deoended on it. God knows his tear ducts did. His mom chuckled and shook her head.

   "Nonsense. Now, if you want... I'll let you spend the night at Jeremy's house." Jeremy perked up, a small smile in his face. He had been quiet most of the time, but now he was willing to speak up.

   "Really?! Oh thank you, Mrs. Mell!" Both Michael and his mom chuckled at Jeremy's eagerness. Michael smiled adoringly at the smaller boy, feeling more content than earlier. Michael's mom smiled at the two love birds and nodded. Just as she was about to speak, Marc made his way into the kitchen area.

   "No, he can't. And he won't." Michael looked up at his father and opened his mouth and started to protest when his head snapped to the right. He felt his cheek burn, and he could swear he felt a cut. His dad had slapped him.

   "Marc!" Michael's mom gasped and ran towards her son, gently taking his face in her hands. His cheek was swollen and had a very clear imprint of his fathers hand. There was a small gash where his hand had hit the strongest. Michael felt the tears pouring down his face but paid no mind to them. He was too busy thinking of his fathers words and insults. Jeremy stood forward and pulled Michael behind him. He looked at Michael's dad and growled lightly.

   "Mr. Mell. You had no right to do that. He's your son. If you could respect his choices-" The kitchen was filled with the sound of yet another slap, and then silence followed. Jeremy slowly raised a hand to his cheek and swallowed loudly. Michael looked at Jeremy with a concerned look on his face and them back at his father with pure rage.

   "You're not my father, and you never have been. I hope I never have to see your sorry face again." Michael spat the words with a vicious venom that left his whole family in awe. He had never spoken back to his father, but hitting the person he cared most about was the last straw for Michael.

   "You won't have to. I want you out of this home by midnight." Marc spoke with an angry voice that was fueled by his sons words. He turned sharply on his heel and left the kitchen. Michael left as well, leaving a hurt Jeremy and worried mother behind.

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Ahhh this hurt me to write... Its even worst because the admin has heard these exact words from her father 😅😅

(Ps: the angst continues in the next chapter...)