Onsra(Bittersweet Love)

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Wes's backstory is revealed here, there's mentioning of alcohol abuse as well-

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"Of course. Also, I'm ready to hear what you've been meaning to tell me." Wes's content expression faltered slightly. "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to," I added, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

"No. I need you to know from me before you hear it from anyone else," he said somberly. I nodded. I felt anxious, excited, and nervous all at once. Each unfamiliar emotions that I was growing more and more accustomed to from Wes.

"I've lived here all my life. It was nice at first. My mom and dad were happily married. They'd go on vacation a lot, leaving my brother, Matthias, and I at home. They weren't really there for us. I didn't mind it, though. The few times my parents spent time with us were great."

I listened intently, hanging on to each word he said. He was struggling, I could tell. And nothing truly bad had been said yet.

My parents would leave more often than usual as I grew older. I never thought about it too much. But it bothered Matthias. When my parents were actually home, he'd always argue how they never truly raised us. Even though he's a year older than me, I always admired him for being able to stand up like that. He said how we were neglected, and that he practically was the only one who had helped me with everything. Which is true. He'd help me get ready for school, he helped me with my homework, and he began doing chores and taking care of things around the house. Of course, there were so many things he couldn't do for me. I'd be one of the only kids without a parent going to back to school night. I'd hear how other people in my class would go on family vacations and have their parents drive them to school events. I was beyond jealous of them. So when Matthias confronted my parents, I was supporting him completely."

Wes's expression turned pained for a second and he glanced at me for a second. I smiled kindly as if to reassure him. He ran a hand through his golden hair nervously before continuing.

I'll never forget the look of guilt and regret in my mom's look when Matthias told her everything. She apologized profusely and swore she'd be there for us. I believed her, too. My dad didn't say a word until my mom told him how they'd have to be better parents and how they needed to stop leaving reality. My dad ignored her. I was shocked when he turned to look angrily at my mom and us. He told us how he had work and he was trying to look for new opportunities through traveling. He yelled at us, saying that my brother and I were spoiled. My mom was downright scared. He got louder, almost screaming. He said he was traveling regardless. That we could do whatever the hell we wanted."

Wes had a dull, distant look. I felt my heart break for him. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to have to experience something like that.

"My mom refused to leave us again. She yelled at him through her tears, saying she was staying with us. My mom's crying and yelling didn't affect him at all. He grabbed his suitcases and left, slamming the door behind him. My mom broke down even more, apologizing to Matthias and I. And I forgave her instantly."

We were nearing my house by now. I purposely walked slower. Wes paused before he continued, as if assessing what he was about to say before saying it.

"My mom and dad share a bank account. My dad became rich, probably through gambling. I'm sure he's been to Nevada more than a few times for that reason alone. How else could he get wealthy? He'd always have a lot of extra money in the account, money that my mom would use to help us get by. He never called about it or anything, so it didn't seem like a big deal. That is, until Matthias told me he overheard them on the phone the next day. He said he heard that Mom was telling him how taking a little money was nothing compared to the 'vulgar' things he did, like having affairs on vacation. To this day, I don't know why they never divorced. As time went on, my mom slowly began separating herself from us. She was rarely present, just like before. And as Matthias and I went to High School, he started skipping class and throwing parties. He's changed completely. He used to be a good kid and now that's ruined. I do football for our high school. I'm starting to skip practice, though. I mean, if I'm gonna skip my classes, what's the point of going to football practice? And Matthias got so bad, he was suspended and taken to military school. It could've been another fight or maybe he brought beer to school again and got caught. Whatever reason, I only see him on the weekends now."

Wes's voice grew bitter. "And now my dad shows up at my house, drunk usually, begging for forgiveness. I try to ignore him, whereas Matthias slams the door on him. I know we could call the police or something, but it'd only make things worse for him. My dad is screwed up but it'd be unnecessary to make a big deal out of it." Wes looked at me for a while, a saddened look in his blue eyes. "Don't tell anyone, Flora. We're almost eighteen. I'll be free soon." His voice cracked a little at the end, and I almost cried at the amount of emotion I could detect from his voice. "I'd never. And Wes, none of that was your fault. There's nothing wrong with you."

I was quickly swept off my feet, enveloped in a strong hug. "I love you," he said gently in my ear, my heart racing from the sudden proximity. "I knew you'd understand. Oh god, I love you." I felt surrounded by him. All I could focus on was the exhilarating feeling of his tight hold on my back, making that area more aware to me at that moment than ever before. I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders, pulling him impossibly closer.