Learning to punch

Chapter ~ 3

Intimidation || Xavier Coles

Days blurred past, faded together like the bruises on my torso. I didn't dare take my shirt off around my fathers, both of them would have a stroke if they knew I was getting bullied to this extent.

They know of my situation. It almost mirrored my dad's childhood and school life, it's almost scary how similar we are with 27 years between us. Both our mothers died and our fathers became unstable and abusive, we both got bullied in school, I feel like I'm reliving my fathers school life.

My father became slightly suspicious, glancing at me with a weird facial expressions during training, which I usually do shirtless, but thankfully he didn't ask any questions.

I didn't move fast enough to block my fathers incoming kick, which wasn't at all hard, but it hit hard enough on a bruise to bring tears to my eyes and a pained cry tumbling out of my mouth.

Cursing loudly, his body was next to me in seconds, concern and guilt drowning in his eyes. "Shit son, I'm sorry! I didn't think I kicked so hard" he rambled his apologies and when the pain subsided i waved him off. "It's fine, just bumped it earlier so it a bit sensitive" I lied easily, grabbing my fathers outstretched hand, allowing him to pull me up.

My father studied my face for a minute before his eyes narrowed. "What happened?" My father asked his arms crossing over his bare chest, not an ounce of fear ran through my veins, 11 years ago I would be a cowering mess, which I was when I first saw Jaxon's large muscled figure walk in the door of the orphanage.

My father was intimidating, there is no doubting it, but under all that muscle and tattoos, he is a complete softy with a large heart and my father. The guy who raised me and slept on my bedroom floor every night for two weeks to keep my nightmares away.

"I got pushed around by a few guys at school" I mumble knowing better then to lie to my father, he can read through my lies and guarded expression like an open book.
"Pushes doesn't bruise Xavier. Show me" he said his posture becoming stiff as his voice dipped a few octaves with anger.

I sighed biting my lip, keeping eye contact with my fathers narrowed eyes, contemplating my options. "It stays here. Be angry, yell at me for being weak but it all stays here. No one else is to know. I'll handle it my self" I stated narrowing my eyes back at him, I've learnt to bargain before giving into his requests.

"I don't tolerate abuse Xavier and considering your bargaining and hesitation to show the damage. You will show me and I'll deal with it how I see fit. Shirt. Off. Now." he growled with no room for argument. I'm going to regret this but I'd rather not have my shirt be torn up from my fathers strong protective for his family.

I sighed lifting my shirt up, pulling it over my head, showing my toned but badly bruised torso. A warm hand gripped my shoulder, my eyes peeling open to see my fathers broken looking face, his eyes drowning in anger and sorrow.

"Son" he choked out his eyes scanning my body once more. "Xavier this is not okay. You are my son, I know you can defend your self, I made sure of it. Why?" He asked, his other coming up to cup my cheek. I had to swallow hard to keep the lump of emotion in my throat.

"I'm outnumbered. There is never just the one, there is always more. I can't defend my self if I wanted to. It's me against the school."

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I could feel their eyes, I heard their hushed whispered wondering what Jaxon Coles was doing in the school. Autumn walked next to me, her arm wrapped around mine in some sort of silent support.