In my veins

Prologue

"Oh ho ho ho, I'm catching up," his voice was low and reminded me of the grandfather I had never met.
"Nah uh!" I shouted, my voice on the other hand was pitchy. I felt like a lion prowling but in reality I was his caged budgie.
I remember those times as if they were the back of my hand, something unchangeable and always accessible.
"You think so huh?" I remember him as one cocky guy then, at least while he was playful, "we'll see about that!"
In his twenties, the prime of his life, and he spent it working or with a kid. He would never treat me like one though. He was my best friend. I never cared for anyone but Zeak, my mother and our local cashier at super. In all honestly I never really knew anyone but them to care for.
Slam!
Bringing her back-hand to her forehead, my mother exclaimed, "Boys, you're such gentlemen. How can I ever repay you."
"No need too, we'll play Mario Cart anytime!"
My mother, Alma, chuckled at Zeak's comment while I just kept racing as if my life depended on it.
For once I might just win, mumbling, "I've got this."
Zeak's eyes immediately flickered back at me, "Hah!"
He picked up his wheel and was off, just a few seconds later the siren rang and my cart wouldn't continue.
"What!" I shouted, "Mum! He's done it again."
In his defense Zeak replied, "Hey, you were still on round one, you've gotta play theses games before you invite me over." I tried really hard to remain mad. Scrunching up my nose and furrowing brows. My shoulders met my ears, I swear, but I couldn't stick with it, "Come here."
I walked right into his embrace and dropped all my weight once my feet left the floor.
"You really should take it easy on him, he's only seven. His brain isn't even half-developed." Mum's voice was sympathetic but it always ended the same.
"I don't believe in the whole, 'take it easy on the kid's, their young', mindset. I challenge them even if it brings tears to their eyes. It only creates a stronger adult."
"but..." She let out a heavy sigh as her gaze turned to me.
From memory, I looked back and forth before announcing my final decision (which had already been made), "It's okay mum."
It hurt of course, always losing so easily, but I am stronger today because of it. At least that's what I believe.
I miss the way it was when I was younger, always with Zeak right by my side. His hands rolling me into a blanket burrito before bed and the way he got into character when reading Winnie the Poo. He'd always wanted a kid so with Mum always so busy running the business that she never had time to even pop in and say hello everything fit right into place. To this day he still loves kids, I can't see him settled down though, as the man of the house or even posing for a family portrait but he loves it all. I never really pry into why. If that's what he wants, that's fine. He has no problem with women. His jaw's square, voice husky and his eyes draw you in to drown in a calm embrace. They're a green more pleasing than Japanese rainforests but just as mysterious. His hair was shaved hazelnut that fell perfectly and effortlessly. He had the fashion sense fit for a marketer, sleek and productive yet always sexy. Other men stood upright when they saw him walk in. He was never big but you wouldn't call him small either. He was like the third porridge in everyway I saw, just right.
In the beginning, he was only low on the food chain so he had plenty of time on his hands but along the road, less and less was available. Both for him and my mother. The complex boomed and his talent was obvious. On the bright side that meant comfortable living and hired staff, I began to meet new people, particulary the maid but still people. My dad had tried to wriggle back into our life a few times but mum knew all to well the kind of man that hid beneath that charm. I only know his voice and assume part of his face based off my own but I never really cared and neither did my mother. I had a father figure, or I thought I did until recent events seemed to blur my vision.
As time went on, years passed and Zeak Hackwell, up until 9months ago, still lived a few doors down but now he's head of advertising in Yul, towns and cities away from Bane. We're a welcoming and lively community but he never had anyone down here. Never the same person twice for him. I would be up late with work when he would stumble from a car into the complex with breasts. She would stay the night and in the morning Mum would bring her a snack before escorting her out.
She always said the same thing, "Friends hunny, I'm just showing them some hospitality."
I know what they really were, I'm no seven year old any longer, I haven't been for nine years. I hate the thought of those women coming home with him, touching him, holding him, sleeping by him and then leaving in the morning to never see him again. It was disgusting but I couldn't let that show, I didn't want to. I just hoped he was using them and that it wasn't the other way around.
When my mother recieved his email, I immeadiantly ran for my laptop. It's not frequent but it's steady communication.

Dear  Zeak.
What's Yul like? I've never visted but my mum thinks with how things are going maybe we could, eventually. Hopefully we would see you when we do.
From Alec.

Alec.
It's been awhile hasn't it? Yul is much bigger but that's what I expected. I haven't had much time to explore but I don't mind. I'm incrediably busy with the new work but I'm respected and it makes me love what I do.
- Zeak. 

Dear Zeak,
That's awesome. If you have any problems I can sort them out.
From Alec.

Alec
Haha. Yes, I'll always need your prepubescent arms to rescue me.
- Zeak

Dear Zeak,
Your knight!
From Alec.

Alec
I really wouldn't suit a gown.
- Zeak.

It's not the same as having him hear but I imagine his expressions, his toothy smile, and hear his husk with each word I read. Until I see him again I tell myself that's enough.