Story of A Lonely Guy

Chapter Nine: Quit

Why is it that mornings always seem to suck? Is this just my feelings or is it relatable somehow?

I stumble out of bed with great effort. I'm exhausted from the weekend. Angela had me out every night partying and doing rebellious things I know I shouldn't. How can I resist though? Her eyes look at me with such a want that I'm inclined to agree without the slightest hesitation.

I should probably make an attempt to work on things from school that I've completely abandoned all responsibility for. Angela is calling; I have no time for this. Her voice sounds raspy and strained over the phone.

"I need you to do something for me."

I mull over my response for a few seconds, then I say, "Well, what is it? I thought maybe after school we could head to the park for a while. Ma-"

"No. We have things to do. Now stop and listen to me." Her tone is that of a strong exasperation, towards me.

"I have a friend I need you to come see with me. I can't go alone because I'm close to positive that he'd tear me to shreds." What in the hell is she getting me into?

"Why do we have to go see this ‘friend’ of yours?"

She sighs loudly into the phone. "Because we have to, okay? Stop asking me dumb questions."

From here she explains to me that she has medicine she needs to take to and from her friend to another friend whom she labeled ‘Frankie’. What she failed to tell me, was the town in which she'd be taking me that afternoon.

~

A few hours later Angela picks me up out front. Before I have both feet out the door, my Dad stops me.

"Brone, we need to talk. Come back in here and sit down.” His tone is stern so I don't push anything.

"I don't like how you've been acting recently. Visiting your mother's gave without notifying me, let alone asking me, spending every free moment you have with this 'Angela' girl? What's gotten into you? You're getting into fights at school, for God's sake! I didn't raise you like this. You're becoming a failure and I wouldn't be surprised if you ran away again to fuck up your life."

My anger begins to bubble up inside of me. It begins to overflow like water in a clear mason jar. I look him dead in the eye and refuse to look away until I've made my point.

"You know what? I had every damn right to go see her. She's my mother, Dale. Don't like what I'm doing? I don't give a shit. You didn't raise me. You were never home. Mom was the only one who ever even gave a rat's ass in this house. The only thing you ever did was work. You had every moment in the world for Mom. I only could see her when you went away on your pointless business trips or those stupid Town Meetings. Angela is my girlfriend. If you don't accept her, then you sure as hell don't accept me,” I scream back at him as my voice quivers at the forcefulness of my words.

"You are in no place to disrespect me like that. You are a disgrace to this family. Leave. Don't come back until you have your shit together.” His voice breaks at the end. I can tell I've hurt his feelings, talking about Mom. But at this point, I could care less.