Kid, tell me what happened: The Sequel

but I'll catch you if you fall (and if they laugh then fuck em all)

A melancholy sigh escaped thin pink lips as Peter leaned against the headboard of his bed, and buried his head in his hands. Black and blue bruises littered his pale cream-colored skin along with faint cuts that took the form of faded pink lines that were already in the process of healing. The boy was usually bursting with an abundance of energy, but for the first time, the boy was exhausted and weak. Powerless. So goddamn powerless.

And it wasn’t even his fault, except that it was. Each hit, kick, spit of the English language was because he messed up. Because he wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t May’s, all she wanted was happiness, and Peter couldn’t take that away from her. Even if it stung a little bit that May wasn’t totally satisfied with just him. But Peter told himself that he would just have to put up with May’s boyfriend, because May deserved the best in life. 

Speaking of said boyfriend, Peter heard his voice call out in a loud, fake tone, “Peter! It’s time for lunch!” Peter slowly got up, knowing what his aunt’s boyfriend was really implying. Ever since their first meal together, the man had made a remark about Peter not doing enough around the house. Concerns that May quickly shot down lightly chuckling, “Brendon, Peter’s a dear. He does so much around the house.” 

She turned to face Peter and smiled fondly, “He’s a huge help.” Peter forced himself to return the smile, 

Brendon falsely smiled, correcting himself, “Well, I’m sure he is.”

Later that day, May announced that she was going to get some groceries for the next day despite Peter insisting that he could go. Right after the door clicked shut. Brendon had pounced on him, punching him sharply in the ribs which made Peter gasp in shock. He looked at Brendon who menacingly spoke, “You little ungrateful brat! You must make your aunt do everything, like the little baby you are. Couldn’t even set the table like a man that you are. May didn’t have to take you in, and I’m seriously beginning to wonder why. From now on, you’re setting up the table or this will become a routine.” He punched Peter once more to show that he was not joking, and sauntered into the living room. 

And ever since then, Brendon would punish Peter for every little thing that he deemed a mistake. So, Peter quickly got out of the safe haven that his room served as and dragged himself to the living room/kitchen. Being that it was an apartment and all. 

Peter walked into the living room and bit back a recoil at the disgustingly fake smile of Brendon and began to set the table, much to his pleasure. May beamed at him, and Peter forced out a smile, telling himself that for May, it was worth it. 

Brendon hid his sneer with a remark, “Thank God that br-boy does something around here.” 

Peter dipped his head down as he shoveled a forkful of pasta into his mouth, hoping that someone would defend his honor. Luckily, May came to the rescue. 

May spoke gingerly, “Brendon, Peter’s a huge help, you know that.”

Peter was relieved for May defending him, but the look on Brendon’s face made his heart thud faster in fear. The rest of the meal was silent except for Brendon flirting with May, which grossed the hell out of Peter, especially in front of his food. Then, May had the god-awful idea of him and Brendon staying home for a “boys day”.

She explained with an overly cheery smile, that “it would be really good for you guys. Brendon could see just how much of a help you are Peter.” She paused to beam at her boyfriend, who lovingly smiled back. Peter resisted the urge to throw up. She turned to Peter with a genuine smile, “And Peter, you could get to know Brendon. It would be really good for you guys to just hang out. Be bros, that thing that you guys do. I’ll be at work the whole day, I picked up a few extra shifts. Sounds good, Peter?”