For Mattie

Chapter Three

×Chapter Three×
×Unexpected Savior×

Fear. That single emotion made Matthew's mind go straight into flight or fight mode. The overwhelming senstation in his stomach made him feel sick, so he unconsciously wrapped his arms around his stomach. He felt his eyes sting as he knew what was awaiting for him. Fear. Fear is what he felt at that moment. And he was sure he was going to be in fear for a while.

Yet something told him it was going to be alright. A gut feeling. Perhaps papa and father will be too busy at each other's throats that they'll forget about him, or maybe Alfred would walk by and remember him and be that hero. With newfound bravery and hope, Matthew took prideful strides to the hell he called home. He just didn't know this gut feeling would be right after everything go downhill.

Opening the front door, making sure it didn't squeak, the small Canadian easily slipped through. He was quite stealthy when it came to this, but it seemed like his parents were a step ahead of him. Arthur sat on the armchair nearest to the entrance of the door, his glare making Matthew freeze on the spot.

"What were you thinking, Matthew? Skipping school?!" He bellowed, standing up, thick eyebrows knitted together. Wincing at the raised volume of his father's voice, Matthew submissively walked over to him and stood there, head bowed in shane. He hoped his father had mercy, but a nagging voice in the back of his head told him he deserved it. He deserved this all. Why? Matthew thought.

Cause it's all your fault.

To occupied with the thoughts, Matthew didn't notice Arthur raise his hand before it came down on his cheek. Gasping at the sudden pain that shot up, Matthew stumbled backwards, tripping over the foot rest that came with the armchair. Arthur followed him, kneeling down and grabbing a fistful of Matthew's locks. The boy winced once more, thrashing against the hold, only to be backhanded again.

"I thought you were smarter, Matthew. But I guess you are just as much of an attention whore like Francis" Arthur snarled, breath hot and the smell of beer made Matthew gag. Arthur notcied, and his rage and stress came down on the weak and fragile boy below him. He felt like he was dominating. He saw Francis below him and not his youngest son.

And before anyone can react, Arthur punched Matthew, sending the boy's head to the side, a loud whimper escaping a now cut up pair of lips. Sickly satisfied at the response he got, Arthur stood up, dragging Matthew with him, only to push him against a wall, knocking a family potrait of them to the ground.

"D-daddy, I'm s-sorry" Matthew tried to reason, but it only fuelled the British man's rage.

"Don't call me that you selfish brat!" Arthur yelled, storming over to the crying teen. Matthew looked up with wide teary eyes and put his arms in front of his face, protecting the body part that would show the abuse at it's worst. The front door opened and slammed shut, and Francis came into view. He locked eyes with his papa, but Francis simply mutterered a slurred, 'be careful Arthur' and left the living area. That's when something broke in Matthew. Not a bone or something like that. No, his heart. His trust. He remebered when his papa would return home and quickly run over to him, blocking him with his body and enduring the abuse. But now? Now that stupid frog gets drunk off his ass! It was like an endless cycle.

"I...I hate you papa!" Matthew cried out. It took him a few seconds to register what he said, and when he did, his eyes widened in regret and fear. That fear that ate him alive. Fear, fear, fear, fear...