Holstering High School 2 (The Walking Dead Game - Alternative Universe)

11 - Birthday Surprise

I could hear Nick's gentle breathing as I woke up. I was so glad that he didn't snore, that was a complete and utter turn off. I snuck away slowly from his tangling arms and climbed out of the covers top-toeing downstairs.

I decided to make him some breakfast. To my surprise I found some bacon, eggs, sausages and waffles. I did my best to cook them all, although I couldn't promise that Nick wouldn't get food poisoning. It took a lot longer than I had anticipated but I was lucky, I sat down and watched the TV waiting for the food to cook. Nothing special to be perfectly honest, morning television was probably the worst. I ended up watching a really old episode of 'storage hunters' and I instantly got fed up as the commercials began to roll before I could even see what was in their storage containers.

The food was ready so i served it onto the plates and as if on cue Nick came down the stairs very slowing, one step at a time. I knew he was coming from the noise of his crutches. I sat at the breakfast bar and waited for Nick to hobble over and join me.

"For me?" He asks with a smile before resting his crutches against the counter and slumping himself onto the high chair.

"Of course" I smile as he leans over and kisses me on the forehead.

He digs into his meal I had made him and I do the same before realising what the day was.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" I shout to Nick's annoyance as he buries his face in his hands out of embarrassment dropping his fork on his plate laughing. "Happy birthday dear Nicky! Happy birthday to you!" I finally finish my wretched singing. He cringed when I called him 'Nicky' and it made me chuckle.

"Are you done?" He questions thankful the torture for his ears was over. He picks up his fork once again and smirks.

"You want me to sing it again?" I take a deep breath and threaten my singing once again.

"No, no its fine. Really" he pressures desperately. I shake my head and continue to eat my breakfast.

There was a small bang at the door and the noise of mail falling on the floor. Nick turns his head to face the door as he watches it drop through. His movement hints to me that I should go and grab it. I sigh and walk over picking it up.

"Pete,Pete,Pete,Nick Owens?" I say as I flick through the mail. I chuck him the one addressed to him with the strange surname and place Pete's mail off to the side.

Nick opens his letter as I begin to clean the plates we had just eaten off of. Maybe that way Pete would leave us on our own again. I didn't want to be rude and ask Nick what his letter was but it looked like a birthday card. He read it contently as I cleaned. I left him to read for a few minutes.

"Fucking asshole" Nick mutters as he throws the card down onto the counter in rage.

"What's the matter?" I ask frantically drying my hands and turning to face him. He had cupped his head into his hands and I stared at the card.

It read happy birthday on the front with a few balloons. Something you would just pick up at Walmart for less than a dollar. Nothing special. I couldn't help but want to peek at what upset Nick so much.

"Look at it, I don't care. It'll just show how much of an asshole he is" he groans. He grabs his crutches and moves away from the kitchen walking to the couch and throwing himself on it, staring at the ceiling.

He had left me and the card alone in the kitchen. I decided to pick it up and open it, revealing the long message inside.

'Dear Nick,

I had to ask around before I could find your address. Mutual friend of Pete's found it. Are you still living with him? You should really move out, find a place of your own. Become a man. Pete doesn't know shit, whatever he's been pumping into your head all these years was probably just to despise me. We never got along. I didn't want to get a long and it sickens me to hear he's been raising you.

I thought I'd say happy birthday since it was your 18th, maybe it's important, or maybe not. I never even thought about your birthday but I remember the date from the time I won all that money on the horse that id bet on. I would order you strippers or something but Pete's probably turned you into a faggot.

I hope you manage to go to college next year. Your mom said she made a savings account years ago but I doubt its around anymore, most likely paid for her funeral. I would give you some cash but you know I can barely even pay for the postage of this card.

I just wanted to let you know, I'm still here and I should be moving closer soon. Maybe we could get a beer together? I need you to know that I want to be civil. I just need you to know, I wanted to show up at your mothers funeral. As much as you may not have wanted me to or Pete may have I didn't want you to feel as if I didn't care.

I do care Nick, you were even named after my dad. Your dead grandpa underground. He died working in Ohio, good man. He was never around for me as a child and I turned out fine. So that bullshit Pete feeds you still needs to stop. Now you're older hopefully you can understand. The nights I tried to come back but your mother pushed me away.

On another note, I need to speak to you. In person. There's so much I need to tell you. The things you missed out. I couldn't bare speaking to your whiny voice at such a young age. Now you're older I can finally have a conversation with you without you moaning about shitting yourself.

I have no reason to hate you. You did nothing wrong. Now your moms out of the picture and you being an adult now, Pete has no control as to what you do. If you want to come and be with me, you do that. Don't let him stop you else I'll knock the shit out of him just like I did in 96'. If he reads that, remind him of that night.

I'll let you get back to your playgirl magazines, your hand and the box of tissues by the bed. Happy birthday son.

From dad. Mark Owens if you wanted to find me.'

I gulp as I close the card and look at Nick trying not to cry at the disgusting letter. I had never asked him about his dad, I thought it was a sensitive subject so I never touched upon it. It was a horrible birthday present from his father. It was cruel. I put the card down and do what needed to be done. I walked over to the couch and sat beside him. He sat up as I open my arms up for him to drench my shoulder in tears if he needed. He finally wrapped his arms around me and buries his head into my neck. He needed a hug.