Four's Game (SEU, #1) [ SAMPLE + UNEDITED FULL VERSION]

UNEDITED VERSION [ 14 ] getting away *

Adjusting to the pain caused by parents was something I would assume most children have learned to simply cope with, no matter the harm it inflicts on them as well as the lingering trauma that seems to stay buried within the wound even after healing has taken place.

I didn't want to blame my father for what he had to endure on our behalf but at the same time, it was inexcusable to constantly seek control over two people's lives from the guilt of not having control over the death of his spouse. However, I understand the origin of the issue and I sympathize with him. So much so that sometimes I allowed myself to create excuses on his behalf to justify his irrational need for domination and power. Foolish of me? Yeah, I know. But he was my dad, the only parent that I had, what better defense did I need?

Nevertheless, I trained my mind to dissociate with most of the dramatic events that went down between us. Events from the past, events in the present and events to come in the future. It was a system that kept me from striking against him. It was the only way I knew how to deal with him as I knew my mother was watching us from above and knowing that we at least put up with his behaviour and didn't run off, meant how much we truly cared about her.

Sunday came around and I texted Xan, wanting to know if his offer to get coffee was still up for grabs. Not a coffee drinker myself, I needed to get my mind out of its iced state and back into the flow of reality; my reality. Plus, a nice iced sweet tea and a blueberry muffin was definitely calling my name.

I was relieved that he was available and we met up at a small coffee shop.

It was always different being in the presence of Xan. I'm not sure what it was about him but there was something so peaceful and calm that washed over me once I came into contact with him. He was welcoming, warm and inviting.

His aura wasn't demeaning or statutory. It was a breath of fresh air.

We talked for a while, getting to know one another, not on a romantic level but more on a nerdy, cute and silly level. Like two new students at school who had never talked to the opposite sex before.

I liked it.

It let me know that he had nerves just as I did and the jitters made them awkwardly adorable.

After spending some time getting acquainted with one another in the coffee shop, we decided to walk around the trail that led to a nearby park.

I tossed my finished drink in the trash as we walked side by side.

Today he wore a black and white horizontal striped shirt with khaki shorts and white keds. With his deep skin, the bright whites popped out more, making things look more cleaner and crisp to the eye. His hair was braided into two braids going down the back of his head. They were neat, as if he had gotten them freshly done.

He looked good, he always did.

"I was meaning to ask you," He paused, tucking one of his hands in his pockets. "If you're not really interested in doing engineering for the rest of your life, what's the purpose of you going to school for it?" He questioned.