That Pretty Fake Smile

|38| Zayn

"Zack! Zack! Zack! Mommy said she will make pancakes for us!" 7 years old Zayn jumped up and down in excitement

"She said that last time too" Zack said

"She pawmised this time" Zayn pouted

"It's promise stupid and she promised last time too. Stop hoping. She doesn't like us" Zack said

Even though he is only 7 years old, he is aware of the fact that his parents don't like them. He is more mature than the kids his age. He understands that his parents don't like them. However Zayn thinks they are just busy but loves him a lot like his classmates told him their parents do.

"Stop it Zack. They are just busy. You will understand them when you will grow up" Zayn said, he was proud that he understands his parents instead of hating them

"fine, you will see" Zack said

Next day just as Zack said, she left before they even wake up.

"Stop crying. Betty is making you tasty tasty pancakes" Zack tried to console his brother

"I am not crying. I am a good boy. I understand mumma has work" Zayn sobbed with tears streaming down from his eyes

...

Things continued like this, Zack being aware of everything and Zayn telling himself that his parents are just busy. Zack and Zayn were kinda jealous of little Lukas because their parents were never busy for him but they loved Lukas with whole heart. However they were distance from Lukas because their mom used to take him to work everyday so they rarely used to see him. The bond between Zack and Zayn were inseparable. They were each other's family. They used to do everything together. Whether it's ringing neighbors bell and running away or playing in mud even though they know their nanny will be mad or running around the whole house naked with their nanny behind them because they didn't want to shower. They did everything together.

One night, 10 years old Zayn wake up around 1 AM, he sat up on his bed, rubbing his eyes. He heard faint yelling sound coming from living room. He carefully gets up, hoping Zack won't wake up and quietly went out of the room. He went downstairs, hearing his parents yell from kitchen. He hides behind the wall and eavesdrops.

"but it's your duty as mother! You gave them birth" Mr Carver yelled

"But I never wanted them. I wasn't ready for kids! You and your father pressured me. Whenever I look at Zack and Zayn, I remember our failed marriage. I hate giving Zayn false hopes. I hate myself because I can't be the mother they want. I... Tried to be their mother but... I don't feel that attachment. I am tired of everything! I hate how I love Lukas but I can't bring myself to love Zack and Zayn" Mrs Carver cried in guilt

"I don't love them either but we can at least pretend. So we don't get call from their school that they look Depressed and we should give them more time" Mr Carver said

"I should have listened to my sister and had abortion in secret" Mrs Carver sobbed

Little Zayn couldn't take anymore and run back in his and Zack's shared room. Zayn slammed the door shut behind him and leaned against the door. Zack gets up hearing the loud sound. Zayn slide down, pulling his knees closer to his chest and sobbed uncontrollably. Zack hurriedly went to his side and asked what's wrong. Zayn told him everything.