Just Once

alcohol obessessed

His alcohol obsession really controls him.

Every night, he would barge home, smelling like the sharp smell of beer. This night wasn't any different.

I tried to pretend I didn't see him stumbling as he walked through the doorway. He stood there, eyeing me as I scrolled on my laptop, comfortably seated on the couch. Maybe if I didn't give eye contact, he wouldn't start conversation.

"Troye." He called sharply.

Damn it.

"Hey, dad."

He threaded heavily to the kitchen, cracking open another can. "What'd you do today, huh?"

"Uh, I worked on homework. Have a test coming up, so I spent a lot of time studying for that." I said, still keeping my eyes down.

"Hm." Taking a swig of beer, his eyes narrowed. "Still haven't got a job, have ya?"

"I'm working on that."

He laughed, making my skin crawl. "Dumbass."

My eyes shot up. "I'm trying. You know that." I stopped to keep my voice from quivering. "I already sent in several resumes, I'm sure I'll get a call soon-"

"Shut the fuck up." He threatened, making my blood run cold. "If you actually worked for it, you would have gotten the job by now."

I swallowed.

"Look at you. You're a disgrace. You're a disgrace, you know that?"

A sharp crack of skin contacting skin echoed off the walls. Vibrations of pain screamed on my cheek. Tears threatened to fall as I lifted my trembling hand to where he slapped me.

"Dad!" I cried. "I didn't do anything!"
"Is that what you think?" He raged, flushed red from the beer. With a kick, I was helplessly forced to the ground.

"You need to stop! You're drunk!" I stared into his face, flushed red from the beer. My voice went quiet as I spoke, "Why do you drink? Why do you act like this? I'm your son!" My chest heavied, my vision swarming with tears.

"Yeah, a useless son." He spat, striking me on the head once again. I felt like a helpless doll, powerless towards him. Hit after hit, I felt pain pulse through my body as I begged for him to stop.

"Bryce! Get away from him!" A voice I knew too well cried out.

Mom.

"Stop hurting our boy!" She yelled, dragging him away from me.

Still laying on the ground, my breath still rapid and short, I winced at my pain. I barely heard the mumbles and insults Dad threw at Mom as he stumbled away in his room.

"Troye," her voice soft and inviting, she cradled her arms around me. "My poor baby"

I let out a cry, embracing her, burying my head on her shoulder.

"It's alright, it's alright." Just the sound of her voice and gentle embrace calmed the emotions that drowned me, and I breathed a bit more freely against her. My breathing slowed, Mom still rubbing my back, placing a kiss on my head.

"You're okay. It's alright. You're alright." She whispered softly. "I'm here."

____________________________

A beep sounded from my computer as I plugged the memory card in. I took a sip of water, waiting for the computer to process.
I run my fingers through my hazel coloured hair, filled with curls I could never straighten out.
The night was quiet and still, the only sounds came from the cars quietly moving outside my bedroom window. Dad had calmed down but the event that just happened made my stomach sink. It's best that I wipe the memory, so Dad's words stop echoing in my mind.