Ralph scrubbed the plate with so much force that his hands hurt. Yet he didn't stop. He was channelling his anger, embarrassment and frustration through it. By the time he was done, his parents were already upstairs, busy discussing God knows what. Ralph knew it was about him. It had to be about him!
He sadly and silently walked to the front door, with a book and a packet of biscuit in hand. He was about to turn the metal knob when he heard the voice of a girl behind him.
'Where are you going?'
Ralph turned around slowly only to find his sister looking up at him with curious eyes.
'The docks.' he answered shortly, feeling uncomfortable and hoping she wouldn't tell his parents.
'Oh.' Aofie blinked. She didn't like that her brother didn't talk very much. Heck! He didn't even acknowledge her existence! It bothered her.
Ralph was always so confident and egoistic. Or at least in her mind that's what she thought was the reason why Ralph never talked to anyone. Because he was over confident and thought highly of himself.
'Okay then. I don't suppose mum or dad will mind.' Aofie replied.
Ralph only nodded, glad she didn't object. Glad she didn't judge his action.
He stepped out into the night. The moon was hiding behind the clouds. A refreshing breeze greeted him, slightly soothing down his self inflicted pain. He started walking using the footpath, occasionally glancing at the busy street.
Finally, he reached his destination, The Little Rock Harbour.
The harbour was a busy place filled with giant ships carrying massive amounts of cargo and equally massive amounts of people. It was one of the busiest harbours in the whole London. Ships crowded round the large iron docks. But Ralph didn't even spare them a glance. Instead he remained as far away as possible from the vessels and the crowds of people around them.
Suddenly, Ralph heard a small puppy barking near him. He knew who that bark belonged to. He then felt something nudging his feet. Looking down he was greeted by the sight of Peter, a small Jack Russell Terrier. It looked up at him with shining eyes.
Ralph smiled slightly at the puppy and bent down to pat its small head.
'Hello there, Peter. Always nice to see you.' he whispered to him and then started walking again at a slower pace, the puppy limping after him.
Ralph always felt bad about Peter. One of his legs were broken by some cruel scoundrel long before Ralph visited the dockyard. He felt sorry for Peter. He truly did feel sorry for his best friend.
Slowly the crowds got thinner until Ralph reached a wooden dock meant for smaller boats that stood out from the rest of the big iron docks.
He went to the very edge of the dock and sat down. He was joined by Peter, who laid down beside him. His tiny tail wagged and little pink tongue lolled out greedily.
Ralph looked at the dog and smirked at its greediness.
'Here you go, boy!' Ralph put a few biscuits down on the surface. Peter munched greedily on them.
'How was your day, Pete?' Ralph asked looking at the illuminated ships and bustling city on the other side of the river. He touched his bump on the forehead slightly and contorted in pain.
Peter barked loudly in response, signaling that his day went well. (As he could manage to put something in his stomach throughout the day.)
A ghost of a smile appeared on Ralph's face. 'Marvellous.'
He flipped open his book. The light coming from the lamppost was enough to let him read without damaging his eyesight. On the first page written in bold cursive letters was the word 'Hamlet'.
'Well my day didn't go so well. And now I feel like...I don't know...Maybe like Hamlet himself. I feel like what he felt; sceptic.' Ralph said with a slight sigh. 'I made a bloody mess of myself at dinner today. I don't know what's going to happen. They don't seem so pleased at my behaviour.'
Peter moved closer to Ralph and rubbed his cold nose on his hand as if trying to comfort him. Ralph smiled. He went on to read the book he had finished a thousand times before but mostly he talked to Peter about his humiliation, anger, vexations, and whatever else came to his mind.
He mainly talked about what a burden he was. Like a rant.
The light from the buildings on the other side were reflected by the dark water of the river creating a stunning view. The bright lights fell on Ralph's face, highlighting many incredible features...which he never thought to acknowledge.
The people who worked there didn't even glance at Ralph and Peter. They were used to the sight of "the thinking man with the dog" or "a civilised beggar" sitting there everyday at varying times. So they didn't bother them at all.
An hour later, Ralph got up feeling much better than he did when he left the house. He patted Peter on the head again and bid him goodnight.
He reached his home and pulled out the keys to his house from his pockets and opened the door. As soon as he entered, he was greeted by the sight of his parents. They looked furious. Aofie was nowhere to be seen.
'Where have you been so late at night, Ranulph?!' his mother shouted.
'I had just gone to the docks.' Ralph replied knowing he was in trouble. Aofie must have told them he left. It was...normal, for her.
'And why did you act rudely with your sister, may I know?' His father asked him coldly.
Ralph was shocked. He didn't expect that. Or maybe, no, it must be, his behaviour was rude.
'I am-' Ralph began...muttering an unfinished apology.
'Now don't lie to us Ralph. There was no reason for you to be so furious. You are independent. That doesn't mean that you'll abuse your independence. Not only did you not inform us that you are going out, you were also rude to your sister. I will not tolerate this bloody behavior of yours, Ranulph!' Ralph's father scolded him.
Ralph's eyes closed, but he didn't object. He wasn't in the mood to argue. He never was. Bowing his head he muttered a ''sorry'' to his parents. He climbed up the stairs to his room.
Ralph didn't know he was in his trenchcoat and shoes when he laid down limply on the bed. Lying down, he buried his face in his pillow and let the tears of frustration fall on the pillow, soaking it.
Why did he have to be a culprit?! Why did he always feel like he was to blame for everything?!Why could someone never look at him, talk to him or smile at him without judging?!
Well, even though someone did look at him with admiration...it didn't last, for long.
**********
There goes the second chapter. The main character is a poor, troubled soul. Hope he doesn't become a villain *smirks*.
Anyway, we present to you chapter two, without professional grammatical editions. If you find any mistakes...we won't say the next.
Erik and Lydia.
P.S. Sorry for the dog.