NEVER GONE SEASON 1

CHAPTER 8

MYCSEEN'S POV:

“Come back here!” my dad’s voice thundered from upstairs, sharp and unyielding, as I stomped down the stairs, not bothering to reply.

Behind me, I heard my mum’s footsteps quicken. “Your dad is talking to you!” she yelled, her tone full of frustration.

“Mycseen!” my elder sister, Kiara, called out, her voice filled with concern.

“What is it?” I snapped, whirling around to face them. My blood boiled with anger, and I could feel my fists clenching at my sides. Every nerve in my body was screaming for escape.

“Why do you always trouble me?” my dad asked, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

“Trouble you? Do I trouble you?” I retorted, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Are you talking back to me now?” Dad demanded, his tone filled with disbelief and anger.

“I’m not talking back, Dad. We’re having a conversation,” I replied, my voice firm but strained.

“How dare you!” my mum interjected, her voice rising with disbelief.

I lost it. I could feel the years of suppressed frustration and hurt bubbling to the surface, spilling out like a dam breaking. “Damn it! Why do you want to send me away? Why do you always drive me away from you?” I yelled, my voice cracking. “Dad, I know you hate me, but can’t you just tell me why?”

I hated him at that moment, hated the way he always dismissed me, always found fault in me no matter how hard I tried. I had spent my whole life chasing his approval, and for what? To be pushed away again?

“Watch your words, boy!” Dad warned, his voice low and dangerous.

“I won’t watch it,” I shot back.

“Mycseen, stop it!” Jason, my elder brother, yelled, breaking his silence. His voice was filled with both authority and worry.

“Fine!” I yelled, turning to Jason. “Tell your father not to expect me to go to London for any damn reason!” Without another word, I stormed up the stairs, ignoring the voices calling my name.

The door slammed shut behind me, and I locked it. I leaned against the door for a moment, catching my breath, my heart pounding like a drum.

My dad and I have never had a real father-son moment, not once in my entire life. I don’t even know why. Every time I try to get close to him, it’s like I’m banging my head against a wall. He always finds something wrong with me, no matter what I do.

I joined basketball because I thought it might make him proud. I worked my butt off, made it to the finals, and even won the MVP award last season. But guess what? He wasn’t even there to see me. Not even a text or a word of encouragement. Nothing. I begged him to come, and he still didn’t show up.

And now, he wants to send me to London to live with his brother, for what? Some vague reason he refuses to explain? Why does he always push me away? Why does he treat me like I’m some burden he can’t wait to get rid of?

I threw myself onto my bed, Sparky, my golden retriever, hopping up beside me. He rested his head on my chest, his warm presence soothing me a little. “At least you’re here for me,” I muttered, stroking his soft fur.

I knew I shouldn’t have yelled at Dad like that. I know better. But this time, he got under my skin in a way I couldn’t ignore. I had reached my limit.

A knock on the door interrupted my spiralling thoughts.

“Hey!” a familiar voice called.

“Who is it?” I asked, even though I already knew.

“Your best bud,” Jason replied.

Jason. I couldn’t ask for a better brother. He’s the one person in this house who actually gets me.

“It’s open,” I said, sitting up on my bed and holding Sparky close.

Jason walked in, his calm demeanour instantly making the room feel lighter. He took a seat on the couch across from me, his expression soft but serious.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“What do you think?” I replied dryly, avoiding his gaze.

“I know you’re upset,” he said gently, “but don’t you think you went a little too far today?”

I sighed, leaning back against the headboard. “I know. And I’m sorry,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jason smiled slightly, nodding. “Don’t worry. We’ll sort this out,” he said, his voice filled with reassurance.

“Thanks, bud,” I replied, managing a small smile as we did our signature thumbs tap, our brotherly way of sealing the moment.

Jason’s Role in My Life:

Jason has always been there for me. He’s more than a brother, he’s my rock, my mentor, the person who picks me up when I’m at my lowest. He doesn’t just tell me what I want to hear; he tells me what I need to hear.

I wish my relationship with Dad could be like what I have with Jason. I wish Dad could see me the way Jason does. I’ve tried so hard to make him proud, to make him love me, but it’s like nothing I do is ever enough.

I glanced at Jason as he sat on the couch, casually flipping through one of my comic books. “I just hope all this drama with Dad ends soon,” I said quietly. “I want him to love me like a father should love his son.”

Jason looked up, his eyes full of understanding. “Give it time,” he said simply. “Dad has his flaws, but I know deep down he cares. He just... doesn’t always know how to show it.”

I nodded, not entirely convinced but willing to hold onto the hope Jason offered.

Sparky barked softly, as if agreeing with Jason. I scratched behind his ears, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Maybe things would get better. Maybe…