The Life of Her

Staying Behind

Trenton’s POV

“Just a little bit.” I said with a pissed, irritated tone.

“Hurry up, Trent. You’re going to miss one of the best things in your life.” Lucas Walsh, my seven years buddy and the one being known to be adored by the girls in school, said over the phone on my desk. He isn’t in the right time to call me – playing games right now with my online, not-so-welcoming friends.

“I think I’ll pass for now.” I replied, pressing the keyboard while the game is still on. Just some minutes and I’ll be over this, hoping to win again and get to the next level.

“Seriously, get a life man.” I imagined him getting a frowned face with his disappointment. Just a little bit. But, just before I could give my full attention back to the game, it was hell over. Damnit, now it’s done and I lose the game. I throwed my pillow that was on my lap. Sighing, I grabbed my phone, turning my chair, and looked myself in the mirror. The white clock, it’s still working, telling me it’s eight in the morning. The porcelain doll over my desk will probably tell me the same things too together with Lucas. Get a spirit, seriously. “Bro, I really can’t get there to see your game. Mom is calling me right now. I’ll make it up to you sometime, okay. Bye.” Just so he can say something else, I immediately hang up the phone, with the guilt of making an excuse for such an invitation. Lucas will be having their championship game now together with the Newlands. But then, Mom really called me for breakfast. I felt sorry for him that I can’t make it. Surely, he’ll understand my lifestyle and how I treat him as a brother.

Stretching, I rubbed my eyes as I stood up to get my slippers on. I smelt like pizza. The box of it is still at the edge of my bed – a total representation of my life, hanging on a cliff, with some leftovers and crumbs. I grabbed the box and threw it directly inside the bin. Mom knocked again, now with her high voice – telling me to go downstairs to eat with them. Sounds like we’re having a discussion here like a real family. Sighing, I relaxed myself and eventually went to the kitchen where both of them are patiently waiting for me. Taking a seat across to them, I saw Dad looking at me with his usual face – an expressionless one. It’s getting weird not until Mom decided to break the silence with a small cough.

“I’m pleased now you decided to take breakfast with us, son.” She said, taking a piece of the French toast she made. Looks delicious.

“Well…not that I have a choice.”

“You should try to be polite sometimes, Trent, especially towards your mother.” Dad commented, taking a bite of his bacon strips.

“Can we just act like how we used to? And please get to the point, what do you want to discuss?” I stayed calm, despite the fact that I don’t feel talking to them right now after a misunderstanding we made the three of us a week ago of having me called in the principal’s office for making a mess with Claud. To think, I didn’t start it first and I prefer to be alone most of the time.

“Me and your Dad are going for a trip to Bohol this afternoon. We are planning to take you there…you know…vacation and family gathering with our relatives. Your Aunt Shira is asking a lot about you these days and she’s also hoping that you’ll come with us.”

“You should go with us, rather than taking your time in front of those screens, playing some useless stuff. You should grab a purpose, Trenton.” Dad said with his steady voice, eyes locked on mine. I knew Mom can definitely sense the immense aura we both giving to each other. I need to calm down or else the amount of pain and hatred will take into step again.

“I decline.” I replied.

The dismay can be clearly seen right on their faces. Mom silently slid at the corner and excused herself to get us a jar of fresh cold water – leaving me and Dad at the dining table.

“We’ll be out for a week. I don’t need to force you to come with us just like before. If that’s your decision, then I’ll respect that. You’ll be the one to take care of everything here, and I’m expecting that nothing will be messed around until we come back.” He said with authority.

I gulped. “Are we clear?” He added, slowly taking me in giving him a nod.

“Are we done now?” I asked. The water is still cold inside the glass. Taking a sip, I slowly stood up and waited for his response. Mom is beside him with a frown, simply giving me a small smile.

“Yes.” Dad coldly said, making me head upstairs with my plate, still full with the breakfast. I opened the entrance, placing my food on my table, and downrightly collapsed on my bed. Closing my vision, I didn’t bother to hear their soft murmurs complaining from the kitchen, probably they’re into a fight again on how to deal with my social life. A nineteen-year-old guy, probably slacking off inside his room – playing some video games, should probably reap useful stuff and a job to settle in. But then, who said that playing those games can’t give you money at all? I’ve been into competitions and definitely earning. Moments later, it went peach black – I totally dozed off.

A phone call barged me from my dream and woke me up. With a scratch and spreading arms, I cleared my eyes. The light is so bright that I just turned to my left, grabbing the phone, and looked at the person who’s calling, it is Mom. I picked it up and heard her concerning voice.

“We left some foods over the fridge, honey. And please take care of yourself there okay?”

A pause is there, leaving her into thoughts that probably I just hanged up the phone. “Are you still there?”

“Oh…yes. You don’t have to worry Mom, everything will be fine here.” I assured her.

I heard a sigh over the line. “Trent…I’m hoping that you and your Dad can make up with each other. Like... a dad and a son…like before?” Mom consciously said.

Dad, the man I adored the most not until the time I found out he got a secret affair with his former secretary, Ms. Marleen Ruiz and many more! Even if he can’t blunt those exact words in me, I totally knew that he’s forcing the blame towards me – making me his own faults for committing such actions with that women. Mom was devastated for a year at that time, that it made me took some of the responsibilities inside the house, where Dad left us for his own good. Now that he’s with us again, I probably sensed guilt towards the old man, taking most of his time to make it up with Mom and trying to bring back their relationship.

“I’ll try, Mom."