THE BAD BOY

9. Axl's Life

Axl POV

I got off my bike when I arrived in front of my house. My father's house, actually. No one doesn't know my father, John Smith. My father is quite well-known in Denver. He's known as one of the most generous people in this city.

"Axl!" I heard my father's voice as I was about to go to the second floor. I was forced to turn around. I developed a slight smile too.

"Hi, Dad," I greeted.

"Why are you home so late?" my father asked, who was watching one of the shows on the digital platform.

"I had a little business," I replied.

"With your gang?"

"Do we have to talk about this, Dad?" I was getting bored when he always gave my gang of friends an ominous intonation. "They never cause trouble."

"Never?" My dad turned off the television screen, then turned to me. "Making you skip classes for weeks, you call, never causing trouble?"

I gulped at my dad's words. My relationship with my dad had deteriorated since my mom and dad divorced. My dad was busy with his activities. He provided everything for me, but not his presence. He was known as a kind-hearted man, but unfortunately, he was not a good father. I blamed him for divorcing my mom, but I had no choice but to live with him. I needed my dad's money and facilities.

"You promised you wouldn't interfere in my life if I chose to live with you instead of Mom. Why are you like this now?" I said. "You better take care of that school. Or the Denverites who praise your kindness."

I saw my dad's annoyed expression. He approached me. His hand was about to touch me, but I quickly moved away.

"If you hit me as you did to Mom, I won't think again about moving in with her!" I warned my mom

"You don't know what's really going on, Axl. You're always defending your mom!" My dad didn't want to lose to me. "You get everything for living with me, so I can contract anything in your life. Do you think I'm doing all this for my own pleasure? You must be successful someday, but you're hanging out with some obscure jerk!"

My hands clenched into fists at my dad's words. He had no idea what I was feeling. All he wanted was to control me. I'm not his puppet. I want to have my own life. I don't want to be restrained.

"They're there in my time of need, Dad. Unlike you." I didn't want to argue with my father anymore. I quickly went upstairs and went to my room.

I put on some music in the music box. I turned up the volume so it sounded loud. The rock and metal music was deafening. But I felt calmer with this kind of music. I feel more accessible and better.

I lay my body down on the bed. I looked up at the ceiling. Everyone was complimenting me. They were even jealous that I had such a wonderful father. Handsome, educated, wealthy, and kind too. But somehow, that didn't make me happy. Having a John Smith for a father put much pressure on me. I was forced to look good to protect his image. Even though they all don't know what my dad's true nature is like.

Honestly, I'd rather be at the base with my gang friends. My friendship with them was controversial because I was the school owner's son. However, my gang friends have kept me afloat when I don't know my purpose.

I heard a knock on my bedroom door. I didn't want to open it. I turned off my music box and pretended to close my eyes.

Someone opened the door from the front. I memorized the sound of those steps. It must be my father. He was sitting near my bed. Even though I pretended to be asleep, I knew what he was doing.

"I put the salad and roast meat on the table. You should eat before you go to bed," my father said. I didn't move. I didn't talk to him. Every time I was with him, I wanted to get angry.

I felt my dad's hand touch my head and rub it. A moment later, he left my room.

I opened my eyes and saw a glass of orange juice on my desk and food. I sighed. I haven't had a family meal in a long time. My father was too busy with his business. He's rarely home. That's why I went out with my friends more often. It was so dull at home.

I took the orange juice and downed it. I finished it in a moment.

After that, I lay down again. Suddenly, I remembered, Newbie. What is she doing right now? He hasn't confirmed to me whether he will come to the prom tomorrow or not.

I picked up my cell phone. I then sent her a message.

"Newbie, are you coming to prom on Saturday?" I asked.

I waited for a reply from Newbie, but as usual, she ignored me. I felt inquisitive. Why is she like this? I looked at myself in the mirror. I'm sure I have great looks. No one has ever rejected me so far. And silly me, why should I be bothered by that? I felt more and more curious about the girl named Ellen Walker. How could she not be attracted to me at all?

"I'm not sure." Newbie suddenly replied to my message.

I sighed because her answer did not satisfy me. Why wouldn't she answer more accurately?

"If you don't come, I won't come either." I sent another message to Ellen.

"I don't care," Ellen replied.

I bit my lip because I was so nervous about Ellen's answer. I really wanted her to come to prom. Even though I was not interested in this kind of event in previous years.

Suddenly, an initiative came to me. I had to find a way to convince Newbie to come. I felt very challenged to conquer Ellen. I've never wanted a girl as much as I wished for Ellen.

"What am I actually doing?" I muttered to myself in wonder.

I sent Ellen another message. "If you don't say yes, I will come to your house tonight," I said.