"That's my dad in there..." I said with my voice almost cracking.
"What's wrong with your dad being here?" Isaac asked clearly confused.
I was unable to speak at the moment so James explained in my stead. "It's not that it's that big a deal that Elliott's dad is here, it's just that the only reasons he would be here would probably be some public display to gain the public's support and make him look good in their eyes or he's here because he knew Elliott would be here. Seeing the lack of people actually around it means he's here for Elliott and that's bad..."
"Why? We could just be in and out or just go somewhere else." Isaac said.
"No. He already saw us, if we leave I might get you guys in shit too. Let's just go in." I said which made my stomach turn and fear course through my veins.
I opened the door to the extravagant bakery which had several dozens of every pastry you could imagine.
Dad was seemingly on the phone as we passed him and he left the bakery but stayed outside. My best guess is that he was waiting for me. In any case I was glad he didn't make a scene.
We went up to the counter and I rang the bell to call for the cashier.
"You know, I'm right in front of you. You don't need to ring the bell."
I rang the bell a few more times before eventually stopping. "I know, but making your life hell is what I'm here for, Chase. You see what I did there?" I said. Chase had narrowed his eyes on me but he eventually started laughing. "You are a terrible comedian."
"Can you guys no flirt right now, some of us actually need to order something." James said raising a brow at us. "Yeah, sorry. What can I get you, Sir Jameson?" Chase asked. "I only except my full name from my parents, other adults and teachers. You shall address me as James, Jay or 'your majesty'. As for my order I'll just have some cake, red velvet. I assume Elliott wants some strawberry and lemon cupcakes, four strawberry and four lemon. What do you want Isaac?"
"Um, I'll get some muffins, chocolate flavoured please," said Isaac.
"Okay! I'll have your orders in just a sec!" Chase said before he went to deal with our orders.
"So how long have you guys known, Chase was it?"
"Yeah, and we've known him since freshmen year. We hung out with him a lot and he hooked up with Jay once." I simply said.
"What the hell! Stop telling people that! Besides it's not even true, we kissed at a party one time during a stupid game, it meant nothing." Jay said fiercely.
"Then why does he know all your favourite desserts and why do you know his work schedule by heart?" I asked with a grin. "... Shut up!" James snapped and he looked away, his cheeks turned a bright red. I laughed at him until Chase came back.
"Here is everything you guys ordered. Wait, why is Jay blushing?" Chase asked after handing us our orders. "I'll pay, and as for James, he's just been missing you lately." I said handing Chase the cash. Jay immediately punched my side but didn't say anything. Chase laughed, a slight blush painting his face.
"If that's the case I'll hang with you guys more at school, plus tomorrow's my day off. See you guys later."
We said our goodbyes as we left the bakery.
Isaac and Jay immediately started eating to their joy but I was too distracted by the site of my father's limousine parked not far from the bakery. I almost forgot my dad was here.
"Well I guess it's time to go. Jay can you bring these over for me tonight, I have a feeling this time things are going to be a nightmare," I said handing him my bag of goodies. I sighed and waved goodbye before entering the car.
It quickly drove away, my dad was in the back with me while the driver did his job. The window divider was up and I knew damn well that the car was soundproof, not like anyone would help me anyways.
"Elliott, why must you desecrate our family name?"
Oh boy, starting off there are we.
"Your brother is a perfect example of what your mother and I need in our children and you just don't measure up to Damian. It's as if you try to be a complete failure."
Well of course I'm nothing like Damian, we are two different people and it's not like you haven't made it clear what big of a failure I am in your eyes.
Every conversation we had followed that exact pattern. He'd do everything in his power to degrade me, humiliate me and mock everything I did and said, while I did everything I could to please him. The angrier he got, the harder I tried but I'd always be nothing but a disappointment to him. Violence became my norm. If I ever stepped out of the mold he had forced into, he'd make sure I'd regret it.
"I wonder who's fault is that..." I said under my breath. I instantly regretted it because it was obvious he heard me loud and clear.
His anger was very much visible and I was now shaking. He quickly reached out to grab me by the jaw and pulled me closer. "You want to say that again you useless waste of human being! I didn't raise no disobedient wise mount! I think you've forgotten your place, you know what happens when you cross me." He slammed me against the window behind me and I fell to the floor of the car.
I was now bleeding from the upper right side of face near my eyes, all things considered it was better than everything that was to come.
"Get up! As soon as we get home I want you in that training room and don't you think for a second that I'm pulling anything back just because I'm dealing with your worthless ass. Don't disappoint me."
I pulled myself back up to my seat and wiped off the blood dripping down my face. I immediately flinched on the pain, gritting my teeth and narrowed my eyes to the floor.
"Yes sir."