Build Me Up

Warning: physical abuse

I wonder if we'll have dinner tonight. Normally, we don't. My parents would be too mad at each other. I would eat in the kitchen with my mom, and my dad would eat in the living room, watching something. Sometimes, they'd get along and act like the perfect couple. It's the only reason they haven't divorced yet. They believe they still love each other. I thought that too when I was younger, but I don't believe it anymore. I don't believe in love, at least not now. How could it exist? My parents don't love each other and they don't love me. I understand couples fighting occasionally, but they fight every day and it normally turns bad quickly. If I ever found love, I'd treat my partner with respect and make them feel loved at every moment. They'd deserve the world.

I sighed, hearing a car door shut. Please, be mom. Heavy footsteps occurred until stopping. The doorknob turned quickly. I put my homework into my bag and zipped it up. The door slammed shut. I could tell who was coming.

As soon as my dad got to the kitchen he frowned, "Butters, did you get your test back?" He was referring to my math test.

"I, uh got an 89." Was it enough?

Dad pinched the bridge of his nose. "You disappointed me again. You're supposed to get a 95 or higher, remember? You're grounded. Only go to school and work. " I worked at a pet store. What can I say? Animals make me happy.

"I understand," I responded dully. I had to try harder.

"Don't disappoint me again. Just for this, you'll make dinner. I'll be back by 5. It better be ready." My dad went up to his bedroom and probably took a shower.

My parent's expectations were high for me, no doubt. My mom was nicer than my dad though. She always was, though she was a little crazy with my dad around.

I took my backpack upstairs. It was 4:00 already. I had to make dinner, so I went to look through what we had. We don't have much right now. My mom would have to get groceries since I'd be busy with school and work tomorrow. I ended up making spaghetti. Hopefully, this wouldn't end like Detroit: Become Human.

My mom returned from work. She entered the kitchen and immediately relaxed and smiled. "Hello, Butters. You did well on your math test?" I only nodded. "That's great sweetheart. Oh, you made dinner? Thank you, Butters."

I smiled back. "You're welcome."

She sat down after setting the table. I put some spaghetti and meatballs on everyone's plate. Then, I heard dad come down the stairs. He looked at the dinner I made and nodded. Success!

We ate quietly and quickly. "So Butters, anything interesting happen today?" This was my mom. She hated silence.

"Well actually, I think I've made some new friends. They're pretty cool."

"Oh? What are their names?" My mom said smiling. She must be happy I have more people in my life.

"Kenny and Craig. They're pretty different from each other though."

My dad frowned. "McCormick and Tucker?"

"Um, yeah. That's them. Why?" I rubbed my knuckles. Did he not approve of them already?

"The first one is pretty poor. Don't lend him expensive stuff. He'll probably steal it. And the Tucker family are assholes. You should get better friends."

So what if Kenny was poor? What did that matter? He's still a good person and he would not steal from me. Sure maybe the Tucker's are odd, but you don't even know them! Stop judging people you don't know!

That's what I wanted to say. "Maybe." That's what I actually said.

"Stephen! At least he made friends. They're probably nice. Why do you have to find something small and make it a big deal!" My mom seemed annoyed by what my dad had said. I agreed with her.