Chapter one: Anything for you

I was never the guy who people wanted as a friend.I was the tall skinny guy, who wore glasses, and the uncool clothing. I was never much good at sports, or standing out in a crowd. Girls never showed any interest, if anything they found me a bit repulsive. I was always nice enough to them, and least I think I was. My mother always called me a late bloomer. The thought of me being compared to a flower makes me laugh.1

I did have a few flings, with the girls who were less desirable. One example was Freida, my first, a fat pimply faced girl. She always seemed to be sucking loudly on small hard candies, the kind that people can get at convenience stores for a penny a piece. She always smelled strange, a smell that reminded me of burritos for some reason. It's hard to describe. 2

God what the hell is wrong with me... I thought sadly, flopping back heavily onto my mattress, making the springs squeal like some hurt animal. The smell of cigarette smoke had seeped deep into the heavy fleece blankets I had piled on the bed. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a pack and a lighter. I lit up easily, and took a drag. The tension seemed to seep out of me.3

A loud knock ripped me out of my thoughts. Irritated I ground out my cigarette on the scarred surface of my nightstand and forced myself to my feet. Slowly I shuffled to my front door and pulled it open, and felt a smile creep onto my face.4

My mother has always been the most important person in my life. Everyone says I look just like her. We have the same hazel eyes, and mouths. Her black hair is streaked with grey now, but I remember when it was as dark as mine, years and years ago.5

"I made to much for dinner, and I thought that I would bring some over for you." Her eyes twinkled as she held out the Tupperware container.6

"Hey, mom, how are you doing?" I asked taking the dish off her hands and moving off to the side so she could come in.7

"I'm good. Your father has been complaining about his back all day, so I'll probably have to stop at the store and pick up some aspirin for him." She babbled, watching to see how I reacted to her bringing up my father. She eased herself down onto the old leather sofa.8

Dad and I never got along, and had always avoided each other as I grew up. He wanted a son, who would be a shining member of society. A football player, the schools top stud. He never approved of the friends I had, and about died of shame when I pierced my labia and eyebrow. Told me to take them out or leave. I left. That was two years ago, and he has refused to talk to me ever since. I don't miss him.9

"Huh. Well,I hope he starts feeling better." I grumbled as I went into the kitchen and dug out a fork. 10

"You know, I really wish you two would work things out." she called to me from the living room.11

"Ha. Why don't you tell him that? I don't see what the big deal is about a couple of piercings anyways." I replied as I joined her in the living room, balancing the now open Tupperware container in on hand.12

I plopped down next to her, and began to eat. Mom always makes the best mashed potatoes and rosemary chicken.13

"You know it was more then that, Chris. It was the people you were hanging around, and the drugs. It also didn't help when you dropped out of school." She scolded.14

"I only smoked a little pot. Not that big of a deal." I mumbled around my mouthful of potatoes.15

"Well, it is to him. He always wanted the best for you." She sighed, her eyes dark as she stared at me.16

"Whats this about, anyways? It's been two years, and you haven't made much of a fuss about it before, mom. Whats going on?"17

"It's nothing, I would just like to see my family put back together, that's all." I could see the lie shimmering in her eyes.18

"Are you sure?" I pressed.19

She nodded and scurried to her feet, as though she were trying to escape me, almost tripping over my tattered throw rug. "Well, it's about time I get back to your father." She nodded to herself.20

I stood up and held my arms open, and she stepped into my embrace. Her rose scented perfume was comforting, just as it has always been ever since my childhood. I was surprised by how thin she felt, I could feel the hardness of her ribs pressing into me.21

"Hey mom, you've been losing a bit of weight lately, huh?" I questioned.22

"No, no, I'm a bit on the tubby side if anything. Now stop looking at me with such worried eyes." She gave me a tight smile as she pulled quickly away. "I'll see you in a few days" I watched her rush out, shutting my front door firmly behind her.23

My mother had never been a very good lier. I felt a cold lump form inside of my stomach.