CHAPTER ONE

I woke up feeling pain all over my body, but that was the usual, and I always don't remember why. I once thought of going to a hospital. Maybe there was something wrong with my brain function, but I would have to explain the bruises I had, and that wouldn't go you well.

Police could get involved, and my parents would definitely kill me if I tarnished their names. Funny, my father was a well-respected priest, and my mother was a high school principal

They would beat the living daylight and output me if I so much as I looked at them wrongly.

That has always been my life. They are abusive, but after my older brother talked to them, they stopped hitting me . But he's leaving soon, and I'll be alone again. What if they hit me again. He got offered his dream job in Japan as an IT specialist.

I can't say that I got these bruises from them, but I also can't deny it cause I bit myself ?

All this thinking is giving me a headache.

I finally got out of bed and went to shower . The hot water was burning my raw flesh but it soothed my muscles at the same time so I got it over with and got dressed in simple black sweatpants ,a green t-shirt that matched my eyes and threw on a black hoodie.

Green was my favourite color, but I could never say that out loud . My father was all for masculinity and was always against how small and feminine I am. He would call me a twink or a sissy if I did anything he didn't agree to like have green for a favourite colour instead of black.

He hated how curly my hair was and its chestnut colour, and some pint had forced me to dye it black and cut it short. I hate him so much in such moments.

After a quick skin care and double-checking my bag, I left for my part-time job at a small flower ship in town .

I had to provide for myself most of the time as my parents were against giving me money. They claim a man should earn his keep. So I found this part-time job as I wait for my college to resume studies.

I had rented a small apartment near my school, so I was working to earn my rent for the next two semesters so I could be comfortable and not worry too much about that. I know you must wonder why I was still at my parent's.

Well, they don't know that I rented my own place they expected me to stay in the hostel, but I couldn't handle that.

There were too many people, and the boys were just super homophobic , and I was uncomfortable and felt threatened. That's why I come home during the breaks.

Right now, it's summer break, and I'll resume school in about two months.

When I arrived at the shop after a thirty minute subway ride, I found my co-worker Sheryl getting rid of the dried up and wilted flowers.

"Morning Sheryl." I gave her a quick hug and a peck on her nose. It was so cute .

"Hey, Green." She calls me that because of my eyes and my love for the colour.

"Do we have a lot today?" I asked as I set into starting on the display for the day. Since it was summer we didn't have a large variety but there were really beautiful ones.

"Not really, but there is a delivery to Stadock Enterprise. I'll take it, and there should be a pick up at noon for the yellow roses. That's all."

I catalogued what she had said in my notepad and went about the normal routine of the shop. Afterwards, I helped her arrange the very large bouquet for the delivery and saw her off.

I like it when I'm left alone in the shop. The flowers around me ,the natural light from the large floor to ceiling windows, and the lovely couples that come to buy for their loved ones really make my day.

A mother and her two sons walked into the shop, and they got her some lovely incarnations while she kept insisting that she didn't want flowers. They bought her a bouquet and kissed her cheeks before leading her outside.

I longed for that. A family. Since I never had that sort of love growing up, I wanted my own family to take care of and love.

I continued keeping myself busy around the shop until, eventually, Sheryl came back. She went on and onn about how handsome the man from Stadock was.

I liked her but she was too cheeky for her own good.

That was how my day ended. I usually stay till late cause home was no better. I would ensure the following days order was taken care of and check on the garden we have out back and clean up a little before leaving.

Our boss was a friend of mine so he left me in charge while he went on a holiday with his family. After closing up, I walked leisurely as I listened to my cooing shows .

The subway is usually not as crowded late at night, so that is a plus for me. I passed by the convenience store and bought a packet of chips to have for dinner and some strawberry milk.

It's very childish but I like it . When I got home, the house was quiet, and I found a note from my brother saying he had gone to say goodbye to some old friends that meant my parents were in their rooms.

I went through the fridge for something to eat and found some old rice and a carton of eggs, so I settled on making fried rice.

I put the rice in a bowl, and after separating the York from the egg, whites added the York to the rice. I liked cooking especially foreign foods but my father was against that too. I mixed the rice and placed some oil in the cooking pan.

After it was nice and hot, I poured in the rice and let it cook for some time before pouring in the egg whites.

My father walked into the kitchen as I was stirring the rice.

"What do you think you're doing sissy?"

I turned to look at him and lowered my eyes instinctively.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you."

His hand grabbed my hand that was stirring and roughly pulled me towards him.

"Well are you a fag boy??Hmm are you going to be someone's bitch cause you sure are acting like one right now!" I flinched slightly at his words.

His hand connected with my right cheek.

"Answer me when I'm talking to you."

"No ...sir. I...I ....was just ..hungry"

"What did I tell you no cooking under my roof . But you went ahead and didn't listen right?" I shook my head vigorously. Tears were streaming down my face already.

"Please...I'm sorry sir."

He pulled me by my hand and led me to the stove.

"No!! No please.."

He pushed away the pan and food spilled all over the floor . Using his free hand he put on the gas which was electrical and since I had been using it it was still hot and was getting hotter.

God no! He put my hand palm first onto the gas top and I felt like I was going to pass out. Pain blossomed on my palm all the way up my arm.

I let out a pained scream.

"Stop please.. dadd... ..dad please ......" He let go of my hand and pushed me roughly to the floor.

"Let me find you cooking again in this house. You'll lose those hands of yours. Clean this mess up." With that he stormed out of the room.

I didn't want to look at my hand. It hurt so bad .

I stood on shaky legs and went to the sink where I ran my hand under cold water. The pain was excruciating. I'd need to go to a clinic or something.

I managed to clean up using my good hand and pulled myself to my room. I rummaged for painkillers but found none. I switched on the TV to my favourite cartoons and curled up with my teddy Mr. Apricots .

That was how I ended up falling asleep my mind feeling fuzzy .

I woke up totally forgetting about my arm and I passed it through my bed head. I immediately took it back it was painful and swelling.

Without taking a bath I brushed my teeth and left for work. I would pass by a pharmacy for some medicines.

After getting off the train I went to the pharmacy that was closer to the shop.

" Hello how may I help you ?"

I looked at the woman nervously.

" I burned my hand can I get some ointment ,painkillers and bandages."

" I'll need to see the injury first sir."

I hesitantly showed her my palm.

"Oh my God "She tried to be quiet but I still heard her.

"You'll need to go to a hospital for this one sir. You risk getting an infection or even worse ."

"Please just give me the medicines ."

I pleaded with her . If I went to the hospital father would surely know.

"I can't young man that would be against my work ethics."

I shook my head as tears started forming in my eyes. "Please."

She sighed and led me to the back room.

"But I have one question and you better be honest. Did you really burn yourself or someone did this?"

I swallowed. " someone.."

She sighed again but set to work helping me disinfect my hand first before she applied the ointment. She gently wrapped my hand but by the time she was done tears were streaming from my eyes.

"It's ok love." She placed a hello kitty band on my bandages that made me smile.

"I'll need to give you a shot of antibiotics just to be safe. "

I nodded.

She prepared the needle and I quickly shut my eyes when she came closer with it . I hated needles. I whimpered when she put it in .

After everything she gave me some painkillers and told me Nottoway have any before meals.

"Thank you. How much do I need to pay?"

"It's ok love just please be safe will you come back after a week so that I can check on it again?"

I nodded as she led me back to the front. She gave me a juice box and I smiled again. She was so kind.

I sipped on my juice as I walked the short distance to the shop. Just when I arrived I got a message from Sheryl saying she wouldn't be able to make it as her little sister suddenly fell ill. I told her it was ok and I would manage .

Thankfully the orders were on the pick up ones I couldn't make a delivery in this state.

My morning went by slowly but u was grateful for that. The medication made me so tired and sleepy.

I jolted as the telephone rang.

"Hello Blooms paradise , Theo speaking how may I help you?"

" I'd like to place an order of three dozen roses. Can that be arranged in the next hour?"

That was a lot and I was alone

"I'm sorry..."

" I'll pay extrafor the inconvenience. "

I couldn't deny the extra pay as that would mean more savings for me.

"Ok where should they be delivered?"

"Stadock enterprise. Come to the top floor."

After hanging up I set out to prepare the flowers. By the time I was done my hurt hand was aching so much and it had started to bleed a bit.

" No pain no gain." I told myself that ad i loaded them onto the company delivery cart. It was a bike that had an attached cart.

Surely the person who was to receive these must be very lucky. I paddled quickly as I didn't want the flowers to be exposed to the sun for so long.

Once I arrived the security guard helped me carry them into the elevator and directed me to the top floor.

I had never been here before. Sheryl was the one who usually made the delivery.

It was impressive. The elevator overlooked the it as it stealthily climbed up. I leaned on the glass wall and imagined falling down there just for a moment. I would be spared of this life at least.

The door opened and I carried the flowers to the only door on this whole floor. There was a desk which I assumed was for the secretary outside but it was empty.

I knocked on the door after feeling around cause the flowers blocked my face and most upper body.

" come in!"

I managed to find the doorknob and pushed it open. I couldn't see where I was going at all so is stood some steps from the door and asked where to place the flowers.

I was told to put them by the floor to ceiling windows where there was a small table. I managed to that that and stood up.

My breath was nearly knocked out of me at the sight of the gorgeous man sitting by t h e massive desk in front of me. He was still looking at the file infront of him.

I couldn't help but stare at him. His jet black hair contrasted with his caramel skin. Oh my God is it bad that I want to lick him.

"Thank you for working quickly and that too on such short notice " His voice was like melted chocolates so enticing and he had an accent but I couldn't place it.

When his words registered in my head I looked at his face and found his eyes on me. He had a smirk on his face face and I felt my face grow warm.

"No problem sir." I brought my injured hand to lightly rub ata the back of my head and remembered agin that it was hurt. I winced a bit and put it down.

"You're hurt." In a matter of seconds he was in front of me gently cradling my hand.

"It's ok it doesn't even hurt anymore."

I wanted to run and hide oh my gosh.

He was tall or was I the short one. I had to crane my neck to look him in the face. His body was so big I bet he could engulf me in a hug.

Please don't forget to vote and leave a comment😊😊😊

2470 words