Brother Of My Nightmare

He punched me in the side and I lost my balance and tumbled to the ground, landing on my back with a painful thud. The sharp ache shot through my body and I couldn't help but let out a groan of discomfort.

As I sat there, the group of boys surrounded me, jeering and laughing. Suddenly, one of them kicked me hard in the shin. I winced in pain, certain it was going to leave a nasty bruise. But that was just the beginning. Another boy kicked me in the arm and shoulders, while the others attacked my back. I felt the blows raining down on me, helpless and outnumbered.

It was horrible but I've gotten used to the pain. I've been attacked several times over the last week and lately it's been getting worse. Sometimes, I would just pass out from exhaustion or faint, and honestly, I don't mind it. At least when I'm unconscious, I don't have to worry about what's happening to me. But I know I can't keep living like this, and I need to find a way to feel better.

The boys kept on kicking with all their might. But as time passed, their energy levels started to dip and their pace slowed down. They let out a deep breath of exhaustion and took a step back, feeling the burn in their muscles.

I cautiously rolled out of my small huddle and began to stretch my aching limbs. Every inch of my body stung, but thankfully, nothing was broken, although some areas were badly bruised. I attempted to stand up, but my leg was in terrible shape. I crumpled back down to the ground and let out a sharp gasp of pain. Gritting my teeth, I tried again and managed to stand. I took a moment to straighten out my clothes and dust off my pants.

I hobbled towards my locker, gritting my teeth with every step. I tossed my books inside and slammed it shut, trying to shake off the discomfort. As I made my way to my next class, I couldn't help but wonder why they had to pick on me every single day. Don't they have anything else to do besides make my life miserable?

I strolled by the office on my way to class. As usual, I shuffled in and scurried to the back of the room, eager to find a seat as far away from anyone else as possible. People avoided me like the plague, afraid that being seen with me would make them a target for the school bully. The only exception was Oliver, my best friend, and the brother of my worst nightmare. 

I rarely visited Oliver's house because his brother was always there, looming like a dark cloud over our heads. But when I did, Oliver made sure that I was safe. He was my hero, always ready to stand up to his brother and protect me from harm.

As the teacher entered the classroom and began the lesson, I realized that nobody was going to sit next to me again. 

As I sat in class, my heart dropped when the door flung open and in walked Steve, the school bully. I had completely forgotten that he was in my class, and I prayed he wouldn't spot me. 

"Mr. Hamilton, why are you late?" the teacher asked, clearly unimpressed. 

"I was sleeping," Steve replied nonchalantly.

The teacher didn't say anything and allowed him to class. He was the heir of Hamilton Corporation, and his father donates a lot to the school. Everyone knew that if someone else was in his place, they would get detention. No one dared to speak against him, and the principal took care of him like a baby. He might even clean his poop and diaper him.

As Steve made his way to find a place. I prayed to God that he wouldn't sit next to me, but it seemed like my prayers were falling on deaf ears. He sat next to me with a smirk on his face, and I could feel the fear creeping up inside me. I was exhausted from constantly living in fear of what Steve would do to me after class. I fell onto the bench, feeling defeated and hopeless.

"What happened, baby boy? Already feeling sleepy? Shall I get you a drink?" he sneered, his fake smile sending chills down my spine. 

"No, I'm good," I tried to brush him off.

"You're ignoring the king, Steve's, offer. I guess you forgot who I am. I might have to make you remember," he said with a smirk. 

Panic set in as I realized that he was not someone to mess with. 

"I'm so sorry, king Steve! Please forgive my mistake," I quickly bowed and apologized, hoping he would let me off the hook. 

"I guess you're interested in talking, Mr. Bernard? You wanna sit next to Hamilton and lose your grade?" The teacher interrupted. 

"I'm so sorry, miss. I assure you that it won't happen again." I said apologetically.

"Get. Out." She said. "You also, Mr. Hamilton."

My head hung low in shame as I made my way out of the classroom. I could feel the weight of Steve's eyes on me as he followed closely behind. The hallway was eerily quiet, and I couldn't shake the feeling of fear that had settled in my gut. What was he going to do now that we were alone? 

I was taken aback when suddenly he pushed me against the wall. His face was inches away from mine, and I could feel his breath on my skin. 

My heart was racing as he whispered, "I never realized how handsome and cute you are. Your face is so..." 

He trailed off as he touched my face, drawing circles around my eyes and moving down to my nose and lips. My body felt electric as he caressed my chin and jawline.

"You look so perfect, baby boy. I am so jealous of your face." He pouted, surprising me with his sudden compliments.

Confused, I cautiously replied, "You're much more handsome than me, King Steve."

"So you admit that you're handsome?" he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"No, no..." I trailed off, unsure of what to say next.

But before I could say anything else, his laughter turned demonic. "Let me spoil that beautiful face," he said, his tone dark and menacing.

My heart sank, and the color drained from my face as I realized the danger I was in. I tried to push him away, but he was too strong. Tears filled my eyes as I wondered why I was so weak and helpless in his presence.

As I stood there, frozen in fear, a voice shouted from afar, "Leave him alone, you son of a bitch!" 

I looked towards the source of the voice, and there was Oliver, my hero in shining armor. I breathed a sigh of relief and felt lucky that he was there. 

Oliver ran towards us, and with a swift kick, knocked Steve to the ground. I gasped in shock. As I tried to help Steve, Oliver took my hand and walked away. I looked back and saw Steve getting up, red with anger.

"I will fucking kill you, Jeremy!" He shouted at me. But I didn't care. With Oliver by my side, I felt invincible.

...

As we walked away from Steve, Oliver suddenly let go of my hand and looked at me with concern. 

"Are you okay, Jer?" he asked, gently touching my face.

I managed a weak smile. "I'm okay, Ollie," I replied, taking his hands off my face.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I should have been with you."

"Don't blame yourself, Ollie," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You came at the right time and saved me."

"I'm glad I could help," he said, smiling. 

But then, his smile disappeared, and he looked at me seriously. 

"There's something I need to tell you, Jer. I have to go to Las Vegas for a week."

"Why?" I asked, feeling a sudden sense of sadness wash over me.

"I'm going with Father on his business trip to show him that I'm the best to inherit his business, not my brother," he confided in me.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hamilton will see your potential soon enough," I reassured him.

"Thanks for always having my back, Jer. Even my parents doubt me," he said, visibly touched.

I empathetically patted his back, knowing all too well the pain of being doubted by own parents.

"Take care of yourself while I'm gone, Jer. I'm more worried about you," he said with genuine concern.

As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. If Steve found out that Oliver was leaving, he would make my life a living hell. I shuddered at the thought of facing him alone, without Oliver's protection. Steve was already so angry, and now with Oliver gone for a week, I feared the worst...