A little boy is in his room. Reading his favourite story. It hasn't been the first time, the second time or the third. Although he had lost count but this would have to be one of many times he has read this book. It was Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. The boy smiled as he turned the page to Alice talking with the Mad Hatter
" Have i gone mad?" The boy said. Giving his best impression as the Mad Hatter
The boy titled his head and shook it " I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers but i'll tell you a secret. All the best people are" The boy copied from what Alice said.
It didn't matter how many times he read this story. He just loved the story and the fantasy. It was something that could help him escape the real world from time to time. His life hasn't been so good. Although he was a gifted boy but it wasn't enough
" JERVIS" A man yelled from across the hall
Jervis gasped and trembled as he heard his father calling his name. He had always been scared of his father. Since as long as he could remember. Jervis had been under his father's care after his mother died in a car accident.
With not much time, Jervis shut the Alice in Wonderland book and shoved it under under his bed. Thinking that his father wouldn't catch him reading as he called " Make believe book"
" Jervis" the father called again as he stopped outside Jervis's hallway. Looking down at his son. Emotionless and filled with hate
Jervis didn't say anything as he looked up at his father. He was too scared to because he didn't know if he was going to get beaten again. His jaw tightened and swallowed
The father stepped inside the bedroom. His eyes still locked on Jervis from the floor
" You're not reading that dumb book again. Are you?" the father asked as he took another step closer to Jervis
Jervis shook his head and stuttered a little " N...no. I'm not" he was finding it hard to stop shaking. His father always intimidated him
The father nodded " Good because you should be focusing your worthless ass on. That gift everyone is talking about" he starts clicking his fingers to remember what it was " Your brain. people say your smart. Is that true or are you lying?" he asked coldly
Jervis shook his head one more " No..I'm not" he repeated. How he wished his father would just leave the room
" Well. Get to ..." the father paused as he saw the bottom of Alice in Wonderland book under Jervis's bed. He shook his head
Without a moment too soon. The Father grabbed Jervis by the collar of his shirt and yanked him up so he could stare at his son face to face " You little shit. I thought you weren't reading that book"
" I wasn't" Jervis tried to look away but his father forced him to look into his cold eyes
The father pointed to the edge of the book under Jervis bed " Oh yeah. Explain that you peice of shit" he snarled and saw Jervis trembling
"look at you" the father said with disgust as he looked at his son. Poor, weak and pathetic. He couldn't believe that someone as worthless as him could be gifted in science
Jervis blinked. He tried to look away but couldn't as his father held his face with his free hand. Making sure it wouldn't move again
" You're pathetic. You're worthless and pointless" the father spat as he tightned his grip on the boy.
Jervis started to shed some tears from his father's hateful words
" Don't do that" the father shook Jervis and snarled at him " Your lucky i don't throw you out of the window" he smirked. Enjoying the fear in Jervis's eyes
Jervis almost whimpered " Please. Don't"
" Why not? Your a disgrace and can't believe someone like you is actually smart" the father hissed. Still looking at his frightened son " Your unloveable. No one will ever love you. Im only putting up with you because it's the law"
The father shoved Jervis onto the bed as he let go of his grip
" Dont...don't say that. I'm...i'm sorry" Jervis pleaded as he started wiping his tears
The father smiled and shook his head " Well it's the truth. No one will love you. If i don't throw you out the window" he moved closer till he was at the edge of the bed " What will you do. Convince me"
Jervis backed till he was the side wall of his bed. Sniffing " I...i promise that... i will concentrate on science and school' he looked away
The father nodded " To make sure that happens" he bends down and swipes the Alice in Wonderland book from under the bed " Im going to burn this and if i catch you. Reading this shit from somewhere else. You're dead. Got it"
Jervis didnt say anything or looked at his father
" GOT IT" The father yelled. Which caused Jervis to look at him and nod
The father smiled " Well. Better get to it then. You little shit" he turns around. Carrying the book with him. Leaving the bedroom
