Chapter Ten: Birthday Bruises
'I'm turning 14 today.' Jeremy thought lying on a mattress on the floor in Nick's room. 'I've been away from my family for seven months now. I hope Justin is okay. I've worrying about him so much. My hair is shaggy again. I hope someone notices me, but they might not, because Nick has makes sure my hair stays black, instead of blonde.'
"Are you awake?" Nick smiled turning over.
"Yeah." Jeremy whispered looking into the ceiling.
"Happy Birthday." Nick said running his fingers threw Jeremy's hair.
Jeremy flinched at Nick's touch. He hated it. He hated him.
Jeremy didn't speak. Nick broke the silence by leading Jeremy into the kitchen Jeremy sat down at the table.
"I bought you something." Nick pulled a present from under the cabinet. He also pulled a cake from the fridge and set it down.
"Make a wish." Nick smiled.
'Why? It wouldn't come true you stupid bastard.' Jeremy thought.
"Go ahead, open it! Open it!" Nick was excited for some reason.
"Can I call my dad today?" Jeremy asked ignoring Nick's offer.
Nick shook his head in anger.
"You just had to ruin it didn't you. The one time I try to be nice and you won't even let me. Well, now I'm done. You won't have a birthday. How about that you stupid idiot?" Nick said pulling off his belt.
"Stand up." Nick demanded.
Jeremy hated the belt, but he was more than used to it, he expected it. Nick usually bet him with it everyday after school. Nick had made him a fake name, fake birth certificate, a fake life. He stood.
Nick swung it at him. Jeremy screamed in pain.
"Is this better than cake?" Nick asked hitting him again. After the sixth time, Nick dropped the belt.
Jeremy cried in pain.
"Well, I guess you won't want this." Nick threw Jeremy's present into he trash. He then picked up the cake. He hit Jeremy in the face with it as hard as he could. Jeremy howled in pain as blood shot from his nose and mouth.
"Is it good?" Nick laughed at Jeremy.
Jeremy didn't respond. He ran into the bathroom crying. He cleaned his face off and cried into the mirror.
He finally settled and walked back into the kitchen.
"Nice of you to join me again." Nick had just finished cleaning the cake from the floor.
Jeremy didn't speak. He just sit down at the table again.
"Nick, can I please call him? Just so he knows I'm alright? I want to know how Justin is, how Zack is, Bradley, Maddie. I miss them so much Nick." Jeremy said, hoping Nick wouldn't beat him again.
"I know you do." Nick set down beside Jeremy, "But, I can't let you, so don't ask anymore. You make me really mad when you want to leave, and I can't control myself." Nick stood up and left the room.
'This is the worst birthday ever. I can't wait til' Nick's asleep and call dad, we only have the cell phone that Nick hides, not a real one. I can't tell, he'll kill me. I'm doomed to this horrible life, but I'm starting to feel normal here. I have to be strong. I have to be tough. I guess, I'll have to be like Nick.' Jeremy though, looking out of the window.
A/N- There's Chapter 10. I hope you guys like it. I hope it's not too boring or anything because I have so many ideas that there will probably be like 25-30 chapters. But you guys are loyal, and I want to thank you for that. Thanks for reviewing! Your the best!