Chapter Two: Think Back And Talk To Me

"Hey Rico." Miley said to Rico at his locker.

"Hey Miley." Rico said shyly. He has a crush on Miley but she didn't know it.

"So…how are things?" Miley asked slowly.

"Fine I guess." Rico said.

"Jackson told me your parents split. I'm really sorry."

"It's ok. Dad took it pretty hard though."

"Well if you wanna talk to someone, I'm available."

"Cool. Thanks." Rico blushed when Miley ruffled his dark brown hair and walked away.

Rico smiled and his day seemed to be better than he thought.

-

Rico's POV

I sat at the top of the stair case again and waited for dad to get home. I heard the front door open and I swallowed hard. I made my way downstairs slowly and stood at the bottom of the stairs.

"H-hey Dad." I said, my voice shaky.

"Shut up and leave me alone." dad growled pushing me hard to the floor. My face hit the kitchen counter and a bruise formed around my eye instantly. As I slid to the floor, the edge of the counter scratched my cheek. I stood up shakily and started to run up the steps.

Bad idea.

I crashed into dad. I nearly fell down the stairs. I grabbed the railing for support. Dad's eyes were flashing dangerously.

"S-sorry." I whispered nervously.

He grabbed me by the neck, lifting me up. I kicked my feet to get free. I was feeling lightheaded. I couldn't breathe.

And dad was…

Laughing! Laughing at all my pain.

"Dad…" I gasped. "Can't…breathe…"

Smirking, dad let me go and I tumbled down the steps. I heard him laugh at me again before I blacked out…

-

"Rico…"

I heard a voice. A gentle voice.

Was I dead? Had dad actually killed me?

"Rico…wake up!"

I opened my eyes and slowly sat up. I looked around. I was at "Rico's Surf Shop" my dad's store. Dad probably dropped me off here before he left for work. And since it was Saturday, I didn't have school.

"Rico are you alright?" Jackson asked. He was the voice that woke me up.

"Hmm-mm." I said. I stood up and rubbed my head. It hurt.

"Whoa, how'd you get that shiner?" he asked. I lightly touched my black eye and winced.

"Baseball. Me and dad were playing in the yard yesterday." I lied.

"But what about the bruise on your neck?"

"I got hit there too. I guess baseball isn't my sport." I laughed weakly. Jackson laughed too.

"Probably. But why were you unconscious?"

"I passed out from lack of sugar." I said sarcastically. "Listen Jackson, I gotta go." I left the shop and ran home.