Ch 5

Goten was dreading telling his mother that he was leaving her as he flew to Mt Paouz. He knew it would just remind her of when his father left. 'But, I'm not him, I just wish she could see that.' Landing at the door, he walked inside to see his mother cooking with the help of Videl while his brother Gohan and Pan were relaxing in the living room with his Grandpa, the Ox King.

"Hey Uncle Goten," said Pan.

"It's about time you got home mister," said Chichi. "Where were you?"

"I was at Trunks' house. Actually. That's what I wanted to talk to you about?"

"Oh no don't even tell me you're thinking about moving to the Briefs' house," said Chichi. "We had this conversation. Once you marry Valese, then you can move out and get a house together. It's how things are done in this house. It's the proper way."

"No mom, it's your way and I'm sorry but I want to be able to strengthen my friendship with Trunks before I get married. We've lost touch with each other, and I don't want that to continue."

"He'll ruin you Goten," said Chichi in a concerned voice. "He's a bad influence."

"I'm 25 years old mother, and I can make my own decisions. I didn't come here for your approval. I was just letting you know what my plans are, and you don't know Trunks like I do."

"You're just like your father."

"No, I'm not. You know where I'll be, and I love my family. I'll visit. I promise, but I need my space from you mom. You've become to controlling over my life, and I can't breathe," he said as he walked past the living room to his room, used his capsules to gather his things, and left his room.

Goten looked to his brother. "It's ok Goten, I understand but just don't be a stranger," he smiled.

"I won't Gohan."

"Uncle Goten." His niece knew how to pull at his heartstrings. "Take care of yourself, ok."

"I will," he hugged her, "I love you Pan."

"I love you to," she said as she let go.

"You come help me cook for those two some time, won't you?" asked Videl as she smiled, pointing to her husband and daughter.

"Sure, anytime Videl."

"You're making a mistake grandson," said the Ox King.

"No, I don't think so."

"You've upset your mother and disrespected this house."

"I've done everything that my mother has required from me without compliant. I've been a good son and somehow I turned out to be the bad guy. It's never been good enough, and I don't think it ever will be good enough. It's time to be my own man and find my way in the world," he said as he headed towards the door.

No! Wait!" yelled Chichi as she grabbed his arm.

"Mom," he said softly, "please it's time to let me go so I can grow up and live my life. I love you, but I have to go now." He felt a slap to his face and a fist to his chest. She would have inflicted more emotional damage to him but his brother restrained her.

Landing on the lawn of the Briefs' home, Goten knew leaving had been the hardest thing he had ever done in his life but at the same time, it was the most freeing thing he had ever done. He could still remember how hurt and helpless his mother looked when he left but the hits he took from her hands had hurt him emotionally. He couldn't understand why his mother just couldn't accept him. She couldn't look pass seeing his father instead of him.

A strangled cry came from his throat, and he was surprised it was coming from him as tears ran down his face. All the frustration and abuse over the years had finally hit him hard. 'Oh my kami, why did I let her do that to me? She just walked all over me and I let her. I let her hurt me, and I only have my self to blame. I can't believe how stu—

"Goten."

"Hey Trunks, didn't see you there. I came back from my house, and it didn't go well with my mother."

"It's more than that, isn't it Goten?"

He sighed. "She's very controlling of my life and sometimes it can be overwhelming. She has this idea of what my life should be like. I'd have a wife, kids, a successful job, and we would live nearby her and my brother's family forever."

"Well, aren't you playing into your mother's hands by marrying Valese?"

"I want to be with Valese. I really like her a lot."

"So, what you're saying is that you don't love her nor do you want to marry her?"

"I didn't say any of that."

"You want to escape your mother's wrath by marrying Valese and moving out of the house. You need to be honest with yourself Goten. I know you."

"If you knew me, you'd know that I'm nothing but a constant reminder to my mother that I look like my father. Everyday of my life she has controlled my life and beat me if I ever so much as stepped out of line of the life she wanted for me. She couldn't control my dad, but she could control me to make me stay with her. I can't do it! I won't do it! I care about Valese, and I want to make the relationship work."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you, but I'm here now Goten. I'm here to support you even though I think marrying Valese is a mistake. I'll stand beside you no matter what choices you make in life."

"Thanks Trunks, I appreciate it," he said as he hugged Trunks.

"There's nothing I wouldn't do for you," said Trunks as he whispered, "chibi," in Goten's ear and suddenly he felt Trunks' tenderness in his voice. It brought comfort to him in a way he couldn't describe.

"Trunks," he said softly as he let go of his friend.

"Sorry, I think I tend to get over emotional with you. We've been through a lot together you know."

"There's nothing wrong with emotions."

"Tell that to my dad and the world I live in. The world of business is ruthless and it's something I've gotten use to."

"I guess there's some things I don't know about you, huh Trunks."

"Everyone's go their secrets."

"I'm your best friend. There's nothing you can't tell me that I wouldn't understand," he said as they headed inside Trunks' house.

'Kami, you don't know how wrong you are Goten,' he thought, closing the door.