The sun didn't even get the chance to rise but you can see an ambulance in front of the old couple's house. Turns out, the young boy's condition got worser and can barely breathe. People gathered nearby, including their children and also James. Some were gossiping about how the family never cared about the young boy which makes his condition worsen than before while some were praying and doing sign of the cross for his health. The kids snickered and even mocked the mysterious boy, "I bet he would be blown away by the air due to how weak he was!" The one says, "I bet he's scrawny and thin as stick!" Another one butted in. Though, James was actually intrigued than annoyed. He knows that what the children is saying were false like a rip off product. In fact, he knows how magnificent the kid is even though he's sick. He's like those children in paintings like Victorian boys or those angels from heaven because of his beautiful golden locks that makes him glow when meets the sunlight.
A total opposite of him.
Moments later, the doctor and his nurses came down and left with their ambulance. Looks like everything is taken care of. Mr. Burke let out a huff and spoke, "I reckon that lad won't live past 10. Too weak for us." He turned and goes back to his yard to take care of his beloved chickens, the people all exchanged glances and nods in agreement and even some saying that "It's a waste of time" or telling their children to "Not to be friends with the frail boy no matter what." Just like they told their kids to stay away from James. Nevertheless,James came back to his house knowing that his uncle would be pissed if he doesn't find the nuisance anywhere. His little legs full of bruises marched towards his home and as he opened the door, it made that creaking sounds that he was used to be afraid of espiat night.
But he knows that it's nothing compared to what was inside.
Unfortunately, his uncle was already awake. A bottle of beer on his hand as he turned his head to the boy, "You bastard..." He stood up and walked towards James, body still swaying side by side because of the alcohol. "Where did ya ran to, huh?... You nuisance causing troubles again..." The young boy stood still though his hands were shaking to his sides and looked on the floor, "...No sir... I didn't do anything..." The old man stared at him for a while before pulling his hair to make him face him. "It's your fault, y'know...? Ya' should've just died with 'em. That way... I don't have to deal with a bother..." He pushed the boy to the wall before walking back to the living room and pulling out a cigarette from his pocket. Lighting it up before taking a huge puff that makes the living room reeks of smoke. "Get out of my damn sight." He said as he plopped down to the couch, James nodded and quickly ran towards his room before locking himself inside.
He knows that his uncle hates him for he was the son of his brother and the girl he was obsessed with. He also hated James because he was a mixed of 'em both. He has that thick raven hair, caramel skin, and fox eyes shape like his father's and that pointy nose, purple eye color, and a mole under his left eye like his mother's. Something that his uncle hates the most to the core. In his room, he can spends his day drawing all day long with the hidden art supplies under his bed. Last year, his uncle found his drawings and ripped them apart before throwing them to the fireplace so James started to be careful and even hid all of his things including money away from the monster he's sharing the same roof with. He pulled out his notebook, pencil, and eraser. He was very skilled at drawing at a young age to which is one of the reason that would make his parents proud back then. Buying him everything he needed to pursue his dream to become a well known artist. He didn't quit the passion he has so that his parents would still be proud even in the afterlife.
But, it seems like James didn't know what to draw. He already drew cars, buildings, animals, and even characters of his own but none of them caught his interest right now.
Instead, his mind drifted to the boy from the window he had saw back then. The boy itself was simply unforgettable and James needed it to be drawn right now. He started from the head to his face. How he furrowed his thin eyebrows in worry and those amber eyes behind those blonde eyelashes that just screams sadness in it. He also liked those little freckles on his ivory skin that he was surprised that he saw even from far away. He drew those curly golden locks that looks so fluffy to touch and how there's a hair sticking up which makes him look adorable. James was not satisfied in just a one portrait though. He drew him over and over like he was trying to make the boy live free in his mind.
Eventually, he realised what he was doing and quickly closed his notebook then hid it under his bed. "God, what am I doing..?!" He muttered to himself, "I'm like some creep stalker here... Calm down, James... It's just that he's a new face..."
"I wonder if he's still awake...?" He got up and carefully opened his door like making a noise would cost his whole life. He tip-toed towards the stairs and then took a peek, his uncle was fortunately asleep while the TV was playing as usual. He let out a sigh of relief. He can't stay indoors for too long because of boredom. Every child deserves to have fun. He took a light step on the stairs from the top to the bottom, it produces a tiny creak but not enough to wake somebody up who's drunk. Once he reached the door, he opened it and the sun hit his caramel skin as if greeting him. It was eight o'clock in the morning already and you can see the children all playing together again for it's Saturday.
He put on his shoes and ran and ran towards the restaurant of Mr. Dela Cruz. The only person he feels safe. As expected, he was waiting for the boy as if he knows he was going there. He brought the kid at the back of the restaurant like he was a family and gave him food, "...You don't have to do this, sir..." James said feeling embarrassed for they bother to make him a meal. "Nonsense, lad! You're getting thinner and thinner everyday and it's not healthy, y'know? Eat everything in there and don't leave even just a little crumb." The bashful kid did what he was told. In fact, he hadn't ate anything at all this morning. He was neglected by his uncle and didn't even bother to buy him what he needs to survive
"Thanks you..." He said soft and quiet and then took a bite. This was more delicious and better than those he always steal on the convenience store. That's the reason why Mr. Dela Cruz's restaurant is famous in their town. He can't remember when is the last time he ate a decent meal that is even warm and homemade, he misses his mother's recipes and the lively atmosphere at their kitchen while he and his parents ate together as a happy family.
And Mr. Dela Cruz and his family were just like that. He feels safe when he's with them but there's also jealousy hidden somewhere in his heart. So, he always says to himself that no matter what, he won't let his future family endure the same treatment he was given.