To Nicky Forestrike's Daddy

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Brie
New Member

since 1999-12-06

Posts 8
WA

0 posted 1999-12-08 11:07 PM

Hello, sir;

   Remember me? The 'sir' is only there for show, because I remember how much you appreciated my good manners. I went out with a friend yesterday and stopped off for bread, one of the many things I do not have at my house. You were the last person I expected to see. Your son wasn't with you, and neither was your daughter, so there was no one to
remind you of who I am; after all, I haven't set foot in your place in almost a year now.

   You didn't recognize me, did you? I thought not. You stared at me like you weren't sure if you should know me or not. I don't blame you, the last time you saw me I was working a cash register at the grocery store. I've lost a lot since then, as in about 20 pounds, and a lot of my hair. I've also lost the oversized shirts and flannels I used to swim in,
but you noticed that, didn't you? Today for the first time you learned the color of my eyes, because although I've known your daughter for almost six years now, today just might be the first time you ever pulled your eyes off my chest when glancing in my direction. I never took it personally; you did it to everyone. Even Nicky, I'm sure.

   I wonder if you know that you have the unique distinction of being the only person I can honestly say I hate? I wonder if you know how very much I detested you when your daughter and I attended the same middle school and I would spend time at your house. Would it shock you to know that I used your last name to create a character in my stories, a character similar to another man I dislike immensely, although he can't hope to aspire to
your level? Would you be angry if you knew I let Dani and the band write a terrible song called 'Mr. Forestrike' about you? Would you care one way or the other about what I think?

   No. I guess not. You never did in the past.

   You didn't impress me. I suppose to a 13 year old you were huge, but now you just may be shorter than I am. You're unattractive in a comical way, not the troll I recall. Your eyes met mine, but didn't
stay there. I was reminded of the salesman I had just seen in the Mall, the one who couldn't meet Jay's eyes. The jerk guitar salesman, trying to con us both, who knew he didn't have a defense. Why couldn't you look at me? Guilty conscience? Fear? Disgust? You aren't the only old memory today called up, you know? I saw an old friend today, the parents of an older friend, and the father of another old friend. It was my day for adults I guess. You looked at me like you didn't approve of me in some vague way that I obviously had no hope of comprehending.

   You always liked me. I was one of your Nicky's favorite friends. I was quiet, unassuming, painfully shy, and obediant. I flinched when you yelled and I cowered if you raised your voice. I thought you were
God and you were as cruel, as self-center and as tyrannical as the God my father raised me with. You twisted your children, do you know that? Have you seen what a monster your son is? Have you seen what you've made Nicky into? Do you care?

   You reminded me of my grandfather. I know he was abused as a child, and I know what it did to him. I can only assume you lived through a similar situation. But I have friends who were abused, and they have proved to me time after time that you do not have to be what people would make you into. I've been hurt in the past, but I never took that as an excuse to hurt those around me.

   Does Nicky still live with you? Gods, I hope not. I don't know. I hardly remember what we fought about last year as school let out. It wasn't important, but it was a matter of pride, so we both shut up and we've stayed silent. I miss Nicky. I appreciated your daughter's company and wit in a way you never did. I saw her as something other than a punching bag and scapegoat. Will you go home and tell Nicky you saw me the way those other parents will tell their children? I hope you can't tell. I hope there's no one there for you to tell. You were the one person I could have cheerfully killed.

   It was nice seeing you again.

-Your "other daughter," Brie

Dusk Treader

Moderator

Senior Member

since 1999-06-18

Posts 1187
St. Paul, MN

1 posted 1999-12-08 11:21 PM

Wow, quite a bit of rage in this piece, very well written, though. An awful sounding man, such a hurtful experience, I hope you can leave him behind. Thanks for posting and Welcome to Passions in Prose!

"Pointing Fingers to Defend" - Gravity Kills - "Guilty"

roxane
Senior Member

since 1999-09-02

Posts 505
us

2 posted 1999-12-09 05:13 PM

this is a picture of him.

Christopher

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-02

Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration

3 posted 1999-12-10 02:37 AM

Welcome to Passions In Prose Brie!
And what an interesting telling. I really like the attitude with which you presented this. It is in no way mean or deprecating, but I still could feel the almost uncaring dislike in it. Bravo on a well done job and welcome once again!

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