Cyborg - 2 - Fear of Rejection

After a rather quiet morning, I thought about my dream. It's odd to think that my dad might've actually cared about me.

 

As I walk down the stairs, I can't decide if that dream gave me hope or was just an awful nightmare at this point. But I feel like dad still has some input into my life, he has to, so I assume asking him if I can go to the party tonight is a start to knowing more about him. Yet, I don't know what answer to expect other than a no.

 

I'm fortunate that we live in the suburbs of Detroit. One of the only nicer places, I guess that without my dad being who he is, we could've been much worse. For some reason too, I'm happy he has a job, one that's not too far away from home and still in a nice part of Detroit.

 

Anyways, if his safety was ever in danger. I trust the head of security, Mr. Orr. He comes off a bit odd but his paranoia gives me a strange sense of relief.

 

As I make my way towards STAR Labs, I marvel at the building. I'm not an architecture nut in the slightest, but it is an amazing facility for sure.

 

At the door, the usual scanner greets me. I reach into my pockets for a pass but pull up nothing. I look through the glass and find Mr. Orr, trying to garner his attention, I tap on the glass door repeatedly.

 

Orr looks my way with a serious glance. I understand the mistake I've made and how seriously Orr takes this but he knows me well enough. Orr walks towards the door and presses a button, the doors swing open as he jokingly mocks me.

 

Orr - "Other pants, huh?"

 

Victor - "Hah, something like that!"

 

Orr looks at me with a death glare.

 

Orr - "Well next time, I won't be so nice."

 

Victor - "Understood, sir."

 

I quickly walk towards the elevator as Orr's glance follows me. Once I step into the elevator, our gazes lock for what seemed like forever. Something's wrong today.

 

As the elevator ascends, I think about what to say to my dad.

 

"Hey dad, do you think I could go to this party tonight. I mean, it's nothing huge. It's a good friend, you know Ron, right?"

 

My dialogue is nothing but shaky in my head. Why am I doing this? I already know the answer will be no. Maybe not.

 

A 'ding!' snaps me out of my trance. Here comes the big moment. The only thing keeping me from being light headed at this point is my ever growing heartbeat. Why am I so scared of him? He's Silas Stone, my dad, not the Big Bad Wolf!

 

My heart rate rushes past my steps. Everything just feels wonky, but I haven't been drinking, have I?

 

The labs are only easily described as Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. But with tech instead of toys and giddy scientists instead of kids. Nevertheless, they can all be the same thing here.

 

I know exactly where my dad's desk is so I can hopefully avoid any awkward interactions with these guys. As I advance past each station, the notion of everyone working on smaller parts of a bigger machine amazes me. Nobody in science class ever cared this much to collaborate like this.

 

With a quick turn to the right of the large lab, I see an elevated platform. My dad seems to be working on something else for some reason. My glance shifts downwards as I see a small robot fixing a circuit board under my dad's desk. That's got to be new.

 

I advance up the steps to my dad's desk and his attention doesn't draw from the work at hand. His desk is cluttered, as always. He seems to be working on some chemical, antidote? Newspapers cover the extension of his desk, they're a week old. One thing catches my glimpse, a red diamond? It's the thing Johnny Thunder went nuts for in the first few issues. I remember my dad reading me these. I always said I'd go on an adventure like Johnny Thunder-- But Detroit isn't quite the Amazon, is it?

 

With a newfound sense of confidence or the sheer warmth of nostalgia wanting me to ask my father to read me another issue of Johnny Thunder, I try to gain my dad's attention.

 

Victor - "Hey, dad, how's it going over he-"

 

Silas - "Victor, I'm busy."

 

Victor - "Alright, I'll cut the small talk. Ron's throwing a party and he's invited me. I just want to know if I can go."

 

Silas finally looks up from what he's been working on but he stares at me with a ruthless glance.

 

Silas - "Ron Evers? You mean the druggie, Ron Evers?"

 

Victor - "Dad, he's not a druggie."

 

Silas - "Ah, yes, how could I forget. You are the druggie. Can't seem to pull yourself away from that toxicity, can you?"

 

Victor - "Don't say that about my friend."

 

Silas - "Your friend? Hah! Victor, I can't wait for the day when you understand that a waste of air like him isn't a friend. You getting drunk on multiple occasions is one thing, but that 'friend' not even helping your ass up the steps is another. You are worrying your mother, she can't sleep and I can't even believe what torment you put her through with this."

 

Victor - "Then why don't you ever come home, dad? Maybe the reason mom is so worried is because you are never home!"

 

Silas - "Your mother and I made an agreement, I already have enough stress at work. I don't need you being my alternate workload. If you insist you're an adult by making these dumb choices, maybe you should own up to your mistakes like an adult."

 

Victor - "I'm leaving."

 

Silas - "Good, you need some fresh air to realize that the only bad guy here is Ron. If you weren't my son, I'd give up on you. I'd let you go to that party. But here we are."

 

I walk away after my dad mocks me. That dream was me being optimistic, my dad will never care about me. If he thinks I'm some thug, I'll show him I'm not. There're other parties anyways.

 

As I leave STAR Labs, Orr stares at me again. That dude really needs to learn to mind his own business.

 

I reflect upon what my dad told me while I walk home. Ron isn't a bad guy, just like I'm not. He just likes different things, and he's not dead yet. Not a friend... What a joke.

Done