Chapter 1: The Pretentious Home Boy

"Mr. Sanders...Mr. Sanders..."

I could faintly hear our butler Jonathan or Jon as I called him trying to wake me up with his continuous knocks on my door. I really wanted to tell him to stop annoying me and that he was wasting his time because there was no way I felt like waking up! Fate was just too good. I was the needy one here! I needed help! He was the one who was supposed to get fed up and walk away! I could barely lift myself without any help let alone walk up to him!

Grudgingly, I slowly braced myself and sat upright while rubbing my eyes. Letting out a yawn, I called him.

"Jon, I'm awake! You can come in now!" I heard the door click open and footsteps nearing my bed.

"Good morning, Kevin." He addressed. He usually called me by my name whenever it was just the two of us. I smiled at him in response. "I'm sorry if I woke you up too urgently but I couldn't help it. Your mother is getting pissed off! So is your dad. They're waiting for you at the dining table. You're getting late to school! Hurry up!" He finished in a rush.

"Relax, Jon! It's not like the end of the world! Ha! You tell me a day when mom and dad are not pissed off with me. I can't help it, can I?" I joked. I couldn't make out Jon's expression but silence filled the room. "Uh...Jon?" I whispered; making sure he was still with me.

I heard shuffling of feet. "Oops! Sorry sir...I mean...Kevin. I just got slightly disoriented." He replied, softly. I chuckled. "As I said, just like the usual." I could feel him smiling and soon, strong arms were placed on my shoulder and hand. He kept guiding me slowly; one step at a time like tiny baby steps. My hands were outstretched in front of me as I kept touching and feeling around for any object that might be an obstacle. Before, when I was out of practice, I used to trip often. But now, I knew my surroundings well. Jon was such a great help! I always called him family. He was so close to me!

If you would've seen me right then, I might've been looking like the blind man from the 'Blind Man Buff' game looking around to catch other players with a "Peek-a-boo...I found you...". My sister found playing that game with me pretty amusing! Darn her age!

Jon led me towards the door knob of my bathroom and my hand touched the cold metal. Winter was a nuisance! "Get fresh and change. Call me when you're done." I nodded. He handed me my toothpaste and brush and ruffled my hair. I stuck out my tongue in annoyance. Why did I've to be treated like a five year old?! Hell! My sister could take the toothpaste and brush on her own without anybody's help!

And me? I was freaking 17 years old and had to be assisted! My outstretched hand bent forward and touched glass. "The mirror", I said to myself. Heaving a heavy sigh, I pretended looking at it not knowing whether I was looking at it in the right direction.

Many thoughts obscured my vision while brushing and bathing and I wanted to cry. A tear suddenly escaped my eye while I was supposedly facing the mirror. Opening one of the drawers, I hastily took out my comb and slammed it on the table in frustration. Did anyone know what I was going through?! Every. Single. Freaking. Day. Of. My. Life. Did they know how it was to live all 365 days since 18 fucking years in darkness?! Did they know how demeaning it was?! Did they know how difficult it was to cope up with my disability and try socialising?!

Did they ever consider my feelings?! Did they ever acknowledge my presence casually just because I wasn't able to see to acknowledge theirs?! Huh?? Did they?? Did they?!

NO! NO! NO! My parents were taking care of me because, well, they had to. The world sympathised with me. The others acted like they cared for me. Every action I received was mostly fake! The only essence of love I ever felt was with my sister. I could sense her respect and love for me whether I was blind or not. I knew that in the future our bond would increase greatly and I would do anything and everything to protect her.

Most of the time with my parents, it felt like I was a burden they were trying to get rid off but legally couldn't! That could be the reason why I was still there with them. My dad was the CEO of a multinational marketing firm and my mom was the General Manager. They often told me that they loved me; my mom being the most to confirm that statement with me. Where was the love?! Working full time in that company and roaming all around the world wasn't what they were supposed to do especially when they had two kids! I was as good as to be considered a kid what with all the taking care of!

Eva and I were left in the hands of Jon. He was like our second father and we were very grateful to see him like that! I was sure it was a huge disappointment to the well known Sanders family when their first child was born. A blind baby boy. What would the world say? The media? Such a disgrace! They were more worried about their reputation than about the baby! Kept me home bound until I was 4! I was given home tutorials! Of course my dad was worried about who would be continuing the business later! There was a limit to everything!

I was so relieved and happy for my sister! She was indeed blessed. At least she could lead a normal and comfortable life. A life worth living and I was ready to give her my everything and make her life the best! I loved my angel so much! Her giggles early morning as she ran around the ground. Wow! At least she could enjoy mother nature and her beauty! She was indeed lucky!

My parents treated her like a gem that could be stolen at any point of time from them. I was thankful that they thought well of her and were absolutely caring and doting parents towards her but that sometimes hurt me as well. After all, I had feelings too! Well, who cared about a blind boy?! I was just this piece of shit who unfortunately came out from the valuable womb of Emma Sanders!

I might be rich but my life was all fucked up and pretentious! I wished people could understand that. The only people who understood me were Eva, Jon and Riley, my best friend. He was as good as family. We were buddies since our diaper days! No one could understand me and help me out the way he did! We had each other's backs and I was grateful for having him in my life! Thank God we were in the same class! Being blind had a major advantage! You would know how to be grateful for all the so-called minor aspects.

My parents always gave me plenty of time for myself. Dressing up, getting fresh, walking and all of that. I had to be slow. It was like, at home, I was made to behave like a weak self. Ours was a house with rules. No drinking permitted unless it was an adults' formal gathering. Get back home at 11 pm sharp no matter where you were going and what you wanted to do. Inform and leave. Inform and take the car out. Any damage done to the car, you had to pay from your own pocket money. It was not like I could drive or anything but when Jon used to drive me around and if anything happened to the car, I would've to pay for the damage caused.

And lastly, no foul language, violence or boisterous talking was permitted in the house. The army was more liberal, I swear!

As soon as I came out of my reverie, I heard knocking on the door. "Kevin, are you in there? Come out quickly!" I heard Jon plead. Quickly brushing my hair, I cautiously made my way towards the door and took almost 5 minutes to open it. I was about to slip but was immediately caught by two sturdy hands. "Careful..." I heard Jon say. I smirked in amusement. As he guided me towards the door, I said, "My parents sure have a reason to hate me. I'm such a disturbance!"

"No. You're not. You're absolutely precious and it's just that there're not many who see your worth, but don't you worry, Kev, don't curse too much and find faults in your life." I heard Jon reply, soothingly, as we walked down the corridor. His grip on me was firm.

"And you're late." My dad stated, sternly. Was this how he wanted to start the day?! By saying "And you're late."?! Jeez!

I could hear him turning the pages of the newspaper as the sound of cutlery was right next to me while I was getting comfortable on my seat. Jon was serving food. "Good morning mom, dad! Hey, princess! Slept well?" I chirped. Eva giggled. I felt a kiss on my cheek and couldn't help but beam at her. She caught hold of my face and turned me towards where she was sitting. Oh! Apparently I was facing the wrong side! I smiled at her sheepishly. "You're the cutest brother ever! Yes Kevi, I slept well. And do you know what I saw in my dream?"

I quirked my eyebrows in amusement and could hear Jon snigger.

"I saw a prince climbing the tallest tower to get to me! I was stuck and was calling out for him. And in my dream, I had thiiiis long hair!" She exclaimed while gesturing the length. All of us merely chuckled. "Why don't I've that long hair right now? Wishes should come true!" She whined.

Mom and I answered at the same time.

"Everything's not the way you want it to be, sweat pea."

"Yeah...I wish the same too sometimes, Eva..." I whispered to supposedly myself but it was loud enough for everyone else to hear. Silence ensued. I hated moments like this when silence ruled us. I liked noise. I wanted noise! Make this wish come true! Okay, now I was acting stupid and immature! 'Get a grip, Kevin!' My conscience barked.

"Pass me the syrup, please?" Dad requested. The pancakes were delicious! I loved Jon's food! Mostly everyone did. I gave him a thumb's up and he patted my back. After having 3 pancakes, I was full. I touched my plate and found another one left. "Do you want a pancake, Eva?" I asked my sister who was urging mom to give her more maple syrup.

"Ooh...yes!" I heard her cheer up and could sense her mischievous smirk. I could also sense mom's disapproving nod. "Now I can get to have more maple syrup!" She sang victoriously. I laughed. "Okay. Excuse us, but we need to leave for school." Jon informed everyone else. I bade goodbye to mom who pecked me and it took me some time to disentangle myself from an over excited Eva. While I was heading towards the garage, my dad stopped me. "I know the school gives you the privilege to attend classes later than usual but don't take advantage of it. Be a little more agile next time." He stated.

I nodded my head and could hear Jon calling me from a distance. "Dad...I've to go." I reminded him, tightening my grip on my bag's strap. He brought me closer and gave me a simple manly hug and whispered while shaking my hand, "Go and make me proud son like you always do! Show Beverly High that you're just like everybody else. But in one way, you guys are different. And do you know how's that?"

I had no clue.

"Like the saying, 'Dream big but with your eyes open,' you're someone who dreams a greater goal even with eyes closed! I'm counting on you!" Saying those words, he patted my shoulder and left. My dad had his pretentious side too. He knew the real me.

I beamed with pride. Thesound of the car engine brought me back from my reverie. "Shall we leave,Jordan?" Jon joked. "Yes. I guess it's time to rock Beverly High! In my way!" Ismirked while looking back at my 'pretentious home' and driving away...