All Things Fall Apart

For the first time in a while, Dexter was terrified about his father's presence. It's not as though George had gigantic horns fixed on his forehead. 

In normal circumstances, Dexter would have walked away without looking back. However, due to what was at stake, he decided to stay back 

"Did it ever for once occur to you that Derek is your biological brother and not your half brother? Both of you were born by the same parents. You also have the same blood running through your veins," George asked Dexter from his hospital bed. 

Dexter was unable to respond because he knew that was a rhetorical question. Although, George wasn't thinking in that direction. He thought Dexter was gonna provide a breathtaking response.

"That's exactly what I thought. I knew my instinct wouldn't deceive me. Your silence was the only response I needed from you and you did it." George concluded. He didn't give Dexter a second chance to process his response. 

Dexter surely knew what his response was. It was quite unfortunate that he was too terrified to speak. The shock inside of him has completely disabled just vocal cords.

"Before I proceed with what I wanted to speak with you about. I need to ask you a simple question, Dexter. It's important that you're honest with me. I don't want us to drag this for too long. You already know my heart condition." George paused, took a deep breath and continued his interrogative session with Dexter. "Why do you hate Derek so much?"

"That's not true, Dad. 

I have no hatred towards Derek whatsoever and you know that. Why would I wanna hate my brother? This is quite unbelievable. I haven't for once harbor such thoughts in my head." With a move too fast, Dexter vindicated himself as though they were in the court of law. Coming from someone that was struggling to construct a single sentence 

"Did Derek tell you this? When did you two have this conversation? Because I can't seem to understand where this is coming from. To be honest with you, I am not impressed with how you usually handle issues involving Derek and I," Dexter bemoaned further. 

"Don't you dare play that victim card with me, Dexter. It's never gonna work on me. We both know I am telling the truth. I know what I am talking about. I've seen how you look at him disdainfully. I am pretty sure you would've gotten rid of him if he was a different person," George proceeded to expose a more hidden dark side about Dexter.

Dexter himself became confused if he truly exhibited those traits his Father just highlighted.

With a shocking expression, Dexter exclaimed. "Father, but why do you keep treating me this way? It doesn't really make sense to me. Have you ever seen me attempting to slit Derek's throat with a knife? How did you even come up with such assumptions that aren't real?"

"Come on, man. Are you even listening to yourself? Because if you did, you won't have defended yourself like a coward and guess what? You shine at it. 

Just so you know, I don't need to be told before I know the truth. You and Derek are both my sons. I know a lot about you two more than what you can think of," like a proud father, George bragged. 

"Nice try, Dad. You did your best. 

Too bad you didn't get it right this time," Dexter applauded George and forced a smile. However, the smile didn't come from a place of happiness.

"We both know Derek is your favorite. You are always quick to be on his side regardless If he's wrong. I've always been seen as the black sheep of the family. Nothing I do ever impress you," Dexter wept as he went to pour out his heart to George. He used the opportunity to utter those things he can't even attempt on a normal day.

"That's because you already gave us that impression that you are the black sheep. You're my oldest son, yet you don't act like one. You successfully sold your birthright to Derek in exchange for what? Peanuts?" George taunted Dexter in such a way that can force tears down his chin.

"You're always intimidated by his success. Everyone knows that. 

What am I even talking about? You are envious of Derek's success. You are too ashamed to tell the world about Derek. You know why? They're gonna question what you've been doing your whole life when Derek was making it," 

George poked fun at Dexter that was accompanied by a wicked laughter.

Dexter panted heavily as he struggled to condone his anger. He was tempted to hurt his father and at the same time, try not to do anything stupid that would get him arrested. 

Dexter suddenly recalled the last time he got arrested by his Father himself. George ensured that Dexter spent a couple nights behind bars. The event still lives rent free in his head. He would rather not let such a mistake repeat itself again. 

"I guess I shouldn't have signed the consent form. That was the worst mistake I ever made. For once, I thought I would be appreciated but I guess I was wrong. What did I get in return? The same Derek that wasn't there with you when you needed him the most has suddenly become a saint," like a pathetic widow, Dexter lamented bitterly. He had wanted his Father's ranting and just walked away like a perfect gentleman. But somehow, the pain sunk right into his skin that he can't ignore.

"What did I just hear you say?" 

George dared Dexter to repeat what he just said.

"Exactly what you just heard, Dad. Do you want me to repeat what I said?I should delay your wish. Perhaps, decline them with an immediate effect. Just maybe, we won't be having this issue right now." Dexter added. He unleashed the beast inside of him. He knew he had gotten to that stage where things started falling apart.