Alexander Bishop

[Mild angst warning]

On September 25, 1980, Alex entered the world as the fourth child of Mathew and Barbara Bishop. For him, the Bishops were a loving and bustling family with three older boys, and the addition of Alex filled their home with even more joy. For five years, Alex basked in the love and warmth of his parents and siblings. Life was good, and even though his older brothers sometimes gave him a hard time, he felt loved and the luckiest in the world. But everything changed on September 30, 1985, when the Bishop family welcomed their fifth child, a daughter, Ellie.

Ellie's arrival was met with much celebration. The Bishop couple always wanted a daughter. The long-awaited girl brought immense happiness to the parents and the siblings. However, for Alex, this marked the beginning of a long and gradual journey of neglect and despair.

As the youngest boy, Alex was getting accustomed to receiving attention, even if it was shared with his brothers. But now, with a new baby sister, he quickly became the ultimate middle child, the 4th child. His sister, being the only girl, became the apple of their eyes. With her golden locks, she literally and figurately was their golden child.

On Alex's fifth birthday, September 25, 1985, the Bishop household was in a state of whirlwind. Barbara, his mother, was heavily pregnant, already two weeks past her due date. The entire family was on edge, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest member. Amidst this chaos, Alex's birthday was overlooked.

Alex's b'day day passed with little fanfare. There were no decorations, no friends gathered to sing happy birthday, and no presents wrapped in colourful paper. Instead, his mother, overwhelmed and exhausted, hastily prepared a small cupcake with a single candle. She handed it to Alex with a strained smile, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Alex stood in the kitchen, holding the cupcake, trying to muster a smile. He understood that his mother was tired and that the baby was coming soon. He tried to be understanding, but it stung a bit. He looked at his three older brothers, who were busy playing and seemed to have forgotten about his birthday entirely. His father, Mathew, was preoccupied with work and preparations for the new baby.

"Happy birthday, Alex," Barbara said, giving him a quick hug before rushing off to tend to something else.

"Thanks, Mom," Alex replied quietly.

As he blew out the solitary candle on his cupcake, Alex made a silent wish. He wished for a real birthday party next year, with all the fun and excitement. He told himself it was just a one-time oversight and that things would be different next year.

However, as the years went by, Alex would realized this was only the beginning of a long pattern of neglect.

After that, Alex never received anything new. His clothes were always hand-me-downs from his older brothers. While his brothers had once worn those clothes proudly, by the time they reached Alex, they were often worn out and stained. His shoes were too big or too small, or uncomfortable. His toys were broken or missing pieces, most of them having been passed down through three other children before reaching him.

Alex's parents never seemed to notice his plight. They were too busy with the demands of his older brothers and the constant attention Ellie required. When Alex asked for new clothes or toys, he was told to make do with what he had. "Alex, don't be ungrateful. You have so much more than your brothers. We can't afford to buy new things for everyone all the time," his mother would say. "Your brothers made do, and so can you."

But Alex knew it wasn't true. His eldest brother often received new things, and his sister always got new clothes and toys, often in pinks and purples, to match her status as the only girl.

One of the hardest things for a young Alex was sharing his birthday with his sister. While their birthdays were five days apart, the family decided it was more convenient to celebrate them together. They celebrated it on the eve of 30th September. Every year, Alex had to share his b'day with his sister. The party was always centred around his sister, with pink decorations, a princess cake, and presents wrapped in pastel-coloured paper and a shit tone of glitter.

Hers overshadowed Alex's birthday wishes. She always blew out the candles, and then Alex got a turn. But more often than not, his candles were an afterthought, hastily relit for a quick photo before being extinguished again.

One year, when Alex turned eight, he mustered the courage to ask for his own cake. "Can I have a cake too, Mom? Just for me?"

His mother looked at him, exasperated. "Alex, we're already celebrating your birthday with Ellie's. You should be happy you are getting such a big party unlike you brothers."

Ellie, overhearing the conversation, pouted. "But I don't want to share my cake," she whined.

Barbara sighed. "It's just easier this way, Alex. Now stop complaining and be grateful."

Alex bit his lip and nodded, but inside, he felt something break. He couldn't remember the last time he had blown out his birthday candles without feeling like an intruder at 'his own party'.

As the years passed, Alex became increasingly invisible to his parents. He was an above-average student; he had good grades and made a member of the school lacrosse team. But his sister was an intellectual genius. His achievements were overlooked, and his struggles were ignored. In school, he even though did well academically, but his parents never attended his parent-teacher conferences or made a deal about his his report cards. When he did well in his team, they missed his games; they were either too busy with their jobs or Ellie's dance recitals.

Once, Alex was chosen for a special science project at school. It was an inter-school exhibition. He was excited and worked hard, hoping to make his parents proud. The night before the presentation, he nervously asked his parents if they could come. "I'd really like it if you could be there," he said, his voice ever so slightly trembling with hope.

His parents actually seemed excited and promised him they wouldn't miss it for the world.

Alex was ecstatic. The next day, he stood in front of his classmates and teachers, presenting his project with a big smile. He scanned the room, hoping to see his parents, but they weren't there. They never were. 

Apparently, Ellie had an accident in the dance practice and sprained her ankle, and she had to be taken to the hospital. Alex never expected anything from his parents after that.

By the time Alex reached his teenage years, he had learned to keep his feelings to himself. He stopped asking for new clothes or anything for that matter. His parents were happy that their son finally 'matured'.

The Bishop house had three bedrooms. Ellie had one room to herself, being the only girl. Alex's parents, Barbara and Mathew, occupied the second room. This left the four brothers to share the third bedroom, which was cramped and chaotic.

When Alex became a young teenager, One evening, after a particularly heated argument with his brothers over space and privacy, Alex snapped. His brothers dismissed his concerns and teased him, pushing Alex to his breaking point. In a fit of frustration, he gathered his belongings and stormed out of the shared bedroom, heading for the attic.

"I'm done with you all!" Alex shouted as he climbed the narrow stairs to the attic, his brothers' laughter echoing behind him.

The attic was dusty and filled with old furniture and forgotten items. It was cold and uninviting, but Alex was too angry to care. He set up a makeshift bed using an old mattress and covered it with a worn-out blanket. He arranged his few items around him, trying to make the space his own.

Alex thought his brothers would come to apologize and ask him to return to their room. But as the minutes turned to hours, which turned into days, no one came. His pride kept him from going back himself, and his parents didn't object to his move.

For the first time, Alex felt truly alone. The silence of the attic was a stark contrast to the noise and bustle of the rest of the house. He could hear his family's activities below, the laughter, the conversations, the everyday life that he was no longer a part of. Nights were the hardest, as the darkness and quiet and cold seemed to amplify his feelings of isolation.

The days turned into weeks, and Alex settled into his new life in the attic. He tried to make the best of it, focusing on his schoolwork and hobbies. But the loneliness was a constant companion, a heavy weight on his heart. His young heart longed for someone to notice his absence, to reach out and bring him back into the fold of the family.

His parents didn't seem to notice the depth of Alex's sadness. They assumed he was going through a phase, a typical teenage rebellion. His brothers, wrapped up in their own lives, didn't give it much thought either. Ellie, too young to understand, occasionally asked about Alex, but her questions were brushed aside. In a strange twist, she always was the most concerned about Alex.

Alex's birthdays continued to be a solitary affair. He adamantly refused to cut pink cakes and be a part of this any longer. He would receive a cupcake with a single candle delivered to the attic by one of his parents or Ellie. The gesture, while well-meaning, only deepened his sense of isolation. Each year, he made the same wish, hoping for things to change, for someone to see him and make him feel valued.

Despite the years of neglect and loneliness, a small part of Alex held onto hope. He would often dream of the day when his family would suddenly gather around him and apologise for the neglect and pain they were causing. He longed for a time when he would be more than just the overlooked middle child, a time when he would finally belong. But Alex knew this was going to be a fantasy, he remained in the attic, alone with his thoughts and misery.

In the following years, Alex withdrew further from his family. He excelled in school, immersing himself in his studies as a way to cope with his feelings of neglect. It was during this time that Alex had the turning point of his life.

Alex walked into the school's gymnasium, where the career fair was being held. Booths lined the walls, manned by representatives from various colleges and professions. The air buzzed with excitement and chatter, but Alex moved quietly among the crowd, his eyes scanning the displays with a sense of wonder. Finally, he stopped in front of the military recruiter's booth.

'That's new.' thought Alex

The recruiter, a tall man with a crisp uniform and a warm smile, noticed Alex's hesitation and stepped forward. "Hey there, young man. Interested in learning more about the military?" he asked, extending a hand. "I'm Sergeant Williams."

Alex shook his hand, feeling the firm grip and the sense of purpose that seemed to radiate from the man. "I'm Alex," he replied. "I'm not sure... I mean, I've never thought about it, but I don't know if it's for me."

"Well, Alex, let me tell you something," Sergeant Williams said, his voice filled with conviction. "The military isn't just a job. It's a family. It's a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself, to serve your country, and to find a sense of purpose and belonging."

The words resonated deeply with Alex. The idea of being part of a family, a real family that cared about him and valued his contributions, was something he had longed for all his life. "Tell me more," he said, his interest piqued.

Sergeant Williams led Alex to a nearby table and began to explain the various opportunities the military offered. He talked about the training programs, the educational benefits, and the camaraderie that came from serving alongside fellow soldiers. He described how the military instilled discipline, resilience, and a sense of pride in its members.

"We take care of our own," Williams said, his eyes meeting Alex's with sincerity. "When you join the military, you're not just signing up for a job. You're joining a brotherhood, a family that will always have your back. And you'll be making a difference, serving your country with honour."

As Alex listened, he felt a spark ignite within him. The military represented a chance to start fresh, leave behind the pain and neglect of his past and forge a new path for himself. It was an opportunity to be part of something meaningful, something unique to find the sense of belonging he had always craved.

"I want to know more. Please."

Sergeant Williams smiled and nodded. "That's great to hear, Alex. I will tell you everything you need to know."

Alex was taught about the necessary steps, paperwork, physical evaluations, and dates for orientation sessions and such. Sgt. Williams also gave him a phone number to contact him if he had any more questions.

For the first time in his life, he felt like he was in control and that he had a future worth looking forward to. The main thing was that military recruitment started at 17, so he had 1 year to prepare. He did well academically, and Alex could graduate early if he wanted.

Over the next year, Alex threw himself into preparation for joining the military. The idea of a new start and belonging to something bigger than himself fuelled his determination.

Alex knew that graduating early would give him a head start. He spoke with his school counsellor and mapped out a plan to complete his credits ahead of schedule. He took on extra coursework, spending long hours studying in the library. His grades, already good, improved even more as he dedicated himself to his studies.

Understanding the physical demands of military training, he referred to a few books and started a rigorous exercise regimen. He woke up early every morning to run, gradually increasing his distance and speed. Afternoons were spent at the local gym, where he lifted weights and did push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. He followed a workout routine designed for military recruits, ensuring his body was in peak condition.

To earn more credits and learn new skills, he joined the school's JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program, where he learned about basic military procedures, leadership, and teamwork. On weekends, he also took up first aid and survival skills training through local community programs. 

One thing Sgt. Williams strongly suggested that Alex reach out to veterans and current military personnel in his community. He attended local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) meetings and events, listening to their stories and seeking advice. These helped provide him with a deeper understanding of military life.

A few days after his 17th birthday, Alex contacted Sergeant Williams to begin the enlistment process. He passed the required physical and mental evaluations with flying colours, thanks to his intense preparation. He filled out the necessary paperwork and started familiarizing himself with the military's expectations and routines. Alex graduated a semester early.

There was still one more thing to be done. He still hasn't said or discussed anything with his parents. There were times when he wanted to. But for some reason, he could never bring himself to do so. But now it was finally time.

He would be leaving for Boot camp in a few days.

[Bishop Residence, Evening]

It was Christmas time. A time for all things jolly and fun. But Alex hated December. It was the coldest time of the year. Even though the house was properly insulated, there were no furnace vents connected to the attic. There was that one year when he had to sleep on the living room rooms because of how cold it got during the night and the cats refused to move from the sofa.

Alex tidied up his 'room' in the attic. Something he has been doing consistently for 1 year now. It was dinnertime, and he went down and sat at the dining table and received a few surprised looks. His brother Rob made an audible exaggerated 'huh'. It's been a few years since he sat at the table. Little did a 17-year-old Alex know this would be the last time he would be sitting there for the next decade.

Alex mostly focused on his food, eating quietly. His mother, father, and brothers carried on their usual conversations; they genuinely looked happy. Ellie, now a teenager, chatted excitedly about an upcoming competition of some kind. The room was filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and laughter.

After a few minutes, when they were almost done. He took a deep breath.

"I have something to tell you all," he said, his voice calm but firm.

The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at him. "What is it, Alex?" his mother asked, a hint of concern in her eyes.

"I've decided to join the military," Alex announced. " and I'll be leaving for boot camp in a few days."

The reactions were immediate and varied. His mother's face turned pale, his father's expression hardened, and his brothers exchanged surprised glances. Ellie looked confused and a little sad.

The tension in the dining room was thick, the silence heavy. Mathew Bishop, usually a reserved and soft-spoken man, was the first to break the silence.

"No," he said firmly, his voice laced with a rare intensity. "You're not joining the military."

Alex's heart sank, but he steeled himself, meeting his father's gaze head-on. "I wasn't asking for permission, Dad. I'm just letting you know."

Mathew's face flushed with anger, his fists clenching on the table. "This is not up for debate, Alex. You are going to college, graduating, and getting a job. You're not cut out for the military. This is just some impulsive decision you're making on a whim. I thought you matured somewhat, but-"

Alex felt a surge of frustration and resentment well up inside him, years of neglect and invisibility fuelling his anger. "A whim? I've been preparing for this for a fucking year! Do you even notice what I do anymore? Do any of you?" His voice trembled with the weight of unspoken words and bottled-up emotions.

Barbara, his mother, reached out a hand as if to calm the situation. "Alex, sweetheart, we just want what's best for you. The military is dangerous. You're so young; you have your whole life ahead of you. Why not consider college first?"

Alex shook his head, his eyes burning with unshed tears. "College? And then what? This is what I want Mom. I need to do something that matters, something where I'm not just invisible or an afterthought."

Barbara stood up, "What are you saying, Alex? You're not an afterthought, Alex. You're part of this family, and we care about you. But the military is not the answer. You're smart; you have a future. Don't throw it away on some romanticized idea of the military."

Alex's voice rose, filled with a mix of desperation and defiance. "It's not. This is about finding a place where I belong, where I'm valued. I've thought about it a lot. I know what I'm getting into. I'm not a child anymore."

Mathew's face contorted with frustration. " You are a child. You are definitely acting like one, Alex! You're being selfish, thinking only of yourself and not about the impact this will have on the family."

Alex laughed bitterly, a harsh sound that echoed in the room. "Selfish? That's rich coming from you. From all of you. Do you even realize how you've treated me all these years? Hand-me-downs, forgotten birthdays, and constant neglect. I've been alone, living in the fucking attic, for God's sake! You didn't even care!"

Barbara's eyes filled with tears, and she whispered, "Alex, We didn't know this is how you felt ;we never meant to make you feel that way."

Alex's voice cracked, not being able to hold back his tears anymore as he shouted, "Well, you did! And now, for once, I'm making a decision for myself. I'm joining the military, and that's final."

Mathew slammed his fist on the table, making everyone jump. "You're not going, Alex! As long as you live under my roof, you follow my rules."

Alex's eyes blazed with a mixture of anger and determination. "Then maybe I shouldn't be living under your roof anymore." He turned and stormed out of the dining room, the echoes of his footsteps reverberating through the silent house.

He heard his mother's choked sobs and his father's heavy sighs as he climbed the stairs to the attic. He didn't stop until he reached his makeshift room, slamming the door behind him. His chest heaved with the force of his emotions, the weight of years of pent-up frustration and pain finally breaking free. He felt light.

In the quiet of the attic, Alex allowed himself to cry, tears of anger and sorrow streaming down his face. He knew that leaving his family behind wouldn't be easy, but it was a necessary step toward finding himself and forging his own path. The military represented a chance for him to start anew, to become someone who actually mattered.

As he packed his few belongings, he felt a strange sense of relief. For the first time in his life, he was taking control of his life. And no matter how difficult the road ahead might be, he was ready to face it head-on.

Next day, before the break of dawn, Alex packed his belongings and set out to boot camp.