For more than 10 years, Bull Mastrick has terrorized Victor Konig. They're now 16 years old, finishing their sophomore year in high school. Neither one has a happy home.
Bull lives with his grandfather, Pop, and his mom. Pop's fists are big and strong, and he uses them on Bull. A lot.
My pop renamed me Bull when I was five - said he didn't want me getting any crazy ideas that I was special. He said I wrecked everyone's life when I came along, like a bull in a china shop. The name stuck.
His mom isn't any better.
She loves reminding me that I was never supposed to have been born. That I stole her dreams...She pretty much blames me for just about every bad thing in her pathetic life. Like never graduating high school.
Victor's parents don't believe in physical violence or affection. They remind him of robots; he's never seen them hug or kiss.
Like I said, my parents don't use physical violence; they don't need to. They've mastered verbal violence.
His mom's term of endearment for him is "My Accident."
She gets such pleasure from telling me that I was never planned. She never wanted kids. Ever. She had too much to do with her life, she said. Like travel and shop and impress people.
The only being in his house that makes Victor feel important is his mom's teacup poodle, Jasmine.
The only thing Victor's parents are concerned about are his grades and SAT scores. His parents are disappointed with his scores. Even though he received a perfect score on the math, his parents are upset.
"Victor, how could you let those other scores happen...to us? It's embarrassing."
His parents decide that Victor doesn't deserve to go on their summer trip to Europe; instead he needs to stay home to study.
Victor and Bull find themselves in a hospital room, together.
Cracked is an emotional read about bullying and serious family problems. It's a good read for someone who likes an edgier read.
Rating: 7 out of 10
*language, sexual innuendo, child abuse and neglect
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