Lyfers OLD VERSION

Chapter 10 - There's No Way

 From there, Dufferdale appeared like it was at their feet, and in that exact moment, it felt so close to their reach that they felt like it was theirs. Midday's sun was high in the sky, and feeling it on her skin made Leto smile.

– This place is truly amazing, she whispered. It was worth running.

– I'm glad ya like it.

– I love it.

He smiled back, squeezing her hand a bit before letting go, grabbing his phone in his jacket.

– What do ya want to eat?

– Do they deliver here?

He chuckled a bit, while she sat on the dusty ground, looking up at him.

– Yeah, I eat there at least twice a week.

– So, you're quite the lonely type?

– Kinda.

He took place next to her.

– Any ideas? He asked.

– What about burgers?

– Then burgers it is.

Rhy typed on his cellphone, and when he was done, she started to giggle.

– I'm super, super sorry, she told him.

– What for?

– You wanted to take me out to some classy restaurant and because of me, we'll end up with burgers. That wasn't what you planned and-...

– Hey, don't do that.

His phrase startled her, but not as much as the fingers he ran through her pink hair, which made her cheeks turn red.

– The only thing I've planned was for ya to have a good time. I don't care whether it's burgers or gastronomy, as long as I get to spend time with you.

– Do you... Do you mean that?

Her heart was beating faster inside her chest as his hand went delicately on her face.

– I honestly mean it. And I know we don't really know each other and that we met like, yesterday but... I don't know, that might sound quite weird...

– Tell me.

She put her hand over his, gently, as they stared into each other's eyes.

– You've intrigued me a whole lot, yesterday, because... Because I know who you are. And I didn't understand immediately why ya were letting these men hurt you.

She didn't say a thing, lost in his gaze as well as in his voice.

– But today, I understood. You're broken, Leto.

His tone got softer as he said that.

– I... she started, looking away.

Tenderly, the young man put his fingers on her chin, making her look at him.

– You're in a million pieces. You're strong, you're beautiful, but you're broken. And... And I don't pretend I'm any more good that the people around ya, but... When I see you all surprised for things as basic as respect, that pains me. I don't know much about you, but at least I know you deserve better. I want to give you better.

Leto could not say anything: Rhy was right. Of course she was broken, of course she was in pieces, of course fighting every day left scars. All she could do at this moment was to let tears run down her eyes, falling on his hand like rain on soil. How could he understand her so well? How could someone she just met share these feelings, make them come up at the surface while they were in deep waters for so long? How could he make her feel like everything she experienced before was wrong, like the entire conception of love she had was wrong? She was told that love was blind, painful, doubtful, and in some hours, a stranger shook the whole idea she had on it. He made it appear kind, relieving, trustful, and it troubled her.

As she broke into tears, the red-haired man wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him.

– I did not expect to make ya cry... he murmured, while she clasped on him. I'm sorry, it's just... I don't know, since last night, ya didn't leave my mind, I didn't stop thinking of you.

– I... This... All of this...

She let go off him for a while, and he wiped out her tears with his hand, tenderly.

– Rhy, I... I must know... Is it-...

However, she couldn't ask her question: the door leading to the rooftop suddenly opened, surprising them both as they turned to see who arrived.

– Leto!

Hearing this voice, the young woman got on her feet in a jump: it was Ishael and Gesh. Without thinking, the three rushed towards each others, and ended up in a group cuddle. Leto couldn't help but start sobbing as her best friends squeezed her tight, which made them even more emotional that they intended.

– I'm so sorry, bros, she murmured, between the tears.

– No, we are sorry, Leto, said the blonde.

– We failed you, sis, sighed the dark-skinned man. While we should've supported you, we let these guys disrespect you and... And what happened aftermath is our fault.

– We've been shitty, shitty brothers to you, girl. We should have beat up these assholes, we shouldn't have let you leave, we-...

– Shut up, let me just enjoy the hug for a while, you crybabies...

At this phrase, they all started to laugh, staying intertwined for some seconds before parting. She dried out her tears, watching them.

– How... How did you find me?

– We tracked you down, admitted Gesh.

– We know it's even shittier, but damn, we've been so worried about you...

– You're our baby sis, after all.

– And you're my big bros.

They chucked a bit, then Leto turned around: when she realized Rhy has left, she gasped.

– Rhy? She called, searching around the rooftop.

– Huh, right, that guy disappeared... Wait, who was he?

– He's...

She understood why he left: she would have done the same. And as she looked at the city down at her feet, she smiled, genuinely.

– Let's head home.

– Tell us first. Who is he?

– He is...

She couldn't finish: her phone started to ring. She took it, but as soon as she read the text she received, she frowned.

– Fuck no...