✍︎ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 [dark mafia romance] | 𝟏𝟖+

| 11 | 𝐌𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍

I kept looking at the moon - I felt so safe devouring its majesty. It shone as a guiding star and subconsciously called me home.

I had to remind myself that I hadn't called anything home for as long as I remember myself, so that's that.

The squealing phone signal did not disturb my sense of peace, but Leah's grumbling on the side eventually threw me off track. Her screeching was annoying. Her squealing and the obscene need to go home was even more annoying.

"I don't want to go back there," I muttered, stroking my shaking hands.

"Well, we can't stay here. Let's just go back. I'm scared, please."

I know.

"Come on, Gabriella. I understand how you feel, but we have to go back," Leah murmured in a soothing voice.

I breathed in with my eyes closed. The chill of the evening made my skin shiver more and more.

Leah put her arm around my shoulder and gently rested her head on it. I smiled as I snuggled my friend to my side and nodded my head confirming my answer to her statement.

We slowly made our way back.

___

The image of my tyrannical mother hasn't disappeared.

Her eyes filled with anger, her hand rising along my cheek and her harsh posture will be etched in my memory forever. It infected my brain like a thought that you just can't get rid of in any way.

In the morning, the tears stopped flowing down my cheeks, but the resentment and shame did not disappear anywhere. Morning rays seeped through my closed eyes.

As soon as I opened them, I saw Leah at the end of the bed. She was standing in her rose pajamas. She held a cupcake covered with pink frosting, in the middle of which the flame of a burning candle flickered eerily.

Birthday cake and celebration?

Please.

Anything but that.

I seriously hate my birthday, why would she do this?

"Happy birthday, Gabriella!"

I got up from the bed as slowly as I could and smiled. Leah scuttled next to me and held out the cupcake, waiting for my incoming gust of lips.

I hesitated but then I looked up at Leah. Her sincere smile and shining eyes were starting to wander between the cupcake and myself. It felt like I could see the frowning in her eye retina, so I unwillingly blew out the candle.

Leah's eyes became even wider - yeah, at least she could state that I was a good friend.

As we were sharing the dessert, I swallowed each bite with difficulty. It was too quiet, although we were alone in my room.