Family

EIGHT

Abuse isn't just a physical action, it's a violation of trust and respect.

Present || Leonardo

I didn't say anything. I know that if I did say something right now, I'd break down. My sensitivity really gets to me sometimes. 

Alonzo stood there, a nervous and guilty expression on his face before he sighed and sat next to me on the bed.

He ran his fingers threw his hair before taking a deep breath.

I just looked at him, curious of what he had to say.

"Leo, when the accident happened, we were all very young. Losing Mom was hard on all of us. Especially Dad and Gio, you know how close he was with her." He paused for a few seconds before continuing," We all needed someone to blame, and us being the young idiots we were, chose the youngest. It wasn't right. I realised that when you left."

I looked down at my lap and said nothing. His words only made my heart clench and the need to cry. 

I felt two finger gently lift my chin to be met with Alonzo's glossy eyes.

"I am so so sorry for not doing anything, for not stopping the others when they hurt you. You were so young," His voice broke," You didn't deserve any of that. You were just a little boy."

"Why," my voice wobbled," Why are you apologising? I-I don't d-deserve it."

I felt a pair of strong, comforting arms wrap around me and pull me in a tight hug. Surprisingly I didn't flinch. Instead, I felt safe.

For once, in a very long time, I felt safe. I felt loved.

We stayed like that for a few minutes until Alonzo pulled away and looked me in the eyes.

Never had I seen Alonzo wear such a broken expression. His eyes held guilt and he wore a sombre expression.

My heart desperately wanted to believe him but my head was in doubt.

What if this was all a trick?

"Don't ever say that," I looked at him in confusion.

"Don't say that you don't deserve an apology because you do. You were a child and we all took out our anger on you." His voice hardened and he looked down.

"I'm sorry Leo, for not being the older brother I was supposed to be. I understand if you don't forgive me but-"

I cut him off with a hug, ignoring the pain in my ribs and crying into his chest.

Alonzo was shocked for a moment before he slowly wrapped his arms around me and returned the hug.

"I n-never thought y-you'd forgive me," tears welled in my eyes and slid down my face. Alonzo gave me a sad smile and gently wiped away my tears.

He pressed my head to his chest and slow patted my back.

I felt my eyes start to flutter shut but before I closed them, I heard a faint sentence," There's nothing to forgive my sweet little brother."

If this was a dream, I hope with all the strength I have left, that I never wake up.

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I opened my eyes with a yawn, and slowly got up before wincing at the aching pain in my ribs. My foot was no better. I quickly scanned the room for Alonzo and upon seeing the room empty, I quickly inspected my leg only to drop down my sweatpants in shock.

The entire area was swelled in a mix dark purple and blue, it was a horrific sight to see.

I had to do something before it got worse.