Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+

Chapter 8

Leonardo's P.O.V [Flashback]

"Leonardo, come here now." Mother shouted.

I felt my heart pounding as I slowly stepped down the stairs. With each step, my fear rising. I knew that whenever Mom acted this way, it meant only one thing. She was in one of her moods. She only ever got like this with me, never with my brother Ezra. He was a perfect angel in her eyes, always blaming me for stuff he did.

No one ever believed me. I remembered the speech Mom used to give me, about how 'the truth will always set you free.' I was so naive to actually believe her; got slapped for it too.

But I still loved her, even if I didn't like her. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself to face the 'Wicked Witch of the West.' As I entered the living room, I saw her, regally dressed and sipping on a mimosa.

As I sank into the chair, she lit up a cigarette and spoke with authority, "Listen up, boy. You're not a kid anymore. You're 16 and it's time to start making your own way in life. Don't expect us to support you forever."

My attention wandered for a moment as I nearly burst out laughing. It was hard to take her seriously when she said such ridiculous things. I couldn't decide if I was more astonished or amused by her words. Ezra still hadn't quite mastered the art of doing laundry on his own, but here I was, needing to find a job.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" and with her hand firmly on my chin, she forced me to look her in the eyes. "I've put up with a lot from you, and I'm done. I've given up a lot in order to make sure you're taken care of. Don't forget that if you weren't here, I would still be with your dad."

I loathed it when she mentioned him. My dad had no interest in me. I had to deal with three parents instead of just the two, and I was done. My eyes started to fill up with tears, just thinking about it.

"I'm sorry, momma." I had to apologize even though I didn't done anything wrong, it was a habit from my mother's teachings, apologize to dodge confrontation.

"Don't you ever dare use that word to address me again," she hissed, striking me.

And you guessed it; in a realm full of Ezras and Leonardos, the Es reigned supreme, leaving me the lone L.

I hit the ground but scrambled to my feet in an instant, heart pounding, terror gripping me at the thought that she might strike again.

I take back what I said before. Whatever I felt for her. . . I don't think I can call it love anymore.

"Go on, take your black behind to your room. I don't want to be around you and that fake sadness."

Fury coursed through my veins as I stormed away with my head hung low. I marched up the stairs and I locked eyes with Ezra and his buddy.

I couldn't tell if his expression held pity or amusement but I knew I didn't want either.

Without thinking, I lunged at him, slamming him to the ground.

End of flashback

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I opened the curtains, the brilliant sunlight filled my room with its awe-inspiring luminescence. I was standing in a room full of stars, basking in its majestic warmth. Despite enduring a sleepless night, I was determined to fight against the oppressive spectres of the inky darkness.

My repressed recollections were starting to come to the surface, but I refused to surrender. I hurried to the bathroom to freshen up, and on my way back, I was enticed by the delightful aroma of food.