Is This Enough ||MxM || Lgbtq+ [ON Hiatus]

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, I could feel my fear rising. I knew that whenever Mom acted this way, it meant only one thing - she was in one of her moods. It seemed like 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 strayed for a moment as I almost burst out laughing. It was impossible 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 mastered the art of doing laundry on his own, but I had to find a job.

With her firm gaze on me, she said, "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 even 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. It was like 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 hadn't done anything wrong, it was a habit from my mother's teachings, apologize to dodge confrontation.

"Don't you dare ever use that word to address me again," she said as she struck me. And you guess it! In a realm full of Ezras and Leonardos, the Es would be the dominant force, with me as the lone L. In an instant, I was on my feet, my heart pounding with terror that she could hit me again. I revoke what I said before - I don't think I can honestly say my feelings for her are love anymore.

"Go on, take your black behind to your bedroom. I simply can't be around you and your faux sadness."

Fury coursing through my veins, I stormed away with my head hung low and my face ablaze with rage. As I marched up the stairs, I locked eyes with Ezra and his buddy I could have sworn I saw either pity or amusement in his expression. Well, I didn't want either.  Without a second thought, I flew at him, sending him crashing to the ground.

End of flashback

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

"Am I smelling hamburgers, Vinnie?" I called out.

"Maybe. . . come down."

As I descended the stairs, I saw two delectable-looking burgers resting on the coffee table. He was comfortably settled on the sofa, close to the mantel, in a room with a cool grey walls and bright abstract paintings adorning them. The living room was quite small, but it was a cozy and inviting place.