Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Twenty•

•Finding a New Home•

Leroy and Naomi, feeling sad, left the hospital holding hands. Leroy's mom, Ms. London, Leroy's mom, was waiting for them in the car.

When they got to Leroy's apartment, it felt calm and comfortable. Their apartment was much different and smaller than Naomi's family home. Ms. London, with a kind smile, said to Naomi, "I know this is a hard time for you right now but you're like my daughter and I want you to know that you're always welcome here."

Even though things were tough, Ms. London's kindness helped a lot. Leroy, knowing Naomi was going through a hard time, held her hand to comfort her. They sat in the living room, and Leroy shared some of his personal childhood stories with the pictures around their apartment.

Ms. London, making some dinner, said softly, "When things are hard, we find strength in each other. Lean on us, Naomi. Leroy and I will always be here with you, and I'm glad you're here with us."

While eating dinner, they shared stories about Leroy with laughter with tears. Being together became a kind of healing bond for Naomi and for a moment it did keep her distracted away from the thoughts of her family and Ms Riley.

It was getting late, Ms. London gave her some covers and told Naomi, "Rest here and you can watch TV if you'd like. Tomorrow is a new day, and we face it together."

Leroy asked his mom, "Can I just spend an extra hour with her?"

Ms London replied, "It's a school night Leroy..."

"-I know but mom please!" Leroy begged.

Ms London agreed then she went off to bed and Leroy went to the bathroom then grabbed a box of tissue. He sat down on the couch and hugged Naomi. Then Naomi lost it and cried on his shoulder.

Leroy gently held Naomi, his voice soft and reassuring. "Hey, it's okay to let it out. I'm here for you."

Naomi, between sobs, whispered, "I didn't expect everything to fall apart like this. I hate that my mom found my journal, and now I'm facing all this pain and the consequences of everything."

Leroy replied, "Life throws unexpected things at us, and it's tough. But we're in this together, Naomi. You're not alone."

Naomi wiped away tears, "I just never thought my family would reach this point, you know? And Ms. Riley... it hurts so much to lose her."

Leroy nodded, "I know, babe. Losing Ms.Riley is heartbreaking, but she left us with wisdom and love. We'll carry that with us for the rest of our lives."

Naomi sniffled, "But what about our lives right now, Leroy? I mean, with my parents... I can't go back home."

Leroy sighed, "We'll figure it out, Naomi. Right now, let's focus on being here for each other. As for your parents, time might bring healing. We can't control that, but we can control how we support each other."

Naomi looked up at him, her eyes searching for reassurance, "Do you think we can get through all of this?"

Leroy smiled, "Absolutely. We're strong together. And remember, my mom and I are here for you. We'll face whatever comes our way."

Naomi smiled through her tears, "Thank you, Leroy. I don't know what I would do without you and your mom right now."

Leroy gently kissed her and said, "You won't have to find out. We're family now, and family supports each other, no matter what."

The hurt of losing Ms. Riley was still there, but Leroy's family offered some comfort. In the hard time Naomi was going through, she found a temporary safe place, somewhere to start fixing her broken heart.