Family

TWENTY-NINE

"Let it hurt.

Then let it go."

Present || Leonardo

His grey eyes narrowed on my trembling frame. "I asked you a question, what are you doing in here?"

"W-With A-Alex," I stuttered out, my fingers trembling.

Alfonzo stepped back, his eyes widening," What?"

"A-Alex went t-to get u-us f-food." I wanted to cry, why couldn't I speak properly?

"R-Right," He replied, his brows furrowing.

Alfonzo mumbled something under his breath before giving me another glance. His eyes assessed my from, narrowing on my covered arms.

He opened his mouth to say something but seemed to rethink whatever he was going to do and left quickly, slamming the door behind him.

Releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding, my body relaxed and I slowly rose from the bed. My stomach growled yet I paid no attention as I stumbled out of the room back to my own. 

I'll be starting school soon.

It's just another place to get bullied.

Sighing, I shut my door and freshened up in the bathroom. My scar burned the more I stared it and the urge to cut resurfaced.

My eyes darted to the drawers and I hesitantly reached out.

Just going to check if they're still there.

Extra toothbrushes, toothpaste and a first aid kit was what greeted me, not a razor in sight.

A throat cleared and I spun around, my heart beating out of my chest.

Alonzo raised an eyebrow at me, leaning on the door with his arms crossed," What exactly are you looking for Leo?"

Hands trembling, I shook my head," N-nothing."

"I've taken your razors, if you need to shave come and let me know, we'll sort it out then." He cocked his head to the side, daring me to argue.

"Fine," I mumbled, turning my head to the side.

"Leo I'm doing this for you, I don't want you to hurt yourself." He stepped towards me and took my face in his hands, gentle and warm," You're so precious to me, please Leo I'm begging you, don't hurt yourself ever again," His voice dropped to a whisper, so quiet I could barely hear him.

I remained silent, not knowing what to say.

How could I not hurt myself when it's all I've ever known? The only punishment that actually changes me.

Alonzo sighed in dismay, giving me a small smile though it didn't seem to reach his eyes," I made you some lunch, come on."

Gently taking hold of my hand, we walked downstairs in silence, my leg didn't hurt as much anymore so walking has become a lot easier.

Wonder how long this will last before its broken again.

Reaching the dining room, Luca and Giovanni stood from their seats, neither glanced at us and left the room, their eyes cast downward.

"Uh you just sit down, I'll warm the food up, okay?" Alonzo gently pushed me towards the table before heading into the kitchen.

My eyes skimmed over the table, body tensing when my eyes found Antonio's. His gaze remained on me as I took a seat and sat down, playing with my fingers in nervousness.