𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter fifteen

Enzo

Vera had some of Jesse's clothes that were left over and gave me those to wear after my quick shower. I don't know what she was doing while I was in the bathroom, but I was too distracted with everything going on in my head.

I dried my face and hair then stopped in front of the mirror to pull on the clothes I was given. My cheek tingled when a faint red mark was coming to view, and it was almost tender to the touch. A slow breath blew past my lips and I swallowed down the suffocating feeling in my throat.

God, I couldn't even close my eyes without seeing that look on my mothers face before and after she hit me. She's been mad at me before but not to the point where she's actually hit me or said the things she told me tonight. All I wanted was answers and just a simple reason why she did what she did to Maia.

It's not fair to Maia and it is not fair to me that she can't give a direct answer. And instead of being honest with her son, she hit me. With no regard. She's tarnished so much just with that.

"Forget it for the night," I whispered aloud, running my hands down my face. "Just relax."

I put the towel I used in the hamper and walked out, going to Vera's room. Her door was still open and it was obvious she had just come back in and fixed her bed. Gently, I knocked on the door to get her attention before walking in.

And I definitely did.

Her face immediately flushed red and her eyes involuntarily scanned down before meeting my eyes again.

I didn't have a shirt. Isn't that great.

"Sorry... the shirt didn't fit. I could always put back on the one I originally had on."

"I-It's fine. Besides, your clothes are still in the dryer. I just want you to be comfortable," she rambled, clearing her throat. "Are you comfortable when you're... shirtless?"

I chuckled a bit with a nod. "Yeah, I'm comfortable."

"Then it's okay with me."

Her eyes drifted and I took a step closer to her.

"But are you comfortable?"

"It's definitely something... new, but it doesn't bother me," she clarified. "Promise."

I nodded. "Alright then."

Vera's eyes stayed glued to me for a while longer before she looked away, raking her fingers through her hair.

"Anyway. I don't know if you like tea but I made some and warmed up some pasta for you if that's okay."

"Yeah, that's perfect."

"Okay, you get comfy and I'll go get that for you."

Vera rushed out and her footsteps faded the further she made it downstairs. I looked around her room before I actually sat in the bed and grabbed my phone. It was wrapped in a towel to dry off while I showered since it got soaked in my pockets.

When the screen turned on, I rolled my eyes when the messages from my mother started flooding in.

Mother:
Enzo, please come back home. We should talk.

Mother:
I didn't mean any of it. At least let me apologize to you.

Mother:
Can you at least tell me if you're safe?

Mother:
These temper tantrums are getting old, Enzo, honestly. Come back home, now.

Mother:
Fine, if you want to act like a child and pout, then so be it.