Family

THIRTY FIVE

Sometimes, it's better to stay invisible 

Past || Leo

Matteo frowns at me, tugging gently on my arm," Leo please, let's just stay here and hang out. Pretty please?"

A small pout makes its way onto my face," But, I wanna give my gift to Luca!"

He pulls away, crossing his arms. 

"I spent so long on it Teo! Maybe he'll like me after he sees it!" Hope blossoms in my chest at the mere thought.

Matteo sighs, drawing circles with his fingers on my bed, his brows furrowed. Glancing at me he shrugs and nods," Go on then but don't come crying when they hurt you all over again."

"They won't." For the first time in a long time, I speak with confidence yet my stomach churns at the same time.

Sighing, Matteo turns on his back and curls into a ball on my bed. I stare at him in confusion, is he not coming down with me?

As if he can hear my thoughts, he mumbles in a soft voice, his head buried in my pillows," I'm going to sleep. You have fun though."

"But it's his birthday, he'll want to see you." I murder softly, reaching under the bed and grabbing the wrapped gift.

Matteo doesn't respond and I gently tap his shoulder only to receive a slight snore in return.

Sighing, I kiss his forehead and whisper," Sleep well." 

He mumbles incoherently into the pillow, making me let out a small giggle. Clutching the wrapped gift tightly to my chest, I make my way towards the door, gently closing it behind me.

My chest tightens with every step I take downstairs, my mind screaming at me to turn back to the safety of my room.

My feet continue to move forward at their own steady, slow pace, my mind ignoring the warnings Matteo gave me.

Nothing will happen.

It's late in the evening now, I had stayed hidden in my room for the remainder of the day. Luca had a small party downstairs with all of our family. I was specifically told not to come down until they had left.

"I don't want to see your ugly face until everyone's gone, understand?" Giovanni sneers at me, shoving me into the wall behind us.

I slowly nod, fidgeting with my fingers at his cold glare.

He scoffs, muttering under his breath as he passes, "You should just die you worthless little shit."

My heart burns at his words but I hold the tears back, making my way to my bedroom with a heavy heart.

They're all probably gone now so I can give Luca his gift! 

I hum a small tune as I carefully walk down the steep stairs, photo frames of our family were plastered on the wall. Full of smiles, laughter and love.

My sock covered feet plant themselves at the bottom of the stairs and I race to the living room, it's space wide enough to fit at least forty people.

"Luca!" An excited squeal escapes my mouth before I can stop it.

Countless pairs of cold eyes bore into my soul and I come to a standstill. All of my brother's are here in this room, the only person missing is Father. 

"Hey Leo, haven't seen you in a while," My cousin Aiden chirps from the side of the room, surrounded by his family who don't do anything to hide the glares on their faces.