Holding On To Hope

Chapter 6: Bound by Love and Protection

The morning light filtered through Lina's window, casting a warm glow in her room. She rolled over and reached for her phone, noticing a text from Leon that brightened her mood.

Leon: Make sure you sleep properly. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day.

A small smile crept across her face. Leon's constant reminders were like a protective shield, but they also brought back the weight of last night's argument with her mother.

"You spend too much time with Grayson and Leon," her mother had said, arms crossed and voice sharp. "What will people say? That you cling to them like they're your only family?"

Tears stung her eyes, but for the first time, she'd stood up for herself. "They are my family! They care about me more than anyone else!" After that, her mother had simply walked away, leaving Lina feeling even more isolated.

That night, she had texted Leon and Grayson, pouring out her love without mentioning the fight.

To Leon: I love you. You're the best brother.

To Grayson: Thank you for everything. You mean the world to me.

At work the next day, Lina moved through her tasks mechanically, the heaviness in her chest palpable. Grayson was the first to notice.

"What's going on?" he asked casually, scrolling through his phone.

Lina hesitated, but she could see the concern in his eyes. Finally, she shared the details of her fight with her mom. Grayson listened, his jaw tightening with each word.

"That's messed up. You shouldn't have to defend us," he said when she finished.

Before she could respond, Leon entered the room, sensing the tension immediately.

"What's happening?" he asked, eyes narrowing.

Grayson explained, and Leon's expression shifted from concern to fury.

"I've had enough of her," Leon growled, pacing. "You deserve better than this!"

"I don't want to hurt her," Lina whispered, tears brimming.

"Hurt her? She doesn't care about you!" Leon shot back.

The tension hung in the air as Lina broke down. Leon knelt, softening. "I'm sorry, Lina. I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay," she whispered, finding solace in his embrace.

Grayson chimed in, "You deserve better, and we're here for you, always."

As they sat together, the heaviness began to lift. Lina managed a small smile. "Thanks, you two. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd probably wear mismatched socks and call it a fashion statement," Leon teased.

"Hey! I have fashion sense!" Lina retorted, crossing her arms.

Grayson chuckled. "Right, because your 'style' is so on point."

Lina laughed despite herself. "Maybe I should choose between you two and just hang out with Mia instead!"

"Choose her over me? Never!" Leon feigned shock.

"But I make the best pancakes!" Grayson added, grinning.

"You're both so annoying!" Lina said, shaking her head, but she couldn't stop smiling.

Despite everything, she knew she had her family, and that was more than enough.