Holding On To Hope

Chapter 10: Breaking the Silence

The following day at work was tense for Lina. Despite the normalcy around her, the previous night's events weighed heavily on her. She felt exhausted and hollow as she went through her tasks. The thought of talking to Leon and Grayson lingered in her mind.

When Mia returned from her leave, her presence felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air. "Lina!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her. "I missed you! How are you?"

Lina forced a smile, trying to mask her pain. "I'm good, just busy."

Mia raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing that something was off but chose to let it go for now. They spent a little time catching up, and it felt almost normal until Leon walked in.

"Let's grab coffee after work," he announced, glancing at Lina. "We could all use a break."

Lina's stomach dropped, but she nodded, knowing she couldn't avoid it any longer. As they left the office later that evening, Lina felt a pit forming in her stomach. She adjusted her hijab, making sure it was secure and covered the bruise on her cheek.

At the café, the atmosphere was light-hearted, with Mia and Grayson chatting animatedly. But Leon's gaze lingered on Lina, his eyes sharp as he studied her closely.

After their coffee, Leon suggested they go to his place to hang out. "We can chill at my place for a bit," he said, and everyone agreed.

Once they arrived at Leon's apartment, they settled into the living room, but Lina felt the tension rising in the air. They laughed and talked for a while, but Lina couldn't shake the unease gnawing at her.

Leon leaned back on the couch, eyeing Lina. "Are you really okay little one? You've seemed off for days."

Lina hesitated, trying to find the right words. She opened her mouth to reassure him, but before she could speak, Leon's gaze caught something out of place.

"Lina, what's wrong with your hijab?" he asked sharply.

She instinctively reached up to adjust it, but it was too late. He noticed the way it flowed over her cheek, revealing the dark bruise beneath.

"Bloody hell!" Leon exclaimed, his face reddening with anger. "Who did this to you?"

Lina flinched at the intensity of his voice. "It's nothing, really," she murmured, tears filling her eyes. "I'm sorry..."

"Sorry? For what? For letting this happen?" he spat, his voice rising. "This isn't just some bruise, Lina! It's serious! Why didn't you tell me?"

She felt her heart race as she struggled to find words. "I thought I could handle it."

Leon stood up abruptly, his anger palpable. "Handle it? You think you can just ignore what your mother does? This isn't a joke, Lina! You're not a child anymore. You need to stand up for yourself!"

Mia looked between them, concern etched on her face. "Leon, please, don't scare her like that!"

Grayson remained silent, a worried look etched on his face, as he watched the confrontation unfold.

Lina's heart sank at Leon's words. "I know, I know," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry..."

Without another word, Leon turned away, his fists clenched. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The sound echoed in the small space, making Lina flinch in fear.

"Lina..." Mia said softly, reaching out to comfort her. "He cares about you. You know he gets upset when he sees you like this"

"I know," Lina replied, wiping her tears.

Grayson finally spoke, his voice low and serious. "You should talk to him when he's ready. He just wants to protect you."

That night, as Lina lay in bed, she replayed the argument over and over in her mind. She knew Leon was right about everything. He was angry because he cared, but his anger frightened her.

Later, her phone buzzed, and she looked at the screen to see a message from Leon.

Leon: Are you okay?

She hesitated, the weight of the question pressing on her. She didn't want him to feel guilty, so she typed back quickly.

Lina: I'm fine.

Leon: Have you eaten?

Lina's stomach grumbled in response. She hadn't had dinner.

Lina: Not really. Just not hungry.

Leon: That's not an excuse. Why are you ignoring me?

Lina felt a pang of sadness. She didn't want to worry him, but the truth was she felt restless and lost.

Lina: I will eat soon.

Leon: And get some sleep.

Lina: Goodnight, Leon.

Leon: Goodnight.

As she lay there, tears streaming down her face, Lina realized that even though Leon's anger scared her, his concern also reminded her that she wasn't alone. But the battle she faced was far from over, and she knew she had to find the strength to confront it head-on, starting with the truth.