Holding On To Hope

Chapter 22: A Brother's Embrace

Continued...

As Lina opened her eyes, she spotted a familiar figure standing by the park entrance—Leon.

Panic surged through her as she froze, unsure of what to do. Can she bear her brother avoiding her? Just then, their eyes met, she saw him walking towards her.

Leon approached the bench where Lina sat, his emotions tangled—guilt, relief, and something else he couldn't quite define. When their eyes met, he expected some awkwardness, maybe even distance. But instead, Lina looked up at him and smiled—small, sincere, warm—like the rift between them hadn't left a scar.

"Hey," she greeted softly, as if they hadn't fought at all.

Leon hesitated for a second longer than he intended, trying to sort out his words, before sitting down beside her. The park around them was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves and distant chatter from people walking by. It was peaceful—the type of peace they both needed, especially after everything that had happened.

"Hey," he replied, rubbing his hands together awkwardly. He didn't know where to start. Lina didn't seem to need anything grand, though. She was just there, ready to move forward with a calmness that always amazed him.

"You've been here long?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

"Not really," she replied with a light shrug. "Just... thinking."

They sat together in silence for a while, a silence only siblings could share after a rough patch. The tension from their argument lingered but felt manageable now, like the worst of the storm had passed.

After a few minutes, Leon cleared his throat. "Let's go for a drive?" he suggested softly, his voice almost hesitant.

Lina glanced at him, then smiled again. "Yeah, let's go."

As they made their way to his car, Leon opened the passenger door for her—a small, familiar gesture that felt oddly comforting. He started the engine, and they drove out of the park, the hum of the car filling the space between them. Neither rushed to speak. They let the moment breathe, letting the quiet rebuild some of the ease between them.

It wasn't until they were halfway through town, the city's lights blinking on around them, that Leon finally broke the silence.

"So... what happened that day? Why did you call?" His voice was calm, but the question held weight. Lina's fingers traced the edge of her hijab, a nervous habit she couldn't quite shake.

"I had an encounter with Mom," she said quietly, her voice laced with a tired sadness. "She came to my apartment."

Leon's grip tightened on the steering wheel. His anger flickered, but he kept his tone even. "What did she say?"

Lina's heart ached as she remembered. "She accused me of ruining her life," she began, her voice faltering slightly. "Said I was ungrateful... a burden. She even blamed me for the divorce."

Leon's jaw clenched, his knuckles turning white on the wheel. "She said what?"

"She attacked everything—my choices, my faith, even the way I dress. She tore me down, piece by piece." Lina's voice cracked as she continued. "She told me I was a disappointment and that I deserved to be alone."

The car fell into a tense silence. Leon was fuming, but his anger was controlled. "Lina," he said softly, his voice tight with emotion, "you should've told me."

"I tried," Lina whispered. "I called you, Grayson, and Mia. But no one picked up."

The guilt hit Leon hard. He could imagine her sitting alone, trying to reach out, needing him. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice breaking slightly. "I should've been there."

"It's okay," Lina assured him quickly, not wanting to deepen his guilt. "I know you didn't mean to ignore me."

Leon's gaze stayed fixed on the road ahead, and after a moment, he exhaled deeply. "When I did call back," he began carefully, "I said some things I shouldn't have."

Lina turned toward him, her voice soft but steady. "You didn't give me a chance to explain."

"I was frustrated," Leon admitted, his voice rough. "But I was wrong to take it out on you."

Lina nodded, her eyes dropping to her hands. "I know you didn't mean it. But it still hurt, Leon."

He winced, her words cutting deep, but he knew he couldn't take them back. "I'm sorry," he said again, meaning every word.

After a moment, Leon looked at her, his expression softening. "You know I'll always be here for you, right? No matter what?"

Lina smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I know."

They shared another quiet moment as Leon drove down a quieter road. The sun had nearly set, casting long shadows and filling the sky with a deep orange glow.

"I hate that she can still hurt you like this," Leon muttered after a while. "I hate seeing you in pain."

"I'll be okay," Lina replied, her voice stronger now. "I have you and Grayson. That's more than enough."

Leon glanced at her and smiled. "You're stronger than you think."

Lina returned the smile, the weight on her heart lightening just a little. As they neared her apartment, she felt a strange sense of calm.

When they finally parked outside her building, Leon turned to her, his tone gentle but firm. "Bring your stuff. You're staying at mine tonight."

Lina blinked, slightly surprised. "Leon—"

"No arguments," he cut in, his voice leaving no room for debate. He glanced at her with a half-smile. "You're my child. You're staying over."

The tenderness in his voice, the way he called her "my child," hit her like a wave of emotion she hadn't expected. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to let him see. Her lips trembled into a smile. "I missed you," she whispered, her voice shaky with emotion.

Leon smiled back, his eyes softening. "I missed you too."

The rest of the drive to his apartment was quiet, comfortable. By the time they arrived, Lina felt the weight of the day easing off her shoulders. The moment they stepped inside, she felt at home again, safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

Leon dropped onto the couch with a sigh, looking worn out. His head tilted back, eyes closed, as if the day had drained him of every last ounce of energy.

Without a word, Lina went to her bag, pulling out a small bottle of oil. She knelt beside the couch and began massaging his head, her fingers working through his hair with practiced care.

Leon let out a soft groan of relief, his tension melting under her touch. "You always know how to spoil me," he mumbled, his voice muffled by exhaustion.

Lina smiled. "Someone has to take care of you."

As her fingers moved through his hair, the silence between them was filled with the quiet comfort of familiarity. These were the moments that mattered most, when neither had to speak because their bond said everything for them. Leon opened his eyes slightly, looking down at her with affection.

"You're too good to me," he murmured, reaching up to pat her head affectionately.

Lina finished oiling his hair and sat next to him on the couch. Leon grabbed a blanket, gently covering her, and then patted her head again. The simple, protective gesture made her heart swell with a peace she hadn't felt in days.

Within minutes, Lina felt her eyes growing heavy, the comfort of being with Leon finally allowing her to rest. As she drifted off, wrapped in the warmth of their bond, she felt something she hadn't in a long time—safe.

Leon watched her fall asleep, his own heart heavy but content. No matter what, he would always be there for her.