Embers Of Hope

Chapter 21

Blake's POV

"Look at that my babies are home." Mom says her ice blue eyes so welcoming I almost crumble right in front of her.

I stand frozen at the doorway of the living room, my heart a tangled mess of conflicting emotions. Her voice is the same, soft, comforting, like it always was when I was younger. It used to soothe me, make me feel like I could face anything. But today, with everything weighing so heavily on my chest, it only makes the pain sharper.

"Hi, Mom," I manage to say, my voice quieter than usual, betraying the turmoil inside me. Matteo stands next to me his emotions completely masked.

She's sitting in her favorite chair, a glass of wine in her hand, her gaze never leaving me. The subtle worry in her expression doesn't escape me, but it's her warmth that breaks through the walls I've tried so hard to keep up.

"You okay?" She tilts her head slightly, the faintest trace of concern flickering in her gaze. It's the kind of question she's asked countless times, but today it feels different, more loaded.

I swallow hard, shifting my weight, trying to hide the storm raging inside me. I want to say "yes," to tell her that everything's fine, that I've got it under control. But the words catch in my throat, and all that comes out is a strained "I'm fine, Mom."

Her eyes narrow ever so slightly, reading the lie in my voice with the precision only a mother can. She sets her glass down on the table beside her with a soft click, her gaze unwavering as she studies me.

"You sure? You don't look fine," she says, her voice gentle but firm, not letting me escape this time.

I glance at Matteo, silently begging him for help, and being the savior he always is he jumps in, "We're just tired Mom. Long flight. We're gonna go upstairs and rest."

His tone is so nonchalant, so practiced, I almost wish I could adopt that same mask of indifference. But the truth is too heavy for me to hide, too close to the surface, even as I try to push it down.

"Hmm." Mom doesn't seem convinced, but she lets out a soft sigh. "Alright. But if you need anything, you know where to find me."

I nod, still unable to look her in the eye for more than a few seconds. "Thanks, Mom," I murmur, the words lacking any real conviction.

Matteo gives her a polite smile before turning and heading for the stairs. I follow him, feeling the weight of her gaze on my back, the silence heavy between us. Once we're out of earshot, Matteo glances over at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Smooth," he says, a little smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "But you're not fooling anyone."

I let out a dry laugh, but it has no real humor to it. "Yeah, well, I'm not trying to. Just need a minute."

Matteo doesn't press, though I can tell he's dying to ask what's really going on. He never has been one to stay silent when curiosity strikes, but for now, he lets it go. We reach my room, and he pushes the door open, stepping inside.

I collapse onto the bed, my body feeling too heavy, like the weight of the world is pressing down on me. Matteo leans against the doorframe, still watching me with that knowing look.

"What happened, Blake?" he asks, his voice low, as if he knows that anything louder might shatter me completely.

I stare up at the ceiling, the darkness of the room swallowing me whole. I don't know how to say it, don't know how to explain the chaos inside me.

"I—" I start, then stop myself. I can't form the words. Not yet. Not when I can barely keep myself together.

"Come on," Matteo presses, stepping forward and sitting on the edge of the bed. "I'm not going anywhere. Just talk to me."