Family

FORTY-EIGHT

PAST || Alfonzo

"BRING HIM BACK!" I scream at Father, banging my bloodied fists on his desk.

He doesn't even look up from his paperwork, choosing to ignore me which only makes me angrier.

"Bring. Him. Back." Each word is emphasised as I continuously kick the desk, pounding on it until Father puts his pen down.

His eyes are dark as he stands to his full height, walking around the desk and towering over me. Grabbing me with his large hands, he hoists me onto the desk and lowers himself so we're at eye-level.

"You've been throwing a tantrum all week Alfonzo, I want this to stop now." He commands. Taking my hands into his large ones, he gently runs his fingers over my bloodied knuckles sighing softly.

"Let's get you cleaned up hmm?" Without waiting for a response, he picks me up into his arms and walks out the door.

Frowning, I push at his chest but he doesn't budge at all.

"I'm not a baby put me down." I demand, trying to get out of his grip.

"Act like a baby and I'll treat you like one." He replies curtly, walking downstairs and heading towards the kitchen.

Luca walks out of the kitchen holding a packet of crisps in his hands and laughs when he sees us.

"Why are you holding him dad? He's going to be thirteen soon!" He sticks his tongue out at me, running as soon as he sees me glaring at him.

Father sits me down on the kitchen stool, going over to one of the drawers and taking out a first-aid kit.

"Your birthday is two days away isn't it? What would you like me to get you?" He doesn't look up as he gets a wipe and cleans my hands, I let out a hiss at the sting.

"I want Leo back." My voice is quiet but the words get through.

He looks up at my face, a frown coating his features," You know I can't do that."

Ripping my hands out of his grip, I shout," Why not? Why can't your bring him back? He did nothing wrong!"

"That's not what you said last time you saw him am I correct?" He raises an eyebrow at me, crossing his arms.

"I n-never said anything." My voice comes out a stutter as I try and recall what I could've said to my baby brother.

"Alfonzo," Father begins slowly, as if debating whether to continue or not. He sighs," You've told your brother one too many times about how you hate him, wish he was never born and that it's his fault you lost your mother and Theo. You even burned his hand! Do you not remember that?" 

My heart thuds harshly against my chest as I shake my head.

"I-I d-didn't! I wouldn't do that!"

"What have I told you about lying?" His eyes are hard, staring right into me.

"I'm not lying! I never said that! I would never hurt him, it wasn't his fault. It was an accident!" I scream at the top of my lungs, punching at his chest.

I repeat my words over and over, even as my chest constricts and my breathing intensifies.

Voices are heard but I can't make out any words.

Strong arms wrap around my shaking frame, pulling me to their chest and whispering soothing words.

Soon enough, I calm down and can see Fathers's worried face staring at mine. He gently runs his fingers through my hair, kissing my forehead.