Breaking Boundaries

Chapter 23 - "Home."

"Lee, I really am sorry."

"I know, but how do we move forward if neither of us knows the truth?"

"I don't know, thats why I told you I had - because it just seems easier to handle than not knowing what happened to me.."

He looks so down, withdrawn. Why didn't I notice any of this? Something else is bothering him. I can sense it.

"We used to tell each other everything. I whisper.

"I know but neither of us are the same anymore."

"I'm still your Lee.."

"Are you though? no, you're not. by the looks of it you're Gino's Lee."

"Whats happened to you just talk to me Logan!"

He doesn't reply. Doesn't look at me.

"I tried. I tried harder in this last 30 minutes than you did in a whole year."

I go to walk out, if he doesnt want to speak - fine. but don't be so fucking rude about it.

"Lee no please, stay."

"You won't talk to me so why the hell would I stay?"

"I was diagnosed with depression."

What?

"When?" my voice barely a whisper.

"Three months after you left. I'm good now I'm on medication which helps."
He shrugs.

I run over to hug him, I hug him tight - I don't want to let go. If I never left - none of this would of happened. This is my fault.

My phone pings.

[Two New Messages]

Hunter;
We need to talk. Let me know when you're coming home.

Gino;
You ok? You're quiet usually texting me every few minutes..

Right now?
They can both go and fuck themselves.

"You ok?"

"Yeah I'm good."

"You should go."

Erm what?

"Why?"

"Like I said, we have both changed. You have someone else now.."

What do I say to that?
That I don't have with Gino what we had, I just fucked him.. oh, my step Dad too?

Instead , I don't say anything.

I walk out.

Part of me wishes he would follow me, call after me.

But he doesn't.

On my way out, I bump into Vanessa.

"Have you sorted things out?"

"Kinda"

"Did he tell you?"

"About the depression? Yeah."

"What? Didn't he tell you anything else?"

"Like what?"

I've only just realised how worn out she looks. Her beautiful, usually radiant eyes are puffy. Visible bags underneath. Her age has never shown she's always looked youthful. Not right now...

"Oh honey, it was horrible.."
Her voice breaks.

"What was?" I whisper.

"After you left.. he changed. He had too much emotion one minute then the next? None...I found him.. I thought I lost him Ry.."