Stolen moments

Chapter 8

Stephen james: Alejandro Banerio

Leah sighed as her mother looks disturb, after asking this question.

"I mean they were not like this before Leah... " she sighed as she drops the gaming kit on the couch. "They have changed Leah, especially Max."

"Mum... Don't be bothered... They are just growing" she rubs her mother's hand lovingly. "Its a stage,they tend to get more rebellious and inquisitive, don't let it bother you" she smiled at her mum who nodded, she has been her mother's confidant since she could remember.

"Hmmm.... You are right, only God knows what would have happened if I never had you" she pats her hair lovingly, smiling at her then the smile fell as she got serious. "Apart from your brothers there is something I will like to discuss with you Leah, come sit" she sat on the couch and pats the available space next to her, a sign for Leah to sit down, Leah sat next to her, waiting for her to speak up.

"Honey... i know you are more mature than before, always looking out for everybody" she starts her face and tone wearing that serious, concerned motherly look. Leah looks at her confused then nods.

"Yes mom... " she drawls out.

"I think its high time you start looking out for yourself... I mean for example" she clears her throat. "This Antonio boy.... I don't trust him.." Leah's eyes widened like saucers as her mother looks skeptical.

"Not you too mom... "She cries out.

"What... Am being serious dear, i don't know I get this dark aura whenever he is around-"

"Seriously mother you too! ... First Rosalia, then the twins now you". Leah rubs her forehead getting pissed at her mom.

"Yes Leah, that boy is trouble and I want you to break your ties with him" Emilia spoke up very serious.

"Mom! I have known this guy since we were like twelve!, you can't just-"

"He his a Banerio Leah! A Banerio! They got evil running through their veins" she whisper-yelled "his father is a bad person and am sure he as influenced his sons too, i mean when I was young I knew the things he made some people go through... Yes I know, their family is falling apart and you are his best friend and he needs help and someone to be his friend but I can't help but feel that he has an ulterior motive with you" Leah looks at her not saying a word. "You can't also deny that he hasn't  influenced  your younger brother in a negative way" Leah sighed knowing her mom was right, Antonio and his group of friend has been influencing Max negatively.

"I will think about it mom"she said as her mom smiled at her, knowing her words were fruitful in her mind "can I go sleep now, I need to be early to the store tomorrow, there is a new batch of flowers we need to sought out" Emilia nods in understanding as Leah takes that as the sign to head to bed, she was midway to her room when her mother spoke up.

"Remember dear... Some relationships and friendships are meant to be broken if it does not benefit you or you keep getting hurt in the process... The question now Leah is are you benefitting from this friend of yours, does he see you as a friend or more or are you stringing him along, you are the only one that have answers to this questions Leah... Good night my dear. "

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Leah's POV

"Here you go..." I smiled at the young man, who came to buy a bouquet of flowers for his woman, the guy was really nervous so I had to help him around the store and throw in some tips for the suppose date even though I have a zero-relationship with the opposite sex... Well expect for my friendship with Antonio...

"Thank you" the man beamed as he handed me his money, telling me to keep the change as he walks confidently out of the shop, i hope his date turns out good.

Here I am giving people tips about relationships and they still listen to me even with my nonexistent love life. I mean its so annoying... Am eighteen close to nineteen, and I don't have one good standing relationship. Boys do ask me out but I don't know...  before we go on the date, they get scared and end up avoiding me. I had to confront one during my junior year... He said I should have told him I was Antonio's girlfriend, he begged me to never talk to him again because he will get into trouble with Antonio..

I keep telling people that we are not a couple and he his my best friend but they seem not to believe me. Its really frustrating and annoying. Just because we hangout together, it gives them the idea that we are dating. Antonio has his fair share of girls, not only in school but also this town, i mean the guy is hot as hell, i even had a childhood crush on him in grade school but it faded as we grew up and I saw him more has a brother. I walked towards where lilies were setup for sale, a young man was looking around, he looks like he needs help with the varieties of flower set before him, as I got closer, he looks up and I couldn't help but find him really familiar, he grins when he saw me, i groaned when I saw his familiar blonde hair clearly... The store guy... He smirks as he spoke.

"Well well well, we meet again.... Chocolate girl... "