“Rodrigo, Diego!” I exclaim.
“How are they my family?” She reaches over from where she sits and tries to grab my arm, but I dodge her.
“All you’ve been doing is spending time with them. You leave me here alone all the time. I wait up at night to make sure you come home safe, but then you show up in the morning, looking like you just got out of his bed!” I yell.
A stream of tears rushes down my face as I look at the woman I used to find comfort in. When I find nothing but pain in her eyes, the same as mine, my chest squeezes.
Gasping, she leans back in shock.
Did that hurt, Mom? Good. You’ve just ruined all the progress I made.
She’s made me feel heartless once again.
“Don’t bring me into this. This is about you!” she exclaims back. “I want my daughter to be honest with me. I want you to behave appropriately.”
“People change,” I reply. My voice is flat. “I want a mother who loves me, a mother who’s around more and who shows some damn support!” I yell. “But I guess life is tough.”
“Yeah, I guess people do change.” She rolls her eyes and keeps her heated gaze on me. “I don’t want you to leave this house, you understand? You’re grounded until I say so.” She points and glares at me. “That boy isn’t allowed here. If I find him here, I’m calling his mom to come drag him back to where he belongs.”
“You know, Mom”—my voice is strong—“Leonidas makes me feel happy. That’s not a feeling I’ve felt in years. All you seem to do is make me sad. I can’t believe you said that about Dad. You’re supposed to be my support system.” I pause, taking a deep breath. “I know Dad would be ashamed of me, but I can say the same about you. You’ve replaced me like I’m nothing.” My voice cracks as my eyes water over with tears.
Swallowing tightly, she rolls her eyes. “Stay in your room for the day. I don’t want to see your face.” Striding to the door, she slams it before I get the chance to protest.
* * *
I sit on my bedroom floor. My hands fiddle with an old Polaroid photo I had stashed away in a box.
I always dig under my bed to find these whenever I feel sadness consume me. My dad brings peace to me. Looking at these photos, seeing a smile on his face, gives me strength. My fingertip rubs over Mom’s face. She looks just as happy as I remember her to be.
What happened to her? She’s changed so much, and it makes me sick to my stomach.
How can someone change so much this fast? She isn’t the mom I used to know. She used to be the best, but now, she’s the worst. A good mother doesn’t bring down her own daughter to make herself feel better.
Our family used to be so happy. I never thought I would be someone who lives in a toxic household. But life changes. It feels I’m constantly reminded of that. All I need from her right now is her support. I want to know she’s there for me through thick and thin.
I shouldn’t have to stay up at night, wondering where she is and if she’s okay. That should be her job. I’m the eighteen-year-old. I’m allowed to mess up.
Resting the back of my head on the wall behind me, I whisper, “I wish you were here.” My voice cracks as my hand shakes the fragile photo. “Everything would be different. I would have a mom.” Glancing down at my lap, I frown. “I would be happy, but you took that all away when you left. I know you're at peace, I just wish I was too.”
Placing the photo down, I cover the box and slide it under my bed.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I wipe the tears rolling down my face. “Please help us, Dad.”
TWENTY-SIX
LEO
Trinity’s mom grounded her because of me. I scold myself. I should have been more considerate and careful. Our days together are limited. Now, many will be wasted due to the fact that she lied to her mom. Which is my fault. But Trinity is eighteen years old, yet her mom treats her like a five-year-old.
It’s funny how Trinity’s mom thinks she can keep me away from her. I always get my way. If I have to sneak my way through her bedroom window to see her each day, then I will.
I would do anything for that girl.
I see the sadness in Trinity’s eyes when she thinks about her mom. I long to take away her hurt, but all her mom seems to do is hurt her even more. What will keeping her away from me do? That will only fuel Trinity’s anger more.
I want to see her so badly. It’s been three days since I dropped her off at her house. The next thing I knew, she was calling me, and I instantly heard the emotion in her voice. When she informed me she was grounded, I hurt for both Trinity and me. Nothing and no one will keep us apart. I’ll be the best ninja anyone has ever seen.
“Leonidas, focus!” Mom snaps and points to the paper in front of me.
