Chapter 31- Taunting Revelations

[] L E O []

I walked to class, sniffling a little as I did so. Although last night was one of the best nights I ever had, the aftermath of it wasn't so much fun. I had been coughing since last night and I felt a headache crawling into my head every now and then.

However, nothing could stop the darn smile that played at my lips all day.

I tried acting cool about what happened last night, but truth was, I wasn't.

My head had been in a turmoil all night, all because of the brown-eyed girl who cried for me. The girl who finally showed me that I wasn't a failure when it came to my family.

The girl that showed me that I wasn't bad.

I let out a content breath and continued my trek towards English class. Once in, I made my way to my regular seat and found Amelia already siting in her spot. She was wearing the same giant scarf she had on yesterday and the only reason I saw her face was because her hair was up in a bun.

I casually made my way over and settled down in the seat next to hers. As I did so, her gaze temporarily fleeted to mine and she gave me a small smile. I returned the gesture and started pulling out my materials for class.

Once I was settled, I let out a deep breath and turned to face Amelia. She was writing down something in her notebook, and I saw that she was copying notes from another lecture. I cleared my throat to get her attention and she finally tore her gaze from her notebook and turned to me, her eyebrows raised.

"Are you all set for tomorrow?" I asked casually.

She nodded at me, a small grin playing at her lips. Suddenly, her brows furrowed and she pulled her lip between her teeth. My gaze flickered there involuntarily. I had to swallow before shifting my gaze back to her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Uh... No offence, but why are you taking me?" she asked.

I let out a small 'hmph' at her question, and in return, her eyes widened and she slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Wow, that was a stupid way to phrase it," she muttered to herself, finally dropping her hands back to her sides.

I was only able to stare at her amused, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. After a few moments of silence, I leaned in closer to her, getting her attention once again.

"Well Moonie, I assumed that as a good friend, I should pull you out of the four very claustrophobic walls of your dorm for a weekend getaway," I said, in a voice only she could hear.

At my words, she turned her attention to me, a flat look etched onto her face. This made me grin and I pulled away from her, shaking my head at her.

"Don't say it's not true," I said.

She only huffed in response.

After another beat of silence, Amelia spoke again.

"But really, Leo. Why me? I mean, I'd love to meet your family, but... maybe I'm not the best impression of our little friend circle here..." she trailed off.

My brows furrowed at her words and I turned towards her, confused about what she meant.

"What are you talking about Amelia?"

She bit her lip once more, her eyes holding a certain sadness I couldn't comprehend.

"I just... I get why you want me to come along... But maybe they don't need that. You guys finally have some sort of normalcy in your life. Maybe I shouldn't go?" she sheepishly said.

By the end of her explanation, I was turned completely towards her, my body leaning close to hers.

"Well Amelia Harrison, you coming with me is the only way I can enter my house," I said truthfully.

Her gaze finally lifted from the table and she turned to me with a questioning gaze.

"Don't take this the wrong way but my family thinks that there's someone here besides Andre and Jamal who's sort of impacting me. They just want to meet that person," I explained softly.

Her eyes softened at my words, but they still held a hesitant glint to them. Quickly thinking of a way to get her out of her doubt, I thought of a lie.

"Besides, I asked Jamal and Andre too, but both of them were busy," I said.

Her eyes widened in relief and she gave me a sheepish smile.

"Right, of course," she said.

"And even if they weren't coming Amelia, I would've invited you anyway," I added as an afterthought.

Amelia let out a shaky breath at my words, her warm breath fanning my face. I gave her a small smile, one I hoped would explain everything I wasn't able to say to her.

Like the fact that I wanted her to be there, so I could show her once and for all that she wasn't alone. That there was entire household that went through a tragedy similar to hers.

And that they would accept her no matter what.

* * *

I had been pacing in my apartment for nearly half an hour, thinking of a billion ways to get over the thoughts in my head. All of them only rotating around Amelia Harrison.

After last night, I had not been able to get her out of my head. Not that she didn't occupy it too much already, but after I told her about myself, it seemed as there was nothing in between us now. She knew almost everything about me, and me about her.

Besides Andre and Jamal, no one was able to get the story of my father out of me. Andre, because he actually has been a friend since middle school and is practically a family member, and Jamal was the only other person who I willingly told. But both times when I shared this story, I ended up having panic attacks. I couldn't think of that time without wanting to fully black out. My psychologist told me it was because I was completely traumatized by that incident. However, I think it's because I didn't want to remember it myself.

I didn't want to remember the day I couldn't protect my family.

But after Gemma met me the day before yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder how I really felt about Amelia. It was precisely after I found out about her past that I realized that we weren't that different from one another. She just needed someone who understood her, and I realized that that is exactly what I had been needing all this time too. So it was no doubt that I could tell her my past with ease.

Because I knew she wouldn't judge me.

I knew that she would somewhat understand what I was going through, and that gave me a sense of comfort. I assumed that maybe telling her wouldn't be so bad after all. And I wasn't wrong about that, but that wasn't what bothered me all day.

I knew that we had a similar past, and that was one thing common between us. We both had a family member who chose to inflict pain on those closest to us.

But that was over with.

What bothered me was this... this other thing happening between us.

The things besides both of our pasts. Like the fact that I could still remember how her hand felt in mine, and how much I didn't want to let go. Like the fact that I started calling her Moonie after telling Andre that she reminded me of the moon, and the way I got all protective over her when John came. On top of everything, I sang to her.

And all of that happened before I even knew of her past with her brother and best friend.

What was all that?

It was obvious that I felt something for her. Protectiveness, understanding, and most of, empathy.

But that wasn't all.

So what did I feel about her?

Before I could too much into it, the sound of my front doorknob jingling caused me to snap out of my thoughts and turn to my door surprised. A moment later, it burst open, revealing Andre and Jamal on the other side.

"Hola, my amigo," Andre hollered as he came strolling through the door, his arms spread wide in the air.

I rolled my eyes at his stupidity, and Jamal did the same as he followed in after him. I walked over to them, grabbed the takeout food from Jamal's arms and made my way to the kitchen. They followed after me, diggin into the food as soon as I put it down. Once we got all of our food, we ate at the table.

After dinner, we headed to the living room to watch TV. It was when we finally settled down that Andre turned to me, a sick grin on his lips.

"So I heard she agreed to go with you," Andre said.

I scrunched my nose in confusion.

'How the hell did they hear the news?' I thought.

At his words, Jamal turned to us too, his face mirroring the same confusion as mine.

"What? Who?" Jamal asked dumbly.

Andre turned to him, the stupid grin not leaving his stupid face.

"Gemma told me this morning that Leo asked Amelia if she wanted to come home with him for the weekend- and get this- she agreed, " Andre finished off, finally slumping into the couch with a laugh.

I rolled my eyes at him and chucked a cushion at his stomach. He caught it, letting out a small 'oomph' as the pillow hit him. Then I turned to Jamal, who was also grinning from ear to ear.

I clicked my tongue at the two and gave them a flat look.

"It's not a big deal, you idiots. I invite you guys all the time. Besides, after you shitheads spilled about Amelia, both Lars and mama want to meet her. So now, I can't go home for the weekend unless Amelia comes with me," I finished off falling back into the couch.

The boys nodded at my answer, and I let out a discrete sigh of relief. After a moment of silence, Andre spoke again.

"So, are you gonna confess your undying love for your Moonie on this trip?" Andre said, dramatically leaning across the couch and putting the back of his hand to his forehead.

I finally let out an irritated grunt and the two continued laughing at me in return. I turned to Andre, a deathly glare aimed at him. When he saw me staring, his laugh died in his throat and he coughed a few times.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry-"

"Don't you dare call her Moonie," I only said.

At this, Andre and Jamal burst out laughing again. I only slumped back in my seat and waited for them to finish laughing. After a few more minutes of guffawing like hyenas, Andre and Jamal quieted down. Finally, Andre turned to me, a grin playing on his lips again.

"Man, when will you admit that you're absolutely whipped for this girl?" he asked, his eyes wide with amusement.

I furrowed my brow at him. Before I could respond to him, Jamal spoke, getting my attention.

"Yeah man. You're taking the girl to your house, for goodness sakes. Your house. To meet your family. Only about four out of like my bazillion girlfriends have been to my house," Jamal said, his hands moving wildly as he spoke.

I sighed at his words and leaned forward in my spot.

It was then the seriousness of everything related to Amelia finally dawned on me.

I was the first person she willingly told about her brother. On the other hand, she was the first person I told about my family.

And now, I was taking her home.

I let out a long breath and put my head in my hands. I let out a deep breath, trying to sort out my thoughts before I said something stupid.

"I told her. I told her everything," I mumbled.

I heard a collective gasp resonate throughout the room and I stayed where I was, not ready to face the two yet.

"Wait... what did you say?" Andre asked.

I sighed and finally brought my hands down from my face. I then turned to Andre with a small grimace.

"I said I told her everything," I said.

Andre's jaw dropped and he stared at me with his eyes bulging out of their sockets. Behind him, Jamal had the same expression etched onto his face.

"All of it?" Andre asked.

I sighed and nodded once.

"All of it and probably more."

* * *

[] A M E L I A []

"Yes mom, for the hundredth time, I will be back by Sunday afternoon," I said into the phone.

She sighed on the other side.

"Okay. I know honey, I'm just... this is the first time you've really gotten out in four years... I'm worried is all."

I stayed silent at her words and ran my finger along the edge of my desk aimlessly.

"Don't worry mom. I'll be safe, I promise."

It was true that I hadn't really gotten out of my mini home-school-back home cycle for a while. Moving here was a bold choice in the first place, but going out of this small town to another place with a guy I barely know was a whole different level.

Of course, I left out the small little bit that I'll be going with a guy from my mom.

But that was mainly because I knew my mom would freak out and possibly drive all the way here to find out about Leo as much as she can before she let me go with him. It's not that she would object, but she probably assume the worst about our relationship.

Like that we were dating.

Finally, we ended the call with quick goodbyes. At last, I turned to my mini duffel bag that I was keeping for the weekend and double-checked that I had everything.

Nearly half an hour later, I received a text from Leo, stating that he was outside. I quickly grabbed everything I needed and made my way outside.

I made sure to lock everything up nicely and  then started making my out of the building. Once I was out, I blindly searched for Leo, and was surprised to Gemma, Andre, and Jamal instead. I tried to look past them, but I didn't spot Leo anywhere. For now, I grinned as the three made their way over and I quickened my pace to meet them halfway.

Once we caught up, Gemma made her way over to me first and threw her arms around my shoulders. I hugged her back and pulled away after a moment. Her eyes were lit up with mischief and I rose a brow at her, asking what was up, but she simply continued smiling. Before I could ask her what was up, Jamal and Andre made their way over to me too.

"All set, little one?" Andre asked, coming over to pat my head.

I nodded at him, a small grin forming at my lips. He grinned back and let his hand fall to his side.

"Okay, let's get you going," Jamal said.

I furrowed my brows in confusion, wondering where Leo was. Gemma caught my look and smirked.

"Leo's waiting by the car, Amelia," she stated.

I finally relaxed and nodded. At last we were on our way to the parking lot which was on the other side of the road. As we made our way there, Gemma fell into step beside me and Jamal and Andre walked ahead of us.

She turned to me, the mischievous glint back in her eyes.

"Okay Amelia, we didn't have time to have this conversation before," she whispered.

I rose a brow at her and she leaned in closer to me.

"No matter what happens, no matter how heated it turns out to be... don't forget to use a condo-"

Before she could finish that sentence, I slapped a hand over her mouth. My eyes were wide as saucers as I stared at Gemma with my mouth agape. I stole a quick look over to Andre and Jamal, making sure they weren't listening. To my relief, they were talking about some video game, completely oblivious to us. I sighed in relief and turned back to Gemma with a glare.

"Gemma!" I whisper-yelled.

In response, she giggled which caused her warm breath to caress my hand. I grimaced and finally brought my hand back to my side.

I chose not to respond to her comment and simply shook my head at her. We finally made it to the parking lot and Jamal pointed out Leo's car. I followed his gaze and finally spotted Leo.

He was leaning against his car, his regular black coat thrown carelessly atop his attire. He was already looking our way and he pulled away from his car when he saw us approaching.

We made our way to him quickly, avoiding the icy parts on the road. He caught my eye when we reached him and nodded his usual greeting to me. I smiled and nodded back.

"All good?" he asked, walking over to me.

I nodded and before I could utter a word, Leo strolled up to me and grabbed my duffle bag off of my shoulder. My eyes widened in surprise and I looked at Leo as if he was a ghost. His stoic expression didn't change as he simply grabbed my bag and started walking away with it. My gaze was on him as he walked over to the backside of his car and started rummaging around in the back trunk.

My gaze was momentarily off of him as another figure came into my line of vision. I blinked in surprise as Gemma's shining face was in front of me.

"I can't believe you're ditching me this weekend," she pouted at me.

I chuckled and patted her shoulder.

"Think of it as me leaving you alone for the weekend with the boys," I said, sheepishly pointing over to Jamal and Andre.

They grinned in response and closed in on us.

"Don't worry, we'll keep her entertained," Andre said, looking down to Gemma with a small grin on his face.

I nodded and faced them with a fond smile on my face.

"It'd be more fun if you guys came along," I said to them.

They all shared a look and turned back to me.

"We would've loved too. But that bastard Leo didn't invite us," Jamal said. "And it's not like his parents would've minded. Heck, his mom wants us over every weekend just to feed us."

My eyes widened and I stared at them in confusion.

"Leo didn't invite you?" I asked.

They shook their head in confusion.

'Then why did Leo lie to me and say that he did?' I thought.

I turned to Gemma and shared a look of confusion with her. She quickly took a step forward and grabbed onto my arm. My worry lessened as she gave me a comforting grin.

"Oh don't mind it, you guys. The house would've been overly chaotic if all of us showed up at once," she said.

We all nodded in agreement. However, I was still skeptical. However, my thoughts were cut short since Gemma pulled me into a hug.

"Don't worry. Just trust him, Amelia," she whispered in my ear as we hugged.

I nodded and pulled away from her, just in time to see Leo coming up to say his goodbyes to the boys. I finally turned to Jamal and Andre, and both of them leaned forward to give me hugs. Jamal stayed longer than necessary, while he pretended to wail about my departure. It got a point where Leo simply shook his head and peeled Jamal off of me.

I chuckled seeing Jamal let out a small squeal as he was getting dragged away from me. Leo rolled his eyes at Jamal's behaviour, while Gemma and Andre howled in laughter.

"Alright, enough with the goodbyes," Leo said suddenly, his mouth downwards in a frown.

Then he turned to me, his eyes brighter than they were just a moment ago. He stuffed his hands in his coat pockets, a small smile on his lips.

"Let's go Moonie."

Once again, my heart rate accelerated at his words. My palms felt sweaty through the gloves I wore, and I couldn't help the rush of colour heading for my cheeks.

'What was happening to me? Snap out of it Amelia Harrison!'

I dumbly nodded in response to his statement and before I knew it, I was seated in the passenger seat of Leo's car, journeying to his home.

And I still couldn't figure out if this was good or bad.