Hello, hello dear readers! I'm horribly sorry for the long wait; I got caught up with finals and the hectic life of a 12th grader. But here it is! The final part of 'My Big Brother' in the flesh! Or should I say words? Hope you enjoy it :D

- anonymousgirl23 -

- December 2, 2008 -

Dear diary,

It's been seven months since Leo left our house. A lot had changed since.

Mommy found a new job as a baker in the heart of Houston, Texas. We moved out of our old house, away from the memories we made with Daddy, and away from the memories we made with Leo. But I brought a few of their things, because I could not bear to see them get thrown away with our house.

Festus is no longer awake. Without Leo, there is nobody to repair him when he gets…crazy, so he became more and more broken, until one day I found him on the floor, his ruby eyes dark. I put him on my shelf since that day, and brought him with me to our new house.

Houston was…different. There are more people, more cars, more buildings, and more danger. Mommy never lets me out unless with her because she doesn't want me to get hurt. Because of that, I made little friends. I don't think I mind, though. I know why Mommy does it. She doesn't want to lose another child, not again, not ever.

Mommy and I never spoke about what happened on the day Leo left us. It became the unspoken rule in the house, to not bring up the days leading to that faithful night. But there were times when I just…wanted to know why, why he had done it. It kept me up at night sometimes, leaving behind nightmares that left me waking up in cold sweat. But whenever I saw Mommy and her sad eyes, whenever I saw myself in the mirror with the same sadness, I couldn't bring myself to ask her about it.

Until today, when I saw Leo again for the first time in seven months.

During the rare times when Mommy couldn't pick me up from school, my friend Caleb accompanies me home. Like me, he made little friends, maybe because of his long blonde hair that he refuses to cut, or maybe because he's into aliens and all things supernatural. We met on my first day of school, when I had nowhere to sit until he invited me to sit with him and his only friends at his table during lunch.

Caleb was explaining to me about the latest alien discovery. I actually found his rambles interesting, because I could see the way he was so obsessed with it. His eyes light up and he talks faster and faster until he couldn't breathe. He reminded me of Daddy when he explains about his projects.

I usually listens to him carefully, but today I was not in the mood. Ms. Delancey gave us back our English papers and I had not gotten a good score. It put me off the entire day, because I promised myself to get near-perfects marks just to see Mommy smile again. So when Caleb started talking about how NASA found alien evidence somewhere around…California? I spaced out.

I thought back to my bad English grade. Sure, for most people 80 is already an achievement, but when they aim high, like me, 80 means studying until late at night with snacks at the study table to keep you awake. Mommy saw me once, asked why I was awake, and when I explained to her, she just shook her head saying that me being safe already made her happy. And while I felt happy to hear that, that didn't stop me to get high marks each time there was a test.

My thoughts suddenly changed back to Leo. I wondered how he would react about my high standards when it comes to school. Would he be happy, would he worry about my health, or would he smile and ruffle my hair, even though I am way taller than him now? He would probably make a joke about it and then invite me to help him catch Festus in his room. Oh, how I miss him a lot.

Caleb had just started to nudge me, probably asking if I was listening to him or not, when I saw, at the corner of my eye, movement in one of the alleyways. I thought it was another gang member beating up some unknown kid—I mean, this was Houston, after all; a lot of gangs hide out in alleyways—when the person looked up at me.

Brown eyes met my face. The same brown eyes that held so much sadness, yet mischief at the same time. The same brown eyes that I saw left me and Mommy back in Houston, when he opened the door and walked away into the night. The same brown eyes that belonged to Leo, my big brother.

I froze. So many emotions passed me. Anger, hurt, happiness, sadness, excitement…but before I could walk up to him and shout at his face, Leo ran. The shadows hid his small body, taking him further and further away from me.

Caleb knew of Leo. I told him one day when he asked who was the laughing boy in my phone, holding a golden dragon that blowed steam. He saw my shocked face, and put two and two together. "That was him, your brother that ran away?"

I nodded, still in too much shock. "Adopted brother, anyway. I haven't seem him in seven months."

Caleb watched me turn my back away from the alleyway. I think he knows that I am experiencing so many emotions right now. For the entire walk home, we were silent. I was in a daze, unaware of my surroundings or my actions. Caleb had to pull me away from the street, after I was nearly hit by a car. The driver shouted bad words at me, but I didn't notice.

I hadn't known that we reached inside our apartment complex already, or that I waved Caleb goodbye once we stopped in front of his apartment. I hadn't known that I walked inside the small, comfortable space of what I now call my home. I hadn't known that Mommy was waiting for me, a frown on her face when she saw my confused look.

"Marie?" she asked, immediately rushing by my side to check for any signs of injury. "What happened? Did you get hurt? I swear, if you did, this would be the last time you would walk home from school. Even if you had to wait for me for hours, I would not…"

"Mommy, I saw Leo," I whispered. Mommy stopped fussing over me. "What?"

I sat down on the couch, staring at the wall. "I saw Leo, in one of the alleyways. He looked…scared, and sad, very sad. He was so skinny too, like he hadn't eaten for months. But when I wanted to call him, he ran away."

Mommy hugged me. "Oh, sweetie…" Her hug was warm, and I felt tears staring to form in my eyes.

"Mommy, why must he leave us?" I asked, now openly crying. "We were so happy…then the pretty lady came and ruined everything. He said it was his fault that Daddy is dead. But it's not. It was the pretty lady's fault. But still, he ran away. Why must he do that?"

My shoulders felt wet. I realised that Mommy was crying too. Soft, but enough to make me worry. "Mommy…?" I asked carefully.

She wiped her tears, then turned to face me. "Marie, I never told you why Daddy had to leave a year ago. Why he had to leave us with the pretty lady. Now I wished I could've told you sooner, so you would understand why Leo left us too."

"But what does Daddy leaving got to do with Leo, Mommy? I thought Daddy left you because he wanted to be with the pretty lady," I said.

"Marie, I'm so sorry," Mommy said sadly. "But you were so young that time, you wouldn't understand. Daddy didn't want to be with the pretty lady. I told you he did, because the truth would hurt you so much more."

"So tell me the truth, Mommy!" I shouted. I stood up, angry that Mommy had not told me why Leo, or Daddy left. "Tell me, why did he leave us! Why did Leo and Daddy leave us! I'm not young anymore, Mommy! I could handle the truth!"

Mommy took my face into her big hands. She wiped my tears away, tears I didn't know that was slowly falling down. "Because, sweetie, your Daddy is not like you and me. He…he's so much more."

"What is he, then?" I whispered. I suddenly felt very tired from shouting.

"Marie, your Daddy was a demigod," Mommy said, gently rubbing circles on my cheek. "He was half-human, and half-god. The gods that he kept on reading to you about when you were a child."

For the second time, my mind went blank. It all suddenly made sense, why I never saw Grandpapa, only Grandmama. Why Daddy kept drawings of weird, old houses with writings I couldn't understand. Or why Daddy keeps a sword at the back of his cabinet that, when asked about it, would just earn a shake of the head and a smile. I thought Daddy only liked those things. I never thought he would be a part of it.

"Your Daddy thought it was never the right time to tell you," Mommy continued. "Like I said, you were still so young. But he did, Marie. He wanted to tell you so badly, that the gods and goddesses in your bedtime stories were real. And he was about to."

"Why didn't he?"

Mommy sighed deeply, as if considering not to tell me. "Because one day, the lady came. She was a…" she hesitated. "She was a servant to someone very evil, and very powerful. It was the middle of the night, and you were already asleep. Daddy was working on another project. I was keeping him company. It was raining, and-and…"

I could tell Mommy was having a hard time to tell me all of this, but my curiosity won me over. I had to know why Daddy suddenly got up and left all of us, why he left me. And so I nudged Mommy gently, and her eyes met mine, free from tears and sadness, only determination.

So Mommy swallowed, and continued. "Your Daddy knew there was something wrong. He held his sword when I went to open the door. But, the lady was too fast for the both of us. She…She knocked me out. I didn't know what happened next, but when I woke up, your Daddy was gone. His sword was the only thing left behind."

I listened as Mommy told her story. Although I was angry, a part of me felt…relieved, that Daddy did not leave us. That he did not want to be with the pretty lady. In some ways, knowing that he tried to defend me and Mommy before going away, made me proud. Mommy ruffled my hair, as if she knows what I was thinking about.

"I knew that the lady took him. For days and nights I worried. Mostly if something happened to him when he was with her. But I knew that your Daddy is strong, and that he would survive. After all, if he survived his early years, he could survive now. A week later, when you were in your room, the lady came again."

Mommy held me closer, staying silent for a long time. I think she was too sad to say what happened next, but I waited patiently. After a minute, Mommy took another deep breath. "The lady told us that Daddy was alive, but barely. It didn't really calm my nerves, and so I shouted at her, demanding why she had taken him away. She only chuckled. 'I want you to do something, Adrianna,' she had hissed. 'Something very, very important if you want your husband to come back home safe and in one piece.'"

"What were you asked to do?" I asked, scared at what Mommy would say next. If she was scared to talk about it, then what about me? I could barely sleep in my room alone without a night-light.

Mommy took my hands. She clasped them together and looked at me straight in the eye, and I saw sadness, fear, anger, and guilt. She held on to my hands as she continued, this time a bit painfully, as if she was experiencing the pain again. "She wanted me to bring Leo to her, sweetie. Her…mistress," she said carefully, "saw what would he become, what he would, and could, do. And so, she decided to kidnap your Daddy, because she knew that one day, Leo would come to our house and stay there."

"She used Daddy for ransom," I realised out loud. Anger burned inside of me, because how dare she? How dare she break my family apart, for the fear that Leo would do something she did not want happening. And I was angry at Mommy too. Why won't she fight back, demand to keep Leo in our household? Why couldn't she use Daddy's sword to attack her?

"You're thinking why I didn't just attack her," Mommy said, noticing my anger. I nodded hesitantly, and she sighed. "I wish I could, Marie. But if I did, I would put you and Leo in danger. She had powers, very dangerous powers, that would kill you and Leo instantly if I had attacked. And then I'll be left with nothing." Mommy looked at her hands. "If only…I was able to stop her before she kidnapped Daddy. Then this would not happen."

I hugged her tightly. Everything Mommy did, from not attacking the pretty lady to moving here, was to protect me from the dangers that took Daddy and Leo—even if it meant that she had to suffer a lot from her actions. And now I want to do the same for Mommy, to give back what she gave me.

"Mommy, it isn't your fault," I said softly. "You did everything you could, for me, Daddy and Leo. You protected us from danger even when we didn't know there was. Sure, we couldn't bring Daddy or Leo back to our family, and we left everything behind at Houston, but you have me. And I have you. Would that be enough?"

Mommy choked, tears falling once more as she returned my hug, stronger and safer than before. It felt warm, as if we finally accepted the fact that yes, Leo and Daddy are no longer here with us, but as long as we stayed together, everything would be okay. All I want is for Mommy to be okay.

"Yes, sweetie, that would be enough."

- July 24, 2014 -

"Ready to go?"

I looked up from where I was sitting. Caleb, now my boyfriend, had rested his hand on my shoulder, subtly showing that our time in the cafe is over. I didn't answer him, only focusing my gaze on the scenery in front of me.

For a while, we watched as the sun started to dip over the horizon. Italy never ceased to amaze me. During our vacation, the country never disappointed. Everywhere Caleb and I went, from the gelato shops to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, we were greeted with a pleasant atmosphere and wonderful aromas. The week had been a blast. Yet, all good things must come to an end, and we'll be heading back to New York tomorrow morning.

Finally, I answered. "I don't want to leave."

Caleb sat down on the cobblestone wall, leaning his body against mine. "I know, Marie. Summer break is almost over, though. We have school the following week. Our last year, remember? Maybe after graduation, we can head back over here along with the rest of the group."

I turned my body so now we're facing one another. "You promise?" I asked, holding up my pinky. He laughed softly and intertwined our fingers together, sealing the deal.

"Promise. I'm going to start the car first, okay? Going to leave you here to say your final goodbyes to this place."

I smiled. Caleb got off the wall and jogged towards our rented jeep, his jacket flowing from the cool summer breeze. It's been two years since we started dating. Two years since he confessed to me at the back of a classroom with a note decorated in dragon images, and two years since I left for New York City with Caleb to pursue Creative Arts. He never really changed. Caleb was still the same, kind boy fascinated with all things intergalactic and mythical. Being with him in New York, getting ready to start the next chapter of our lives, brought be back to the day this eleven-year old kid invited me to sit with him during lunch six years ago.

Six years ago…Had it really been that long since Leo left me and Mom on that fateful night? I shook my thoughts out of my head. I made a promise to myself not to relieve that experience again, to move on with my life and focus on providing Mom the happiness she truly deserves. Even if it meant that I have to let go some of the most precious memories.

Somewhere in the distance, I heard Caleb curse. I turned around. Smoke was coming out of the hood of our jeep and already, the stench of gasoline filled the normally citrusy atmosphere of Italy. A few tourists casted disapproving looks towards Caleb, who at the moment was trying to contact a mechanic from a nearby payphone.

I sighed. With the jeep broken, I guess we'll be staying at the area for a while. At least I can enjoy our last day in Italy more, I thought. It won't be so bad.

I watched as Caleb slammed the phone and walked towards me, muttering a few words under his breath. He dejectedly slouched on the wall. "The good news is that a mechanic is available at the moment," he started. "The bad news…It will take more than an hour and a half to reach this crowded space."

"We'll just have to wait, then," I responded grimly, fully aware that my cheerful attitude could dampen his mood more. "Walking to the hotel at night seems kind of risky for me."

Caleb placed an arm on my thigh and sighed. "As much as I do not to stay here for another hour, you're right. It won't do us any good either since our hotel is relatively far from this area." I laced our fingers together in agreement, gently squeezing his hand for support. He squeezed back. "Maybe this is Italy's way of saying that we should spend more time here," Caleb added jokingly.

I laughed. "That is a possibility."

A golden spark caught my attention. It was bright, and vaguely familiar. Although I encounter gold almost every day (the university's colours are gold and silver, after all), there was something about this that seemed so reassuring, as if the source came from a pleasant memory from my past.

"Caleb, did you find anything gold lying around here?" I asked.

"No, why do you—oh do you mean that suitcase over there by the gelato shop?" He pointed at the medium-sized object leaning against a chair. I peered closer.

The suitcase was beautiful, no doubt. Decorated with golden ridges, it featured a ruby centrepiece that attracted the eyes of tourist every now and then. Even the wheels were golden. Something about it made me uneasy but also…calm. The way it was designed, and the aura that seemed to radiate from it…the suitcase reminded me of a figurine I used to love and care for. A metal robot hidden away among old memories long forgotten.

Caleb scanned my face. He knew what I was thinking. He'd seen it before when he went to my house to work on a project. "That looks like Festus, doesn't it? Your toy dragon he made for you."

I gave him a small, half-hearted smile. "Yea, it seems like it. Funny that halfway across the world, I'd be reminded of something I tried so hard to push away and just when I finally moved on, it comes back biting on my face."

Caleb kissed my head softly. "I know, sweetie. It's easier to shut the painful memories away rather than relieve them over and over again. But one way or another, you always have to face your past. This," he pointed again to the suitcase, "is just one of those instances."

"…Yea, okay."

And then, I saw him.

At first, I couldn't really believe it. Halfway across the world, I encountered a suitcase resembling my pet dragon, and now, there he was. Smiling and laughing as he placed two gelatos on a table. Maybe I'm hallucinating, I thought. Maybe because I remembered Festus, Leo popped up into my mind. But I could not forget those distinctive brown curls. Nor could I forget his short stature, pointed ears, or the laugh that came out of his mouth just a while ago. That wasn't just my imagination; that was, in the flesh, Leo Valdez, the person who I once knew as my big brother.

He doesn't look like the starving kid I met on the streets of Houston anymore. Long gone was the skinny, sunken features, and instead, replaced with meat and a splash of colour that definitely wasn't there when he was still living under Mom's house. In fact, Leo looked more…carefree, alive. I watched him kiss a girl with auburn hair before she got up and left to go inside the shop. Yes, Leo Valdez had changed. I hardly recognised him underneath all of the joy he radiated.

"What are you looking at—holy shit," Caleb gasped when he realised why I was staring like a crazy whistled softly."The world really is a small place, huh…Hey, where are you going?"

I didn't answer him. Emotions course through my body. All of the anger, fear, worry, joy suddenly came pouring out of me—the feelings I had shut out to prevent another heartbreak. It felt as if they were taking control over my mind and actions, and before I knew what was happening, I punched Leo hard on the face. He fell onto the asphalt, clutching his cheek.

"What the heck?" he groaned, still delirious from the punch. People in the cafe turned to look in his direction, some wearing faces of sympathy. He sat upright, and upon looking at me, finally registered who punched him. A look of recognition flitted across his face, before turning into regret. "Oh, hey, Marie," he said sheepishly.

I felt like crying. Hearing his voice again brought back all of the memories we made six years ago. Playing with Festus...Baking cookies with Mom...Stacking Lego blocks so high it nearly touched the ceiling...But I couldn't show weakness right now. So I settled for shouting at him instead.

"You're such an idiot!" I started. That's not so bad. "What makes you think by leaving us, you'll be doing us a favor? Mom and I were devastated after you left! I spent two weeks trying to find you! We were happy, all right, happy, that you finally came into our lives and made it wonderful again. But then you left only a month later, and all for what? Just to keep us out of harm's way when nothing dangerous happened for years afterwards? You selfish, idiotic, egotistical jerk! Why do you have to—"

I broke down crying. Strong arms enveloped my body. Caleb was there, trying to soothe me and whispering calming words. He looked at Leo, who was still sitting on the asphalt in some kind of shock. Without saying anything, Caleb held out his hand. Leo took it and was pulled upwards. Now he's standing, dusting the dirt off his t-shirt.

"Thanks, man," he said, "Appreciate that."

Caleb nodded. "No problem."

Leo turned to me. "Marie? You all right?" I stayed silent. It wasn't that I was still mad at him—I couldn't get mad at Leo for so long anyway—but rather, I don't know what to say. He shifted uncomfortably. "Hey, I'd understand if you hate me for leaving you and Mrs. Coleman. It also probably wasn't the best time for you guys after..." He trailed off, but I got his message. The news of Dad's death. "But when I said it would put you out of danger, I meant it," he continued. "My world is different from your's. I—I mean, my kind of people, we attract...unwanted attention a lot anywhere. It won't be fair for you or Mrs. Coleman if you guys are in constant danger because of me."

"Just shut up, Leo," I said. I closed my eyes, taking in all of the information he said. I understood what he meant. And once again, I am reminded of the similarity. He's exactly like Dad. "Just shut up."

Leo rubbed the back of his neck. "All right." He gestured towards a chair, where I noticed the suitcase's familiar golden glow. "I think you should sit down. You look like you're about to fall down any second."

I realised I was still leaning on Caleb. "Okay."

Caleb pulled out the chair for me. He glanced at Leo, who was playing with his fingers—something he does when he gets anxious. I guess he still has not gotten used to meeting a figure from his past, especially after what happened six years ago, when that lady…no, empousa, I later learned, came to my house that night.

"My name's Caleb," he said, getting Leo's attention. "I uh…saw you in Houston before, in one of the alleyways." Leo gave a bitter laugh. "Marie speaks highly of you. You were a very important figure to her and her mom."

I smiled sheepishly. "Mom still wonders sometimes about your situation. She'd keep herself up at night, drinking wine and talking to herself about you. You need to tell her you're alive and well someday."

Leo sighed. "It's not that simple, Marie. I've been through hell and back," he smirked at his words, "and well...there are things I need to sort out first. Like travelling, meeting my friends, going to camp…" Leo trailed off, his hand rubbing the back of his neck—another nervous gesture that brought back memories from my past. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, it will take some time until I get to see your family again."

Silence enveloped us. I took in Leo's appearance once more, still surprised at how much he changed. The sunken, dark eyes I once saw were replaced with a mischievous sparkle that complimented his elf-like stature. He appears to be more mature and grown-up—much more so than the few months we were together.

Caleb coughed. "What have you been doing for the past six years?" he asked Leo, obviously trying to diffuse the silence. I watched Leo's eyes flit around nervously. He doesn't want us to know that he's a demigod, I thought to myself.

"Ah, you know…running away from authorities and whatnot," he joked, although it didn't quite reach his eyes. Leo cleared his throat. "Let's not talk about what happened. My past isn't that important anyway. What about you, Marie?"

I could see the desperation in his face, how he really does not want to touch on the probably horrible events from his past. And so I talked about my life. All of the good, some of the bad, the funny, and the emotional events that happened in the six years since that night. Caleb pitched in, telling his own version of those stories.

It's hard to describe the feeling. Three people, two of whom are dating, and one who we just encountered after a long time, sitting together in a gelato shop while the sunset in Italy cast gold and red shades on the buildings. It felt nostalgic, even though Caleb had only met Leo once and I have not seen him in six years. I wonder what would happen if I did not see Leo among a sea of people today. I wonder if I would let go of the past.

During some parts of the story, Leo laughed, and I found I could not continue because I am reminded of how much I missed hearing his laughter echoing down the hall. Even though we were all three different people, with three different backgrounds, it somehow felt right to be sitting here and exchanging stories with one another.

Somewhere in the gelato shop, a girl screamed. I jumped a bit, while Caleb only looked nonchalantly at the direction of the sound. A few people cast angry glances at the back door before minding their businesses. Next to me, Leo mumbled a curse under his breath. "Ah, crap."

The girl with auburn hair came storming out of the shop, her clothes wet and a furious spark in her eyes. "Leo! Tell my why this instant the flush sprays water instead of flushing down the toilet! I pressed it just like you told me to but it made me wet instead!" she ranted angrily before becoming aware of our presence. Her cheeks flushed bright red.

Leo laughed. Another clear, wonderful sound that rang in my ears. He patted the girl's head and laughed again when she swatted his hand away. "Sunshine, first of all, that wasn't the flush you just pressed," he said through laughter. "That was a bidet us mortals use to wash our bums." The girl looked mortified. Caleb and I tried to hide our smiles in sympathy. "And second of all," he continued, gesturing at us, "I met an old friend."

Old friend. I smiled to myself. He really did change. Although many years separate us, many experiences that I suppressed because of those moments, maybe there is a hope. Maybe we both could get along again, and maybe, just maybe, I could be a part in his life once more.

I extended my hand towards the girl with a wide smile. "Hi, I'm Marie Coleman."

- July 30, 2014 -

Leo walked hesitantly next to me, his hands fiddling with another piece of metal that he claims is for another project. "Is it really necessary, Marie? I mean, I could always visit another day after visiting camp, and Calypso also needs to…"

I laughed. "Camp will always be open to you and Calypso, Leo. You can suddenly appear any time and they will still welcome you with open arms." He smiled at my words. "But you made a promise that you will come and visit her after our trip to Italy."

Leo put his hands up in exasperation. "I did not promise you anything! I only mentioned it once even!"

"And Cal decided that, after hearing my story, you needed to visit her as soon after we arrived atto Houston," I agreed, a smile creeping onto my face upon remembering Calypso's unbelieving face. You mean you left them alone? She had remarked. Oh, Leo. "You promised her you would do this for me."

Leo gave me a look that seems to say, why do I even put up with you? I shrugged nonchalantly. He sighed, before taking in the surroundings. "Houston has not changed," he noted with a hint of melancholy. "It is still the same dry, mosquito infested, Houston I knew." I chuckled.

When Calypso asked about how we met, I knew that one way or another, Leo needed to address his past with me. I poured out my story to her, from the day I discovered I will have a big brother to his departure that night. Calypso mostly kept her thoughts to herself, but stubbornly exclaimed that after Italy, both of them will be coming with us to Houston so Leo can meet Mom once more.

"It's not right to be left by someone you love," she had stated, looking intensely at Leo. "That feeling is not pleasant."

And so, here we are. Walking towards Mom's house at the far corner of the street, away from the bustling city life, while Caleb takes Calypso sight-seeing. Kids were playing basketball with one another. A teenager wheeled by us on his skateboard, a corgi running to keep up. At the house next to Mom's, an elderly couple—Mr. and Mrs. Harrison—waved at me. I waved back, smiling. It's been two years since I left this neighbourhood, and yet it still projected the same warm atmosphere I love.

We stopped in front of a one-storey house with a wooden patio. I looked at Leo, who was staring at one of the many decorations that lined the fence. A golden dragon with ruby red eyes and gleaming scales. The one thing that I did not want to part with from my old house. It stood out amongst the fading sculptures and swaying wind chimes, almost as if it wanted to be looked at.

"Mom wanted a piece of you to be displayed in this neighbourhood," I said softly, aware that Leo's eyes have not once left Festus's small figure. "It's the only thing she kept of you."

"What if she doesn't want to see me?" Leo whispered, his voice thick with emotion. I could almost see the battle of emotions in his face. "What if," he gulped, "she won't forgive me for leaving the both of you six years ago?"

I patted his shoulder, an easy feat now that I am taller than him. "Leo, Mom never stopped talking about you since you left. When we arrived at this neighbourhood, and when her only friends are the elderly couple next door," I gestured to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison's house, "she would fill their days with stories about you. All of your pranks, the Lego sets you've built, the day you set my room on fire…" he laughed bitterly. I took a deep breath. "What I'm saying is, there is no way she would hate you. Sure, she was horribly sad after you left, but she did not forget the memories you made with us. And if I could forgive you after all these years, she could too."

"Even if you're still annoying," I added, to which Leo flashed a lopsided grin. "So, shall we ring the doorbell?"

He gave me a small smile. "I think I'm ready to meet Ms. Coleman now. I guess it won't hurt to say hello after six years."

"Now that's the spirit!" I exclaimed, laughing as a punch Leo on the arm. He faked pouted before laughing alongside me. I rang the doorbell.

From the back of the door, I could hear Mom's slippers shuffling across the hardwood floor.

"Marie? Is that you?"

AND THAT'S ALL FOR THIS CHAPTER FOLKS! :D

I'm sorry if Leo sounds a little OOC here; it's so hard to make him in character when the story is sad in the first place. Anyway, I've changed the title-ing format so you don't know which character I'll showcase next. Let's have that element of surprise in here...

See you around for the next chapter!

- anonymousgirl23 -