Chapter 24: Old Faces
Leo's POV
I've settled into a new pattern, a new life, a new hope.
Nel is pregnant with our second child.
Raph is attempting to avoid the flirtation of a woman. A woman I know he likes.
I can't help but chuckle at his attempts to escape her attentions.
He doesn't trust women though, not after Tehsehle and her attempt to kill Aria.
The surgery that Joban paid for to allow him to speak again, worked, he's been talking. Though in the Teripan language, of which I'm still stumbling through.
I sigh as I rest my forehead against Wyndr's face. The blue roan stallion that I was able to tame for Joban.
Like me this stallion went through much in his young life, much pain.
I smile as he huffs softly, telling me that he trusts me.
After rubbing his forehead I slip out of the stall and latch it.
I head toward Raph who is talking to one of the other field workers. As I approach I feel even more excited then before.
I'm going to be a father again.
I'm going to get to see this child be born, to watch it grow.
By the time I reach him I'm nearly bouncing with excitement. Raph laughs at me as I spill my news.
"Galures," he tells me. (congratulations)
I simply grin and then freeze when I spot Don and Mike.
I didn't want Raph to send that letter, but he did.
He said they deserved to know we were alive.
But I was afraid they'd come and make me go back.
They're here now…and they'll-
I jump as Raph punches Mikey.
Don's shouting in confusion as Raph turns back to me and tells me to go be with Nel, Gaeh, and the coming baby.
"They're still family Raph," I manage weakly.
He just looks at me and then nods.
I turn and nearly sprint away.
I have to, I can't bear to go back there.
I can't.
No matter how much my brothers miss me.
No matter how much I still crave the affirmation of my father.
When I reach Nel and hug her tight as I fight the growing fear within me.
Days later I realize that even though I fear those around me…I am willing to sacrifice my freedom to protect my brothers.
Joban's neighbor claims that he owns Don and Mike and that they are runaways.
I take their place.
I'll never see my second child.
She pleads with me not to do this.
Gaeh runs after me as I am loaded up.
Raph stops him and hugs him tight.
I am sorry my son.
I am so sorry.
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