Leo's Rebellion

The drive from the bank was a slow, mechanical process. The codicil burned in my mind, a perfect legal knot tying me to the house and to their secret.

I pulled into the driveway just as a dark sedan backed out of Harrison’s usual spot near the side door. I didn't recognize the car.

The front door of the Tudor was ajar.

I dropped my bag on the porch and pushed inside. The quiet of the house was broken by a low, furious murmuring from the kitchen.

I walked down the hall, the sound of my boots heavy on the hardwood. Leo was sitting at the granite island, his backpack thrown on the floor. His face was flushed, a fresh, purpling bruise swelling along his right cheekbone.

Harrison stood over him, his cashmere sweater replaced by his crisp white lab coat. He must have come straight from the clinic.

"Three days suspension," Harrison was saying, his voice a tight, controlled hiss. "For a physical altercation in the cafeteria. Do you have any idea how this reflects on the family name?"

"I don't care about the family name," Leo spat back, glaring at the counter.

"What happened?" I asked, stepping into the kitchen.

Harrison turned, his expression instantly smoothing into weary paternal concern. "Leo decided to settle a dispute with his fists. The headmaster called me directly."

"He called you?" I asked, moving to stand next to Leo. "I'm his legal guardian."

"I am still his father, El. And given your current... distraction with the house, the school thought it best to consult a medical professional about his sudden aggressive behavior."

He was building the case. Right here in my kitchen. Layering Leo's teenage rebellion over my supposed mental instability.

"Who hit you, Leo?" I asked softly, reaching out to tilt his chin up.

He jerked his head away. "It doesn't matter. He was talking trash. I handled it."

"You handled it like a thug," Harrison snapped, the doctor facade cracking for a fraction of a second. "You're moving back in with me. Today. I won't have you spiraling in this house while Eleanor plays construction worker."

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Leo yelled, standing up so fast his stool tipped over, clattering against the tile.

"You are a minor, and you need structure." Harrison stepped forward, reaching for Leo’s arm. "Eleanor cannot provide it. Look at her. She’s falling apart."

Leo shoved his father's hand away, backing up until he hit the refrigerator. His chest heaved, his eyes wild with a trapped, frantic energy.

"She's fine!" Leo shouted. "You're the one who makes everyone crazy! You're the one who breaks people!"

"Leo, that's enough," I said, trying to de-escalate.

"No, it's not!" Leo pointed a shaking finger at his father. The bruise on his cheek stood out in stark relief against his pale skin. "You think I don't know? You think I didn't hear what you did to Mom?"

Harrison froze. The air in the kitchen went completely dead.

"Your mother was unwell," Harrison said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "She left because she couldn't handle the pressure."

"She left because you wouldn't let her leave!" Leo screamed, tears finally breaking loose. "She tried to tell me before she went away. About your clinic. About the pills."

Harrison took a slow, deliberate step toward his son. The paternal mask was gone, replaced by something cold and absolute. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Through his tears, Leo yelled, 'He locks things away! Just ask Mom!'