The Rise - Chapter 46

Leon skipped the rest of dinner given the seeming urgency of Justin’s meeting. They went to Leon’s room. Justin stood by the window looking outside and holding the curtain, whereas Leon was sitting on the edge of his bed looking at Justin. There was a long silence.

“What’s wrong Justin.” said Leon breaking the silence

Justin kept looking outside of the window still remaining silent for a while.

“Veronica had an outburst today. Johnathon Jaylin came to ask her hand in marriage and the next thing I know she’s shouting at mom and dad telling them she’s going to choose who she marries.” said Justin calmly, still looking out the window.

Leon didn’t say anything, waiting for Justin to elaborate.

“You’ve been acting differently lately Leon.” said Justin turning around and locking eyes with Leon.

“What do you mean?” asked Leon tilting his head cautiously

“First you started keeping things away from me, like how you were running for the election. Then, when you came to my house to plan the election, all you had to do was ask Veronica once to help and she did without asking any questions.” said Justin

“We’re childhood friends.” said Leon cutting off Justin

“She’s cheating for you. Putting her name and reputation at stake for this stupid election all of a sudden and you two haven’t even spoken for years. I understand me and Taylor doing it for you, we’re like brothers – but it never made any sense for Veronica to drop everything to help you.” said Justin

“She’s helping her brother’s best friend. And we shared a childhood together, that counts for something.” said Leon defensively

“Maybe… but the nail in the coffin was your little outburst at the dinner table in your mother’s house. Did you think I ignored that? You seemed pretty passionate that she marry who she wants.” said Justin looking at Leon with dead cold eyes. *

Leon stood up.

“Then say it, Justin, say what your thinking – because if your not man enough to say it to my face, then just leave.” said Leon

Justin looked away, out the window, staying silent. Leon walked up to Justin.

“You just want everything to go down quietly, for Veronica to give up her hand so you don’t have to worry. You know that this little Tundra rule is messed up and the less pain she feels the better you feel about yourself. And now that she’s finally showing how much this hurts her, you can’t cope. I understand how you feel, but I will not be your scapegoat. You will not blame me for a normal human reaction of a girl wanting to marry whomever she wants.” said Leon barking at Justin angrily.

Justin kept looking outside the window as Leon noticed a single tear trickle down Justin’s eye. Justin tried to hide it but Leon grabbed Justin’s shoulder and turned him around towards him. Justin became even more teary unable to hold in the tears.

“I’ve never seen her like this… She’s locked up in her room, crying… I-I feel so helpless, I hate that she’s hurting… I-I don’t know what to do…” said Justin sniffing and wiping his tears.

Leon quickly embraces Justin tightly placing his face on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry…” said Justin apologizing for his venting on Leon

Leon started to calm down, releasing an almost hidden sigh of relief. He held onto Justin tighter. Leon sees his faint reflection in the window, he could barely recognize his face. He looked away immediately, unable to look at himself.

*Leon’s outburst at the dinner table was in Chapter 28.