Chapter 18- What The Heart Left Behind
Aurora stirred awake, her body heavy and unwilling. A sharp throb pulsed at her temples as she winced, bringing a hand to her head.
"Ugh..." she groaned, curling slightly under the covers. The room was dim, the morning light barely filtering through the curtains, but even that sliver of brightness felt like too much.
As she blinked against the dull ache, memories of the previous day began flashing behind her eyes-one by one, like a cursed slideshow she didn't ask for.
Every conversation, every awkward silence, every little drama replayed in vivid detail. It was enough to make her want to scream-or at least roll off the bed and disappear under it.
She let out another groan, deeper this time, as if it could physically push the memories away.
A soft knock came at the door, followed by the familiar creak as it opened.
"Hi, baby. Good morning," Gemma's warm voice drifted in before she stepped inside, her smile as radiant as ever. She crossed the room and leaned down to hug Aurora gently, planting a kiss on her forehead-always the forehead, never anywhere else. It was her signature.
Aurora blinked, still groggy, still wading through the fog of her headache. "Morning," she mumbled.
"I just called Charlene," Gemma said, already buzzing with energy. "I'm going over to her place. It's been years, can you believe that? Years! I'm so excited to see her again."
Aurora blinked again, now slightly more alert.
"And I was thinking..." Gemma continued, sitting on the edge of the bed, "maybe you'd like to come with me? You could see Charlene too-or maybe even Leo."
At the sound of his name, Aurora's expression shifted instantly. Her forehead creased. "Why would I want to see him?"
The excitement in Gemma's eyes faltered, just for a second, before she smoothed over it with a calm smile. "I just thought-never mind. Just thought it might be nice."
But Aurora had already turned her face away, lips pressed tight in a silent frown.
Gemma gave a small nod, not pushing further. "Alright," she said, rising to her feet. "So what are you going to be doing all day while I'm gone?"
Aurora shrugged, still buried halfway under the covers. "Nothing much. I'm going to Oma's later. That's about it."
"Okay then," Gemma replied, walking to the door before pausing to glance back. "Don't forget to eat something. And be safe, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah," Aurora muttered, managing the smallest of smirks.
Gemma came back to place another kiss on her forehead. "I love you."
Aurora's head still throbbed and her mood hadn't quite shifted.
Once Gemma left, Aurora lay there for a moment longer, staring at the ceiling. The silence of the house wrapped around her like a blanket-but not the comforting kind. She let out a long breath before throwing off the covers.
Moments later, she was in the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, already itching to leave the house. The walls felt like they were closing in.
She dressed quickly-baggy clothes that hid more than they showed. Her usual armor. But despite the oversized hoodie and loose jeans, there was still something striking about her.
She pulled on a pair of dark sunglasses, concealing her eyes, and smoothed a hand through her deep red hair. The fringe of her bangs framed her face just right, giving her a look that was effortlessly cool and unbothered.
Without another word, Aurora grabbed her keys, walked out the door, and slid into her sleek red Lamborghini. The engine purred to life as she pulled out of the driveway, the roar of it echoing down the street.
THE GRANDE'S RESIDENCE
Leonard woke slowly, his body still heavy with sleep. The first thing he noticed was warmth-soft, comforting, and very much alive.
Amaya was draped around him, her face tucked against his chest like it was the only safe place left in the world. Her arm was thrown over him, holding on tight, like she was afraid he'd vanish if she let go.
She let out a quiet little snore, breath brushing his skin, peaceful in a way that made something twist in his chest.
He lay there for a moment, just watching her. The way her lashes rested against her cheek, the way her fingers curled slightly against his shirt. There was something about seeing her like this-unguarded-that made the room feel strangely still.
But he had to move.
Slowly, carefully, he began to shift. Her body reacted instinctively, shrinking in closer, her hold tightening before finally loosening with a soft sigh. He hesitated, then gently slid out from under her, setting her arm down like something fragile.
She didn't wake.
Leonard stood there for a beat, rubbing the back of his neck, then slipped out of the room without a sound.
The hallway was quiet. Familiar. But the moment he stepped into his own bedroom, something changed.
The air felt wrong.
He didn't get a chance to think-no time to question it. The floor shifted beneath him, or maybe it was reality itself, but suddenly he was no longer in his room. He didn't walk into this... path.
He was thrown into it.
No warning. No choice.
Just darkness stretching forward, and no way back.
FLASH BACK _YEARS AGO
The light was different here.
Warmer. Softer. Everything glowed like it had been filtered through memory-through love.
Leonard was nine again, sitting stiffly on the edge of his bed, arms crossed, a scowl planted firmly on his face. On the screen in front of him, SpongeBob SquarePants played loudly, all high-pitched voices and nonsense laughter.
Beside him, Amaya was practically bouncing.
She clapped her hands and sang along to the theme song with every bit of joy in her little six-year-old body.
"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" she sang at the top of her lungs.
Leonard didn't answer.
"SpongeBob SquarePants!" she shouted anyway, giggling, beaming, completely immersed.
Leonard sighed loudly. "This show is dumb," he muttered.
Amaya didn't even hear him. She was dancing now.
Just then, the bedroom door opened and their parents walked in-Charlene, glowing in her usual grace, and their father, tall and calm, with kind eyes and a warm smile.
His name was Desmond.
"MOMMY!" Amaya shrieked in delight. She jumped off the bed and bolted straight into Charlene's waiting arms.
Charlene laughed, catching her easily. "There's my baby girl," she cooed, patting her gently and pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Desmond walked over to Leonard and tapped the boy lightly on the forehead. "Still grumpy about the sponge?" he teased with a chuckle.
Leonard shrugged, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Charlene stood with Amaya still clinging to her side. "Babies, Mommy and Daddy have to go see some very important people," she said gently. "We'll be back in an hour, okay?"
"Nooo!" Amaya pouted dramatically, clinging tighter.
Desmond stepped in, voice calm and soothing. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll be back before you even finish your pasta. The nanny's downstairs making it for you."
He leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. "And guess what? I got ice cream."
Amaya's eyes widened. "Chocolate?"
"The only kind," he grinned.
She released her mother reluctantly and trotted back to the bed, climbing up beside Leonard.
Leonard pulled her into a hug and gave his parents a tiny, proud nod. "Don't worry. I'll take care of my little Maya Bear."
Charlene's heart melted a little as she exchanged a look with Desmond. They both leaned in, pressing kisses to their children's cheeks.
"We know you will," Charlene said.
"Don't worry, we'll be back soon," Desmond added.
"Love you!" they said together, their voices fading as they turned toward the door.
And just like that, the moment hung in the air-whole, golden, safe.
The door clicked shut behind them.
The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable-just still. Amaya leaned her head on Leonard's shoulder, legs tucked under her as she stared at the frozen frame on the TV screen.
SpongeBob was mid-laugh, goofy and bright, but the room already felt different without their parents in it.
Leonard looked down at her. "You still want to watch this?" he asked, half-hoping she'd say no.
She nodded sleepily. "Just a little more."
He sighed, reaching for the remote. "Fine. But only five minutes. Then we eat."
She hummed in agreement, already snuggling closer. He let her. He always did.
Downstairs, the faint sound of pots clinking echoed-probably the nanny making pasta like Desmond said. Everything was normal.
Too normal.
The TV played on, but Leonard wasn't really watching. Something about the way their parents had smiled-soft, lingering-made his chest feel tight. Like maybe they knew something he didn't. Like maybe...
The sound started to warp.
SpongeBob's laughter slowed, deepened. It dragged out into something distorted-less cheerful, more haunting. The screen flickered.
Leonard blinked. Looked at Amaya.
She was gone.
The bed was empty.
He stood up fast, heart thudding. "Maya?"
No answer.
The light in the room dimmed-colors bleeding into gray. The laughter on the TV twisted into static, then silence.
Leonard took a step forward.
The floor cracked open beneath him.
And then-
He was falling again.
Back into the present. Back into the path.
END OF FLASH BACK
Leonard sighs and runs his hand through his hair. He heads into the bathroom to freshen up-he just can't stay here any longer. The walls are heavy with too many memories.
Inside, he showers quickly, letting the water wash over him in silence. When he steps out, the towel sits low around his waist, his V-line showing. His tattoos on his left arm glisten under the water, sharp and defined, the ink catching the dim light.
He gets dressed in the clothes he bought from the shopping mall yesterday after he dropped Aurora off-plain black hoodie and matching black pants. Simple. All black.
Then he heads downstairs.
As he approaches the living room, he hears his mother giggling-then squealing in delight.
He pauses, just in time to see her throw her arms around another woman.
The woman had too much resemblance to Aurora to ignore.
The only difference was the hair color, her's was black. Obviously, she was her mother.
Gemma's eyes landed on him, and she froze, staring.
She gasped. "Oh my God..."
She blinked in disbelief. "Leonard?"
Her eyes ran over him from head to toe, still amused, still shocked.
Leonard looked back at her, expression neutral. But after catching his mom's gaze, he gave a faint, fake smile.
"Hey," he said casually.
Gemma laughed, still processing what she was seeing. "Leo, I'm-I'm still in shock! You look amazing, my love. So handsome! Honestly, your mom and dad's traits didn't go to waste at all."
She looked around suddenly, alert.
"Wait, where's the other one, Charlene? You said you had a daughter too, right?"
She turned to Charlene.
"She's probably still sleeping," Charlene replied.
"I'm leaving," Leonard said flatly.
"What? I thought you'd stay till Sunday," Charlene said, going to him.
"No. I'm leaving."
"And Amaya?"
"She can take care of herself."
He winked at Gemma before walking off. "Bye."
Gemma squealed. "He's flirty. I like it."
Charlene sighed. "You still don't have any idea what happened between him and Auri?"
"Hmm, no. I don't know, and he won't say anything," Charlene replied.
"Don't worry, they're grown up. They'll handle it, okay? We have so much to catch up on. Goodness, this still feels unreal. I missed you! I'm elated!" Charlene hugged Gemma tight.
---
Upstairs...
Amaya woke up slowly, feeling the emptiness next to her. Her eyes shot open.
She scanned the room in haste, panic rising. A deep fear crept into her chest.
"Leo... Leo..." she whispered, checking the bathroom. Nothing.
"No, no... Leo..." Tears spilled from her eyes.
Then, her eyes caught a note on the side table. It was Leonard's handwriting.
Stop crying. You'll see me again. Don't run away from home again. You won't find my place. Look at your mirror-you just woke up, so you're half-blind as always.
She sniffed and turned to the mirror. Another note was stuck to it.
Again, wipe those damn tears. I'm not dead. Be a good girl-and not a bitch. Your gifts will be arriving soon.
She immediately wiped her tears and rushed into the bathroom. When she came out, she kept the notes safe and hurried downstairs.
"Princess!" Charlene called.
Gemma gasped. "She's so cute!"
Amaya rushed to the front door, ignoring them. She opened it and scanned the threshold, but saw nothing.
Charlene followed quickly, worried she was trying to run away again-but stopped when she saw Amaya just standing there, looking around.
"Maya, baby. What's wrong?"
"Leo... Leo said he got me gifts," Amaya said hurriedly.
"He did?" Charlene asked, surprised that she wasn't crying.
"Yes... yes," Amaya nodded.
"Okay, come inside. It'll probably arrive soon. Come on." Charlene gently pulled her in.
Amaya's hair was still messy, and she was in her pink pajamas. At least she'd brushed her teeth.
"Maya," Gemma called softly.
Amaya turned, giving her a questioning look.
"She's your aunty-my long-lost best friend," Charlene said.
"You never told me you had a best friend," Amaya replied calmly, glancing at Gemma.
"I know. That girl who came here with Leo yesterday-Aurora-she's her daughter. And Leo's childhood best friend... and lover," Charlene added.
Amaya frowned. "You also didn't tell me Leo-"
"I know. Not even Leo knew either. He was just two when they were separated. See how things turned out?" Charlene smiled. "Come on, say hi to your aunt."
Gemma stretched out her arms.
Amaya looked to her mother, almost asking for permission. Charlene nodded and nudged her forward.
Amaya walked to Gemma slowly.
"Aww, my goodness. She's so soft," Gemma cooed, hugging her tightly.
Charlene smiled, heart full. She had always dreamed of this moment.
Gemma gently caressed Amaya's soft, black, messy hair.
"I love how babyish she is. My Auri used to be like this too..." she trailed off, her smile fading slightly.
Charlene noticed it-Gemma's sadness-but said nothing yet.
---
DING DONG
The doorbell rang, and Amaya gasped, dashing toward the door. She opened it quickly.
There was no one there. But the floor was covered in gifts.
A big pink teddy. Chocolate bars. Boxes of all kinds.
Amaya smiled brightly and grabbed the huge teddy bear, hugging it like it was Leonard himself.
Some maids came forward, offering to carry the gifts inside.
"No! Did I ask you? I'll take it myself. I have hands," Amaya said, clutching the teddy tighter.
Inside, Charlene and Gemma watched with smiles.
Then Charlene turned to Gemma seriously.
"Gem?" she said quietly.
"Yes?" Gemma responded, still looking at Amaya.
"I noticed how you turned sad when you mentioned Auri just now."
Gemma's smile faded slowly, her eyes drifting to space.
"Gem... is there something you need to tell me? I'm here for you. You know that, right?" Charlene said gently, touching her shoulder.
Gemma gave a soft smile. "I'll tell you when the time is right, okay? Let's just enjoy our reunion."
Charlene nodded. "Okay. I also have a lot to tell you... but you're right. We need to enjoy the moment."
"You have beautiful children. I hadn't even recovered from the shock Leo gave me... and then Amaya's cuteness slapped me in the face." Gemma laughed, making Charlene chuckle.
Amaya came in with the teddy, placing it carefully on the sofa. Then she went back to carry more gifts.
"Mom, isn't it Leo's birthday next week? I wanna get him something," she said.
"Of course. We'll get him something. But you know he doesn't like celebrating. So, we'll just send it to him," Charlene replied.
Gemma smiled warmly at the scene.
---
THE LOPEZ RESIDENCE
Aurora brought the Lambo to a screeching halt.
She stepped out with a lollipop in her mouth, rolling it casually between her fingers. She slammed the door shut like it offended her-she loved her cars, but they always received her anger.
Still wearing sunglasses, she looked effortlessly hot. Baggy clothes had never looked better on anyone.
The weather was calm. Normal.
She strolled toward the door, spinning her car keys around her index finger.
The door opened before she could knock. A woman in a maid's uniform greeted her.
"Welcome, Miss Aurora. The young miss has been waiting for you."
Aurora scoffed, almost laughing.
She pulled her sunglasses off and hung them on her oversized T-shirt, running her fingers through her red hair as she walked in.
It was luxurious, of course. Oma's parents never settled for less.
Oma popped out of the kitchen.
"Darling!" she squealed, hugging Aurora.
She wore an apron over a white crop top slipping off one shoulder, paired with tight black shorts. A chef's cap sat on her short hair.
"Young miss?" Aurora said blankly, holding the lollipop in one hand.
"My mom made a rule-all the workers have to call me that," Oma replied with an eye roll.
"Whatever. What are you making?" Aurora asked.
"Doughnuts! We're gonna eat them while watching Never Have I Ever," Oma beamed.
Aurora frowned. "What's with you and that show?"
"I love it!"
"I'm not watching that with you. Period."
"Then what do you wanna watch?"
"Nothing," Aurora said, flopping down into a seat.
Oma sighed. "I'll be back. Let me check my doughnuts. Then we'll talk about what happened yesterday at Leo's place."
Aurora groaned and pulled her phone from her pocket as Oma dashed back into the kitchen.
This was her first time visiting Oma's place. When she arrived in New York with her parents last month, Oma had come to see her that same day, but Aurora stayed indoors.
She muttered a curse under her breath as yesterday's memories came flooding back.
To be continued...
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