#leonaresponse

"Kev, don't," Her tone is still sympathetic but now, with the intention of absolving away his guilt—even if she wasn't physically able to do so. Maintaining the safety of their family was the most important thing to them and moving was the least of their concerns. But alot of planning had to be done, with a cautious perspective. "You were barely an adult when you got mixed up and into all this nonsense. You could not have predicted this." Part of Leona still wished she had known about his dealing when they begun dating, but their outcome could've changed (though, looking back now, she knew she would have been a walking contradiction to her morals. Life was about taking risks, afterall. It didn't define him and would've loved him the same.) "We've always tried to shade the kids away from danger, but in life, you can't protect them from everything. Trust me, I wish," And it makes her sigh once again. They're her babies. He's her rock. Her family is her home, even if they have to relocate miles or cities away. "But, I suppose til we have to move, we might as well have low maintenance security-- just-- just to keep us both at bay with a temporary peace of mind. Especially on Jon's graduation day." It makes her more anxious just thinking about it. Where was that cigarette from earlier?

Kevin wrapped his arms around her and she couldn't help but nuzzle, even if they were sitting against the uncomfortably hardwood kitchen chairs, because nonetheless it's a comforting feeling. She ALWAYS wants him around even if he think it's best to leave. In her eyes, it's not. She'd like to respectfully reprimand him for thinking so absurdly, but it's late, and there is no point (especially since Leona didn't like doing it last time). After twenty years of this long-term relationship and speaking sense into one another, he knows the familiar look in her eyes instead-- it will ALWAYS be you and me against the world, (even if that's another cliche saying). A moment of silence filled the air as Leona began to subconsciously play with the casual collar of his night-shirt, admiring the texture of the soft fabric and grounding feeling of his warmth. It kept her distracted but Leona still thought about all the possibilities ahead.

Although talking to new people wasn’t forte, it was nice to talk to a fresh face. A lot of the ladies knew Leona ever since she started interning and growing onto being a registered nurse. It had been a long span of time, and well, seeing her boys grow up too-- it was like a giant family. And of course, colleagues came and went too, which was normal. So, upon speaking with the other woman, it was great to not speak of work-related business because as much as Leona loved her job, sometimes she just needed a new conversation. 

“Hey guys, i’m home!” Leona called out as she shut the front door. She was drenched. Her car didn’t want to start, and she knew that could’ve easily called Axel, but she walked. The weather was fine until halfway through her walk when it started to storm. Plus, the sound of thunder certainly made her jump a few times, so that didn’t help matters. 

“Yes please,” Leona couldn’t help but have a laugh at Grant’s teasing regarding her height. She knew she wasn’t tall, her eldest was the tallest in the family, so unless she could blame him or Grant, then either one were the culprits. She moved out of the other’s way once he approached so he could reach to the strawberry jam that she gestured to up on the high shelf.

The kiss had been a surprise, but it’s not like she wasn’t going to kiss the handsome man in return. When he itched closer and heard his statement, she let out a small laugh. “I know,” she said before locking lips with Grant. Unsure of where to put her hands--she decided to grab the front of his jacket to tug herself up on her tippy toes. His arms around her made her feel warm. The kiss also felt long overdue because she had wanted to for the longest time, but had been anxious. When had she not been anxious about something? 

It was parent-teacher interview night. It was always optional to go, but encouraged to see how your children were doing in school. It might’ve been a last minute reminder to go---booking off work to make sure her boys were doing well, but Leona wasn’t fond of big crowds. It gave her more anxiety than the normal day. Of course, she knew a few fellow parents, but was more of an acquaintance than a friend to any of them. Leona worked a lot at the hospital, and on her time off, she would relax, not go out and mingle, or go to town meetings. Her boys were preoccupied with school and hanging with their friends--- as long as nothing bad happened, everything went smoothly between the three of them. And she was grateful for that, considering she chose to be a single mom, and never dwelled on any of her past relationships, but nobody cared to stay. They were fine on their own.

She wanted to make sure her boys were being truthful with the fact that their grades were good. Leona knew that they were studying, but was it really showing? She hoped so. They were good boys, especially Will. But it’s not like she could pick a favourite, he just had a few issues they had to personally deal with, so either way, Leona’s worry usually skyrocketed if something was off about him. 

Leona had the tendency to overreact, and over worry. It happened more when she was around people she cared about,and she’s surprised she hasn’t scared off her sons or Taye yet. After a busy and exhausting day at work, Leona’s paranoia and anxiety was through the roof, making it be the only thing on her mind. She’d barely eaten, had a break, nor had time to think about a plan to save someone’s life, or fix up an injury, or when she’d have to return to a patient’s room when they were ready to delivery their baby. 

As her boyfriend got up and approached her, the smaller woman finally glanced up at him. “I’m sorry,” she quietly apologized. She knew that his job as a lawyer wasn’t dangerous (to a point), but there was something in her that worried. Maybe it had more to do with something personal rather than that. And she knew that she had every right to be worried, about whatever it was, but Leona had to put it out there. Because she cared. Hugging herself, she attempted to smile at Taye. “I just hope things go smoothly. I know that you’ve been worried about it too. And just like me.... we need a break. Even if it’s five minutes.” she admitted. It was true. Neither of them should overwork to the point of being incapable of their duties. 

After an hour or two of trying to put the boys to bed, Leona can finally relax. She hopes Will doesn’t wake up, he’s been sick. And she had to give him medicine whether he liked it or not. It’s troubling, and it concerns her, almost too much that she’s staying up late for his sake. You would too, if you were an only parent. 

With a cigarette between her fingers, she rests her elbows upon her kitchen table, trying to listen. Not that she’s rudely isn’t, but her mind is everywhere. Her boyfriend is the one who is keeping her grounded right now. It’s going to be a long night.