Already Made It Through

I stare at my phone screen, re-reading the message I just received.

Leo Hayes: Be here by 4 PM today.

No greeting as usual. only a directive. 

I roll my eyes, tossing my phone onto my tiny kitchen counter. I shouldn't be surprised. He doesn't seem like the type to waste words. 

I sigh, rubbing my temple before grabbing my bag. It's barely past noon, which gives me a few hours to kill before I have to step foot back into that house.

Back into his presence.

The thought unsettles me more than I care to admit.

I don't want to think about the way Matteo held on to me last night or the way Leo watched me like he was trying to figure me out.

I especially don't want to think about how a small, traitorous part of me is returning.

This job is temporary. That's all.

So why does it feel like more?

I don't like waiting.

It's 3:58, and Ella still hasn't arrived.

I tell myself it doesn't matter. She has two minutes.

Matteo sits on the living room floor, absently flipping through the pages of a book. He hasn't spoken a word all day. 

I wasn't expecting him to. But I can tell he's waiting.

I grip the back of the couch, jaw tight.

This is practically what I didn't want.

Matteo is already looking for her. Expecting her.

And if she doesn't show up—

The sound of the gate opening pulls me from my thoughts.

I let out a slow breath, ignoring the strange relief that settled in my chest.

A knock sounds at the door, followed by the familiar voice I refuse to acknowledge is becoming familiar.

"Leo?"

I open the door to find Ella standing there, one hand gripping the strap of her bag.

She meets my gaze without hesitation. "You don't have to glare at me. I'm not late."

I step aside, motioning for her to come in. "Barely."

She smirks, brushing past me.

Matteo's head pops up the second she steps inside. His grip tightens on the stuffed wolf he's holding.

Ella kneels in front of him, offering a small smile. "Hey, kiddo."

Matteo doesn't respond.

But his eyes soften.

Matteo doesn't speak, but I can tell he's elated to see me. His little fingers grip the stuffed wolf tighter, his brown eyes peering up at me with something close to recognition. It's a small thing, but I'll take it.

"Did you have a wonderful day?" I ask softly, settling onto the floor beside him.

No response.

I glance at the book in his lap. It's an old fairytale—one of the classics. "Do you want to read together?"

His eyes gazed toward the pages, hesitant.

I don't push. Instead, I gently take the book and start reading aloud, letting my voice fill the heavy silence in the room.

Once upon a time

I can feel Leo's gaze on me, watchful as always. I don't look at him, but I know he's analyzing every move I make.

Matteo shifts slightly, leaning just a bit closer.

My heart clenches.

This is what I came here for.

Not because Leo makes me feel like I'm being watched closely, nor because of his icy gazes or stern demeanor.

But for this young child who is too silent for his small size. 

If I can reach him, even a little

It'll be worth it.

She's well off with him.

I'd rather not confess it, but I can't deny it either.

Matteo is listening. He doesn't say a word, but his shoulders have relaxed, and his breathing is steady.

He trusts her.

The realization sends a strange feeling through my chest, one I can't name.

I lean against the doorway, arms crossed. "Do you do this often?"

Ella glances up from the book. "Read? Yes. Work with kids? yes."

I raise an eyebrow. "You never mentioned that in your interview."

She shrugs. "You never asked."

Something about her voice makes me wonder what else she's not saying.

There's something about her. I'm having trouble figuring things out. 

And I don't like it.

Someone who makes me doubt things is the last thing I need. 

The lesson ends too quickly.

Matteo clings to my shirt as I prepare to leave, his grip little but firm.

I kneel, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. "I'll be back soon, okay?"

He doesn't speak, but he nods.

It's the actual response I've gotten from him since I started tutoring him.

Pride swells in my chest, but I don't let it show.

Leo is watching me again.

I straighten, forcing myself not to react to how his presence takes up too much space.

"Same time next lesson?" I ask.

Leo nods. "Don't be late."

I smirk. "I never am."

I just turn and walk out the door.

Leo doesn't say anything as I gather my things, but I can feel his gaze on me—sharp, assessing. I should be used to it by now, but the way he watches me makes my skin feel like he's waiting for me to slip up.

I refuse to let him intimidate me.

As I sling my bag over my shoulder, Matteo shifts closer, still gripping my sleeve. His fingers tighten, his silent way of asking me to stay.

My chest aches.

I crouch down again, keeping my voice soft. "I have to go now, but I'll be back. You don't have to worry, okay?"

Matteo doesn't nod this time. He stares at me with those big brown eyes, uncertainty clouding his gaze.

I hesitate, then gently place my hand over his. "Promise."

His fingers twitch beneath mine, but he doesn't let go immediately.

Leo steps forward, his presence suddenly looming over us. "Matteo."

By his name, Matteo's grip loosens, and I slowly pull away.

"See you soon, kiddo," I murmur before standing.

Leo watches me closely as I move toward the door. I pause, meeting his gaze. "He's getting comfortable with me."

"I noticed." 

I tilt my head. "That's nice, isn't it?"

Leo's jaw tightens. "That depends."

I cross my arms, challenging him. "On what?"

His eyes darken slightly, but rather than responding, he steps past me to open the door.

I let out a slow breath before walking past him. "See you next lesson, Leo."

He doesn't reply.

But as I stepped out of his mansion, I swear I can still feel his eyes on me.

I watch from the doorway as Ella disappears down the long driveway, her steps confident, unhurried.

Matteo clings beside me, staring after her.

He's never done that before.

I glance down at him. "You like her."

Matteo doesn't speak, but the way he shifts slightly tells me enough.

I let out a quiet sigh. This wasn't supposed to happen. I hired her to teach him, not to make him attached.

I really can't afford risks.

I close the door, locking it behind me.

But no matter how much I tell myself, I don't trust her

I can't shake the feeling that she's already made it through.

And that's dangerous.