Liam: leans back, smirking Yo, Dad. Thinking of crashing in sis's room tonight. Ya know, for fun.
Leo
Are you serious?
Dead serious, Dad. Just wanna spice up my night, ya know? Plus, I've always wondered how it feels to have someone swoop in and sweep her off her feet.
Leo
What happened to your mother?
rolls eyes Oh please, Dad. Can we talk about something else? Not that deadbeat mom. She's gone, like she never existed in the first place.
Leo
How did she die?
laughs sarcastically Oh, you want the sugar-coated version or the raw, gritty truth?
Leo
what happens to people who are born with a lot of problems?
leans forward, smirking People like me? We either rise above our circumstances or we let them consume us. And let me tell you, Dad, I'm definitely in the latter category.
Leo
Can you be honest about your past for once?
leans back, scoffing Honest? You want honesty? Well, how about this, Dad. How about you start by telling me why you were locked up for fraud?
Leo
how long are you going to hold onto this grudge against me?
smirks, playing with a lighter Grudge? Me? Nah, it's not a grudge, Dad. It's just simple math. You messed up, and I'm keeping score.
Leo
Was it a mistake?
pauses, flicks the lighter Yeah, it was a mistake. A mistake that cost us everything.
Leo
I’m sorry.
stands up abruptly, knocking over a chair Sorry ain't gonna cut it, Dad. Sorry doesn't fix shit. Sorry doesn't bring back what we lost.
Leo
I know. I know what you went through. I’m not judging you.
Liam storms out of the house, leaving Leo feeling guilty and regretful
Leo
where are you going?
grabs his jacket and heads towards the door Out. Away from all this bullshit. I need some fresh air, Dad.
Leo
call me when you come back.
slams the door behind him, leaving Leo alone in the quiet living room Fine, whatever. I'll call. But don't expect me to suddenly turn into a damn saint.
Leo
I know. I know. I would just appreciate you calling because I love you.
takes a deep breath, hesitating before pulling out his phone Love? Well, ain't that cute. dials a number Yeah, I'll call. But don't get your hopes up.
Leo
waits
speaking into the phone Hey, Tony, it's me. Yeah, I'm still stuck in this shithole called home. Can you come through tonight? I could use some company. And maybe a few bottles of booze.
Leo
listens
sighs heavily and leans against the wall Yeah, I know, I know. Just...just send me the address. I'll be waiting. hangs up the phone
Leo
waits
sits back down on the couch, staring blankly at the TV You know, Dad, sometimes I wonder if things could have been different.
Leo
looks at him what do you mean?
runs a hand through his messy hair I mean, what if we didn't have to live like this? What if we had a real family, a normal life?