𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬

...🏀...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟒

The door burst open, and I spun around to find my dad standing in the doorway, his eyes zeroing in on Nathan. His expression darkened, anger radiating from him in waves.

"What the hell is a Scott doing in my house?" he demanded, his glare shifting to me.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding as I grabbed Nathan's hand. I met my dad's furious gaze, trying to summon every ounce of courage I had. My mom appeared beside him with Leila in her arms, her face a mask of concern.

"Dad...Nathan is here because of me," I said, my voice trembling slightly.

My dad clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. "Why?"

I looked at Nathan, who squeezed my hand, giving me the strength to face my dad's wrath. "Because—we're seeing each other."

The room fell into a tense silence. My dad's eyes flicked between us, his fists clenching at his sides.

"I'm going to kill him," he finally growled, charging into the room.

My eyes widened in panic. Nathan pushed me to the side and sidestepped my dad's initial rush, quickly returning to my side.

"I know you hate my family, sir. Mostly my dad," Nathan said, his voice steady despite the anger in the room. "But I like her. A lot."

My dad whipped around, fury etched into every line of his face.

I looked at my mom, and she cleared her throat, trying to intervene. "Nathan—"

But my dad wasn't going to give Nathan a moment. He rushed forward again, and Nathan looked at me. I nodded, stepping between them just in time.

"Get out of my way," my dad growled.

I shook my head, my heart pounding. "No. You're going to sit and listen."

"I don't have—" my dad started, his voice rising angrily.

"You never listen to me, Dad," I interrupted, feeling my resolve harden. "I know I'm a second thought to you because of Alex and basketball."

I paused, the weight of my words sinking in.

"And I always give in. But not for this," I said, pointing to my bed. I needed to do this now before my courage wavered. "Sit."

For a moment, it seemed like he might refuse, his jaw tightening as he glared at me. But then, with a reluctant growl, my dad finally sat on the edge of the bed, his glare never leaving my face. I let out a sigh, trying to steady my nerves.

"I like Nathan," I began, my voice steady. "I know how you feel about him and the Scotts, but you need to understand that I can't change how I feel about him."

My dad stared at me, his eyes dark and unreadable, while my mom, standing beside him, cleared her throat.

She looked at Nathan and said softly, "You should go, Nathan."

Nathan looked at me over his shoulder, a silent exchange passing between us. His eyes were concerned and regretful, but he nodded and quietly left the room.

I turned back to my dad, who had risen to his feet, his hands clenched at his sides.

"I don't want you to see him again," he said, his voice low and fierce.

I crossed my arms tighter, standing my ground. "No."

My mom placed a hand on his shoulder, looking him in the eyes. "Nathan is nothing like Dan," she explained calmly. "You need to give him a chance and let Mylah make her own choices."

He shook his head, frustration etched into his features.

"Nathan is exactly like his father. I forbid you from seeing him," he declared before storming out of my room, the door slamming shut behind him.

My mom sighed, rubbing her temples. She turned to me, her eyes filled with empathy. "I'll go talk to him," she said softly, handing Leila to me. "Just give him some time, Mylah."

As she left, closing the door gently behind her, I was alone with my thoughts. The room felt quieter than ever, and the echoes of the fight with Dad still rang in my ears.

I walked over to the balcony with Leila in my arms, looking out at the backyard. The sky lightened with the early morning sun, casting a soft glow over the trees. I leaned my forehead against the cool glass, feeling frustrated and sad.

Nathan and I had finally started to find something real and good, and now it felt like it was being ripped away by old grudges and fears. I knew my dad was only trying to protect me, but his anger was misdirected.

Nathan wasn't his father, and he wasn't out to hurt me.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. Pulling away from the window, I returned to Leila's crib and set her down.

A small smile graced my lips at her sleeping peacefully through all the yelling. I turned to my bed and sat down, the tension slowly easing out of my shoulders. I knew this wasn't the end of the conversation with my dad. He would fight me on this, which meant I had to fight harder.

There had to be another way.

...🏀...

I sat in my room, nursing Leila, as Brooke rifled through my closet, clothes flying everywhere in her search to find something for me to wear to tonight's playoff game. Leila's tiny mouth latched onto me as I held her against my chest, and I felt a calm wash over me despite the chaos around us.

"I've decided to forgive Peyton and go back to being friends," Brooke announced, pulling out an off-the-shoulder green crop top and a pair of jeans.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Is that what you want? To be friends?"

Brooke nodded, her expression sincere. "Yeah, I missed her. It's like if you and I stopped talking to each other."

I nodded, knowing where Brooke was coming from.

Brooke and Peyton had been best friends almost as long as Brooke and I. But I couldn't help wondering if I could ever forgive someone who had betrayed me like that, even if they were my best friend.

Brooke tossed the clothes on my bed and turned to me curiously. "So... what happened after your date with Nathan?"

I adjusted my shirt and lightly patted Leila's back, feeling her tiny body relax against mine. "He made me grilled cheese."

Brooke rolled her eyes. "Is that all?"

A small smile played on my lips as I recalled the evening. "No, he told me he liked me."

Brooke's eyes widened with glee. "And?!"

"I kissed him," I admitted, meeting her excited gaze.

Brooke jumped up in the air, unable to contain her excitement. "Finally! I couldn't handle the longing looks between you guys anymore."

I stood up, carrying Leila to her crib. "Oh, and then at Alex's party, my dad forbade me from ever seeing Nathan again."

Brooke stopped mid-jump, her expression turning serious. "What?!"

I sighed, placing Leila gently into her crib. "If you're wondering why there's security outside my door and why I have to get dropped off by a driver, that's why."

Brooke came over and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry, Mya."

I pulled back, looking into her eyes. "Brooke, I like him a lot. I tried sneaking out, but it was impossible. The one time my dad actually pays attention to me is to keep me from a boy I like."

Brooke frowned, determination lighting up her eyes. "He can't keep you from Nathan at the game tonight."

I shook my head. "No, he's on the team."

A devious smile spread across Brooke's face. "I have the perfect plan. Just get to the game an hour before."

I blinked, slightly apprehensive. "Okay."

Brooke clapped her hands in excitement and then turned to look at Leila, who was slowly falling asleep.

"You never told me who the godmother is," Brooke said suddenly, turning back to face me.

I smirked, knowing this would get a reaction. "I didn't?"

"Nope," Brooke said, sitting up on her elbows. "If it's Haley..."

I rolled my eyes. "It's you."

Brooke's eyes widened in surprise. "You made me the godmother?"

I nodded, watching her closely. Tears welled in her eyes, and she had pulled me into a crushing hug before I knew it.

"I can't believe I'm the godmother," Brooke said, her voice thick with emotion. She pulled back, and I took a deep breath, bracing for another possible hug. "I have so much to do now."

I watched in amusement as she rushed to put on her shoes and coat. "Brooke, you don't—"

"As godmother, I have to make sure my goddaughter knows she's loved and, of course, finalize my plan so Leila can finally have a daddy," Brooke said, whipping around to face me with determination.

I watched her rush out of the room, a mix of gratitude and amusement filling me. I knew making Brooke Leila's godmother was the right choice. She had been there for me every step of the way since I found out I was pregnant.

But what is Brooke planning?

...🏀...

I was about to walk into the fieldhouse when I heard Lucas call out to me. I turned around, seeing my best friend hurrying toward me, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Shouldn't you be in the locker room getting ready?" I teased.

Lucas nodded, but his expression was serious. "I need to tell you something."

I stared at him, worried. "Did you do something you regret again?"

Lucas shook his head. "I'm going to Charleston with Keith."

I blinked, trying to process his words. "Okay, how long?"

"For good. I'm moving there."

My heart dropped. "What?"

"Keith got a job in Charleston, and I'm going to go live with him there after the season's over. Mylah, I need to go." He stepped closer, but I turned my back to him, unable to face this news.

"Come on, don't do that," he pleaded.

"Don't do what?! You can't tell me in a parking lot that you're leaving Tree Hill for good. It's not fair!" I cried.

"Mylah, come on, it's not that far. I'll still see you."

Tears prickled my eyes, the reality of his words hitting me hard.

"Who's going to help me sneak out of my house? Who will listen to my music and not get tired of it for the millionth time or try to convince me to sing in front of people even though he knows I'll say no every time because I'm scared? Who's going to do that with me?" I ranted.

"Nathan. And me, too." Lucas sighed. "Once in a while. Look, I've thought a lot about this, Mylah. Okay? And I feel like I can be a better person if I go now. I'm sure going to miss you. You and Hales are my best friends, Mya. You guys always will be."

A tear slipped down my cheek. "I know that, idiot."

"Come here." He pulled me into a hug, his arms tight around me. "You okay?"

I shook my head against his shoulder. "No, I'm pissed and scared. But I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too," Lucas said, his voice thick with emotion.

We stood there for a moment, holding each other, the noise of the crowd around us fading into the background. I knew this was a big step for him, but it didn't make accepting it any easier. The thought of him being so far away was almost too much to bear.

"Promise you'll call and visit as much as you can?" I asked, pulling back slightly to look at him.

"Promise," he said, his blue eyes filled with sincerity.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Alright. Go win the game. For Tree Hill and for us."

He grinned, giving me one last squeeze before heading toward the locker room. "You got it, Mya."

As I watched him go, a mix of pride and sadness welled up inside me.

With a heavy heart, I turned and walked into the fieldhouse.

...🏀...

As I walked into the fieldhouse, Nathan called out my name. "Mylah!"

His voice was a beacon amidst the chaos, and I turned to see him weaving through the crowd to get to me.

I felt my dad's piercing glare from the corner of my eye and saw him heading our way.

Brooke, bless her, deliberately dropped her pompoms on the ground, causing a brief but effective distraction as my dad tripped and stumbled, my mom and Brooke rushing to help him.

Nathan reached me, his expression a mix of relief and urgency. "I didn't know if you would come," he said, grabbing my arm.

I looked into his eyes, feeling the intensity of the moment. "I'm glad I did."

"It feels like every time I try to talk to you..." Nathan's hand moved to squeeze mine, pulling me closer.

I sighed, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Nathan—"

"Nathan!" Dan's voice cut through the air like a knife. "Let's go. Got a game to win."

"Give me a minute," Nathan told his dad, not breaking eye contact with me.

"Now," Dan growled, his frustration palpable.

"What the hell is your problem, Dad?" Nathan finally tore his gaze from mine to confront his father.

I placed my hand on his arm, drawing his attention back to me. "It's fine, Nathan," I said softly. "I'll see you after the game."

He looked at me for a moment longer, nodded, and ran across the gym to join his teammates. I turned to find my seat, but a harsh grip on my wrist stopped me. I looked up to see Dan's furious eyes boring into me.

"I told him not to get involved with an Evans. If Nathan loses this game, it's on you," Dan snarled.

Before I could respond, my dad's voice boomed behind me. "Dan, get your hands off my daughter."

Dan's grip loosened, and I felt my dad pull me behind him protectively.

"Tell her to stay away from Nathan," Dan ordered.

"Same goes for your son," my dad retorted.

I sighed, frustration bubbling as I walked to find my seat beside Haley. The game was about to begin, and I tried to push the spat out of my mind.

"I told you to stay away from him," Dad muttered, sitting on my other side.

I watched the first quarter, focusing on Nathan as he dribbled the basketball and passed it to Lucas.

"Do you remember when you first saw Mom?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the game.

"Yes," Dad replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "It felt like I couldn't breathe when she was near."

I turned to look at him, seeing his gaze soften. "That feeling like the world stops, and it's just you and her. Or even knowing they are looking at you as you feel their eyes burn into you."

He nodded, his expression thoughtful.

I turned back to the game. "That's how I feel about Nathan."

He didn't say anything, but I felt his eyes on me, a mixture of realization and reluctance. I knew he was trying to understand, but his protective instincts were hard to shake.

Nathan saw me for who I was beyond the facade I put up for my family. He saw the girl who loved to sing and was too afraid to dance again because of past scars.

He saw me, and I saw him.

𝟑𝟒-𝟐𝟗

The score was close, and the tension was noticeable.

I stood up with everyone else, my heart pounding in my chest, as Lucas crumpled to the ground after a brutal collision with another player. Panic surged through me as I saw him clutching his shoulder, his face contorted in pain. Before I could react, Nathan was there, shoving the player who had hit Lucas, his anger evident in every tense muscle.

Chaos erupted on the court.

The referees blew their whistles, trying desperately to separate the two teams. Players were yelling, pushing, and shoving, their frustration boiling over. I watched helplessly as Alex rushed over to Lucas, kneeling beside him and helping him to his feet.

"Lucas!" I called out, but my voice was lost in the noise of the gym.

The refs finally managed to push the teams back toward their respective benches, their stern warnings echoing through the now tense and quiet gym. The scoreboard clock showed halftime, and the buzzer sounded, signaling a temporary reprieve from the chaos.

I remained standing, my hands clenched into fists, watching as Lucas limped off the court with Alex supporting him. Nathan was still glaring at the other team, his chest heaving with anger and adrenaline. I wanted to run to him, to make sure he was okay, but I felt rooted to the spot, the intensity of the moment holding me in place.

As the players filed into their separate locker rooms, I finally sank back into my seat, my mind racing.

"I know what Dan is like," Dad started, his voice softer. "I don't want him to break your heart."

I looked at him, breaking my gaze away from the court.

"I already had my heart broken once, Dad," I said quietly. He furrowed his brows in confusion. "Nathan could break my heart, Dad. I know that, but I want to take that risk. Can't you get that?"

He opened his mouth to respond, but the teams returned to the court for the second half. The game resumed, and it felt like the tide had turned, with Masonboro taking the lead.

Nerves washed through me as I watched Nathan and his teammates fight for every point. Dan's yelling and harsh tactics took their toll, especially on Alex, who looked ready to punch Dan in the face.

𝟔𝟐-𝟔𝟒

With twelve seconds left on the clock, I grabbed Haley's hand tightly as Lucas had the ball. The Ravens passed the ball around, from Lucas to Tim, then to Alex, then back to Nathan, and finally to Lucas again.

I held my breath as Lucas took the shot. The ball spun around the rim, and everything seemed to slow down. The buzzer sounded, and the ball bounced off the rim, landing on the ground.

A collective groan filled the gym, and my heart sank. The game was over, and Masonboro had won. I looked over at Nathan, seeing the disappointment on his face.

I stood up as people started leaving the stands, Haley by my side. We walked down the bleachers and stopped as Dan yelled at Nathan and Lucas from the sidelines in the almost empty gym.

"Because your season is over!" Dan yelled. "Why did you disobey me and pass to Lucas when you knew—"

"When I knew what, Dad?" Nathan asked, glaring at him. "That Lucas shouldn't have been in that game because of his injury? Because we both knew that, didn't we?"

"Watch it," Dan growled. His gaze found mine, and he walked toward me. "What the hell are you staring at?"

I stared back, swallowing a retort, not wanting to piss Dan off more than he already was.

"Leave her out of this," Nathan told him.

"No," Dan said, narrowing his eyes at me. "I told him to stay away from you, but he didn't listen."

"Put a sock in it, Dan," my dad said, stepping beside me protectively. "So their season is over. That has nothing to do with my daughter."

"Oh, it doesn't?" Dan sneered, turning his gaze back to me. "So you just happened to tutor my son to make him like you and distract him, not to get back at your ex?"

My eyes widened, and I shook my head. "No."

"Really? Then I had an interesting talk with Andrew," Dan sneered.

I flinched at the name, my stomach twisting in fear and anger.

"My daughter wouldn't do that," Dad defended me. "She's not psychotic like some people."

Nathan glanced at me, his brows furrowed in confusion and concern. I felt the weight of his gaze, wondering if I had lost him to his father.

Maybe I would always lose him to Dan.

"Watch it, Matthew," Dan warned. He turned his attention back to me. "Andrew told me all about your relationship," Dan said. "Like how you're a wh—"

A gasp escaped my lips as my dad punched Dan in the mouth. Blood sprayed, and Dan spat it out before sending a punch of his own, hitting Dad's cheek. Haley, Nathan, Alex, and Lucas tried to break up the fight, but I couldn't breathe.

My breaths came out ragged, and I ran out of the gym.

I burst through the doors, exiting the school, and went still in the freezing rain. It hit my skin, soaking me to the core. I ran to the car, almost slipping, but caught myself, just wanting to escape everything. Dan's words struck a place I thought had healed long ago.

Once word got out that Andrew assaulted me, everyone would believe I deserved it. That I was asking for it.

But who in their right mind asked someone to take a piece of them against their will?

No one.

I wanted to tell Nathan the truth once I realized how I felt about him. He deserved the truth, but on my terms, not forced by his father, who believed it would make Nathan stay away from me. And who knows, maybe it would because, in Nathan's mind, he could think I was damaged beyond repair.

He would be right in some ways.

But I was growing stronger each day and wouldn't see the damage within myself one day. Instead, I would realize I was a warrior who'd been through a war I wouldn't wish on anyone else.

"Mylah!" Nathan called out.

I went still.

"Mylah," he said, stopping a few feet behind me. I didn't turn around. "Don't run from me."

I closed my eyes. "Why?" I turned around, some of my tears mixing with the rain. "You believe him, right?"

"No, I don't," Nathan sighed.

I looked over my shoulder at Nathan as the rain soaked us both. He walked closer to me, his eyes filled with determination and concern.

"I don't care about your past with your ex," Nathan told me. "I know you'll tell me everything when you're ready."

I blinked back, the rain falling on my lashes. "I will tell you everything." He waited for me to continue. "And God, I want to tell you, but I'm only now returning to who I used to be." I bit the inside of my cheek. "I don't want to push you away, but sometimes I might. I have a lot of issues that I have to work through, so I need you to be patient with me."

"I don't care about what my dad said," Nathan said, stepping closer and touching my cheek. "I've waited twelve years to be with you. I can wait until you're ready to tell me everything." His other hand cupped my other cheek. "I'm not going anywhere, okay?"

I gripped his jersey, feeling the warmth of his touch through the cold rain. "Being with me is complicated," I whispered, looking into his blue eyes. "Our families hate each other. My ex...he wants me back. You could have—"

He cut me off, "I don't care if this is complicated, Mylah." He pulled me against his chest. "I want you. Our families will get over it eventually. Well, maybe not my dad, but your family and my mom will come around." He curled his finger under my chin and lifted my head, locking our gazes. "And about your ex, he's not getting you because I'm never letting you go."

I stared at him, my heart aching from his words in a good way.

I thought I had lost Nathan, but I hadn't.

"You want me?" I breathed, my gaze moving from his eyes to his lips and back to his eyes.

Nathan cupped the back of my neck. "Yes, Mylah Evans. I want you."

A breath escaped my lips. "Good, because I want you too."

I tugged on his soaked jersey, pulling him closer as our lips met. The kiss was gentle at first, tentative, but then it deepened, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me despite the cold rain pouring down on us. His hands found their way to the back of my neck and my waist, pulling me flush against his chest.

My eyes fluttered closed, shutting out everything but the sensation of Nathan's lips moving against mine. It was like the world around us had disappeared, leaving only the two of us in this moment. The rain soaked through our clothes, chilling my skin, but Nathan's touch was all I felt. The heat from his body, the way his fingers tightened slightly on my waist, grounding me.

I couldn't help but sigh into the kiss, my hands gripping his jersey even tighter as if I feared he might slip away. Each touch and brush of his lips sent a cascade of fireworks through me, erasing all the doubts and fears plaguing my mind.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us breathless, I opened my eyes and found Nathan staring at me with a look that made my heart skip a beat. His blue eyes were filled with determination and tenderness, a silent vow that echoed the words he had spoken moments ago.

"I'm not going anywhere, Mylah," he murmured, his thumb brushing a stray raindrop from my cheek.

I nodded, unable to speak, my throat tight with emotion. Instead, I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes and savoring the feeling of being in his arms. At that moment, I knew that no matter what obstacles we faced, we would face them together.

...🏀...

𝐀/𝐍: I'M BACK!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 117K READS.

I'm finally back from vacation, and of course, I had to update those who love Mylah and Nathan. I missed writing about them but I'm excited to be back.

It is the last chapter of this act!!!

I honestly can't believe we are done with season one. But I'm excited for season two.

THANK YOU TO 944 FOLLOWERS.

Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter.

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: What did you like about this chapter? How do we feel about Dan mentioning Andrew? Are you excited for act two?

-𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑎𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘