...🏀...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟒

"Nathan, really, Mya!" Dad's voice thundered through the house, his anger reverberating off the walls.

I sat on my bed, staring at the patterns on the quilt I'd had since I was a little girl. I glanced at Mom, who stood by the door, her lips curved into a reassuring smile. We both waited for Dad to run out of steam.

"I don't even know you anymore." Dad ranted.

My heart pounded, and I tried to keep my expression neutral. The whole neighborhood could probably hear Dad's tirade.

Finally, he paused for breath, and I seized the moment.

"Are you finished yelling at me?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Dad's face turned an even darker shade of red, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "Why, Mylah? Why were you with him? You know how I feel about that boy and his father."

I took a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. "Mr. Reynolds sent Nathan to me for tutoring. He's failing his classes, and I offered to help him."

Dad's eyes narrowed, and I could see the muscles in his jaw working as he ground his teeth. "That doesn't explain why you skipped school and went to the beach with him," he snapped.

My cheeks burned as I avoided his gaze.

How could I explain what I felt for Nathan?

I've never felt this way with anyone before, not even Andrew. He made me feel safe and seen for the first time in a long time.

I bit my lip, avoiding his gaze. "Nathan needed someone to talk to," I said softly.

Dad's face twisted with frustration. "I don't want you seeing Nathan ever again, Mylah. He's trouble, and I won't have you mixed up with him."

With that, he stormed out of my room, slamming the door behind him. The walls seemed to shudder in the aftermath of his fury.

Mom stepped forward and squeezed my shoulder gently. "I'll talk to him," she promised, her voice soothing.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

She left me and I sat there as the room fell silent. The weight of Dad's words settles over me like a heavy blanket.

A click echoed, and I looked up as Alex walked in.

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed in a mirror image of Dad's earlier stance.

"Do you know what you're doing?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

I met his gaze, feeling defensive. "What do you mean?"

Alex sighed, shaking his head. "Nathan is a player and a jerk, Mya. He's not the guy for you."

His words stung, but I didn't respond. Alex turned and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I bit my lip, wondering if my feelings for Nathan were worth the risk.

Nathan was complicated.

Everyone in Tree Hill had an opinion about him, and most of them weren't good. But I'd seen a different side of him. The vulnerable side he tried so hard to hide from everyone else.

But then I replayed the scene on the beach in my mind. His worried eyes, gentle touch, and vulnerability he'd shown me felt different. Maybe I was being naive, desperately clinging to a spark of something real amid chaos.

I knew the risks.

But was that enough?

Was the fleeting possibility of connection worth the risk of getting hurt again?

I lay back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling.

A knock on my door broke me out of my thoughts. Mom poked her head in, her eyes full of understanding. "Can I come in?"

I nodded, and she walked over, sitting on the edge of my bed. "Your dad's just worried about you, honey. He doesn't want to see you get hurt."

"I know," I whispered. "But Nathan's not what everyone thinks he is. He's...different."

Mom smiled gently. "Sometimes, people can surprise you. But you need to be careful, Mylah. Make sure you're not seeing what you want to see instead of what's really there."

Her words lingered in the air as she kissed my forehead and left the room. I turned onto my side, hugging my pillow.

Was I seeing the real Nathan or just hoping he was different?

The uncertainty gnawed at me.

My thoughts were a tangled mess of emotions and questions as I drifted to sleep. I didn't have the answers yet, but I knew one thing for sure—

I wasn't ready to give up on Nathan.

Not yet.

...🏀...

A slap echoed within Andrew's room as I fell to the ground. The sting on my cheek spread like wildfire, igniting rage. I clutched my cheek, feeling the heat of the slap, while Andrew stormed toward me.

"I told you what would happen if you continued to defy me," Andrew said, his voice a low growl.

I glared up at him, the anger rolling off me in waves. "I wasn't."

"I told you not to talk to Nathan," he growled again, his eyes burning with fury.

Slowly, I rose to my feet, refusing to be cowed. "I was congratulating Nathan. He won the game."

"That doesn't matter," Andrew spat. "You know how I feel about you and Nathan."

I shook my head, frustration and exhaustion creeping into my voice. "There's nothing between Nathan and me."

"You don't see how he looks at you," Andrew said, grabbing my wrist with a painful grip.

I sighed, feeling the weight of our constant arguments. "Are we done?"

"No, we're not," he snapped. "I want you to promise me you'll stay away from Nathan."

For too long, I had grown to fear Andrew and the things he would do to me. But I couldn't be afraid anymore. If not for myself, I had to fight for my child. I couldn't let my child be around someone like Andrew, even if he was the father.

It could have been my hormones or the thought of protecting my baby, but I pulled my wrist out of his grip.

"No."

"Excuse me?" Andrew's eyes widened in shock.

I stood tall and lifted my chin. "You heard me."

"You're my girlfriend," he said as if stating a fact. "You listen to me."

A wave of courage surged through me. "No, I'm not."

"What?" Andrew looked at me, disbelief etched on his face.

"I'm not your girlfriend. I'm breaking up with you."

"I don't think so," he said, taking a menacing step toward me.

I held my ground as he closed in. "I'm leaving you, Andrew. I deserve better."

"No, you're not," he said, grabbing my arm and yanking me toward him. "You'll leave when you're dead."

For a moment, fear gripped me as I saw the rage in his eyes. "I'd rather die than be with you."

"We'll see about that," Andrew muttered darkly.

He dragged me through the room and into the bathroom. He pushed me, and I stopped falling into the water-filled tub. My heart raced, and I cried out as he gripped my hair, pulling tight.

"Maybe a taste of death will make you come to your senses," Andrew breathed into my ear before forcing my head underwater.

I fought against his hold, the need for air growing desperate. He pushed me further into the water, and my lungs screamed for oxygen. He pulled my head out of the water, and I gasped for air.

"Still want to die?" he asked, turning me to face him.

I glared at him, hatred burning in my soul. "Fuck you."

"Seems like you don't understand," Andrew sighed.

He shoved my head underwater again, and I felt my vision blur from the lack of oxygen. My unborn child was the only thought running through my mind. Seconds or minutes could have passed when he finally lifted my head out of the water and dropped me to the floor. I lay there, my cheek pressed against the cold tiles, as Andrew smirked at me before walking out of the bathroom.

I sat up slowly, my body trembling.

My eyes snapped open as I sat up in my bed. I glanced around, disoriented, but I was still in my room, not with Andrew. I touched my chest to calm my racing heart when a knock sounded on my door.

"What's wrong, Mylah?" Mom's voice was soft but concerned. "I heard crying."

I touched my cheek and found tears on my fingertips. I took a couple of deep breaths. "A nightmare."

"Do you need me?" Mom asked, her voice filled with motherly concern.

I closed my eyes, still shaken. "No."

"Okay," she said, her footsteps fading down the hall.

I walked over to Leila's crib and watched my daughter sleep peacefully. I gently pulled her blanket tighter around her tiny body. "You don't know it, but you saved us."

You saved me.

...🏀...

I walked into Karen's Cafe, the bell above the door jingling softly as I entered. The familiar aroma of coffee and baked goods filled the air, but it did nothing to calm my nerves today.

My eyes scanned the room until I found Haley behind the counter, her back turned as she focused on her work. I knew the pain and guilt she was feeling. Our best friend Lucas was lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life.

Over twenty-four hours ago, Lucas and Keith were in a devastating car wreck, leaving Lucas in critical condition.

The news hit like a ton of bricks.

Peyton had called me, her voice trembling and tear-choked, telling me that Haley was taking Lucas's accident hard. She hadn't even been to see him yet. I knew Haley and Lucas had a fight recently, but the details were fuzzy. Whatever it was, it had left Haley drowning in guilt.

I walked up to the counter, trying to think of the right words. "Haley."

"I'm doing inventory," Haley replied without turning around.

I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "Are you going to see Lucas?"

"No," Haley said curtly, continuing to write on her clipboard.

I waited until she turned around and looked at me. "Why?"

"Because he wouldn't want to see me," Haley explained, her voice tinged with sorrow.

I furrowed my brows, trying to understand. "He's our best friend."

"We got into a fight," Haley said, her voice breaking slightly.

I pulled up a chair and sat behind the counter, trying to be as close to her as possible. Haley walked over to me, her face a mix of emotions. "I'm sure whatever it is, you both can fix it."

"The last thing I said to him was, 'I don't like the person you're becoming,' and 'the next time we see each other, don't talk to me.'" Haley's eyes filled with tears as she spoke.

I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, hoping to comfort her. "You can fix it," I said.

"Mylah, what if I can't take it back?" Haley's voice trembled. "What if he doesn't forgive me?"

I could hear the pain in her voice and see it in her eyes. I hoped I could shake her resolve. "Haley, Lucas will wake up, but you have to be there to see it."

Haley didn't meet my gaze, her eyes fixed on the counter. I knew it would take time. She was scared, and the guilt was eating her alive. I could see it from one glance and decided the best thing for her was to give her some space.

I stood up, letting go of her hand, and shoved mine into the pocket of my black jacket. "He needs us, Haley. But he'll be there whenever you're ready to see him."

Without another word, I left the cafe, not looking back at a torn Haley. I hoped that my words would sink in and she would find the strength to face her fears and see Lucas. As I stepped outside, the cool air hit my face, and I took a deep breath, praying that everything would be okay.

...🏀...

I couldn't believe the letter in my hand.

It felt like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. Andrew's words were like poison, seeping into my mind and making my heart race with fear and anger. As I read his threats, my hands trembled.

𝐌𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐡,

It's been over a year since you vanished from my life.

A year since my stepfather helped you escape from me, and I had to live without you. I promised myself that I would find you and bring you back to me the morning you disappeared, no matter the cost.

It took me longer than I would have liked, and I almost gave up hope until one day, there you were. My love was right in front of me but out of my reach. I am not the same Andrew that you left, and once I have you back in my arms again, you won't be able to escape again.

I am sending this letter to warn you and those around you. Don't interfere with my plans to take you back. I have so many people who protected you to choose from, and the things I can do to them will be ten times worse than what I inflicted on you.

So here is my warning, Mylah.

Return to me, or everyone you love will pay the price.

If you don't, I will come after you. You will be at my side no matter who I have to kill to get you back. We will be together no matter how much you try to fight it.

I'll give you four months, and I want an answer.

That's how long you'll have to say your goodbyes because you and I know you'll be in my arms by the end. However, if you defy me, you know I love to play games, especially with you.

Think it through carefully, Mylah, and don't choose wrong for yourself and everyone you love's sake.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲,

𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

"Mylah, are you listening?" Peyton's voice snapped me out of my daze.

I quickly shoved the letter into my bag and closed my locker. Turning to face her, I forced a smile. "Sorry?"

"I asked you what this friend of mine should do," Peyton explained. "She likes this guy, but he's taken. In a moment of weakness, they kissed."

I furrowed my brows, trying to focus on her dilemma rather than my own. "So, they have a secret relationship, but your friend wants to come clean?"

Peyton nodded. "Yes. What should she do?"

"If your friend knows what she is doing is wrong, she should come clean," I said firmly. "Even if it will hurt the guy's girlfriend, she deserves to know the truth."

"The guy's girlfriend is my friend's best friend," Peyton revealed, making the situation even more complicated.

I pulled Peyton to a stop outside the school. "What?"

"My friend feels bad about it, but she loves him," Peyton explained. "And he loves her too."

I thought back on my relationship with Andrew and realized that I don't think I had ever been in love, but I couldn't imagine betraying someone so close to me.

"I guess what I'm asking is what my friend should do." Peyton wondered.

I sighed, feeling the weight of her question and the pressure of my situation. "Your friend needs to own up to what she has done. No matter how much it hurts, her friend must know the truth."

"What would you do in her situation?" Peyton asked, her eyes searching mine for answers.

I started walking again, not looking back at Peyton. "I wouldn't have gone behind my best friend's back in the first place."

Peyton fell silent, contemplating my words.

As we walked together, my mind drifted back to Andrew's letter.

I had four months to figure out what to do, but the fear of what Andrew might do hung over me like a dark cloud. I had to protect myself and everyone I loved, but I felt lost and unsure how to do it.

For now, I had to stay strong and not let the fear consume me. Peyton and my friends needed me, and I had to be there for them. Even if I couldn't share Andrew's threats with them, I could still be a good friend and offer the support they needed.

As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. But one thing was certain—

He wasn't going to control my life ever again.

...🏀...

𝐀/𝐍: ANOTHER UPDATE!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 114K READS.

So, I updated again because I couldn't help myself.

Sadly, this chapter does not include Nathan, but there is a little bit of Andrew and his psychopathic tendencies. But don't worry; Nathan and Mylah's moments will come back.

Mostly, this chapter is a filler.

THANK YOU TO 923 FOLLOWERS.

Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter.

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: What did you like about this chapter? Any changed feelings about Nathan? How do we feel about Mylah's dad forbidding her from seeing Nathan?

𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐭 𝐆𝐨 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐨

-𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑎𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘