Chapter 9
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Naya felt as if the walls of Caldwell Mansion were closing in on her.
Ever since Serena was sent away, the house felt emptier then ever. Hailey was too young to understand, Kaylen had turned his back on her, and their father—well, he only saw what Vivian wanted him to see.
Naya didn’t cry. She refused to. She had never been one to show weakness. But deep inside, she felt like a part of her had been ripped away. Serena was the only one who truly understood her, and now she was gone.
To cope, Naya found solace in school, a place where she could escape the suffocating reality of home. She made a few friends—kids who liked to play football just as much as she did.
On the field, She wasn't Naya Caldwell, the girl trapped in a house of cruelty. She was just another player, running, laughing, and kicking the ball like she had no worries in the world.
One day, after school, Naya and her friends were in the park, playing as usual. The sun was setting, casting golden hues over the field. She was dribbling the ball, dodging a defender when she heard a familiar voice.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Naya Caldwell ❄️
The game came to a dead stop. Naya turned, her heart sinking at the sight of her stepmother standing at the park entrance, arms crossed, eyes burning with fury.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
Playing football like a street rat now, are we ?
Naya Caldwell(9)
*Clench her fist*
Naya Caldwell(9)
I can do what i want.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
*Smirk* Really? *tilt her head* Let's see about that.
She walked straight to the ball, lifted her foot, and slammed her heel into it crushing it under her weight until it burst with a loud pop. The other kids gasped.
Naya Caldwell(9)
*Shouts* What are you doing !
Vivian turned her sharp gaze to the kids standing nearby.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
You all—leave. Now. Unless you want to get into trouble.
The kids hesitated, looking at Naya with pity, but one by one, they backed away.Some whispered apologises before running off.
Naya felt her stomach twist as she watched them go. All of them... Expect one.
He stood beside her, fists clenched, glaring at Vivian.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
*mocking tone* Oh ? One still remains? How brave.
Akiku
I'm not scared of you. *firmly*
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
*chuckle* That's cute. Let's see how long you last.
Vivian grabbed Naya's arm tightly, her nails digging into her skin.
Vivian Caldwell (Stepmom)
We're going home.
Naya wanted to fight back, but she knew it would only make things worse. She glanced at Aliku, her eyes filled with silent gratitude. Akiku nodded slightly.
As Vivian dragged her away, Naya didn't look back. She already knew—this was just the beginning.
The ball
What was my fault in their fight? ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ
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