Nowhere to Go

Maya walked through the school halls, her head high, her face unreadable.

She was used to pretending.

Pretending that the betrayal didn't sting. That she wasn't drowning under the weight of everything. That her father's calls—his constant, relentless calls—weren't making her skin crawl.

But nothing could have prepared her for what she saw the moment she stepped outside.

A brand-new, sleek black convertible, parked right in front of the school entrance. A car even better than hers.

And leaning against it, smirking like the cat that got the cream—Jackie.

Maya's blood turned to ice.

Jackie's lips curled into a taunting smile. "Like my new ride?" She flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Your dad bought it for me."

Maya's stomach dropped.

Her father.

She felt the air leave her lungs, but she refused to react.

Jackie grinned. "Oh, didn't you know? He and my mom moved in together." She made a mock-sympathetic face. "Guess that makes us sisters now."

Maya's hands clenched into fists.

This wasn't real.

This wasn't happening.

But Jackie wasn't done. She stepped closer, voice dripping with amusement. "It's kinda funny, don't you think? He treats me more like a daughter than you."

Maya's entire body burned with rage.

But she refused to let Jackie win.

She plastered on a fake smile, stepping closer until she was inches from her face. "You think this bothers me?" she whispered, her voice deadly calm. "You think a car—some cheap gift—is enough to make me jealous?"

Jackie's smirk wavered slightly.

Maya tilted her head, her smile sharpening. "Drive carefully, sis," she murmured before walking away, her heart hammering against her ribs.

She needed to breathe.

To think.

But then—

"Maya."

She closed her eyes.

Not now.

Not him.

Vic stood in her path, blue eyes dark with something unreadable. "We need to talk."

She clenched her jaw. "No, we don't."

"Maya—"

She shoved past him, but he grabbed her wrist, forcing her to stop.

She turned, her eyes burning. "Let go of me."

"Just—just listen." His voice was low, urgent. "I screwed up. I know that."

Maya let out a sharp laugh. "Screwed up?" She yanked her arm away. "You destroyed me, Vic."

Regret flashed across his face. "I didn't mean—"

"You meant every word," she cut in, her voice shaking with fury. "You humiliated me. You ruined me. And for what? Because you couldn't handle that I didn't love you anymore?"

His jaw tightened. "You did love me."

Maya's breath hitched.

But she forced herself to smile—a cold, cruel thing. "Past tense."

Vic inhaled sharply.

His expression twisted, desperation flickering in his eyes. "I was angry, Maya. I lost control. But I—"

"You what?" she snapped. "You regret it now? Too bad. Because I don't care."

He reached for her again, his fingers brushing her arm. "Maya, please—"

She shoved him back, her voice breaking. "You don't get to touch me!"

Vic froze, his hand hovering in the air.

"I hate you," she whispered, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "I will never forgive you."

He flinched as if she had physically struck him.

She turned on her heel and stormed away.

But the moment she turned the corner, her hands started shaking.

Her father. Jackie. Vic.

It was too much.

She had to get out of here.

The final bell rang, and Maya stepped outside, ready to head home.

But then she saw him.

Her father.

Leaning against his car, arms crossed, waiting.

Her stomach twisted.

She turned to walk the other way, but his voice stopped her.

"Maya."

She ignored him.

"Maya." His tone sharpened. "Get in the car."

She turned, her hazel eyes burning. "No."

His expression darkened. "Don't be difficult."

She folded her arms. "I'm staying with Grandma."

A slow, mocking smile spread across his face. "Are you?" He stepped closer, voice lowering. "Because if you do, I promise you—her life will be a living hell."

Maya's breath caught.

She knew him.

And she knew he meant it.

Her nails dug into her palms, but she forced herself to stay calm. Then, without a word, she walked toward the car and got in.

He smirked, satisfied, and slid into the back seat as usual and ordered the driver to start the car.

The car started moving.

Maya stared out the window, her hands trembling slightly.

Her phone buzzed.

She pulled it out.

Her heart stopped.

It was a picture.

Jackie.

In her room.

Her blood ran cold.

She turned to her father, her voice sharp. "How did she get into my room?"

He didn't even glance at her. "I let her."

Her stomach twisted. "You what?"

"She's family now," he said casually. "You should learn to be more accepting."

Maya felt something snap inside her.

Before she could think—before she could even hesitate—

She threw herself out of the car.

The impact slammed through her, pain exploding as she hit the asphalt, her skin scraping against the road.

But she didn't stop.

Ignoring the pain, she forced herself up and ran.

Behind her, she heard the car screech to a stop.

Her father's furious voice—

"Maya!"

She didn't look back.

She bolted into the woods, her breath ragged, her legs screaming in pain.

Branches tore at her skin, her vision blurred with sweat and tears.

She could hear them—her father and his driver—rushing after her.

"Where is she?"

"Find her!"

Maya dove into the bushes, pressing herself into the dirt, biting her lip to keep from making a sound.

Minutes passed.

Then an hour.

She waited.

And when she was sure they were gone, she forced herself up, every muscle aching, and stumbled toward the road.

She had nowhere to go.

No one to call.

And somehow, before she even realized where she was going—

She ended up in front of Eddie's apartment.

Her body was shaking.

Her arms and legs were scratched, her hair a mess, her face pale.

The door opened.

Eddie froze.

"Maya?" His voice was sharp with shock.

Her vision blurred.

Tears flooded her eyes. "I have nowhere else to go."

Eddie didn't hesitate.

He grabbed her, pulling her inside, shutting the door behind them.

And for the first time that day—Maya let herself break.