Chapter 14: Storms and Shelter
The drive to Nayah's parents' house was heavy with dread. Every mile brought a tighter knot in Rina's stomach. Neither spoke, each lost in their own thoughts, knowing full well the storm that awaited them.
As soon as they entered the Lawson house, the tension was suffocating. Mrs. Lawson's face was twisted with fury, her hands on her hips like she was ready to strike. Mr. Lawson stood stiffly behind her, arms crossed, his eyes blazing.
"You f**king hell! I can't believe you two!" Mrs. Lawson shrieked, pointing a finger at them. "After everything, after how we raised you, this is how you repay us? Disgraceful! You've turned our lives upside down, and I will never accept this!"
"Mom, please—" Nayah began, but her voice was drowned out by Mrs. Lawson stepping aggressively toward Rina.
"You hear me, bitch? I said I'll never accept this!" Mrs. Lawson yelled, raising a hand as if to slap Rina.
Time seemed to freeze. Rina's heart leapt into her throat, fear clawing at her chest. Nayah lunged forward instinctively, pushing her mother back with all her strength.
"Get your hands off her!" Nayah shouted, her voice raw with anger and desperation. "I said leave her alone!"
Mrs. Lawson stumbled backward but immediately lunged again, and Nayah blocked her. The two struggled briefly, shouting and cursing, the room charged with chaos. Mr. Lawson barked orders, trying to pull his wife away, but she was relentless.
"Bitch! You think you can just take my daughter from me?!" Mrs. Lawson screamed, her nails raking the air dangerously close to Nayah's face.
"I don't care what you think!" Nayah snapped, pushing her back firmly. "Rina is mine, and I'll protect her, no matter what you say!"
Rina could hardly breathe, heart hammering, but she stayed close, her hand trembling in Nayah's. Finally, realizing the confrontation would only escalate further, Nayah grabbed Rina's hand.
"Come on," she said firmly. "We're leaving. Now."
They stormed out of the Lawson house, the sounds of Mrs. Lawson's curses and Mr. Lawson's angry shouts following them into the street. Nayah's arms held Rina tightly, both of them shaking, adrenaline coursing through their veins.
The drive to Rina's parents' home was silent, the only sound the tires on the pavement. Neither spoke; words felt useless against the chaos they had just endured. When they arrived, Rina's parents immediately sensed the storm in their eyes.
"Rina, Nayah, what happened?" Mrs. Michaelson asked, her voice filled with concern as she guided them inside.
Nayah sank into a chair, finally letting herself breathe. "It… it got ugly. My mom… she tried to hit Rina. I had to push her back. We fought. I swear, I didn't think I'd ever get out of there without… I don't even know…"
Rina sat beside her, shaking. "They were screaming, cursing… calling us names… f**king hell, my heart felt like it would explode," she said, her voice trembling.
Mr. Michaelson ran a hand through his hair, eyes narrowing in concern and anger. "They did what? They attacked you?"
"Yes," Nayah said, still catching her breath. "I… I just defended her. I couldn't let my mother hit her. I… I had to protect her."
Mrs. Michaelson moved closer, taking both their hands. "It's okay," she said gently. "You're safe now. You're with us. Nothing they say or do can harm you here."
They spent the evening unpacking what had happened, Rina and Nayah recounting every insult and curse, every harsh word and threatening gesture. Mrs. Michaelson and Mr. Michaelson listened, offering both practical advice and emotional reassurance. They discussed ways Nayah could stay temporarily in their home, how the couple could start looking for accommodation together, and how to manage their lives despite the hostility of the Lawson family.
Later, Rina's parents had a private conversation in the kitchen. "We need to think carefully about how to approach this," Mrs. Michaelson said quietly. "The Lawsons' reaction was violent and uncontrolled. How can we support them without inflaming the situation?"
Before they could continue, Nayah stepped forward. "I… I told them everything," she admitted softly.
Mrs. Michaelson smiled warmly, reaching for her hand. "It's okay," she said reassuringly. "We understand. What happened isn't your fault. Rina loves you, and we see that. We'll help you navigate this, even if your parents are still angry."
Mr. Michaelson nodded. "Exactly. You two are building something real together. Their anger doesn't define your relationship, Your love does. And we'll make sure you both are safe and supported while you figure this out together."
Nayah felt a lump in her throat, emotions swirling—relief, exhaustion, and gratitude. She looked at Rina, who was watching her with wide, teary eyes. "I… I don't know what I'd do without you," Nayah whispered, her voice trembling.
Rina shook her head, squeezing Nayah's hand tightly. "You'll never have to find out," she replied softly. "We're in this together, always."
The storm outside had subsided, leaving a gentle drizzle tapping against the windows. For the first time all evening, Nayah allowed herself to breathe without fear. She leaned against Rina, feeling her warmth, her steady presence like a shield against the chaos that had threatened to consume them.
Mrs. Michaelson brought over warm tea, and they sipped in companionable silence, the simple act grounding them both. Mr. Michaelson sat nearby, offering quiet counsel on the next steps—temporary housing for Nayah, ways to communicate with her parents safely, and plans to secure their future together.
Hours passed, and slowly, the tension that had gripped them since the Lawson house began to dissolve. Nayah rested her head on Rina's shoulder, feeling a sense of calm she hadn't thought possible just hours before.
"Thank you… for everything," Nayah murmured.
"Always," Rina whispered back, brushing a strand of hair from Nayah's face. "No matter the storms, we'll face them together. And right now… right here, we're safe. That's what matters."
The rain finally stopped. Outside, the night was quiet, stars beginning to pierce through the lingering clouds. Inside, the warmth of love, understanding, and protection wrapped around them like a blanket.
For the first time that day, Nayah and Rina let themselves simply be—together, safe, and certain that no storm, however fierce, could break what they shared.
And in the gentle calm that followed, the two of them finally found their shelter.