Chapter 15: Tentative Steps Forward
The morning after their harrowing escape from the Lawson house, Rina and Nayah sat at Rina's kitchen table, the sunlight streaming through the window feeling unusually warm and forgiving. The chaos of the previous day—the shouting, the cursing, the almost-physical confrontation—still lingered in their minds, but for the first time in hours, there was a sense of calm.
"I can't believe my mom actually tried to hit you," Rina said quietly, her fingers tracing the edge of her coffee mug. "I've never seen her like that."
Nayah sighed, leaning back in her chair. "She was… out of control. I just couldn't let her touch you. I didn't think I'd have to push my own mother to protect someone I love."
Rina reached across the table, taking Nayah's hand. "You did what you had to do. I'm glad you were there."
Mrs. Michaelson entered with a gentle smile, carrying a tray of breakfast. "You two need to eat," she said softly, setting the food down. "And then we should talk about next steps. It's not going to be easy, but we can plan carefully so you can start building your life together."
Over breakfast, the conversation shifted toward practical matters. Mrs. Michaelson and Mr. Michaelson offered advice on looking for a place to live, managing finances, and balancing work responsibilities. They discussed how Nayah could gradually spend more time in Rina's home while giving each other space, creating a safe environment where their relationship could grow without constant interference from hostile relatives.
"You should take it slow," Mrs. Michaelson advised gently. "Make sure you have your own space. It'll help when dealing with your parents, and it'll give you room to think clearly and support each other."
Rina nodded, glancing at Nayah. "We'll do that. We want to build something solid, not just survive one storm after another."
Mr. Michaelson leaned forward. "And remember, your love is stronger than their anger. They might never fully accept you, but that doesn't mean your bond isn't real. Don't let their rejection dictate how you feel about each other."
The afternoon passed in a blur of lists, plans, and brainstorming. They mapped out potential apartments, calculated budgets, and even talked about the kind of engagement they wanted. Tentatively, they discussed inviting a few close family members and friends, keeping the guest list small to avoid additional conflict.
Despite the progress, the shadow of the Lawson family's hostility lingered. Every time the doorbell rang or a message notification appeared, both Rina and Nayah tensed instinctively, imagining another confrontation.
"It's exhausting," Rina admitted quietly as they reviewed a list of potential apartments. "I feel like we're always running, always bracing for the next storm."
"I know," Nayah said, resting her head on Rina's shoulder. "But we're safe here. And we have each other. That counts for more than anything else right now."
As evening approached, they decided to have a private conversation about the future. Nayah looked at Rina, eyes serious but tender. "Do you think we can make this work?" she asked. "Even if my parents never come around?"
Rina took a deep breath, squeezing her hand. "I do. It won't be easy. Their anger is real, and it'll affect us. But we can't let them control our happiness. We have each other, and that's enough to start."
Nayah smiled, relief washing over her. "Enough to start… I like that. We'll build our life on that foundation, step by step."
The night ended quietly, with the two of them sitting together on the couch, planning a tentative timeline for their engagement and eventual move. Each plan, each decision, was a small act of defiance against the hostility they had endured—a statement that their love was theirs to protect and nurture, no matter the storm raging outside.
Outside, the city lights blinked indifferent to the struggles of two young women carving a life together. Inside, however, Rina and Nayah found hope. Their path was uncertain, filled with obstacles, but for the first time in weeks, they felt like they were moving forward—together, resilient, and determined to face whatever came next.