Smoke And Mirrors
Chapter 24
Nadia handed Austin his tablet and put the headphones over his ears. As she headed downstairs and entered the living room.
Where her mom was seated at the piano.
Haley took a breath. Not sure if she should tap into this part of herself again.
She put away her love of music and singing. But something about being here with her family.
She was starting to feel healed. And strong. Deb and Dan have been awaiting her downfall for a long time.
Even in her despair and darkness she had the fighter within her.
And now her and Nathan were going to rebuild their family together.
"Sit with me." Hailey said. Waving over her daughter.
Nadia sat down beside her mother at the piao bench.
Haley wrapped her arms around her daughter.
"I've been meaning to talk to you."
"Since we got back from the beach house."
"I was sick. My mind and thoughts were sick."
"And because of that. I wasn't able to be the mom you and Austin were used too."
"And for that i'm really sorry. For months i was in a state"
"That put you in a place to step up for Austin more then you should have too."
"I'm better now. You go back to being my care free little girl."
"And i will take on all the things a momma should." Haley explained.
...
"You can't just keep her from me!" Nathan exclaimed.
"Let's be honest Nate. You became a father alot younger then planned. We wanted to give her up for adoption but you and rachel refused."
"Now we are giving you an out." Deb proclaimed.
"And more importantly she doesn't want to see you." Dan added in.
...
Nathan sat down on the bleachers at the River Court.
Nadia made a few baskets then turned to look at her father.
She knew it was him. Only the two of them came here at this time of day.
No one else was around. It made focusing on the game easier.
"Why are you suddenly acting like being my dad is so important to you.?"
"You lied to me about having a sister. You choose her over us. before."
"Now because her mom left i'm supposed to care.?"
"I was 4. When you taught me how to shoot."
"You told me you're favorite days were when you married momma. And when we were born."
"Did you mean any of that or was it a lie too.?" Nadia asked.
...
6 Years Later
Dan and Deb ended up losing their attempt at gaining custody of Dawn. Then lost all rights to all their grandchildren.
Which lead them to leave Tree Hill.
Dawn is now 16 and has been living with her dad and Haley along with her siblings for years now. She keeps Naley on edge with her rebellion.
Nadia is 14. Into music and basketball. One of the most popular girls in her grade.
And Austin is figuring out himself and being a kid at 10.
...