In the end, it's only us - Kate Martin

21. In a Heartbeat

May 10, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa

Chapter 21.

Narrative + iMessage

Warning: Violence

3rd POV;

Liv stood on the sidelines of the basketball court, her camera clicking away as she captured the girl's practice session. She was focused on her shots but her mind kept wandering back to her conversation with Michael, what the hell did he mean by "we're not over"? She had been feeling anxious and uneasy ever since, and the noise and intensity of the practice were starting to overwhelm her. Liv headed over to the coach to tell her she was going to step outside for a bit.

Feeling a bit lightheaded, Liv decided she needed some fresh air. She excused herself and stepped outside the arena, raking a deep breath once she was outside. She closed her eyes, leaning her head against the wall as she tried to calm her racing thoughts.

As she stood there, she didn't realize that Michael was in a parking space, watching her every move in his car.

Liv didn't notice Michael approaching her, she was too lost in thought. But as she opened her eyes, she soon saw Michael approaching her, rather quickly.

Next thing you know, he was there in front of her. "Liv, we need to talk. Please," his voice was low and pleading.

Liv's heart raced as she tried to walk away but he grabbed her arm, his grip tight. "Let me go, Michael," she warned, trying to keep her voice firm.

But Michael just pulled her closer to him, his eyes full of desperate intensity. "Please, Liv, just listen to me. I know I messed up, but I love you. I can't lose you."

Liv tried to pull away, but she struggled. "Michael, let me go. Now," Liv said, her voice firm but shaky.

Michael's grip on Liv's arm tightened, but he didn't attempt to bring her closer. Instead, he looked at her with a mixture of desperation and longing. "Liv, please, just listen to me. I know I hurt you, but I can't bear the thought of losing you. You were the best thing that ever happened to me."

Liv tried to pull away, but Michael's grip held firm. She glared at him, her eyes flashing with anger. "You lost me along the way, you never truly had me, and you hurt me in ways you can't even imagine."

Michael's face contorted in guilt, but he didn't let go. "I know, Liv. I was so stupid, and I regret it every day. But I can't change the past. All I can do is try to make it right, starting now."

Liv scoffed, her voice bitter. "You can't make it right, Michael. You can't undo the pain you caused me. And even if you could, I'm not sure I'd want you to. Because the truth is, I'm way happier without you. I'm moving on, and you need to do the same."

Michael's face fell, but he didn't release Liv's arm. "Liv, c'mon. Don't say that, please. I love you. I can't lose you."

Liv's eyes narrowed up at him, her voice firm. "You already lost me. And if you don't let go of me right now, I'll scream."

Michael tightened his grip on her arm, his face twisting into anger. "You wouldn't do that. I'll fucking smash your damn face into the wall."

"Try me. I'm not the same girl you used to manipulate and control. I won't let myself get controlled by someone like you."

"You think you're stronger, huh?" he sneered. "You think you can just walk away from me and start a new life? I don't think so."

"Let me go, Michael. I won't say it another time."

Kate felt uneasy when she realized it had been a while since Liv left, so she excused herself to her coach.

Kate burst out of the arena, her eyes fixed on the scene before her. She saw Michael's grip on Liv's arm as she struggled to free herself.