"cut from the same cloth" - their story.

Chapter 17 - Breathe.. please.

Mia stayed nestled in Charlotte's arms, feeling the remnants of the nightmare slowly dissipate. She took a few deep breaths, grounding herself in the present moment.

Charlotte kissed the top of Mia's head, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Do you want to talk more about it?"

Mia hesitated, the weight of her past still pressing on her chest. But she knew that sharing her pain would help, that Charlotte's presence was a balm for her wounds. "It was about Reece again," she began, her voice soft and fragile. "That day he left... it was one of the worst days of my life."

Charlotte listened intently, her eyes never leaving Mia's. "What happened?"Mia sighed, gathering her thoughts. "after Aut, Reece and I ran away and were found quickly. Mum never ever trusted me and reece again, nor autumn. she became abusive, hurting me constantly.. Reece became sick of it and left me. he broke my heart truly"

Charlotte's heart ached for Mia, imagining the pain and fear she must have felt. "And your mom blamed you?"

Mia nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "She always did. She said it was my fault he left, that I was too needy and always causing trouble. I felt so guilty, so alone. I thought if I had been better, he would have stayed."

Charlotte tightened her hold on Mia, her voice filled with love and conviction. "Mia, it wasn't your fault. You were just a child. Your mom's anger and Reece's decision to leave had nothing to do with you. You didn't deserve any of that."

Mia let out a shuddering breath, the truth of Charlotte's words slowly sinking in. "I know that now," she whispered, "but it still hurts. I can never sleep properly anymore."

Charlotte gently wiped away Mia's tears. "Maybe one day this will all be okay. your bond is stronger"

Mia nodded, feeling a sense of relief and comfort. "Thank you, Charlotte. I don't know what I would do without you."

Charlotte smiled, kissing Mia's forehead. "You don't have to find out. I'm not going anywhere."

As they lay there, the room filled with a quiet sense of peace. Mia knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with Charlotte by her side, she felt a renewed sense of hope. They would face each obstacle together, their love a constant source of strength and resilience.

The first rays of morning light began to filter through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Mia took Charlotte's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Let's make today a good day," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Charlotte smiled, her eyes shining with love. "Absolutely. One step at a time, we'll get through this."

With that, they rose from the bed, ready to face whatever challenges the day would bring, secure in the knowledge that their love and support for each other would carry them through.

AN - 

SORRY THIS IS SO SHORT. THERES ANOTHER ONE TODAY BECAUSE IT'S SO SHORT.