Unraveled Threads

Chapter 16: Behind closed doors.

DECIDED TO TRY A KIND OF NEW WRITING STYLE FOR THIS ONE!

February 25th, 2002.

A few months had passed since the breakup, and Mia was at her lowest. Her new boyfriend was clearly using her, and she despised him maybe even more than she despised herself.

Reece wasn't feeling any better. He hated every part of himself, just like Mia did. He constantly berated himself, convinced that Mia no longer cared about him, and on top of that, he felt like a failure as a boyfriend, brother, son, and person.

Roger wasn't making things any easier. He argued with Reece about everything, every day. Reece started to hate his life even more. He'd watch Mia interact playfully with her new boyfriend, wishing he could be that boy, or really, anyone else but himself.

Like Reece, Autumn despised the reflection she saw in the mirror. She never felt like she truly belonged. Being Roger's favorite child meant nothing to her; all she wanted was to have her brother and her best friend back. She knew Reece still loved her, but his sadness weighed so heavily on him that it affected her too.

Autumn longed to confide in someone about her feelings and apologize to Mia, hoping to relieve the suffering she and Reece were going through. Yet, she felt unable to take that step.

-

I hate myself so much. I feel like no one loves or cares about me. I see myself as a constant disappointment, unworthy of any love. It's like no one has ever truly cared, and no one ever will.

I force myself to stand up, feeling dizzy with each movement. I need to eat, so I head to the kitchen to see if there's anything available. Of course, there's nothing—and no money either. Usually, I'd ask Reece for help when I was short on cash, but he doesn't care anymore. I sigh and search the house, hoping to find something. I come across a £5 note; it'll have to do. I skip my usual makeup routine, feeling too exhausted to bother.

-

As she heads to the store, she sees Reece crying. For a brief moment, she feels sorry for him, but then recalls her own tears from the night he ended things. She wonders what's making him so upset and suspects it is probably related to Roger.

Reece sees Mia and feels a rush of emotions. It looks to him like she doesn't care at all, which ignites a deep frustration. For a moment, he's tempted to reveal the truth about everything, feeling that his need to be honest with Mia outweighs his fear of Roger's wrath. With Autumn not there to stop him, he decides to speak out as soon as Mia comes back.

"Mia!" Reece calls out as she's already a few meters ahead. She pauses, sighs, and rolls her eyes. Despite her frustration, she still cares about him deep down. "What?" she responds.

Reece's eyes fill with tears, relieved that she's listening. "Mia... I'm so sorry," he says, his voice heavy with regret. Mia just stares at him, thinking the apology seems insufficient. She turns to leave, but Reece continues, "I really do love you, Mia! I was forced to break up with you. My father made me do it. I'm so sorry."

Mia's eyes widen in shock as she realizes that Reece wasn't the one who hurt her—his father was the one behind it all.

Her eyes, once full of sadness, now blaze with anger. Her breathing grows rapid, and despite her exhaustion, she marches toward the Knight's house, determined to confront Roger. Reece trails behind her, pleading for her not to do it, fully aware of the threat his father poses. He's surprised by Mia's determination, having underestimated her strength.

Mia storms into the Knight's house, her voice echoing as she starts yelling at Roger. Reece stands frozen at the doorway, too scared to step inside, while Autumn listens anxiously from the top of the staircase. Roger, after a heated exchange, eventually storms off—his usual retreat when he realized he was losing. Mia, feeling a surge of pride, smirks as he leaves. Only then does Reece muster the courage to enter the house.

Mia may have seemed strong, but in reality, she hadn't eaten in a while and felt incredibly weak. As Reece rushed in to hug her, she suddenly collapsed to the floor. Reece's concern deepened, and when she explained what had happened and how she hadn't eaten, he quickly found some food to help her regain her strength.

Reece hesitates, waiting for her answer. "So... where do we go from here? Do you want to get back together?" he asks, his voice soft. Mia pauses, considering his words. "It's alright if you don't," Reece quickly adds. "I just want to stay friends... best friends."

Mia sighs deeply, her eyes welling up with tears. "I've missed you, Reece. That other boy... he was nothing like you. I'm so sorry, Reecey."

Reece smiles.