A Different Kind Of Forever

Chapter Ten

Taleigha's phone buzzed softly on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a message from Miles. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering above the screen as she debated whether to reply. The night had been restless, filled with shadows and the weight of unspoken fears. Finally, she mustered the courage and responded.

*Miles:* "Yea, barely awake. What's up? ;)"

She ran her fingers over the phone, feeling the familiar warmth of his words, even through the small screen. Her heart beat a little faster, a mixture of longing and hesitation. She wondered if she should tell him everything, or just ask for comfort. After a moment of contemplation, she sent her reply.

*“Can I stay with you?”*

Almost instantly, her phone chimed back.

*Miles:* "You good?"

She hesitated again, then typed her answer.

*“Can I stay with you?”*

Without delay, Miles responded.

*Miles:* "I'm on my way."

Her heart pounded. Without wasting another second, she quickly grabbed her bag, threw a hoodie over her pajamas, and stepped out into the cool night air. She didn’t get far before she heard her name called out sharply, and then she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist, pulling her into a comforting embrace. It was Miles.

His voice was soft yet firm, full of reassurance. "I got you, Tales. You're safe now."

Her knees felt weak, her entire body trembling as she broke down entirely. She hated how fragile she felt around Miles, hated how her tears came so easily in his arms. But she didn’t have the strength to hold it back anymore. His words, his presence—they were the only things grounding her in that moment.

Miles gently held her, rubbing her back as she sobbed. His voice was low and steady. "Shh, I’ve got you. You’re safe, I promise."

He kept her close, guiding her towards his house, his hand never leaving hers. As they reached the porch, Andrea was waiting at the door, her face filled with concern. She immediately pulled Taleigha into a tight hug.

"Talk to me, babe. What happened?" Andrea asked softly.

Taleigha shook her head, tears still streaming down her face. "Not yet," she whispered. "Not tonight."

Andrea nodded understandingly. "Okay, honey. You don’t have to talk now. But when you're ready, I’m here."

Taleigha wiped her eyes hurriedly, trying to hide the bruises and marks that she was desperately trying to keep concealed. She appreciated Andrea’s kindness, but felt overwhelmed with shame and fear. She whispered her thanks, voice barely audible. "Thank you for letting me stay tonight."

Andrea’s eyes softened. "Always, Taleigha. You’re welcome here anytime."

She stepped inside, and Miles gently guided her to his bedroom. Taleigha sank onto the bed, sinking into the softness of the sheets as she pulled the blanket over herself. Miles followed, softly closing the door behind him.

"Can you keep the light off?" she requested quietly.

He nodded, understanding her need for darkness and silence. He laid on top of the blankets, careful not to disturb her, wrapping his arms around her as she curled into his chest. Her body was trembling, and she instinctively clung to him. Miles didn’t speak; he simply held her, feeling her tears soak into his shirt as she cried. He knew she needed to release everything—her pain, her fear. And in that silence, they found a fragile comfort.

Eventually, exhaustion took hold, and they both drifted into sleep. Miles held her tightly, knowing that sometimes words weren’t needed to convey understanding. He was content to just be there for her, to hold her until she was ready to speak again.

Miles POV:

Mom, I’m getting Taleigha. Something’s happened to her," Miles said hurriedly, already slipping into his clothes.

His mother’s face darkened. "Hurry, son. You no her—"

Before she could finish, Miles was already running out the door, determined to find her.

He spotted her walking down the street, her steps unsteady. His heart clenched at the sight. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward her, calling her name. She must have heard him because she turned, and I ran l.

Taleigha’s body trembled as she buried her face in his chest. I reassured I got her and she broke down in tears He felt her body shake with silent sobs, and his anger flared. Someone had hurt her—someone who was supposed to keep her safe.

He gently lifted her, holding her close. "It’s okay, I’ve got you. You’re safe with me," he whispered fiercely.

He hurried her back to his house, where she refused to speak or be seen. She just wanted to disappear, to hide from the world. Miles carried her inside, gently laying her on his bed, and sat beside her, holding her hand.

He watched her sleep, her face peaceful despite the chaos. His mind was filled with worry, anger, and a fierce protectiveness. He reached out and softly brushed her hair, his heart aching for her.

As she slept, Miles took a moment to observe her closely. Her face was swollen, her skin marked with scratches and bruises. His eyes darkened with fury as he examined the injuries. There was a cigarette burn over her neck, a fresh wound that made his blood boil.

He gently moved her hair aside, revealing the claw marks and bruises. His fists clenched in helpless rage. He needed to act. Now.

He rushed to his mother’s room, waking her abruptly. "We need the first aid kit. Now."

His mother, still groggy but alarmed by his tone, hurried to gather supplies. Miles helped her, his hands trembling as he cleaned and bandaged her cuts, trying to be gentle despite his fury. His mother looked at him with concern. "She can’t go to school like this, Miles. We need to do something."

He nodded grimly, his jaw clenched. "We will. We have to protect her. No one’s hurting her again." I'm sick of her mother doing this to her this is the 5th time this month alone".As they worked, on a plan Miles remembered Taleigha keep this house from her siblings for a reason this was her safe zone her home and we have security cameras I can keep her safe He knew he couldn't let her go back to her mums for a while anyway. mum agreed now it's time to wait till tales wakes up.