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           ELI DROPPED MARISOL OFF THAT NIGHT AFTER THEY TOOK A STOP AND SHE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. Taking a hesitant step up to the front door, the muffled echoes of her dad's enraged voice reached her ears. As she unlocked and cautiously swung the door open, she was met with a scene of domestic turmoil. Her dad and mom, Katherine, were locked in a heated confrontation. Katherine clutched Mila protectively in her arms, the palpable fear etched across Mila's face.

The tumultuous situation reached its zenith as Katherine vehemently declared, "I'm taking Mila! She is my daughter! You kidnapped her! I have custody over her. You only have custody over Marisol and Sophie!" The air hung heavy with tension, and Mila found herself caught in the crossfire of her parents' bitter dispute.

A furrow formed between Marisol's eyebrows as she regarded her dad with a mix of concern and confusion. "Dad? Did you really kidnap Mila?" she asked, her voice betraying a blend of emotions. George hesitated, caught in the spotlight between his daughters and his ex-wife. "Yes, I did. I went to court and got custody over you, but your mother won Mila full custody," he explained, his admission hanging heavily in the air.

Marisol's eyes widened in disbelief, grappling with the weight of this unexpected revelation. "What?" she breathed out, the shock and bewilderment evident in her voice as she tried to make sense of the tangled web of custody battles and familial discord unfolding before her.

Mila's grip on her mom tightened, seeking solace in Katherine's comforting presence. Katherine reciprocated by gently rubbing Mila's back, providing a sense of security in the midst of the turmoil.

"You had no right! I'm out of rehab now, and I want Mila back. I'm also going to fight for Marisol. It's all your fault that Sophie is gone," Katherine's voice reverberated with a mix of righteous anger and the pain of a fractured family. The room hung heavy with the weight of unresolved issues, echoing the turbulent emotions that had long simmered beneath the surface.

George glared at her with intense anger in his eyes. His voice trembled as he pointed a finger accusingly at Katherine. "It's not my fault! It's yours! She took her own life because you threatened her," he spat out, his words filled with bitterness and resentment.

Katherine, not one to back down, shot back at him with equal force. Her voice was sharp and filled with defiance. "Don't you dare try to shift the blame onto me! You know exactly what you did to her!"

Marisol stood there, caught in the middle of this heated exchange. Confusion clouded her mind as she desperately sought answers. No one had bothered to tell her what had happened to Sophie, and now she was hearing this shocking revelation for the first time.

Tears welled up in Marisol's eyes as she looked up at her mom, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and confusion. "You...you threatened her?" she stammered, her face displaying a frightened look mixed with a deep sense of disbelief. She needed to understand the truth behind Sophie's tragic end.

Marisol could practically see the daggering glare Katherine sent to her dad, a look filled with anger and resentment. But then, in a sudden shift, Katherine's gaze locked onto Marisol, her face transforming into a falsely innocent smile. Marisol's heart pounded in her chest as Katherine approached, forcefully pulling Mila along with her.

Feeling a wave of panic, Marisol instinctively took a few steps back, her body colliding with the kitchen table. She looked up at her mom, her eyes wide with terror, while also stealing a quick glance at Mila in the corner of her eye. With concern in her voice, Marisol attempted to reach out and touch Mila's shoulder, her words interrupted by Katherine's actions.

In a calculated move, Katherine stepped back, causing Mila to retreat as well, denying Marisol the chance to comfort her friend. The tension in the room was palpable, leaving Marisol feeling helpless and unsure of how to navigate this volatile situation.

Marisol's jaw clenched tightly as she shot a piercing glare at her mom. "What did you say to Sophie before she... you know, before she did what she did? You have to tell me right now. Your words must have pushed her over the edge. She was already battling depression, and I could sense she was on the brink. Deep down, I knew something was wrong. I should have told Dad and gotten her help, but I couldn't! I knew you would just make it all about yourself, like you always do! You never truly cared about us, your own children. Whenever Dad wasn't around, you would just disappear and leave Sophie to take care of me and Mila! You need serious help, Mom. A good mother wouldn't leave her kids in a sweltering car just to go inside and try to get a morning-after pill after cheating on Dad."

Katherine's eyes burned with anger as she locked her gaze onto her daughter. "Listen here, young lady. You can't talk to me like that! No matter what you say, you're still my daughter, and that's something we both have to accept," she yelled, her voice filled with frustration. Marisol met her mother's gaze, her face expressionless. She knew that Katherine was trying to manipulate and gaslight her, but she refused to let her mother's words get to her. With determination, Marisol gritted her teeth and spoke, "Dad has been a better parent than you ever were. You left us when she passed away. It's because of you, not him, that she's gone. And you still won't tell me what you said."

As Katherine held Mila tightly in her arms, her desperation for answers intensified. She felt an overwhelming need to confess the truth. "Sophie, she got pregnant, and I made her go through an abortion. On the way home, I was furious, and I let it all out on her. I called her some really awful names, made her feel like she was worth nothing for getting herself knocked up at such a young age. I despised that Jason kid, blamed him for being a bad influence on her. He's the one who got her pregnant, you know? And she damn well knew better than to let a guy slide without a condom. But she took what I said way too damn seriously. I found her in her room, overdosed on some damn pills she found. I panicked and lied, said she jumped off a bridge."

Marisol's tears cascaded down her face, silently expressing the pain within her. With an intense glare, she directed her anger towards her mom, firmly placing the blame on Katherine for Sophie's absence. Marisol held a deep understanding of the entire situation, especially the night Sophie discovered her pregnancy. It was a conversation that lingered in her mind, the last meaningful exchange they had before everything changed.

FLASHBACK

Young Marisol sat on her bed, her feet playfully kicking in the air as she immersed herself in a YouTube video. Just as she was captivated by the content, a gentle knock on her door interrupted her focus. Looking up, Marisol's eyes lit up with joy as she spotted Sophie peering in. A wide smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, "Soph!"

However, the excitement quickly faded as Marisol noticed the sadness in Sophie's eyes. Sophie quietly closed the door behind her, and Marisol's smile transformed into a concerned frown. Her eyebrows knitted together as she asked, "What's wrong?" with a puzzled expression, eager to understand the reason behind Sophie's distress.

Sophie mustered up a brave smile, though her lips trembled with unease. "I... Jason got me pregnant," she reluctantly revealed, causing Marisol's mouth to drop open in complete shock. Marisol's voice quivered as she tried to process the unexpected news. "Wh-What? Did he...?" she stammered, her words faltering in disbelief. Sophie's eyes widened, filled with a mix of sadness and determination, as she vigorously shook her head. "No, no. Jason would never do something like that. It wasn't him," she clarified, her voice filled with conviction.

Sophie continued, sharing the details of what had actually happened. "We...we were together about a month ago, and, well, the condom broke. We immediately stopped, but I took a morning-after pill that unfortunately didn't work. You know, those things aren't foolproof. After having a long and heartfelt conversation, Jason and I made the decision to keep the baby. But now, I have to gather the courage to tell Mom. I've already talked to Dad, and he's been incredibly supportive, although he did express some disappointment."

Marisol's lips curled into a wide, beaming grin, reflecting her unwavering support and excitement for her best friend. "Oh my gosh, sissy, you know I've got your back no matter what," she exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm.

Her voice filled with joy as she continued, "I can't even begin to express how thrilled I am to become an aunt! It's going to be such an incredible journey, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments." Sophie couldn't help but join in on the infectious giggles, their shared excitement creating an atmosphere of pure happiness and anticipation. They both knew that this new chapter in their lives would bring them even closer together, and Marisol couldn't wait to shower her future niece or nephew with love and support every step of the way.

FLASHBACK OVER

Marisol's anger reached its peak, her jaw clenching tightly as she confronted Katherine. "You're such an asshole," she spat out, her voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. Sophie had confided in Marisol, revealing the heart-wrenching truth that Katherine had forced her to have an abortion despite knowing about her ongoing battle with depression.

Marisol's voice trembled with a mix of emotions as she continued, her words laced with accusation and pain. "This isn't anyone else's fault, not Dad's, not Jason's, not even Sophie's. It's all on you. You took away her chance at happiness. You knew she needed support and help, but you turned your back on her." Marisol's finger jabbed forcefully into Katherine's shoulder as she yelled, her voice echoing with the weight of her words.

Marisol's face was drenched in tears as she poured out her emotions. "You ain't my mom, and you sure as hell ain't Mila's mom either. Natasha is our mom," she declared, her voice trembling with a mixture of pain and anger. The wounds of abandonment were still fresh, and Marisol couldn't hold back her frustration any longer. "You left us hanging, disappeared without a trace. And now you have the audacity to send some guy to stalk me? I had a freaking panic attack in Seven-11 until Eli came to my rescue!" Marisol's finger jabbed forcefully into Katherine's shoulder once again, emphasizing her words and the depth of her hurt.

"Get out of my house!" Marisol's voice reverberated through the air, laced with a mix of anger and desperation. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at Katherine, the shock evident on her face. "I said get out," she repeated firmly, her glare piercing through Katherine's defiance. But Katherine's lips curled into a smirk, fueling Marisol's frustration. "Fine, but you didn't say anything about letting Mila go," Katherine sneered, swiftly lifting Mila by the waist and placing her over her shoulder.

Panic gripped Mila's face as she looked back at Marisol, her eyes pleading for help. "Mila!" Marisol's voice echoed with desperation, but it was too late. Katherine dashed out of the house with Mila, leaving Marisol filled with a sense of helplessness and anguish.

Marisol and George burst out of the house, their hearts racing in their chests. Their eyes locked on Katherine as she sped away, with Mila's little feet kicking against the door in a desperate attempt to escape. Marisol turned to her dad, her voice trembling with emotion. "Dad," she whispered, her eyes welling up with tears. In that moment, he knew the depth of her pain and worry.

He firmly grasped her shoulders, his voice filled with urgency and love. "Right now, I don't even care how you got home, but I need you to grab your keys and do everything you can to find them. I'm calling 911. Get all the help you need!" he exclaimed, his words echoing with determination and a fierce desire to protect his family. Marisol nodded, her mind focused on the task ahead, as she prepared to search for Mila and bring her back home safely.

Marisol sprinted back into the kitchen, her heart pounding in her chest, desperately grabbing her keys. She rushed back outside, adrenaline coursing through her veins, and jumped into her car. With trembling hands, she inserted the key into the ignition and started the engine, all while anxiously checking her phone.

Deep down, she knew that Mila had taken her phone and was likely hiding somewhere. And just as she suspected, she saw Mila's location on the screen. Without wasting a moment, she connected her phone to the car's monitor, her fingers flying across the screen as she dialed Eli's number. The phone rang, each ring amplifying her anxiety, as she embarked on a high-speed drive, her eyes fixed on the road ahead, diligently following the route to bring Mila back home.

Eli finally picked up. "Hey, I was meaning to call you-"

Marisol took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Let's talk about that later, okay? Right now, I need you by my side. My mom is back, and she's gone and kidnapped Mila. It's a total nightmare, but I know we can bring her back. I need your help, Eli," she explained rapidly, her words pouring out in a rush.

On the other end of the line, Eli's gasp was audible. "What!?" he exclaimed, clearly shocked by the news. Marisol could feel her own heart pounding as she replied, "I'm pulling into your driveway as we speak. Grab anything you think we might need for this rescue mission. I have a gut feeling that she's heading to Mexico. We can't waste any time." Eli responded with a thoughtful hum, fully grasping the seriousness of the situation. Together, they would do whatever it took to bring Mila home safely.

Eli stepped outside after a few minutes, and Marisol turned to him as he settled into the passenger seat. "What the heck happened?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with concern. Marisol took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. She were diligently tracking Mila's phone, jer focus on the screen in front of them.

As Marisol continued to drive, she couldn't help but express her disbelief. "Oh my god, how on earth did they manage to make it all the way to Beverly Hills so quickly?" she muttered to herself, frustration evident in her voice. The urgency of the situation was palpable, and they knew they had to act swiftly to bring Mila back home safely.

Eli stared at Marisol for a moment, sensing that she was trying to maintain her composure but also feeling her underlying anxiety. He couldn't help but notice her nervous habit of biting her lip, a telltale sign that she was feeling uneasy. As they sped down the road, Eli couldn't help but feel frustrated by Marisol's faster driving pace. He knew she was typically a slow driver, and this change in speed sometimes irked him.

Eli's throat tightened as he nervously inquired, "What happened?" Reluctantly, he began to share, "At the gas station, I saw my mom when you picked me up. It turns out she sped to my house, beating us there. When I walked in, she was arguing with my dad about taking Mila, even though she has full custody. That's when I discovered the truth about how Sophie died. Filled with emotions, I couldn't hold back, and I started yelling at her, vehemently denying her status as my mother."

Eli's expression shifted as his eyebrows furrowed. "I'm sorry, Mars," he offered with a sympathetic look, observing Marisol's lips curling into a frown.

"It hurts, Eli. So much has happened to me these past few years. Just finding out how Sophie died... it was terrible. It felt like I was back in that hospital room where they told us she didn't make it," Marisol admitted, a sniffle accompanying her words.

Eli, grappling with the weight of her pain, mumbled, "I'm sorry," meeting her eyes with a sincere yet apologetic expression, understanding the depth of her emotions.

Eli's lips gently parted, his eyes reflecting a sense of understanding and sympathy for her unspoken pain. Although he was eager to unravel the mystery of Sophie's fate, it became clear that she wasn't ready to disclose those painful details just yet. His expression shifted into a thoughtful frown as he redirected his attention to the map on her phone.

"How on earth are they nearly in Arizona already?" he exclaimed, a hint of disbelief in his voice, his concern for Marisol momentarily overshadowed by the unexpected progress indicated on the map.

Marisol emitted a light scoff, her tone carrying a hint of cynicism. "They're probably speeding," she suggested, accompanied by a small sigh. Eli shared his insight, saying, "They'll have to take a break, so we might need to make a stop as well."

She nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. "The nearest hotel whenever we decide to stop driving. I probably won't need gas until morning. I filled up earlier today," she stated matter-of-factly. Eli nodded in understanding, contemplating the logistics of their journey ahead.

As they journeyed on, the advancing hour led them to check Google Maps, choosing a hotel in Arizona. Eli, feeling the weariness, yawned and realized he had dozed off. Glancing at Marisol, he noticed her focused on the road, but the subtle signs of tiredness were evident in the undercurrent of eye bags. With a quick search on his phone, Eli identified the nearest hotels. There was one just a few minutes away, offering a welcome respite from the road.

"Eli," she began wearily as they approached the Squeaky Hotel. "Take a left, then another left, and stop there. It's 1 am, and I'm tired. You're tired," he instructed, his tone reflecting the shared weariness of their journey. Marisol, too fatigued to engage in debate, responded with a small yawn and a nod of acquiescence. She followed his directions, guiding them into the hotel's parking lot.

Stepping into the quiet building, Marisol couldn't help but comment, "This place is fancy. I hope we have enough money for a room with two beds," whispering her concern to Eli. He quirked a brow, his eyes scanning the interior. "Agreed," he affirmed, their tiredness palpable as they ventured into the upscale surroundings of the hotel.

As they made their way to the front desk, a warm greeting met them. "Hello! How may I assist you?" a friendly woman welcomed, her smile creating an inviting atmosphere. Marisol approached the desk and asked, "Hi, my friend and I were wondering if you have any more rooms available."

The woman behind the desk checked her computer and with a click of her tongue, she responded, "Yup, we do! Room 201 on Floor 2 is available. It features one bed and one bathroom." The information was delivered with a helpful tone, reassuring the tired travelers of a comfortable place to rest.

Marisol exchanged a glance with Eli, receiving a casual shrug in response. Turning her attention back to the woman at the front desk, she inquired, "Okay, sure. How much?" The woman clicked her mouse, eyes focused on the computer screen. "$700," she stated, causing Marisol to exhale audibly. Despite the hefty price, Marisol handed over her card.

Efficiently, the woman processed the transaction, checking them into Room 201 and returning the card along with a key. Grateful, Marisol sent a tired yet appreciative smile. She intertwined her fingers with Eli's, leading him down the quiet hallway toward the promise of a much-needed refuge in their room.

Inhaling deeply, Marisol unlocked the door with the key, and as it swung open, she was greeted by the sight of a fancy, impeccably clean room that momentarily left her in awe. Glancing at Eli, who closed the door behind them, she heard his admiring comment, "Damn, this is nice." She nodded in agreement, a sense of appreciation evident in her expression. "You got that right..." she trailed off, taking in the ambiance of their unexpected haven.

Her eyes caught the presence of a mini fridge, and with a curious anticipation, she opened it. To her delight, the fridge revealed her favorite candy—Hershey's Kisses—an unexpected and welcome treat in their upscale surroundings.

Marisol's mouth fell open in sheer surprise as she snatched up the bag of Hershey's Kisses. Turning to Eli, she found him already settling onto the bed. Unable to contain her excitement, she let out a squeal, joyfully jumping up and down. Eli joined in with a giggle, a subtle blush appearing on his cheeks.

"Come over here, let's share and watch a movie," she suggested, the idea of a cozy movie night punctuated by the unexpected delight of finding her favorite candy. The room, now transformed into a haven of comfort and sweet treats, beckoned them to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of the evening.

She flashed a grin, gracefully climbing onto the bed. Eli extended his arm, and she nestled close, resting her head on his chest. His arm encircled her, and she could feel the rapid beat of his heart. A content smile played on her lips, accompanied by a blush against her cheeks.

Eli reached for the remote, turning on the TV to find 'Grown Ups' playing on Freeform. Glancing down at Marisol, he thought she might be dozing off. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. As Eli closed his eyes, drifting into sleep, Marisol followed suit, closing her eyes and grinning to herself in the quiet comfort of the moment.

As the morning sun began to cast its light, Marisol felt the subtle buzz of her phone, prompting her to flutter her eyes open. Retrieving the device from her pocket, she checked the time—it read 6:51 am. However, her attention was quickly seized by the notification indicating Mila's proximity.

Gasping, Marisol urgently shook Eli awake. He jolted, eyes popping open. "What's going on?" he asked, and Marisol met his inquiry with an alarmed look. "I think Mila's running. I believe she found a way to escape," she explained hastily. Eli's eyes widened, absorbing the gravity of the situation.

Urgency propelled them into action as they leapt up, forcefully swinging the door open, and swiftly descended the stairs, sprinting outside. "Get in the car now! She stopped at Seven-11!" Marisol yelled, her voice filled with urgency, as she hopped into the passenger seat, swiftly connecting her phone. Eli wasted no time, speeding away from the parking lot with a deftness that surpassed Marisol's.

Racing into the Seven-11 parking lot, the screech of tires marked their sudden stop. Marisol's eyes quickly scanned the area, locking onto a car with tinted windows. There, she saw Mila, kicking her feet against the door, the tension of the moment hanging in the air.

Marisol turned to Eli, her expression serious. "Stay here," she instructed, the urgency evident in her tone. Without wasting a moment, she swiftly exited the car. Her hand hesitated on the car door, but with a determined effort, she successfully pulled the driver's door open, furrowing her eyebrows in the process.

As she looked into the car, her eyes widened at the sight of Mila, tied up in the back. Marisol's lips parted, and she gave her an alarmed look. "Oh my god, Mil-" she began, her words catching in her throat, the shock and concern palpable in the tense moment.

A brutal impact slammed into her head, causing her to stagger backward and collapse onto the ground. With ears ringing and vision obscured by a blurry haze, she emitted a muffled sound, groaning in pain. Through the fog, a distant, muffled yell reached her ears – "Marisol!" It was Eli.

Hands grabbed her arms, dragging her across the rough ground. In and out of consciousness, she felt a disorienting sensation as if being tossed into the back of the car. A strange paralysis gripped her, rendering her unable to move. As her surroundings blurred into obscurity, everything descended into an ominous and pitch-black void.

—

ash speaks!

sorry for the long awaited chapter!! i apologize for leaving it off on a cliffhanger.

in no way am i romantizing kidnapping!!! i'm trying to spread awareness on how an absent parent will go out of there way and do this.

thank you for 6k views on this book. i appreciate it!!