Nita

"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Nita

### Name

Nitalia Dellandrea Heartley / Marigold Heartley

### Nickname(s)

Marigold (by Patrick)
Mom (by Mya)

### Family

Elloise (mother)
Luca (father)
Patrick (husband)
Mya (daughter)
Winter (adoptive daughter)

"*No, silly. Mya, we're so* happy *that you're in love again! Love is a* persuasive *force. We'd* never *reject you for loving who* you *want to love! I don't care if you kiss a guy or a girl, and Patrick doesn't care either - we* want *the best for you, sweetness! To see you discuss Evie with us so passionately and to see you maturing and understanding these new feelings... oh, we're just so* proud *of you!!!*"
—Nita supporting Mya when she comes out as bisexual, *There's Something About Mya*

**Nitalia "Nita" Dellandrea Heartley** (also known as **Marigold Heartley**) is a minor character in *The Adventures of Evie and Mya*. She is the mother of Mya and the adoptive mother of Winter.

## Appearance

Nita is pale-skinned. She has gingery hair, similar to her daughter, and yellow-green eyes.

Nita often wears a striped magenta-and-pink dress that reveals her right shoulder and brown ankle boots with red and orange imprints on them.

## History

### Season 1

#### *Prologue*

Mya notes that she has to leave, as her parents are expecting her.

#### *Meeting Winter*

"*Well, I just checked the weather, and it's actually a bit warm outside. If you're bored, you two can spend a day at Pinelake Park. After all, you seem to have a lot of fun time there. Why not bask in the sun for a bit?*"
—Nita's suggestion to the girls

Nita checks in on Mya and Evie after they wrap up their game of *Candy Land*, asking how they're doing, and Evie responds that they're well, although Mya comments that they're bored. Hearing that, Nita suggests that they go outside - the weather is nice - and they can go to their favorite hangout spot, Pinelake Park. The two girls instantly lighten up and dash out the door. At the park, Mya agrees with her mother about the weather being wonderful.

#### *Daze Runners*

After trapping Evie and Mya in the closet, Daniela notes that they're probably whining for their parents to pick them up. When confiding her worries to Mya, Evie admits that their parents might hate them if they find out a twisted version of how they got trapped in the closet, though Mya reassures her it won't happen.

#### *Stalker*

Mya notes that her parents dropped her off at school two minutes ago. Later, she and Evie text their parents about being home late as they head to Winter's cabin to help her. A day after the fiasco with Aiden, Winter mentions that Evie and Mya's parents had just picked them up from school.

#### *Ex-Girlfriend*

Mya mentions visiting the Sears in Tukwila with her parents.

#### *Dancing in the Dark*

"*Mya Heartley, why on* earth *would you* even decide *to break into a mansion!?* Break *into it!" [...] "You're* far better *than that! Educated! We let you explore, but you shouldn't explore* someone's property*!*"
—Nita aghast by Mya's actions

Opal reveals that the Heartleys have invited them on a picnic to Geiger Heights, and gasping in disbelief, Evie remembers the happy picnic she had years ago with her father before she became swamped in work. However, the prospect of a picnic with Mya makes Evie electric, and eagerly, she begs to go, not wanting anything else. Affectionately, her father ruffles her bangs, stating that they have to make the food first, and he and Opal get into a brief argument over it. Later, at the picnic, Mya startles Evie and approaches her with her parents. She warns her that she'll decapitate her the next time she does that, pulling her into a hug and asking if she wanted a picnic today, which her parents confirm, and her mother tells her off for scaring Evie. She doesn't mind, and her friend shrugs. Her parents proceed to mention the food they got, which Mya mentions is from Olive Garden, and they hush her, wanting to impress the Lys. Evie, appalled, hopes her mother is not to blame for that, and the Lys and Heartleys greet each other. Mya asks if they're typically like this, to which she asks the same question, and the girls dive into the picnic for food while their parents talk about recent happenings. Evie soon expresses her intention to stay with her parents, and sniffing, her friend insists that's no fun - they should explore the area, as they have nothing left to lose. She concedes, and the girls head back to the picnic to receive permission from their parents. While all approve, Opal is intially hesitant, but eventually lets them go as long as they don't get in trouble.

After the girls leave, Anderson marvels over the Heartleys' food and remarks that it looks amazing, and Opal gently informs him that they got takeout from Olive Garden - revealing to have suspected it all along, much to their shock. She clarifies that they ate there recently and that she knows how much Nita and Patrick feel the need to prove they're worthy. Nita asks if she's not mad at them, and Opal confirms this, stating that she's just messing with them. At Cracklog Manor, as she grows more unnerved, Evie tells Mya that she doesn't want her getting hurt and their parents don't want them dying a horrible death, so they should go back. Mya persuades her to continue with their adventure, and the two head inside. Dubiously, Evie questions what will happen if that footage is sent to authorities, their parents, and her mother - and immediately, she panics, imagining Opal violently punishing her for her misconduct. Mya soothes her, but Evie instantly becomes riled up due to her friend's naivety and loses it shortly thereafter, telling her that their parents will get in legal trouble because of them, and she states that her mother will take her away from her if she ever finds out they broke into Cracklog. Once the two break apart to be on their own for a while, Evie fears that her father and Mya's parents will be upset with her for the events of today. When the homeowner of Cracklog Manor finds the girls, he asks them where their parents are, and Evie mentions that they're beyond the woods, remarking that they can get back on their own. She and Mya link arms and walk out, but he stops them, firmly telling the girls that he will be escorting them back to their parents with no exceptions.

Gulping, Evie prepares for what's going to happen - their parents will discover the truth - and Opal will be furious. Back at the picnic, the parents about clothing choices for Evie when suddenly the homeowner of Cracklog appears, the girls right behind him. Nita and Opal both demand what's going on, incredulous, with Opal instantly centering the blame on Evie, and she bites her lip. The homeowner explains that the girls broke into his property, astonishing all four parents, especially Opal, who questions the girls' motives and icily inquires as to who was behind the escapade. Her eyes pierce Evie, but she doesn't respond, and Mya admits her guilt shamefully. Her parents are horrified, and although Evie, pained, wants to give her a hand and brush away her tears, she can't move. The homeowner leaves, needing to assess the damage to Cracklog Manor, and the girls prepare to face the music for their actions. Mya's parents each scold her, disappointed and appalled, and she lets the tears welling in her eyes fall, conceding to the punishment. When Opal viciously admonishes Mya for breaking and entering, Nita and Patrick are horrified, and insisting her daughter has learned her lesson, Nita begs her to stop. However, she refuses until Evie intervenes and calls her out for humiliating Mya in front of her parents. With urging from Anderson, Opal backs down, and the Heartleys take it as her apology.

#### *There's Something About Mya*

"*Your bisexuality isn't in any way a burden, Mya. It's a* blessing*. Me and Pat are so* proud *of you right now for developing the will to come out to us about your feelings for Evie* and *what you're feeling and thinking. You could date a man and kiss him, or a girl and kiss her, or Evie and have* her *kissing you. You could run off with someone spectacular. No matter what, we're here for you. And we* will *be cheering you on every step of the way.*"
—Nita sharing her pride in Mya after she comes out as bisexual

On the way home from Geiger Heights, Mya bites her tongue, uneasy and worried. She notes that there's been silence between her and her parents, but she had been scolded for getting her and Evie in trouble within Cracklog Manor, and although the guilt will stay with her for a while, that is not the main thing she is concerned about. Despite her efforts to stop thinking about Evie, she still doesn't leave her mind, causing her to blush, and Mya hopes her parents aren't seeing how red her face has become. The rest of the car ride is silent, though Mya can only hear the sound of her own concerned breathing amidst her dilemma. As soon as the Heartleys arrive home, Mya storms ahead of her parents and refuses to stay behind to hear their conversation, heading into the bathroom, shutting the door, and panting. She sits down and rubs her temples, panicking, and suddenly, the events of Cracklog flood right through her memory - she had been rightfully scolded for leading herself and Evie into a dangerous manor, which she now understands was foolish and thick-headed of her. Her parents had told her off, though this wasn't as bad as the violent scolding handed to her by Evie's strict mother, Opal - she had exploded on Mya in rage and wanted her to be miserable for what she had done, even if she and Evie had never gotten badly injured. Later, Mya notes that she has spent all day thinking about being queer; it isn't just her only problem since she is also hiding the fact from her parents and Evie, and she fears telling them, believing they'll think she is crazy. The next day, when she walks over to the ottoman and pulls her jacket over her head, then stumbles up to Evie, Nita and Patrick are concerned - they sense something amiss.

After Evie and Mya sit together for many minutes at Pinelake Park, enjoying their company peacefully Mya notes that she still doesn't know how to come out to her loved ones, her parents included. Around sunset, Mya goes home and sits at the dinner table with a dish of lasagna. Her parents follow, and Patrick, stuffing his mouth full of lasagna, asks how her day out with Evie was. She awkwardly stops eating to reply that it was fine, but her mother, adding more pressure, questions if they had fun. The romantic aspirations she developed earlier in the day surge up to her throat, leaving Mya uneasy, and she comments that she did have fun with Evie, attempting to swallow her food. Nita is glad to hear it, inquiring if she and Evie have always been quite the duo, and hearing the ring of hell's bells, Mya blushes, losing her will to speak. She refuses to speak, not wanting to embarrass herself in front of her parents. Her father answers for Nita, warmly remarking that they're perfect, adding that Evie balances out Mya and vice versa, and she murmurs that they're two peas in a pod. Mya grits her teeth, uncomfortably forcing herself to eat to avoid suspicion, but each time she takes a bite, she feels like she is eating sand and rocks. She utters a thank you, shuddering, and Patrick affirms that they're so proud of her for how far she has come. He openly wonders about Evie helping her through her faults, and forcefully nodding, she bluntly says she has, burning with embarrassment. She crouches low in an effort to hide herself, but her predicament gets worse when Patrick gushes over Evie defying her own mother the other day, and Nita admits that she wasn't even aware her deal with her mother was that bad. Mya begs them to stop talking, shutting her eyes and praying for a getaway to Elysium, but everywhere she goes, she runs into Evie. Her feelings slowly start to spiral once more, and without warning, she squeals, loud enough for her parents to hear. She sits bolt upright, finding her shocked parents staring at her, and Nita gently prompts her on if she is feeling unwell. Before she can shake her head, her father cuts in, suggesting that Evie has something to do with her behavior stemming from that morning to now.

Terrified, Mya backs up, realizing that her parents are onto her, and the threat of coming out looms over her. She panics, and snapping, she spits that it's not about Evie, stunning her parents into concerned silence. She then becomes flooded with regret, and unable to stand in the dining room anymore, she flees to her bedroom, collapsing on the floor and having a panic attack. Ten minutes later, Mya recovers, her fantasies pulling her back to the real world, but the outcome of her actions has now made her parents suspicious. She has nowhere else to go - she can't vent to Evie because her impulse will override her judgment and make her send love-filled messages to her. She brings herself to dream of them being together, whimpering and having no one to guide her, not even her parents or Evie. However, she suddenly realizes that there is one person she can speak with that's not high risk as her other options, someone who is openly queer as well - Winter. When Mya comes out to her, she points out that this is her first coming out and it's not to her parents or Evie. Winter accepts her, and Mya thinks of what else to say, but her friend beats her to it and asks if she has told her parents she is gay yet. She is alarmed, recalling how her parents are scratched off her list because she fears how they'll react to such a major change, and while they're understanding, they could have secret intentions in a similar fashion to Winter's father. She tells her that she's been dreading informing her parents, paranoid they will reject her and unknowing of how they'll react once they find out she likes girls. She soon asks if Winter's confident she won't lose those she loves, which she affirms is "dead in the water" certain, and once her hormones relax, her parents and Evie will appreciate her.

Finishing her conversation with Winter and shutting off her phone, Mya crosses her arms and stares at the ceiling. With Winter's guidance, the path ahead is unbroken, but Mya knows she has to make decisions that will change her future - what sexuality she falls under in addition to coming out to her parents and Evie, admitting that she likes girls and boys. When she figures out that she is bisexual, Mya doesn't know what her future holds or how she'll tell her loved ones she's not a straight person, but in time, she'll figure out exactly what she wants to say. Glancing down at her art desk, she picks up a pin set and realizes she can create a bisexual pin and clears the desk, pulling out a pink, blue, and purple marker. Just before she can begin coloring the pin, however, her father knocks on her door. Mya, startled, hides the pin and the markers, remembering that she only ate half of her dinner and figuring that her parents are probably worried sick about her. Thinking of what excuse she can say, she creeps to the middle of her room and invites her father inside, on guard in case he heard her utter her declaration of bisexuality. Patrick enters, frowning, and his daughter asks what's going on, to which he confesses that they've been worried about her, noting how she looked sick when they mentioned Evie. Mya stares at the floor, now aware that her parents caught her humiliated and in dilemma, and she whispers that she got stressed out. He inquires if there's a problem with her and Evie's friendship, which she swiftly denies - Evie is too innocent and wouldn't cause trouble. He then prompts her on if she wants to tell him what's going on, and quivering, Mya refuses to try digging for an excuse, not wanting to lie to her father and have consequences bite her back later on. She recalls Winter's messages and advice, and squaring her feet, she notes that whenever she is ready, her parents will accept her.

Mya holds her chin up, meeting Patrick's gaze and filling with pride, deciding that she is ready to come out to her parents. Despite her hormones being conflicting, Mya knows her parents will listen to her, and stepping forward, she instructs her father to get her mother. He calls for her, and moments later, she arrives, demanding what's happening. Mya explains that she was embarrassed and overwhelmed at dinner, and sighing, she admits that they saw a new, different side of her - things haven't been same since Cracklog Manor and her outburst was tied to the manor incident. Patrick requests for her to explain more, and going on, she states that Cracklog changed her. When she sat alone in that room, she thought about Evie and what she did wrong, then thought about the possibility of Evie despising her. She pauses, but her mother urges her to continue and that they're listening to her. Relaxing, Mya clarifies that she saw her flaws, acting naive and putting her concerns above her friend's, but more importantly, she began to experience odd, warm feelings. Her parents glance at each other, baffled, and Mya describes her reunion with Evie, but reveals that she omitted a detail from them - she doesn't want to seem like a bastard. Nita reassures her that she's not and that she has no reason to be scared around them, and Mya dips her head in acknowledgement, her mother's tone comforting her. Dropping her fears, she stares at her parents and admits she kissed Evie, shocking them, but she says the kiss was accidental and Evie dismissed it as nothing much. She trails off again, challenged with the pressure of coming out, and Patrick praises her, assuring her that she can keep going. Mya nods, rallying and diminishing her fears, undeterred. She confesses that when she kissed Evie, those feelings became powerful and stayed even after they left the manor, and she kept being drawn to her, finding a utopia. She doesn't care what they'll think, but she loves Evie and wants to kiss guys and girls - she is bisexual.

Mya's parents are stunned by what they've just heard, and she is surprised herself for coming out successfully. She repeats that she's bisexual and in love with Evie, but she is abruptly cut off by her mother wishing her a congratulations, exclaiming that it's wonderful. She and Patrick pull her into a hug; she asks why they aren't mad at her, and her mother reassures her that they're happy she is in love - love is persuasive and they don't care if she kisses a guy or a girl - just seeing her so avoid and passionate makes them proud of her. Patrick comments that coming out isn't easy, but she found the courage to face it. She's a very special girl and they will support her relationship with Evie. He questions if her feelings for her caused the disruption at dinner, and Mya shakily nods, murmuring that she started fantasizing and couldn't stop. The fantasies return, and for a moment, she can see reflections of Evie surrounding her, making her long for her. Snapping Mya out of her state, Patrick tells her that she'll gain more control over her thoughts and hormones over time and that when she matures, her love-driving feelings will ease. She responds that Winter told her that, and surprised, Nita agrees with her, assuring her that her feelings will settle. What she is feeling is normal and she shouldn't fret, as it's just a part of growing up. Mya sits next to her mother, relaxing, and she scratches her bangs, saying that her bisexuality is a blessing and that they're proud of her for telling them how she feels about Evie. She could run off with a boy or girl and will cheer her on every step of the way. Patrick advises her not to run off with a bad guy, "threatening" to lock her in her room, though Nita scolds him for saying that and tells Mya to ignore him. Rolling her eyes, she lets her parents embrace her for a second time, knowing that Winter was always right and that her parents have accepted her infatuation with going both ways and Evie.

However, one more obstacle is in Mya's way - Evie - and her aspirations still aren't tamed. Until she gets herself under control, she can't come out to her, which is what Winter advised her to do. She notes that the last thing she wants is for Evie to reject her, vowing to not push her away after Cracklog and to face the challenges ahead of her. Nita and Patrick move to the door, and Nita promises to support her the second she comes out to Evie - she made their night special. Later, after speaking with Benji, Mya heads out into the living room, where she meets her parents, and her father says they're glad she's here - they have news to share. Nita cheerfully reveals that Evie's coming over for dinner tonight, and everything in her sight turning to gray, Mya panics - a romantic evening is far too soon for her liking. She demands what they mean, specks of fear in her eyes, Nita proclaims that Evie's coming over and that they'll have Greek chicken for dinner. Upon seeing how dismayed Mya is, she asks if she's okay, but she snaps that they're inviting a person she can't control her feelings for over to her place, begging them to reschedule. Patrick urges her to calm down, hugging her, but she whimpers and reminds him that she fantasizes about interacting with her and kissing her. He tells her she's okay and that she's not going to do anything wild, and joining him, Nita states that Evie really does want to come over and she can make it for the night - they'll make it comfortable just for her. Patrick advises her to make Evie smile, planting a kiss on her forehead, but Mya doesn't feel any better, with voices in her head hollering that she's making a mistake - dinner will be a nightmare and she will lose Evie, be ostractized, and isolated. However, knowing her parents believe she'll be fine and that Evie does want to come over, she resolves to not disappoint her friend even with what she is feeling and agrees.

Nita assures her that she's going to be alright before heading to the kitchen, and with one hour to kill, Mya spends it in the bathroom, making sure she looks perfect and flawless, wondering if this is the person Evie truly wants to see. Fifteen minutes following Evie's arrival, dinner is finished, allowing the girls to sit at the table. While Evie is hungry, Mya is less so and blankly stares at her plate, hoping she is not acting dubious. As Evie fiddles with her food, Nita asks her how life has been, bringing up her mother. She responds that it's fine and that Opal, albeit irritated, has put Cracklog Manor behind her. Patrick, relieved, remembers her behavior from that day, and she agrees with him; he prompts her on school, and she replies that she's doing well as she always does. Mya glances at her awkwardly, silent compared to her talkative friend. Patrick questions Evie on her grades, to which she mentions that they're in the nineties and hundreds thanks to her mother's efforts, believing Daniela is "shaking in her boots." This appalls Mya, who points out that she doesn't care for her rivalry with Daniela, but winking, she murmurs that it depends. She forces herself to nod, feeling trapped and reluctantly eating her food, commenting that it's good, and Evie concurs in agreement. Nita dismisses her cooking as nothing, thinking she's not as talented as Opal, but Evie reveals to her that her mother relies on cookbooks - if she didn't, they'd be dead, surprising Patrick, and she adds that her food is bad most of the times, yet sometimes, it can be good. Mya recalls her sizzling cake, and Evie jokes that she's trying to starve her. She blushes at how adorable she sounds, thinking that dinner is going to plan. However, just as she puts more food in her mouth, her father questions if Evie has any plans for the spring season, especially with Mya, and she feels sick. As she sits tensely, Evie delightfully says that she and her father got a book for her and Mya to read from Barnes & Noble, causing the latter to blush profusely, the thought so romantic it makes the fantasies appear in the corner of her mind - them cutely sitting together whilst reading.

Evie then mentions that it's fantasy and that the lead character is queer, and Nita asks why she likes gay book characters so much; she counters that gay protagonists have flavor to them, smirking again. Mya wonders how no one has seen her red face, forcing herself to swallow her food painfully, attempting to deny everything happening in front of her. Evie questions if she wants to hear the book title, and squeaking out a yes, she names it: *The Lost and the Powerful* - who's lead character is pansexual. Winter's words from earlier reappear, and recalling that she thought she was pansexual, she stutters that it's nice. The fork she is holding slips out of her hand and falls into her tsatziki sauce. Everyone stares at her, confused, and embarrassed, she demands why they're staring. Nita states that she dropped her fork, and Patrick, baffled, asks why her face is so red. Mya, noticing her tsatziki-covered fork, burns with more embarrassment out of her feelings for Evie spiraling, realizing that dinner was always going to be a disaster - whatever she does, she can't be around Evie, or she'll fall apart. Evie bores into her, her eyes sparking with concern, knowing her friend has been keeping something. She tries to lie that the room is hot, but no one buys it, and Evie ponders why she's not sweating if she's in a sweater, much to Mya's dismay. When Evie tries to reach out to her, Mya snaps at her to stop, causing her and her parents to gasp, and she instantly regrets the outburst, feeling humiliated and disasterous. With tears welling in her eyes, Mya flees the dining room and runs into her room, slamming the door and curling into a ball, sobbing. After Mya comes out to Evie and plays with her in her room, Nita and Patrick peer inside, discoveri that everything is resolved, and Patrick whispers that Mya has everything figured out. Nita nods in agreement with him.

#### *She's Plotting Something*

"*Mya! My baby!" [...] "Your shoulder... your bravery... oh, baby, you risked so much to be here...*"
—Nita to Mya

Mya reassures Evie that her parents will patch up her shoulder wound when she gets home. Later, Mya arrives home with Winter and greets her parents, who pull her into a loving hug. Nita notes that she risked so much to stay alive, and shocked, Patrick questions why she did what she did - she could have gotten killed. Mya replies that she did it to protect Winter and save her from horror. Undoing her jacket, Nita finds her arm and shoulder caked in dried blood and whisks her off to the bathroom to help her clean up, telling her that she can change into her pajamas afterward. Once that is done, she returns and asks Winter if she hasn't eaten much since she ran away, to which she responds that it's mostly stuff Rex's friend buys for her. While Winter and Mya are busy snuggling on the sofa, Nita and Patrick turn to each other in the kitchen, and Nita asks Patrick for updates on the papers. He reports that they've been sent to the city for approval, and both Heartley parents glance at a tray of papers Mya is not even aware of, having big plans in mind.

#### *The Party*

Evie notes that her parents are taking her and Mya to the school for the party, where they will meet with Mya's parents.

#### *Winter Storm Arising*

"*Of course, Winter... we have* always *wanted to give you a place where you could* belong*, ever since the day Mya described her initial meeting with you... you* deserve *a real home! You deserve the chance to* have *a family, a real mother and father, and a sister that will* love you*! You shouldn't have to live on your own for the rest of your life... and we knew our decision was right the night Mya took you to our place... you belong as a Heartley, Winter. You* always *will.*"
—Nita to Winter on why they wanted to adopt her

Following Daniela's defeat, Mya embraces her parents, getting showered in hugs and kisses, and Nita and Patrick both express their relief that she's okay. She replies that she's never felt better, and Patrick says that she did what no one else could do - risking her life to save her friend - something which is pure heroism. Nita affirms that he's correct, believing that she'll be a shining star in her future, and Mya admits that she'd save more people than they think, turning to Evie. Nita then mentions that they had saved a special gift for her, deciding to reveal it because of what happened that night, and she gives Mya a piece of paper. Becoming shocked by its contents and reduced to tears, she invites Evie over to read it. She gasps, naming it one of the most beautiful things she's ever seen, and facing Winter, she tells her that she's the most deserving person to see this. Confused, she approaches them and reads the paper, reading the top and gasping. She re-reads it multiple times, refusing to believe that the paper names her - and it is revealed to be an adoption certificate for her to be legally adopted by the Heartleys. Staring at Mya's parents, Winter asks if they want to adopt her, much to the approval of the crowd, and Mya's mother confesses that they'd always wanted to adopt her from the day Mya first told them about her; she deserves the chance to have a real family instead of living alone for the rest of her life - she belongs as a Heartley.

Draping her arms over her shoulders, Mya whispers that they're going to be sisters, and Winter throbs with euphoria and triumph. Noting how far she's come that night, she becomes overly excited at the thought of having a new family, screaming and hugging her before jumping around her and Evie. She repeatedly thanks Mya's parents, and Nita tells her that she just needs to sign the blank space on the certificate. After getting a pen from Evelin and Sarah, Winter happily signs it, and Nita mentions that they just have to send the certificate to the city to make it official. Winter thanks her and Patrick, officially referring to them as her mother and father for the first time. When the crowd starts to call her Snowlight, Winter embraces her new family and friends. A few days later, Winter notes that she is officially the daughter of Nita and Patrick, her certificate having been approved.

### Season 2

#### *The New Principal*

With their parents' permission, Evie, Mya, and Winter hold a meeting at Pinelake Park to discuss Shetani.

#### *Unbroken Love*

"*Mya, you haven't even eaten!*"
—Nita to Mya

Nita notices Mya running to the door, exclaiming that she hasn't eaten. However, Mya retorts that she isn't eating until she finds where Winter is, shocking her and Patrick, as they didn't know their adopted daughter was missing.

#### *Rushing Roulette*

Evie finds out that the Heartleys don't want her coming over today, surprising her.

#### *The Attack*

Mya and Winter talk about the latter's daydreaming in their parents' car. Later, Mya tells Evie that her parents partially believed her claims about Shetani.

#### *Traitors!*

"*Go on. Do it." [...] "You're our daughters. We'd support you no matter what, doing something or dying trying.*"
—Nita supporting Mya and Winter

When Evie is lamenting after her plan fails, she says that Mya's parents will kill her for what happened. Shortly after she runs off, Winter comments that they must spy on Shetani from her house, but Mya points out that they need approval from their parents first. Upon returning home, they find them sitting by Evie on the couch, and Mya asks why she's here. Nita explains that Evie ran in crying while she was talking about dinner, and she and Patrick advised her to rest. Winter nervously recalls the events of the day, concerning Nita, but she requests to hear more. Once she is done, she remarks that they danced with trouble and she's proud, but she is confused as to why Evie is here. Mya returns to the side of Winter, believing that she doesn't want to face her own parents out of fear she'll be punished. They show them their evidence, and both are startled to see that everything about Shetani was true after all. Mya admits that they're spying on Shetani at her house, and Nita boldly supports them, stating that they always will doing something or dying trying. While trying to console Evie, Winter tells her that their parents are on their side.

#### *Devil's Dungeon*

"*Oh, darlings... I'm glad you managed to escape alive. And I'm glad Amira is safe with your family, Evie. This is so, so wrong! Are you all okay?*"
—Worried Nita

Nita and Patrick are stunned to see the new evidence Evie, Mya, and Winter have gotten on Amira and Shetani's relationship, and Nita is glad they got out alive, in addition to Amira being safe. She asks if they're all okay, and Winter reassures her that they are.

#### *Your Pain is My Pleasure: Part 1*

Nita is one out of many making up the army that hears Winter's rallying cry at Pinelake Park. Later, she is instructed to spread the word on Shetani to the sixth and eighth graders, and while Mya confronts Shetani directly, she thinks about their parents giving out information.

### Season 3

#### *Memories of the Past*

"*We have to tell her something, honey. You know Mya. She's curious and eager to learn.*"
—Nita to Patrick

Long before the events of the series, Nita sits near Patrick on the sofa, knitting a sweater and commenting that it's coming out wonderfully. She scoots closer to him, saying that it's for Mya, and Patrick thinks she'll love it, calling her a beautiful blessing. It is noted that Mya is their three-year old daughter who is the perfect combination of their traits. Nita says that Mya will grow up to do great things, and Patrick agrees, believing things will be "as cool as a cucumber." Just as Nita scratches his chin, the doorbell rings, revealing Patrick's parents - Harlow and Ivanna - and Nita questions what they're doing here. Both ask for another loan of money for their mansion, and surprised, Nita promises to give them another two-thousand, but no more than that. Ivanna begs, knowing the city will evict them. Suddenly, judging from Ivanna's body language and behavior, Patrick realizes that his parents are greedy and have been milking them dry of their money for their own benefits. He begins to fight with Harlow, but Nita urges them to be quiet, not wanting Mya to be woken with their bickering. However, Harlow expresses apathy towards his granddaughter, only desiring money.

In his rage, Harlow throws a vase onto Patrick's face, which shatters and cuts his eye. Nita shrieks, helping him up, and she snaps at her in-laws that they've gone far enough. She orders them to leave, protecting Patrick fiercely. Harlow and Ivanna oblige, but promise revenge and threatening Mya's life, causing Nita to aggressively warn them not to threaten her daughter. They leave, and she runs to a kitchen, dousing a rag in cold water and cleaning the blood off of Patrick's eye. She tells him to keep cleaning it, and Nita heads into Mya's room, finding her peacefully asleep. She tucks some of her hair behind her ear, then exits the room, meeting a cleaned-up Patrick outside. She reports that Mya is well, pulling Patrick closer to her and asking where they go from here. Patrick growls that Harlow and Ivanna must be locked out of their bank account, adding that Mya musn't know she has grandparents for her safety. Nita questions if he's sure, which Patrick confirms. He grabs a photo with Harlow and Ivanna in it, gently burning some of it off so they are obscured, and hiding the photo in the basement. He reunites with Nita seconds later, promising that things will be okay, and they kiss.

Eleven years later, Mya and Winter find their parents on the sofa, and Patrick reluctantly suggests for them to clean the basement while he and Nita do the living room. While cleaning in the basement, Mya accidentally discovers a burned photo with her parents in it, along with two mysterious figures she doesn't identify. This baffles her, as she hasn't heard of any other living family members. She and Winter decide to ask their parents about it, and they dash up to them in the living room. There, Nita inquires if they're done cleaning the basement, and Winter sits next to her. Upon seeing the photo, Nita and Patrick are stunned, their faces pale and uncertain. It is revealed that they are her grandparents, and Nita lies that they don't live in Pineshadow anymore, but in Oregon. Patrick takes Nita's hand, gripping the finger holding their marriage ring, and he says that the photo fell onto a candle. Mya and Winter beg for more inspiration, and Nita and Patrick get up, needing a moment to discuss themselves. In the hallway, Nita thinks they should just tell Mya the truth, but Patrick wishes to lie, not wanting all hell to break loose. Nita nods, choosing to trust him, and she lies that Mya's grandparents loved seeing her when she was young. She excuses her and Patrick, stating that they need some sleep, and they head off.

When Mya shows Evie the photo, she sees her parents and questions who the burned figures are. She learns that they are her grandparents, shocking her, and Mya mentions how her parents told her a lot about them. She searches through Google, seeing if her family name will appear, and she finds an article revealing her grandparents, Elloise and Luca, to be dead. Evie believes the mystery is solved, but Mya points out that her parents told her her grandparents were alive. The article states that no one, including Nita, believed anyone would light such a blaze, and Mya wonders why her parents never told her about this, to which Evie replies that some secrets aren't meant to be revealed at all. The two then find out about Elloise and Luca's riches being passed on to other family members, confusing them. After Winter returns home, Mya catches her up on what's been going on, including her parents mentioning how their grandparents lived in Oregon. She jokes that she should call the numbers of rich families in Pineshadow, but Mya takes it literally, and Winter warns her that doing so will get her in trouble with their parents. However, Mya believes the chances of her parents finding out are low. Despite her efforts, none of her calls work, but Winter reassures her that she already has her parents and others who love her. The next day, Evie urges Mya to be happy with the family she's got.

#### *Welcome to Hollowleaf Mansion*

"*Winter, please try texting her. You're her sister. Please see if you can contact her... I can't lose my pride, my joy, the very little girl who-*"
—Nita panicking over Mya

After meeting Mya and Evie at Pinelake Park, Harlow says that it's time they paid Nita and Patrick a visit to catch up on "loose ends." Meanwhile, in the Heartley household, Nita and Patrick are watching *Shrek 2* with Winter, who is snug in a blanket next to her mother. Suddenly, Mya slams the door open, revealing that she has found her grandparents. This shocks her parents and excites Winter, but Nita points out that her grandparents are in Oregon. Harlow and Ivanna then walk through the doorway, and Nita stutters their names, asking why they're here. Ivanna questions if it's nice to see them after so long, and Nita reluctantly agrees, which makes Mya wonder if she has the blues from not seeing her in-laws in a long time. Upon being asked by his father, Patrick explains that the other child next to Mya is Winter, her adopted sister. She mentions how she never had a real family until she was adopted by the Heartleys. Nita nervously inquires as to why Harlow and Ivanna are here, and Ivanna reveals that Mya phone called her and Harlow, stunning Nita, who collapses back into Patrick. Once Mya and Winter are settled down, Harlow walks up to his son and his wife, telling them that they need to speak in private, his hazel gaze freezing them. Patrick curtly nods, and they head into the bedroom. Mya and Winter watch, wondering what they're talking about. The next day, Mya mentions how her family was watching *Shrek 2*.

Later, Nita and Patrick text Winter, frantically informing her that Mya is missing. Quickly, she runs home, asking what's going on. Nita explains that she's been leaving, going in and out without telling them why, and Patrick shudders, recalling the day of the roulette game in which Mya was kidnapped. He says that he doesn't know where she's going off to, noting that this is unlike her. Winter gasps, and Nita adds that she hasn't responded to their texts at all, urging Winter to do so again, not wanting to lose Mya. Patrick cuts her off, stating that she doesn't need to tell Winter more, and she ignores the two. She sends the text, and five minutes after, Nita asks if anything's happened. Winter responds in the negative, noticing tears in her mother's eyes, and she reassures her that they'll get Mya back. Suddenly, Mya replies, revealing that she's been spending her time with Harlow and Ivanna. Patrick shakes nervously, holding onto his wife and asking if it's true, which Winter confirms. She requests to be taken to Hollowleaf Mansion, and while her parents are hesitant, they agree. Nita questions Patrick if he knows the way to the mansion, and he nods. After arriving, Winter nods a farewell to her parents. During Winter's confrontation with Mya, both allude to Nita and Patrick multiple times. Once tensions settle, Winter reluctantly allows Mya to spend one more night with her grandparents, knowing her parents will be pleased with the report. A few hours later, Winter informs the girls that Mya didn't care about her parents being worried. That night, at the Pond of Ori, Mya notes that no one, not even her family, will stop her.

#### *Rising Tensions*

"*Pat, it's been eleven years since the... The day, and now it's happening... What if she-*"
—Nita worriying

Evie mentions Harlow smirking as he talked about Mya's parents. That same day, Harlow and Ivanna discuss their plans for retribution against Nita and Patrick. Hours later, Winter notes that her parents are shopping at the mall, thinking about how scary it was for them when Mya almost got killed. After the girls agree to confront Mya, Evie says that they must warn her parents. Later, she and Winter inform Nita and Patrick of Mya being drugged, which horrifies the two and severely worries Patrick, who recalls hiding Harlow and Ivanna from her - now the two's promise from eleven years ago is becoming reality. Winter pleads with her mother to do something, but Nita refuses, about to mention something about the day. Patrick is quick to silence her, not wanting to freak out the two girls. He apologizes, stating that while they have tried to confine Mya to the house, she will still go out to see Harlow and Ivanna regardless, and she is like tying down a free bird. Evie grabs Nita's attention, asking where Mya is picked up by her grandparents, and she blankly responds with Pinelake Park. Evie instructs her and Patrick to let her go freely and to pretend they like the Parkers, and Patrick asks what they'll do after that. Evie adds that the girls will confront her at the park, and Winter asks their parents if they're in. Nita reluctantly agrees, and Patrick completely agrees. The next day, Nita and Patrick greet Mya and happily bid her farewell. Once she leaves, Patrick remarks that this plan is cooking, and he informs Winter that her sister is on her way. While confronting Mya, Evie suggests that the stories she tells her parents are tall tales.

#### *The Dinner Party*

"*Pat." [...] "You're being overprotective. Just let her go. And besides-" [...] "You remember what Harlow and Ivanna told us. If we-*"
—Nita attempting to say something

When Mya calls for Winter, she notes that the two have acted more like rogues instead of sisters, much to the concern of her parents. Upon finding out that she is invited to Harlow and Ivanna's dinner party - which Amira is attending - Winter agrees to go, but has to get through her parents first. She tells them, shocking both Nita and Patrick, who instantly points out that the Parkers are suspicious. Winter begs, but he tells her no again. However, Nita insists that he's being too overprotective, glancing around nervously, and she is about to say something before cutting herself off. Her cheeks turn red, and forgetting what she attempted to say, allows Winter to go. Later, Winter reveals to her shocked parents that Harlow sexually assaulted Daniela, in addition to Mya failing to believe what he had done was true. Patrick remarks that they must stop living in fear and get Mya back, and when Winter asks if they should call the police first, he adds that getting Mya back is top priority. He enters his contacts and finds that she's texted "all of this is temporary" - and a message to her fails to go through. The family is left stunned, realizing what has happened as tension grows in the room.

#### *The Divide Between Us*

"*Keeping her* **safe***?* **Safe***? I know for a goddamn fact Harlow and Ivanna are going to do* **horrible things** *to Mya!*"
—Nita to Winter on Harlow and Ivanna

Mya notes that she's much happier away from conflict with her family and friends. When the police arrive, Mya realizes that her parents called them on Harlow. The next day, Winter tries to text Mya with no success. Sympathetic, Nita hugs her, and while Patrick tries to be optimistic, Nita desperately wishes for Mya to be safe, worried. Winter suggests that Harlow and Ivanna are protecting her, which causes Nita to snap that they are definitely not, as they'll do horrible things to her - and she's seen it herself. Too late, she realizes that she has said too much, and Winter turns on her, demanding why she never mentioned this. She asks about what else they're hiding, and Patrick warns her not to pressure her mother into speaking. She spits at that they lied to her and could have protected her sister, and feeling betrayed, she storms off into her room. She thinks to herself that her parents are liars and are tearing the family apart, taking her anger out on her pillow. An hour later, Winter informs Evie of her parents' lies, stunning her. That night, Harlow comments that Mya's family is miniscule, which she finds weird, as she loves her parents. Following Mya's betrayal, Winter notes that she lied to her parents about coming home due to her instability, and Amira pities her for this reason among others.

#### *Rise to Power*

Daniela notes that Winter still holds a deep amount of animosity at her parents for failing to reveal the truth about Harlow and Ivanna and saving Mya from them. Later, during her and Evie's confrontation with Mya, Winter snaps that their parents lied to them - they knew the Parkers were evil from the start and failed to protect her from becoming the person she now is. Mya retorts that they're just as bad as her for holding her back from power, calling them cowards, to which Winter hisses that they aren't cowards.

#### *Two Lives, Many Horrors*

"*Mya was the spark that kept me alive." [...] "Without her, I'd be gone. A burden. She taught me to believe in myself. To have faith... The memory was painful, and that's why I didn't want to share it with you. Yet I'm glad I did now.*"
—Nita after sharing her story

Nita and Patrick stand shocked in their living room, having just learned of the girls' trip to Hollowleaf Mansion and what they found - Mya is now a selfish queen and Harlow and Ivanna are still the devious criminals they were from years ago. Guilty, they look at the ground, knowing they did nothing to stop Mya. Evie walks up to them, requesting their help in prying Mya away from the dangerous grasp of the Parkers, and Amira adds that Pineshadow will be in danger if they don't rise up. Nita notices Winter's apathy at the situation, noting that they had no choice and she and Mya would have been safe if their secret never got out. Now, it is clear that Winter wants nothing to do with the Heartley parents, both regretting the lies they told, and Nita blurts out that they can't do anything to help Pineshadow. Daniela questions why, and Patrick stammers that it's their fault Mya is lost. He adds that they lied to all of them and were cowards for letting Mya fall, and Nita says that it's time the girls learned everything they know about Harlow and Ivanna, gripping onto Patrick. Winter eyes her parents with sheer animosity, not liking a direction this is going, and Nita and Patrick fear that their family will go up in flames. All of the girls, sans Winter, gather in front of the ottoman, and clearing her throat, Nita states that they hid the truth about the Parkers. As they now know, that was a terrible mistake, but she and Patrick will make up for it by revealing what they know.

Evie encourages her to get started, and Nita starts to speak. Eleven years ago, when Mya was just three, her parents died in a mansion fire believed to be arson, the culprit never being found, leaving her to sob for many days. She attended her parents' "stunning" funeral at Rapid Rivers Chapel, which was heavily funded by Harlow and Ivanna, who were also grieving the loss heavily. Daniela mutters that she never knew the Parkers actually had a heart, and Nita admits that she's known them since she met Patrick in high school - they did like to spoil her from time to time. A smile forms on her face, but then fades right afterward. Nita contines, recalling that approximately one month after the death of Elloise and Luca, Harlow and Ivanna came to them, requesting money, as they were shorthanded following the funeral. She took pity on them, hearing that Hollowleaf Mansion was in disrepair. Patrick chimes in, saying that they did the honest thing and gave some of their money to them. Amira asks about the full sum of money, making Nita reveal that they gave up ten thousand dollars, startling Evie. She points out that their bank accounts could have gotten terminated for such a transaction, but Patrick murmurs that they were genuine before trailing off. Nita picks up for him, mentioning that one day, Harlow and Ivanna came to them to demand even more amounts of money. By now, the Heartleys' supply had been stretched thin, so they couldn't give the Parkers any more and told them to get lost. Amira questions what happened from there, and Patrick growls that Harlow and Ivanna wanted to make them pay, causing Winter to angrily stare at her parents as her father goes on, revealing that he had a vase thrown at his face.

Harlow and Ivanna's folly succeeded, and continuing from there, Nita says that the Parkers threatened that one day, they'd return for Mya. They then disappeared altogether and were never seen again. Rattled by the threat, the Heartley parents decided to destroy the only remaining evidence left of the Parkers in the house (the photo) for Mya's safety. Before she can explain more, Nita is cut off by Winter, who slams her fist down on the coffee table and faces her parents with a lethal ice-blue gaze; she demands why they covered this up if they always knew that Mya was in danger. Panicking, Amira leaps in front of her girlfriend and urges her to let her parents speak even if she may hold transgressions against them right now. Winter settles down, going back to sitting on the sofa, allowing her parents to proceed. Patrick murmurs that they had to burn the photo, not wanting Mya to live a life in fear, but a life that was happy. Amira understands, recalling her days with Shetani, and while Evie and Daniela agree with her, Winter wonders why they let her sister betray them all. Patrick keeps speaking, shakily saying that they had to burn that photo, as Mya was just three and didn't need to have her safety compromised knowing that her grandparents were criminals. Winter, furious, demands why the police weren't called, and Nita responds that they were too fearful to do so: they'd become famous for the wrong reasons and Mya would have lived a non-idealistic life. Patrick adds that with the evidence burned and hidden away, Mya grew up as their perfect child, carefree and harmless, and Nita leans up against him affectionately.

Amira asks if that changed when Mya found the photo, and Nita nods, noting their horror, but once it was discovered, there was no going back. Daniela inquires if they ever considered being honest with their daughter, to which she replies that they did, but since Mya was still vulnerable and could get herself into trouble easily, so they chose to keep quiet. Evie gets up, admitting that she doesn't like this because the Heartleys' secret has led to them fighting Pineshadow's most dangerous villains, in addition to having Mya rescued from said villains' clutches. However, the Heartleys are on the right track by taking the blame and making up for their mistakes with the truth. Their motives are understandable and something Evie herself relates to, and Amira agrees with her, noting that it's a good start. Winter does not share their thoughts, instead snapping that her parents lied to all of them and betrayed them with a secret that could destroy the very town she's been raised in. Besides that, they betrayed their own daughters. Patrick pleads with her to calm down, promising that they can explain everything, and weary, Nita affirms that they're trying their best to make amends. Their pleas do nothing to ease Winter's growing aggression, and she steps closer to her parents with rage, borderline close to pulling out her knife on them. Nita wails that they've always loved Mya and supported her through a lot - her identity crisis, her bullies, and her relationship with Evie - and they're sorry that they lied to her. Winter questions why she should even listen to them, taking a step closer to her mother; Amira intervenes, urging her to back down and to be grateful that the Heartleys are opening up.

Throwing her off, Winter hisses that her parents are backstabbers and lying snakes, acting like every person who's betrayed her. It started with Daniela (which she protests, not deeming this rational), then with them, and then Mya - all because they were quiet and are no better than people who watch the world burn. Suddenly, Nita is unable to take it anymore, realizing that she should have told the girls about this sooner - and with all of her strength, she reveals that if she never had Mya, she would have killed herself. The house falls deathly silent, Patrick staring at his wife in shock and the girls left stunned, even Winter. Patrick pleads with his wife to not tell the girls about this, but Nita disagrees, believing it is time that they know this story. Eight years ago, Nita walks through the hallway after being fired from her job at Target due to the economic recession, feeling like a complete joke to the family. She argues with herself, thinking that she's a failure for not being able to keep a job and make money. Entering the bathroom, she closes the door behind her, rinsing her slit wrists in the sink and sighing. Out of nowhere, Patrick knocks on the door and asks what she's doing in there, as that's the tenth time she's been in the bathroom today. Terrified, Nita shouts that she'll be out in a minute, not wanting her family to fall about. However, Patrick senses that something's wrong and orders her to come out, and reluctantly, she dries her wrists and heads out. Patrick then grabs her arm, seeing her slit wrist and demanding why Nita is doing this to herself - she is risking damaging the veins in her wrist - and cutting herself isn't a cure for depression.

Nita retorts that it's solace for her, believing that it's the only choice she has for letting the family down and not getting them enough money to survive, blaming herself for causing this. Patrick feels sick to his stomach, worrying about his wife being on the brink of suicide from her depression. He begs her that she can't, but Nita snaps that she's better off dead so he can grind up a better forture than she can. Without warning, a gasp sounds from right behind the Heartley parents, and much to their horror, they find their eight-year old daughter, Mya, standing in the hallway. Patrick attempts to say that they can explain, but frightened and deeply upset, Mya runs back to her room in tears. Dizzy, Patrick collapses on his bed, fearing that Mya will become depressed just like her mother - she had learned that she was suicidal far too young. Nita offers to speak with her and dashes to her room without a word, finding Mya curled up in her blankets and sobbing badly. She imagines "guilty" written on her face for causing her an unimaginable amount of pain, and while not knowing if she can fix things, Nita knows she can try to. She calls out to Mya, assuring her that she's alright and brushing away the tears from her eyes. Mya tries to speak, but nothing comes out of her mouth, and she goes back to crying again. Nita states that she can't apologize enough for what she's done, placing her fingers on her daughter's shoulder, and Mya shakily points out that she wanted to kill herself, wondering if she is going to really do such a thing. Nita soothes her, promising that it's not true - she's just having a hard time thinking without a path ahead of her.

Mya pleads with her to not commit suicide, needing her here, and she grabs her shirt. Nita then lays down next to her daughter, and before she even knows what she is doing, she softly confesses everything to her. Mya is sympathetic, understanding her mother's hardship, but reassuring her to not give up on the family. Her mother pulls her close, warmth building between them, and finally at peace, Mya rests on her mother's chest. Nita glances at her slit wrists, no longer believing every answer lies with pain and instead developing pride. Refusing to die and abandon her family, Nita smiles, scratching Mya's head and sensing that her love for her has grown. Just as Mya relies on her, Nita decides to rely on her daughter as well, her light in the dark. Nita vows to never harm herself again and be there for Mya every single day - and to keep her family steady. Feeling as if every wrong on earth has been righted, she softly whispers to Mya that she loves her. In present day, Nita cries that Mya was the person who kept her alive, and if it weren't for her, she'd be a burden and would have no faith in herself. While the memory was painful, she is glad to have shared it with the girls now. Evie grins, admitting that they feel weird with all the revelations, but she has their support no matter what. Amira and Daniela then approach Nita and reveal their own suicidal pasts as well, and Nita thanks them as Patrick kisses her on her cheek. Winter stands still in the room, unable to say something, and when prompted, she only runs to her room.

Patrick worries that they've ruined everything, but refusing to let the Heartley family fall, Amira goes to speak with her girlfriend. Winter wonders if she's foolish for attacking her parents; they didn't do anything to stop Mya, but only because they were insecure, just like her. After Winter becomes at ease, she heads back out of her bedroom and to the living room, where her parents prepare to be completely rejected. However, Winter apologizes, saying that while she took her anger out on them for good reasons, she realized that they come from a place of insecurity, just like she did. She can't entirely forgive them just yet with many issues still yet to be patched up, including dealing with Mya and the Parkers - but for now, they're on a good start. Nita and Patrick then shake her hand, officially on better terms with their daughter. That night, in Hollowleaf Mansion, Mya wonders if her parents will be proud of her for raiding Old Town Pineshadow, and Ivanna agrees, commenting that her parents don't realize how much is entrusted to her. Getting an idea, Ivanna then reveals to her that the Heartleys once gave her and Harlow large sums of money, but one day, they cut them off and branded them as greedy. Because of their "insolence," Hollowleaf Mansion nearly fell apart. Mya becomes enraged at the thought of her parents being that evil, and declaring war, she calls her parents traitors for leaving her grandparents to fend for themselves. They let them burn, but now, she won't let Nita and Patrick get away with such a thing again - she wants payback. Ivanna, seeing her daughter rant, gaslights her into showing her parents up, citing that she's bent on wanting them to suffer, intriguing Harlow.

Mya isn't certain that it will work, but Ivanna presses her further, asking if she wants payback or Nita and Patrick lying in wait to cause destruction - they have nothing left, but the Parkers and Mya can take control now if they wanted to. Mya nods, and praising her, Ivanna orders her to take her parents' money. Snickering, Mya says that she has a deal. Later, they arrive at the Heartley place, with Harlow parking farther down the street in order to avoid suspicion from the Heartleys. Mya walks up to her door and heads inside via a spare key, knowing that her parents are likely in their bedroom trying to sleep. Being steathily as possible, Mya successfully steals the two purses containing her parents' money. However, before she can escape, she slams into the wall and is caught by Winter. Despite her sister having the upper hand, Mya smashes her head into the coffee table, dealing her a wound that nearly knocks her out. Just as she reaches the door, her parents walk in, having heard the commotion, and Patrick demands what's going on. Upon seeing Winter bleeding on the ground, Nita runs over to her and shakes her, trying to wake her up. Patrick warns Mya to put the purses down, but she refuses to listen to his warnings and runs out into the night; despite his efforts, she slips away. Patrick then returns inside, finding Winter crying in Nita's lap, her head marred with a horrific gash. Nita murmurs that Mya did this to her, and with fear, foreboding, and reality setting in, Patrick says that they've unleashed the spawn of the devil. Outside, Mya chats to the Parkers about her encounter with her family, unaware that they are conspiring to kill her and her parents.

#### *Disappearance*

"*You greedy* demons *are the reason why one of* my daughters *is borderline* **traumatized***!*"
—Nita snapping at Harlow and Ivanna

A few days after the break-in, Nita and Patrick watch Winter sleep, relieved to see her at ease. Despite the Heartley parents knowing that it's only inevitable Harlow and Ivanna will use their money supply, they find that Winter being safe, her head wound healing as well, matters more. Nita yawns, wishing to go to bed, and Patrick tells her that they can put the TV on in their room and settle in. Before they move, someone knocks at the door, and sighing, Patrick approaches the foyer with Nita. He opens the door and immediately confronts Harlow and Ivanna, making Nita gasp, and Patrick warns them that they aren't welcome here. Peering around him, his wife adds that they borderline traumatized one of their daughters, earning her a warning glance from him, fearing that too much noise will wake Winter. Harlow retorts that they haven't even come for money, whipping out a pistol and pointing it at Nita's chin, making her scream in terror. As Harlow nearly forces the gun past her teeth, Patrick drags her and himself back against the hallway wall, terrified for the lives in his family. Squeezing his throat, Ivanna threatens to kill the entire Heartley family if they don't listen to what their told, and while Patrick pleads that Mya and Winter are just children, Harlow retaliates by striking him and Nita on their chins. He then orders them to leave Pineshadow - if they come back, both Mya and Winter will die. Patrick chokes, imagining his whole family and himself being mercilessly slaughtered, and Nita frantically whispers to him that they have no choice.

Ivanna, angered, splits open her chin with her pistol, splattering blood on the wall. Nita places a hand on her chin as Patrick realizes that she is right, refusing to have Mya and Winter be murdered by the Parkers. He concedes, and while Nita and Patrick pack their things and prepare to move out, leaving everything they've known behind. The next morning, Winter discovers that her parents are gone, in addition to blood on the hallway wall, and despite looking in every single place around the house, none yields a trace of them. After going through a panic attack, she manages to call Evie and inform her of her parents' mysterious disappearance, to which she immediately says that she'll get the other girls. Winter prays that her parents are alright, and fifteen minutes later, Evie, Amira, and Daniela arrive. Daniela asks what happened, and Winter explains that she woke up, finding blood on the hallway wall and Nita and Patrick being absent from the entire household. Evie, suspicious, believes foul play is involved - the Heartley parents would never up and leave without telling one of their daughters - and she exclaims that Harlow and Ivanna must be the two behind the disappearance. Amira questions if the Parkers are really behind their disappearance, and nodding grimly, Evie mentions Harlow and Ivanna's disdain toward Nita and Patrick and desire to have Mya and money all to themselves. Stumped, Winter pleads that they have to find her parents, unable to finish her sentence, and Amira reassures her that no one is going to die - or destroy Pineshadow.

Evie then says that they have to search for clues in the house pertaining to the disappearance of the Heartley parents, noting that more clues can be caught in a second or third glance; they also need to inform Mya somehow that her parents are gone and that she needs to search for them. Amira points out that Harlow and Ivanna will probably kill them if they go back to Hollowleaf Mansion again, making Evie rethink, but suddenly, Daniela offers to speak to Mya at Hollowleaf by herself. An hour later, Daniela returns home and greets Rex, who asks if Nita and Patrick have been found, but she responds in the negative. While Daniela speaks with Mya at Hollowleaf Mansion, Evie and Amira interrogate Winter on the timeline regarding her parents' vanishing. Evie asks when she last saw her parents, and she replies that it was last night when they tucked her into bed. Amira inquires if she searched the whole house for evidence, causing Winter to break down, and Amira soothes her. Upon her realizing the side of Winter's head is scarred, the latter reveals that Mya gave her the scar while stealing Nita and Patrick's money. As Evie and Amira investigate the blood on the hallway wall, Amira plucks a strand of auburn hair, realizing it belongs to Mya's mother. Evie adds that the blood must be Nita's, and her friend continues the thought, stating that the Heartley parents must have gotten into an altercation with Harlow and Ivanna that led to bloodshed. Pleased, Evie says that they can check the living room for evidence.

When they return, Amira reveals to Winter that they found a strand of Nita's hair, indicating that she and Patrick got into a scuffle with the Parkers. Winter gulps, stuttering about her parents and bloodshed, and her girlfriend consoles her. Evie plucks open a drawer, discovering a letter seemingly written by the Heartleys that warns the girls - they left for the greater good, and they mustn't believe that they're safe, as they made a deadly mistake. Amira is horrified while Winter feels sick, but Evie mutters that it can't be right, knowing that they should have stayed behind to protect their daughters. Winter agrees with her uneasily, refusing to believe Nita and Patrick have left or could even be dead, but Amira reminds her to have hope. Re-evaluating the letter, Winter suddenly realizes that her parents didn't write it, backing up her claim with their actual writing in a journal - proving that the letter was forged. Evie suspects that Harlow and Ivanna forged it, though Amira points out that it doesn't make sense since they know the Parkers aren't holding them as prisoners or for ransom. Meanwhile, in Hollowleaf Mansion, Daniela spits at Mya that her parents are gone, shocking her, and she mentions the blood on the wall and the family car being missing. Mya panics, regretting the things she said and admitting that she didn't want Nita and Patrick to truly disappear. Relieved, Daniela encourages her to help search, willing to follow the her she's always known. After Daniela is betrayed and held hostage, Mya is in disbelief that her parents are gone, thinking that Daniela lied, which concerns the Parkers.

#### *Ultimatum*

Amira snaps at Ivanna that they know she and Harlow are the reason why Mya's parents are missing, though she is quickly silenced afterward.

#### *Warbringer*

"*No, Mya! Who are you even kidding?" [...] "Mya, it was never* your fault *that you went down a dark path - it was* ours*. We ended up taking the fall for you, letting you live a lie since you were young - a lie we should have* never *told you. Being your parents, we let you down. We've made a mistake we'll* never *go back from.*"
—Nita taking responsibility for Mya's fall

Daniela insists that they have to get out of the mansion now before they get killed, but Evie says that she has something to do, and quickly, she texts Mya's parents - informing them that their daughter is safe. Glancing over, Mya sees what her girlfriend has done and murmurs about her parents, surprising Amira. When Harlow and Ivanna tell Mya how they killed Nita's parents, Ivanna says that it started with Elloise and Luca, then Nita and Patrick, and now ends with her. After he and Ivanna strand Mya in the clearing, Harlow asks her what her parents would think if they found out that she shot up the town and tried to kill Evie. The blow is crushing for Mya, who sinks the ground, struggling to fight the urge to sob. She notes that because of the Parkers, her parents have been missing for longer for a day now, unaware of the terrible things she has done, and she fears that they'll reject her as their daughter. Retreating into her thoughts, Mya notes that losing her parents will be a repurcussion, but she can't stand around while Harlow and Ivanna are both alive, vowing to kill them. Shortly after being forced up against a tree with Evie by Harlow, the latter reminds Mya that she's the reason her parents are gone. A week later, Mya wonders if her parents are alive and well. The next morning, Mya and the girls eat delicious Belgian waffles made for them by Rex, and upon seeing syrup on Amira's face, Mya calls her an adorable idiot. Suddenly, someone knocks on the door, and Rex shuffles over to the foyer to open it, immediately gasping in amazement. The Goldens are stunned by the sight, and Mya blinks, doing a double take to make sure that what she's looking at is real - the figures approaching her are Nita and Patrick Heartley.

The next morning, someone knocks on the door, and Rex shuffles over to the foyer to open it, immediately gasping in amazement. The Goldens are stunned by the sight, and Mya blinks, doing a double take to make sure that what she's looking at is real - the figures approaching her are Nita and Patrick Heartley. At once, Patrick apologizes to her for lying and breaking her faith. They should have been honest with their daughters from the start, but instead, they betrayed her again. What they did was wrong, but they do hope to earn her trust. Winter accepts her apology, wanting her family to be back together again, stronger than ever. The Heartley family hugs as the other girls watch. However, Mya realizes that one last part of closure is missing, and she brings up her mother's parents, much to her surprise. She questions what she means, and Mya reveals that they solved the murder, to which Nita points out that it's been a cold case since she was three in disbelief. Placing her hands on her mother's shoulders, Mya explains that Harlow and Ivanna were the killers - they wanted Elloise and Luca's money - and once they died, they faked caring by throwing the funeral in order to make others believe they had a heart. Smiling weakly, Nita says that it should have been more obvious to her, praising her daughter for solving the case. Amira and Daniela then realize that the scratched out pages in Harlow's diary was the confession that he and Ivanna murdered Elloise and Luca, giving final closure to everyone in the room. As they lay in the Pond of Ori, Mya asks Evie what their parents will think if they come back wet, but she doesn't care.

#### *Return of Snowlight*

"*Mya, I can assume you're giving your sister the house tour?*"
—Nita asking Mya if she's going to give Winter a house tour

Winter meets Mya's parents upon being invited to her place for dinner. Later, Winter is formally adopted by both Heartley parents, with her now-adopted mother explaining that she deserves a loving home and family again. As such, Winter addresses her as "Mom" briefly before adjusting to interchangable uses of "Ma" or "Mama," still wanting to honor her biological mother's life. Not long after, Winter moves in with her new parents and sister, and both are taken on many new adventures, from a doctor's appointment, autism screenings, and special visits to the grave of Winter's mother and Rye Lake all the way to Winter being taken to a special reunion with her extended family at the mall.

### *Two-Sided*

#### *I Kick It*

Daniela confronts Evie and Mya's parents, and they are not fooled by her innocent pleas.

#### *A New Start*

Mya urges her parents to stay back in case she rambles. Upon finding Daniela, she angrily warns her to stay away, having done enough damage to the Heartleys already.

### *Little Miss Perfect*

"*Evie, baby, it's alright." [...] "You need to rest. You've been through a lot.*"
—Nita soothing Evie

It is noted that Mya's parents almost named her Maya, but her father thought it was too common and changed it to Mya. During her playdate with Evie, Evie's mother informs Mya that she needs to leave, as her parents are here. After fighting with Mya, Opal repeats herself again, and she finally leaves. One year later, when Anderson offers to take Evie and Mya to the park, Mya asks if he told her parents, to which he responds that they know and approve of it. One week later, Nita and Patrick greet Evie at their doorstep, with Nita questioning what has brought her here. Evie says that she needs to talk to Mya, and the Heartleys hug her before she heads to Mya's room. Later, when Mya proposes sleeping over, Evie inquries about what her parents would think. She says that it's just between them, but nonetheless, she texts her mother and father and informs them about the sleeopver. Despite Evie being against this, as their parents have no idea, she is too tempted to refuse more time with Mya. The next morning, Opal finds out and tells Mya to go home; her parents are likely worried sick. Months later, Mya describes her fun-filled weekend to Benji - she went fishing and shopped at the mall with her family. Later, Opal informs Evie that Mya's parents told her she was sick, so she can't spend time with her today. While spending time with Winter, Evie tells her that she can visit her and Mya's parents, but suggests Mya's more due to her issues with her mother being a tiger parent. After Mya begins to act weird, Evie wonders if her parents did anything. Following Daniela's defeat at the party, the Heartleys adopt Winter, and she becomes their daughter and Mya's sister. When Evie has a panic attack and longs for Mya's comfort, her father is open to telling her parents that she must come to Pinelake Park, and she agrees to that.

While sitting outside on Evie's porch, Mya says that she can come to her parents anytime, adding that they would love to see her again sometime, which Evie keeps in consideration. After Evie's plan causes her, Mya, and Winter to be expelled from school, Evie breaks down, fearing her and Mya's parents will be mad at her, or worse - Mya's parents will take her girlfriend away from her. She runs away from them, and collapses onto a stranger's lawn, in the midst of another panic attack. Remembering Mya's words on the day of the roulette game, she decides to seek out the Heartleys for comfort, despite the risk that they'll be mad at her. Now strengthened, Evie heads to the Heartley household, knocking on their door. Nita, alarmed, asked if she's alright, and Patrick inquires if she should be at school. Evie can't bring herself to speak, and Nita guesses that something really terrible at school happened. She soothes her, guiding her to their sofa and wrapping her in a blanket. Patrick tells Evie to call for them if she needs them, then walks out of the room with his wife, wanting to give her space. Once Mya and Winter get home, Winter explains the expulsion fiasco to her adopted parents. Walking over to Evie, she tells her that their parents support them and won't let Opal and Anderson do anything stupid. After Evie is settled, she bids farewell to the Heartleys. Later, Nita and Patrick stand next to Evie's parents at Pinelake Park.

### Specials

#### *Daniela Wrecks Christmas*

"*No, we are* not*." [...] "It is* **our responsibility** *to guard the welfare of* our *children, even those that are* not our own*. Young lady, you* recklessly endangered *a* **child***! Someone* **your age***! You are* not *getting away with living out your bloody fairytale of a merry season. This saga is* **at an end***.*"
—Nita scolding Daniela for her Christmas rampage

It is revealed that Mya and Winter's parents kept boxes of unused material in Mya's closet, which leads to Mya telling Winter of the time Daniela tried to ruin their Christmas. In the story, Mya mentions how her parents' plans for a Westfield Southcenter trip got cancelled due to her mother being on her period. Later, when Evie and Mya find the accomplice's body, Evie asks Mya if any of her parents are up. She confirms that her father likely is, and with this, both of Mya's parents pick up the accomplice and take her back to their place, warming her up. When Amira awakens, she is shocked to see how compassionate Mya's parents are, even more so when she is given soup and time to process. They help the girls interrogate Amira on her role in Daniela's scheme to ruin the Lys' Christmas, giving her tender encouragement and praise and devising a plan to capture Daniela. By the next morning, they park their vehicles outside the spot in Hollow Tree Court where Daniela is camping, and when Daniela tries to flee the girls, she runs into the Heartley parents. Both heavily admonish her for her destructive behavior and treatment of Amira, and Patrick threatens to call the cops on her unless she agrees to be taken home immediately. With the odds against her, Daniela complies, and he takes her home. Later, Mya's parents buy Amira a new sweater from American Eagle Outfitters and converse with Evie's parents outside of Chico's at the mall.

#### *The Guardian of Angels*

It is noted that Mya is a master storyteller and always manages to scare her family with her stories.

## Personality and Traits

Nita is shown to be a thoughtful and devoted mother. She is quite passionate at heart and is always there to show support no matter what. She is also very understanding and soft, as shown when Mya comes out as bisexual to her and Patrick. Despite this, it is revealed in Season 3 that Nita gets very nervous easily, and also rather tense, which is seen during the after-effects of Harlow and Ivanna's banishment.

## Family

**Mother:**

Elloise (Deceased)
**Father:**

Luca (Deceased)
**Husband:**

Patrick (Living)
**Daughter:**

Mya (Living)
**Adoptive Daughter:**

Winter (Living)
## Trivia

* Nita is voiced by Wendie Malick.
* Nita's full name is Nitalia; her short name, Nita, means "grace," "friendly," or "to plant." Her middle name, Dellandrea, is after Dallas Stars player Ty Dellandrea.
* Nita bears somewhat of a resemblance to Mya, though Mya's hair color was actually inherited from her paternal grandmother, Ivanna.
* She used to work for Target until she got fired in an economic recession.
* Like Amira and Daniela, Nita was suicidal at one point in Mya's childhood, even self-harming as a way to cope. However, upon realizing how much Mya truly needed her, she chose to avoid committing suicide and has since recovered.
* She and Patrick had Mya a few years before they got married.
* Patrick is the only one to refer to her as "Marigold," and he frequently uses it as an affectionate nickname.
* She and Patrick have loved each other since their late teens.