chapter twenty-six:
❛ intervention & rehab ❜

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
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tw: self harm and mentions of drugs

the reason i always say "please don't be a ghost reader" it helps me stay motivated because that means people are reading my stuff. and unlike other people, they have so many views on their books and i love to write and it just helps me stay motivated. and i know i unpublish and republish my chapters and i get thats really annoying but its annoying when i see views go up but low on votes. STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!

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Alessia's feet dragged as she walked toward Tommy's house, her mind spinning in a haze of confusion. She didn't want to be here, not really. But the urge to escape-everything, everyone-was overwhelming. Robby had been distant, and with everything else in her life slipping through her fingers, she needed something, anything, to stop the pain. The thought of going back to Tommy's house, the place that once felt like an escape, was just too strong to resist.

The moment she knocked, she almost regretted it. But Tommy opened the door before she could second guess herself. His familiar smirk was already in place, his eyes scanning her, as though he'd been waiting for this moment.

"I knew you'd run back to me, Chavez," Tommy said, his voice dripping with arrogance, that self-assuredness Alessia had grown used to. His gaze lingered on her, his lips curling in a way that made her stomach churn. But somehow, she couldn't look away.

She swallowed hard, feeling a rush of anger and guilt. She knew she shouldn't be here. She had a boyfriend, someone who truly cared for her. But the weight of everything-Robby, the mistakes, the constant pressure-had crushed her, and this was the only way she knew how to survive it.

"Do you have the drugs?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended, her arms crossing in a defensive manner. Her heart thudded in her chest, but she was determined to get what she came for. No turning back now.

Tommy's lips twisted into a smug smile. "Straight to the point, huh?" he teased, stepping aside to let her in. "Come on in, Chavez. I've got what you need."

Alessia hesitated for a moment, but her feet moved before her mind could stop her. The door clicked shut behind her as she entered the house, and immediately, the familiar scent of weed and alcohol hit her like a tidal wave. The place was dark, dimly lit by neon lights, with the hazy atmosphere thick with smoke. Music played low in the background, a strange mix of beats and bass that seemed to vibrate through her chest.

"Make yourself comfortable," Tommy said, leading her to the living room where a couple of people were sprawled out on the couch, their eyes glazed over, their laughter loud and carefree. There was a sense of emptiness in the room, a feeling that matched Alessia's own.

Tommy moved to the table in the corner, where a pile of weed and a couple of beer bottles sat waiting. He moved with the ease of someone who knew exactly what they were doing, rolling the joint with practiced hands. "You want to start with this?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, like he was coaxing her into something he knew would break her down further.

Alessia didn't respond immediately, her mind hazy as she thought of Robby, his face flickering through her thoughts. But it was fleeting, and the longing for escape soon drowned out his image. She was tired-so, so tired of everything-and if this was the only way to numb the hurt, then she'd do it.

"Yeah, just the weed," she muttered, though her voice was shaky, her hands already reaching for the beer. Anything to feel better, anything to stop the pain.

Tommy passed her the joint, and Alessia took it without thinking. She lit it up, inhaling deeply, the smoke thick and heavy as it filled her lungs. She held it for a moment before exhaling, watching the smoke curl and twist in the dim light. It burned her throat, but it was a good kind of burn. The kind that made everything feel distant. Everything felt distant. Her mind slowed, the weight of her thoughts lifting ever so slightly.

"Better?" Tommy asked, his voice smoother now, almost predatory. He moved closer to her, leaning in like he was testing the air between them. Alessia didn't pull away. She didn't want to. She passed him the joint, then grabbed another beer.

The alcohol was a welcomed burn, making her dizzy as it slid down her throat. She leaned back into the couch, feeling her body relax, the tightness in her muscles easing. But it wasn't enough. She needed more. She wanted to escape, to forget everything for just a little while longer. The room seemed to spin, but in a way, it was comforting. Her mind grew fuzzy, and for the first time in days, she didn't have to think about anything. About Robby. About the guilt gnawing at her insides.

Tommy was watching her closely, his lips curling into a satisfied grin. He knew he had her right where he wanted her. Without a word, he moved closer, his hand resting on her knee.

"You've always known how to let go, Chavez," he said, his voice a mixture of admiration and something darker. "You always come back when things get too real."

Alessia wanted to tell him to stop, to remind herself that this wasn't right. But her thoughts were too clouded, too far gone. Her body reacted before her mind could catch up. She tilted her head back slightly, and before she knew what was happening, Tommy's lips were on hers. Her heart pounded in her chest, the sensation of his kiss flooding her senses.

She kissed him back. It was slow at first, but then the alcohol and weed made everything feel more intense, more raw. Her mind screamed at her, reminding her of Robby, but the need to shut everything down was louder. She let go of any remaining resistance, sinking deeper into the kiss, her fingers tangling in Tommy's hair.

Tommy's hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer. His breath was hot against her skin, and he deepened the kiss, tilting her chin up as his other hand moved to her thigh. Alessia felt a surge of heat, the world around her completely fading.

They broke apart for a second, and Tommy gave her a look of satisfaction. "I knew you'd come back," he said, his voice filled with a mix of pride and entitlement. Alessia didn't respond. She couldn't. Her head was spinning, and everything felt like a blur of smoke and alcohol.

For the next few days, she found herself returning to Tommy's house. Every time she tried to leave, something inside her snapped, and she'd end up back in that haze, that fog of numbness. The drugs and alcohol made her forget. Tommy's presence made her feel wanted, in a way Robby's distance never did. She lost track of time, losing herself in the cycle of weed, booze, and Tommy's hands on her.

Her kisses with Tommy became more frantic, more desperate as the days passed. Each time they kissed, she felt more disconnected from everything. Robby, the guilt, the hurt-it all faded.

But the emptiness remained, deep inside her. No matter how much she tried to numb it, the ache in her chest never quite went away.

Alessia stumbled through the front door, her mind clouded, her body barely able to carry her. The world spun around her, but the moment she entered, the familiar sound of voices cut through the haze. A knot formed in her stomach, though she couldn't exactly place why. Her eyes blinked blearily, trying to focus on the faces staring at her.

Luciana, her older sister, stood near the living room, arms crossed over her chest, her face a mixture of worry and frustration. Beside her, her husband, Jonah, stood with his hand on her shoulder, his brows furrowed in concern. Robby was there too, his usual calm demeanor now replaced with a tight, tense posture, eyes trained on her as if he were bracing for impact. Eli and Demetri stood together, both wearing matching expressions of disbelief. They all had their eyes on her, and Alessia could feel the weight of their gazes like a thousand-pound weight pressing down on her chest.

Luciana was the first to speak, her voice shaking but firm. "Where the hell have you been, Alessia? You've been gone for days. Do you have any idea how worried we've all been?"

Alessia couldn't answer immediately, her head spinning from the alcohol and weed. She was beyond exhausted, and the thought of facing the wrath of everyone around her felt like too much. She tried to brush it off, offering a slurred smile. "I'm fine, Luce. Really. Just... needed some space, that's all."

Robby stepped forward, his eyes softening with the same concern that cut through his normally guarded demeanor. "Alessia..." he said, his voice low but pleading. "Please. We're all worried about you. We know what's been going on."

Eli took a deep breath and glanced at Demetri before speaking. "This started at the party, didn't it?" he asked, his voice more steady than Alessia felt at that moment. "You were with me, Miguel, and Demetri, and you were already drunk and high by the time we got there. You've been spiraling for days."

Alessia's heart pounded in her chest, and her stomach twisted with panic. She took a shaky step back, shaking her head vigorously. "No, Eli! You're making shit up!" Her voice came out harsher than she intended, but she couldn't stop herself. She needed to deny it. She needed to escape this, escape them.

But Eli stood his ground, looking her in the eyes. "I'm not making anything up, Alessia. You were out of control. And this isn't just about a party anymore. This is about you running away from everything. From all of us."

She clenched her fists, her breathing quickening as the room seemed to close in on her. "I don't need this," she snapped. "I don't need you all lecturing me, okay? I'm fine. I can handle things. I don't need anyone-especially you guys!"

Robby stepped up to her, his voice breaking through the chaos of her mind. "Alessia, please," he pleaded again, his tone softer now, laced with a desperation she hadn't heard from him before. "We're all worried about you. We know you've been self-harming, too. We've seen the cuts. And this-it's getting worse. You can't keep pretending like everything's fine when it's not."

The words hit her like a slap in the face, and Alessia recoiled, taking a step back as her breath hitched in her throat. Tears sprang to her eyes, though she refused to let them fall. She wouldn't let them see her cry. She couldn't.

"I didn't ask for any of this," she spat, her voice trembling with emotion. "You think I want to feel like this? You think I want to hurt everyone around me? This is all because of her!" Her voice cracked as the words left her mouth, the pain behind them raw and bitter. "My mom relapsed. My anxiety's crushing me, and I just can't... I just can't do it anymore, okay?!"

Her hands gripped the sides of her head, and her knees nearly gave out beneath her. The tears that she'd been holding back for days started to fall, hot and uncontrollable. She didn't even try to stop them. She just let them come, her chest tight with the weight of everything she had been bottling up for so long.

Jonah stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. "Alessia, we know things are tough. But running away from it won't fix anything. You have a family who loves you. We're here for you, no matter what. But you have to let us help."

Alessia shook her head through the sobs, her vision blurring. "I don't want help," she choked out, her voice barely audible. "I just want everything to stop. I just want to escape for a little while."

Robby stepped closer, gently reaching out to her, his hand hovering just an inch from her shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone, Alessia. Please. We just want to help you. Don't you see that? You're not alone in this." His voice cracked, his emotions barely held in check.

Alessia's gaze flickered from Robby's face to the concerned looks of her sister, Eli, Demetri, and Jonah. She saw the worry, the love, the care, and all the things she had been pushing away for days. The reality of everything crashed down on her, and she felt small, powerless. For a moment, the weight of it all felt unbearable.

"I'm so sorry, Robby," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I didn't mean to push you away. I just... I couldn't handle it. I don't know how to fix it. I don't know how to make it stop."

Her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed onto the couch, her head in her hands as sobs wracked her body. It was all too much. Everything felt too much. The guilt, the pain, the loneliness-it had all built up to this moment. She didn't know how to keep going.

Robby knelt beside her, placing his hand on hers. "Alessia, please," he said, his voice filled with pain and sincerity. "We need you to fight this. We need you to get better. Will you go to rehab?"

She didn't respond immediately. The words felt foreign, the idea of being in rehab terrifying and overwhelming. But, deep down, she knew Robby was right. This wasn't something she could keep hiding from. She couldn't keep pretending like everything was fine when it wasn't.

"Fine," she finally whispered, her voice cracking with the weight of her surrender. "I'll go. I'll go to fucking rehab."

The room fell silent, the tension in the air thick with a mixture of relief and sadness. But there was also something else-hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe, this was the first step toward healing.

The drive to the rehab facility felt like an endless blur. Alessia sat in the backseat of Luciana's car, her hands twisted in her lap, her eyes staring blankly out the window. She hadn't said much since the intervention, her mind too overwhelmed with the decision she had made. It wasn't just the rehab she had to face; it was everything she had been hiding from. The truth, the guilt, the mess she'd made of her life.

Luciana glanced at her in the rearview mirror, her expression soft but filled with concern. "It's gonna be okay, Alessia," she said quietly, trying to reassure her, though there was a tremor in her voice.

Alessia didn't reply. She didn't know if it would be okay. But she had to try.

Robby, sitting in the passenger seat, kept his eyes forward, his face tense with worry. He hadn't said much either, but he'd been there for her through every step of this. The drive was long, the silence suffocating, but Alessia couldn't bring herself to say anything.

When they finally arrived, the rehab center loomed ahead, its quiet, sterile walls somehow more daunting than comforting. Luciana parked the car, and for a moment, no one moved. Alessia sat there, staring at the building, knowing what was about to happen, but still struggling to believe it was real.

Luciana turned to her, a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We're here, Al. It's time."

Alessia nodded slowly, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. She glanced at Robby, who was looking at her with a mix of sadness and care. His eyes softened when their gazes met, and for a moment, it felt like the world stopped spinning.

He stepped out of the car, coming around to her side, and opened the door for her. Alessia hesitated for a second, then finally slid out of the car, her legs shaky. Robby stood beside her, his hand brushing against hers as he reached out to steady her. His touch was warm, comforting, but there was something in his eyes that made her heart ache.

They walked together toward the entrance, Luciana following behind them, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched Alessia with a protective gaze.

Once they reached the front door, Robby turned to face Alessia, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. His voice was soft but steady. "I'll be here when you get out, okay? And I'll visit you as much as I can. I'll always be here for you, Alessia."

His words made her want to break down, but she held it together, barely. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. "Robby," she started, her voice trembling. "I think we should break up."

The words hit him like a punch, and he froze, his eyes searching hers as if trying to make sense of what she had just said. "What? Break up?" he echoed, his voice filled with confusion.

Alessia nodded, the tears finally starting to fall. "For my mental health, Robby. I can't be in a relationship right now. I need to focus on myself. And..." She swallowed hard, the words getting stuck in her throat. "I cheated on you."

Robby's face shifted, a flash of hurt crossing his features, but it quickly faded into understanding. "Wait, you cheated?" he asked, his voice quiet but steady.

Alessia felt like she was being torn apart. She hated herself for what she had done, but she needed to explain. "It's not like that," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I... I went back to Tommy. I was drunk. I was high, and I didn't know what I was doing. I regret it. I'm so sorry, Robby. I was stupid. I don't deserve you."

Robby stayed quiet for a long moment, his eyes soft as he processed her words. Alessia braced herself for anger, for disappointment, but instead, he just nodded slowly. "Okay," he said quietly, his voice calm but filled with emotion. "I understand. It's... it's not what I wanted, but I get it."

Alessia felt a wave of relief wash over her, though it was bittersweet. Robby wasn't angry. He wasn't lashing out at her. He was being understanding, just like he always had been, and it made her heart ache even more.

"Friends?" Robby asked, his voice gentle, as though asking her to take the first step toward something better.

Alessia nodded, tears streaming down her face now. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug, and Robby wrapped his arms around her in return, holding her close. It was the kind of hug that felt like it could heal everything, but also break everything all at once. She didn't want to let go, but she knew she had to.

"I'll visit you," Robby murmured into her hair, his voice low. "I'll come as much as I can, okay?"

Alessia pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes as she nodded, her heart heavy. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice raw. "I don't deserve you, Robby, but thank you for being there."

He smiled softly, his eyes filled with something she couldn't quite read, but it wasn't anger. It was something more like understanding, like he knew she was broken but still cared enough to want to help her heal.

With one last lingering look, Robby stepped back. "I'll be here. I'll wait for you, Al. I'm not going anywhere."

Alessia nodded, her throat tight. She watched as he turned to leave, his steps slow but steady. It felt like the end of something beautiful and painful all at once.

Luciana took her hand and led her into the facility, but Alessia couldn't stop thinking about Robby and the love they had shared. She wasn't sure if things could ever go back to how they were, but she hoped that, one day, they could. She hoped she could be whole again-maybe not today, but someday.

And with that hope, she took the first step into rehab.

The room was cold, the stark white walls almost making it feel sterile. Alessia sat on the edge of a narrow bed, her body wrapped in a thick blanket to ward off the chill, but the shiver in her bones wasn't from the temperature. It was from the aftermath of the withdrawal. Her head pounded, a constant throb that felt like it might split her skull open. She felt sick, her stomach in knots, but more than anything, she just felt... empty.

She tried to ignore the way her skin crawled, the way her thoughts were fuzzy and disjointed. But the cravings were there, gnawing at her insides, screaming for relief. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this alone, this broken. This was supposed to be the first step toward recovery, but all she wanted was to escape. To run.

A soft cough pulled her from her thoughts. Alessia turned her head toward the sound and saw the girl in the bed next to hers. She looked about her age, maybe a little younger, with dark circles under her eyes and an anxious energy that matched Alessia's own.

"Hey," the girl said, her voice hoarse. "You doing okay?"

Alessia blinked, the words catching in her throat. She wasn't sure how to respond. Was anyone okay in here? She forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes and shook her head.

"I'm trying," Alessia muttered, her voice trembling.

The girl gave a sympathetic look and sat up slightly in her bed. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It sucks at first. But... it gets better. Eventually."

Alessia didn't reply. She didn't believe it. How could things ever get better after everything she'd done? After everything she'd lost? Her family, Robby, herself-everything felt broken beyond repair.

The girl seemed to sense her hesitation, and after a pause, she spoke again. "I'm Emily, by the way."

"Alessia," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

Emily gave a small, reassuring smile, though it was tinged with a sadness Alessia couldn't quite place. "You don't have to talk if you don't want to. I know this place can feel... overwhelming." She motioned around the sterile room. "But I've been here for a while. I've been through detox before, and I'm still here. So, you're not alone. We're all trying to make it through."

Alessia nodded, though she wasn't sure if Emily's words made her feel better or worse. The idea of being stuck in this place, of feeling like she was trapped in some endless cycle, was terrifying. The thought of her cravings returning, the temptation to just give in and numb herself again-it felt so overwhelming.

She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. "I don't know if I can do this."

Emily shifted on her bed and gave her a knowing look. "Trust me. I get it. I've been there. I came in here after a really bad bender-didn't even know if I could make it through a full detox, but... here I am." She gave a soft chuckle, though it was bitter. "It's not easy, but you're stronger than you think. You just have to keep going, even when it feels like you can't. You have to fight for yourself. No one else can do it for you."

Alessia stared at her, surprised by the vulnerability in Emily's words. She hadn't expected someone like her-a stranger in the same situation-to be so open. She'd imagined everyone here would be a mess, too lost in their own struggles to offer anything of value. But Emily was different. There was something about her calm, resigned demeanor that made Alessia feel a little less alone.

"Why are you here?" Alessia asked, her voice barely audible.

Emily paused, her expression shifting slightly. She looked away for a moment, a flash of something in her eyes that Alessia couldn't quite decipher. "I... I was in a relationship with someone who didn't really care about me. I was using just to numb the pain. And then I started lying to everyone-my family, my friends. I pushed them all away. When I woke up one morning and realized I didn't even know who I was anymore, I knew I had to do something." She let out a breath, shaking her head. "But even now, I'm still trying to figure out how to get my life back."

Alessia listened intently, feeling the weight of her own story pressing down on her chest. The similarities were almost uncanny. The self-loathing, the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of bad decisions-it was all too familiar.

"I get it," Alessia muttered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't even know who I am anymore. I've messed everything up. My family, my boyfriend-hell, even myself. I don't know how to fix it."

"You don't have to fix everything all at once," Emily said gently. "You just have to start with one thing. One day at a time. You're here. That's the first step. You're not too far gone. You're not broken. You can fix this, Alessia. But you have to want it for yourself."

Alessia met her eyes, and for the first time since she walked through the doors of this place, she felt a small flicker of hope. It wasn't much, but it was something. She didn't know how long it would take, or if she'd even make it through, but Emily was right. The first step was just showing up. And she had.

"I don't want to mess up again," Alessia whispered, the words raw. "But I don't know if I can stop. I don't know if I'm strong enough."

Emily nodded, her gaze softening. "You don't have to do it alone. You have people who care about you. And you've got yourself, too. You just have to believe in that."

Alessia didn't reply, but for the first time, she felt the smallest glimmer of something-something like hope, like possibility. Maybe it wouldn't be easy. Maybe it wouldn't be fast. But it was a start. And that, Alessia thought, was something worth fighting for.

The therapy room was cozy, almost too cozy for Alessia's liking. Soft, beige walls, a couple of potted plants by the window, and a plush chair that looked too inviting. But Alessia felt anything but comfortable. The chair she was sitting in felt too big, and she couldn't stop fidgeting with the sleeve of her sweatshirt, pulling it up to reveal the pale skin on her left hand. Her thumb repeatedly traced the small, faded scar on the inside of her finger, the place where she'd hurt herself, the spot that had become a painful habit-one she had tried to break but still felt the weight of.

She didn't know why she was here, honestly. Talking to a therapist, it felt a little pointless. Sure, they said it would help, but the silence between her words felt so loud. It felt like everyone was expecting her to change overnight, but nothing happened that quickly. Not with something so deeply ingrained. Not with the shame that clung to her like a second skin.

Dr. Hill sat across from her, observing with kind eyes. He wasn't pushing her, but Alessia could tell he was watching-waiting for her to open up. That's what they all wanted, wasn't it? They all wanted her to spill her guts and magically become "better." She wasn't sure how to tell them that she wasn't the person they thought she was.

"So, Alessia," Dr. Hill began gently, his voice calm but firm. "How have you been feeling these past few days? I know it's been a lot of adjustment."

She barely looked up, instead focusing on the scar on her finger again, her thumb tracing the ridges like a mantra. "Feeling great," she said, the sarcasm dripping from her words. "I'm totally fine, just living the dream."

Dr. Hill didn't take the bait. Instead, he gave a small nod, acknowledging her sarcasm but not reacting to it. "I see," he said, his voice steady. "But I noticed you've been touching your finger a lot. The one you mentioned last time. How are you feeling about that?"

Alessia's finger stopped moving for a second, and she shot him a quick glance. She felt a flush of heat rise to her face. She wasn't going to let him get into that. She wasn't ready to talk about it, not yet.

"I don't know. It's just a thing," she said, shrugging. "Old habits die hard, I guess."

Dr. Hill didn't let her off the hook that easily. "It seems like you're trying to distract yourself. That's okay, but you don't have to keep pushing things down. I know it's hard, but you're here because you want to change, right?"

Alessia rolled her eyes, feeling the sting of his words hit a little too close to home. "Sure, I'm here, aren't I? I'm just so thrilled to be here, talking about my feelings and stuff. What's next? Do we talk about unicorns and how I'm 'magically healed' or something?" She let out a sharp laugh, trying to deflect, but her heart wasn't in it.

Dr. Hill let the silence stretch, his gaze never leaving her face. "You know, Alessia, sarcasm is a defense mechanism. It's a way to protect yourself when you don't want to show the raw parts. But I've seen you at your lowest. I know it's not easy, but I also know you've been through a lot."

She crossed her arms, her stomach knotting in a familiar way. She hated feeling exposed. Hated feeling vulnerable. She wanted to close up, wanted to shut him out, but somehow, she couldn't.

"I don't need your pity, alright?" Alessia snapped, her voice shaky. "I've had enough of people feeling sorry for me. My mom relapsed, my life's a mess, I screwed up with Robby-everything's falling apart. And I'm just supposed to be... fine? Like nothing happened?"

Dr. Hill leaned forward slightly, not in a way that was threatening, but in a way that felt like he was trying to reach her. "You don't have to be fine. You're allowed to be angry, Alessia. You're allowed to be hurt. But the healing-" he paused for emphasis, "-it starts with being honest with yourself. No more pretending you're fine. You're not fine, and that's okay."

Alessia's breath caught in her throat, and for a split second, she felt the walls she had built around herself begin to crumble. It was easier to lie, to keep everyone at arm's length, to push them away before they could get too close. But he was right. She couldn't keep pretending.

A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it. She wiped it away quickly, but it didn't change the fact that it was there. That was the moment she knew something was shifting, even if it was just a crack in her carefully constructed armor.

"I'm not okay," she whispered, the words soft but undeniable.

Dr. Hill nodded, his expression softening. "I know. But you're here, and that's the first step. We can work on this together, one day at a time. You don't have to carry this alone."

Alessia didn't respond. Instead, she dropped her gaze to her finger again, her thumb still pressing against the scar. It was like she was trying to will the pain away, trying to replace it with something she could control. But she wasn't sure anymore if the scar was something she could keep hidden. Not forever.

And for the first time in a long while, Alessia let herself feel it-the vulnerability, the rawness. And it hurt. But she wasn't running from it this time.

Alessia sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers absently tracing the edge of her comforter. She had been doing well lately-better than she expected-keeping her head down and focusing on her recovery. The routine had become somewhat comforting, a small sense of stability in the chaos of everything that had happened. But there were days when the silence of her room felt suffocating, when she wished for something-someone-to break through it.

She was sitting in that silence now when the door to her room opened. Alessia looked up, her heart momentarily leaping in her chest. Was it Robby? He'd promised to visit soon, and the thought of seeing him, of feeling that sense of normalcy again, made her feel something she hadn't in weeks-a spark of hope.

But when the figure stepped into the doorway, it wasn't Robby's familiar face that greeted her.

The person who spoke wasn't a friend, wasn't someone she cared about. "Alessia," the voice was calm but authoritative, with an edge that immediately set her on guard. "You have a visitor."

Her stomach dropped. She didn't even need to look up to know who it was. The air seemed to grow heavier as she slowly stood, her legs unsteady, her heart pounding in her chest. She tried to breathe through the panic that was starting to rise in her throat.

"Who... who is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but she already had an inkling.

"Come with me," the nurse or staff member replied, nodding toward the door. "It's in the visitor lounge."

Her mind raced as she followed the staff member down the hallway, every step feeling like a slow-motion walk toward an inevitable confrontation. She had been trying so hard to keep her distance from the past, from people who had hurt her. And yet here she was, walking into the one place where she had hoped she'd never have to see him again.

When they reached the visitor lounge, Alessia hesitated for a moment in the doorway, her breath catching in her chest. She felt her whole body freeze. There, seated in one of the chairs, was none other than John Kreese-the man she had once seen as a figure of authority, but now, after everything that had happened, was just a reminder of a darker chapter in her life.

He was leaning back casually in the chair, his eyes trained on her, a small, calculating smirk curling on his lips. His presence alone felt like a weight on her chest, like the air in the room had thickened with the years of history that loomed between them.

"Kreese," Alessia breathed, her heart racing. Her mind screamed at her to turn and run, to escape before he could say anything, but she felt rooted to the spot, her legs refusing to move.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

heheheeh leaving you on a cliffhanger.

so i hope the timeline makes sense in this chapter. its between ep 3 &4. next chapter will be ep 5 and then we will be onto s6 part 2.

she is in rehab for 30 days but yk the timeline in cobra kai is weird so lol

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
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