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George's betrayal unfolded as he engaged in infidelity with Aurelia, a scene observed by Moon and Marisol peering through a window. The depth of Marisol's emotions was unmistakable, clearly reflecting her upset state. In the aftermath, the narrative shifted to the Cervantes girl taking charge, steering the car towards the pier adjacent to the Valley Festival, adding an air of intrigue to the unfolding drama.

Moon and Marisol had initially planned to attend Valley Fest upon discovering the truth, especially because Sam and Robby were slated to perform. However, Marisol unexpectedly drove a bit past the festival, prompting a concerned look from Moon. "Mars, you passed the—"

She skillfully parked the car, indifference marking her actions as she strolled towards the bridge. Observing this, Moon, concern etched on her face, followed suit. "Marisol, are you okay?" she asked, reaching out as Marisol attempted to restrain her tears, her gaze sweeping across the pier. In a hushed tone, Marisol revealed the painful truth, "This is where my sister, Sophie, died."

With a deliberate ease, she maneuvered the car into a parking spot, seemingly detached. Ignoring Moon, she ascended the bridge with purpose, Moon's eyes reflecting worry as she trailed behind. "Marisol, are you okay?" Moon questioned, her voice filled with genuine concern. Marisol, attempting to suppress tears, glanced around the pier before uttering the heartbreaking revelation, "This is where my sister, Sophie, took her last breath." The weight of sorrow lingered in the air as the significance of the location unfolded.

Glistening tears filled her eyes as she locked gazes with Moon. "I'm just grappling with why she'd choose to end her life. Sophie was the one who could turn our gloom into laughter, lifting our spirits when we were low. It makes no sense. There's no suicide note, Moon. We're left with this painful void of not knowing why she did it."

Her voice wavered as she continued, delving into the complex dynamics of her family. "And my mom... she battled her own demons. One day, she just left, divorce papers on the table, her belongings gone. A note said she went to live in Mexico under a new identity, and we were warned not to find her. We've never really talked about her. She's the one who deserted our family when Sophie died. Dad, in his lowest moments, found my stepmom during the legal battle against the school that exploited Sophie without our consent. They appeared deeply in love, or so I believed. I just can't fathom why he'd go back to my mom after everything." The raw emotions in her words hung heavy in the air.

A pained frown tugged at Moon's lips, witnessing Marisol's tears that seemed to shatter her heart. "I'm sorry," she offered, her tone carrying a heavy sadness as Marisol continued to cry. "Would a hug help?" Moon asked, concern evident in her voice. Marisol nodded with a somber expression, prompting Moon to envelop her in a warm embrace. As Marisol leaned her head on Moon's shoulder and wept, Moon felt a deep sense of helplessness, longing to ease her friend's pain.

"You know what I think?" Moon eventually inquired, a gentle curiosity in her voice.

"What?"

"How about we retreat to your place?" Moon suggested, her eyes reflecting both concern and determination. "We can change into comfy PJs, infuse your room with soothing incense to chase away the negativity, shoot Sam a text to apologize for missing out, and then cozy up with Belly." She forced a smile, trying to inject a sense of solace into the moment. Marisol, in response, let out a slow exhale, wiping away tears with a small, forced chuckle. "Okay," she agreed, the weight of the emotional turmoil still evident in her demeanor.

—

Marisol and Moon received a morning text from Sam inviting them to the beach club. Without hesitation, they donned their bikinis and headed there. "I need some food," Moon sighed as they entered. Marisol giggled, agreeing, "Me too." Her laughter paused abruptly when she spotted Aisha and broke into a smile. "Aisha!" she called out, capturing her attention as Aisha turned around, greeted by the sight of Marisol and Moon approaching. "Hey, Aish!" Moon chimed in with a grin, offering a side hug. "Hey, Moon."

The breeze played with Marisol's hair, and Moon, with a tender touch, swept a few strands behind her ear, eliciting a soft chuckle from Marisol. Meanwhile, Sam and Robby observed the scene from a distance. "Is that Moon and Marisol with Aisha?" Robby questioned. Sam raised her head from the tanning chair, following Robby's gaze to witness Moon's gentle gesture, shaping a fleeting moment of intimacy amid the coastal winds.

While Sam didn't mind Marisol spending time with Moon, the particular interaction raised suspicions. She subtly clenched her jaw, fixing a pointed glare on Moon. Undeterred, Moon and Marisol engaged in playful antics, tossing food and attempting to catch it with their mouths. Finally, Sam approached with a forced smile. "Hey," she chimed in, interrupting the laughter between Aisha, Moon, and Marisol. Aisha exhaled with a forced smile in response, "Hey."

Moon and Marisol exchanged a knowing glance. "Hey, Sam! How are you?" Moon cheerfully inquired with a light chuckle, but Sam remained silent, focusing her gaze squarely on Aisha. "So, how's it going?" Sam directed her question to Aisha. Marisol discreetly observed Aisha, recognizing the underlying tension between her and Sam. They weren't exactly on the best terms, and Marisol took a cautious glance, ensuring a safe distance from the brewing conflict.

Aisha released a light scoff, her expression carrying a mix of frustration and understanding. "You do realize things between us aren't okay," she remarked, shooting a knowing look at the LaRusso girl. Sam's frown deepened slightly as she looked up at Aisha. "What are you mad about? You guys are the ones who stomped all over our Valley Fest demo," Aisha pointed out, her tone holding a tinge of disappointment and resentment. The air between them thickened with unresolved tensions.

A puzzled expression creased Marisol's forehead as she observed the palpable tension between Aisha and Sam. Intent on understanding the underlying conflict, she took a deliberate step closer to Aisha. "I'm genuinely confused about what's happening, Sam. You never told me why you and Aisha haven't talked lately," Marisol voiced, her tone a mix of concern and curiosity, as she sought clarity in the midst of the unspoken discord.

Sam opened her mouth to speak, but Aisha swiftly interjected. "Her dad attacked our dojo. He called us a snake in the grass and claimed he'd be better," Aisha explained, causing Marisol's eyes to widen and her eyebrows to shoot up. "What!?" both Marisol and Moon exclaimed in unison.

"He didn't attack them. He's just trying to do the right thing," Sam attempted to reason, but Marisol bit her bottom lip, her expression troubled. "Sam... is Cobra Kai really that wrong? I mean, there are some bad people in there, but Johnny Lawrence isn't that bad. He's probably different now. It's been thirty years. And Aisha is in Cobra Kai, and she isn't bad?"

A sharp gasp escaped Sam's lips as she raised an eyebrow, her expression reflecting a subtle hint of disgust. "Why are you defending him, Marisol?" she challenged, her tone tinged with frustration. Marisol met her gaze, giving her a look that carried a mix of determination and conviction. "What? I'm just sharing my opinion," Marisol asserted, a touch of defiance in her response. Moon, sensing the tension, interjected with a calming hum. "She's right, Sam. It's essential to consider different perspectives and hear all sides of the stories before forming judgments."

A sharp, accusatory glare from Sam pierced Marisol's gaze. "I wasn't talking to you," Sam snapped, the words carrying a sharp edge. Marisol, feeling the brunt of Sam's frustration, let out an exasperated huff. "Sam, stop being rude! I don't know what has gotten into you," she shot back, her tone holding a mix of concern and reproach, accompanied by a firm look. Observing the escalating tension, Moon intervened, shaking her head in disbelief. "Come on, Mars. Let's go to the beach," she suggested, offering a reprieve from the brewing conflict.

Tension etched across Sam's face as she clenched her jaw, witnessing Moon intertwining her arm with Marisol's, guiding her away. Moon glanced back at Sam, disappointment evident in her expression—a silent commentary on the strained atmosphere and the need for resolution.

—

Marisol stretched out on a beach towel next to Moon, sporting sunglasses for a relaxed tanning session. Amid the rhythmic waves, distant sounds of yelling and grunting caught her attention. Sitting up, her elbows supporting her, she glanced to the side where Moon lay on another towel. Following the noise, she turned to see Daniel LaRusso in a confrontation with three guys, and her cousin Robby seemed to be nursing his head, indicating he might have taken a hit.

Suddenly on high alert, Marisol tapped Moon's shoulder. Moon looked up, a small groan escaping her lips. "Yeah?" she responded, prompting Marisol to share the unfolding concern.

"I think something happened to Robby," Marisol voiced, gesturing towards the direction of concern. Moon followed her indication and spotted three guys on the sand, clearly in distress. "Holy shit."

"Call 911. I think they were assaulting Robby," Marisol urgently instructed, a mix of worry and determination in her voice. Moon nodded, swiftly reaching for her phone to make the necessary call, the urgency of the situation unfolding on the beach.

—

After a thorough examination, Robby was given the diagnosis of a mild concussion. In the LaRusso kitchen, Marisol sat across from him, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?" she inquired, nervously biting her lip. Robby met her gaze and nodded. "Yeah," he reassured, though the echoes of the recent altercation lingered in the air.

Marisol gave him a small, probing look. "Who were those guys?" she asked slowly, her concern evident. He looked up at her, exhaling before answering, "Two of them, I knew. Trey and Cruz. The other guy, I have absolutely no clue," he said simply. Marisol's brow furrowed slightly, a mix of curiosity and unease reflecting in her eyes as she processed the information.

"I'm guessing you guys used to be best buds and pull off some theft?" Marisol speculated, observing Robby's furrowed eyebrows and the confused look he shot her. "Sam told me," she added, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Speaking of her... you need to talk to her. She feels bad. I think you should too," Robby urged, a note of concern in his voice. Marisol leaned back in the chair, a contemplative expression on her face, as she bit the inside of her cheek. "I guess..." she responded, the weight of the situation settling in.

A soft knock echoed on Sam's bedroom door. "It's me, Marisol," she announced. Sam furrowed her eyebrows, a mix of confusion and emotions evident on her face, given their recent breakup. "Uh, give me a minute," Sam's voice cracked, triggering suspicion in Marisol.

With cautious concern, Marisol opened the door to find Sam in the midst of wiping away both tears and makeup, a vulnerable moment that spoke volumes about the emotional turmoil she was going through.

An immediate wave of sadness washed over her, and the urge to cry mirrored the emotions swirling within. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to exacerbate Sam's pain. Closing the door softly behind her, she walked over to Sam, taking a seat in front of her on the bed. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Sam's eyes, still glistening from tears, met Marisol's. "Marisol... I'm sorry. I was just jealous that you were hanging out with Moon, and she was flirting with you," Sam confessed, her words carrying the weight of regret and vulnerability. The room became a space where unspoken feelings began to unravel.

Marisol's eyes conveyed reassurance as she gave Sam a knowing look. "I would never cheat on you, Sam. I promise," she affirmed, her words carrying a genuine sincerity. Sam sighed, a tinge of sadness lingering in her exhale, as she nodded in understanding. "I know, I just felt weird. Moon was flirting with you," she admitted, opening up about the vulnerability that had triggered her earlier emotions. The room became a space for honest communication, addressing the concerns that had strained their connection.

          The Cervantes girl frowned her eyebrows together. "She was? I thought she was being her usual cheery self..?" she trailed off as Sam clicked her tongue, sniffling a laugh. "You know what, you're right. She's like that with a lot of people."

A sudden ping from Marisol's phone captured her focus. Retrieving it, she found a text from her dad that etched a frown on her face. The message seemed to carry a weight or significance that left her visibly concerned.

dad: get home rn! i know you told her.

"What?" Sam questioned, noticing the abrupt shift in Marisol's demeanor. Marisol looked up at her, a hint of terror in her eyes. "I- I need to go. My dad is pissed... I'll explain later," she hurriedly explained, a sense of urgency pushing her to leave without delving into the details. The air in the room filled with an unexpected tension as Marisol prepared to address whatever awaited her outside.

—

As Marisol stepped into the house, she was met with the sight of George, heavily inebriated. Mila hurried towards her, a worried expression on her face. "Something's wrong with daddy," Mila mumbled, and Marisol's heart quickened with a mix of concern and anxiety.

"Go upstairs," Marisol whispered back to Mila, the urgency in her voice prompting a swift nod from her daughter. The atmosphere in the house became charged with an unspoken tension as Marisol prepared to confront the issues unfolding with George.

She let out a weary exhale. "What happened? Where is Natasha?" Marisol pressed, her concern evident. George's response was met with an angry look, and the atmosphere was tainted by the sound of his belch, a volatile mix of frustration and alcohol lingering in the air.

SIGN ONE: burping

He pushed himself up, his movements marked by a noticeable stumble as he approached. Marisol, seized by fear, involuntarily took a step back, her retreat interrupted by an unintended collision with the table positioned behind her. The room held a tense silence, accentuated by the shuffling steps and Marisol's heightened sense of vulnerability.

SIGN TWO: balance

"You told her! She left me. Now she's trying to get custody of you and Sophie!" His voice reverberated with anger as Marisol glanced up at him, her expression fraught with worry. "Sophie... She's not here. That was Mila," she explained, her voice trailing off, a delicate touch of sadness coloring her words. The sharp scent of alcohol clung to him, a palpable reminder of the turbulent situation unfolding before her.

SIGN THREE: stuttering
SIGN FOUR: wrong name
SIGN FIVE: alcohol smell
SIGN SIX: yelling

George's jaw tightened, and he delivered a harsh slap, causing her head to jerk to the side, a groan of pain escaping her. A sob followed, her eyes welling up with tears as she clutched her jaw in agony. Her gaze, filled with disbelief, locked onto her father. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she couldn't hold back the emotional torrent.

"What happened to you? You've been sober for years! Why are you going down this rabbit hole again? Natasha is a better mom than Aurelia would be, and Mom ever was!" she yelled at him, the words fueled by a blend of anguish and frustration, echoing in the charged atmosphere of the moment.

Realization etched across George's face. "Oh my god. Mars, sweetie... I'm sorry," he began to pull her into a hug, but she forcefully shoved him away. "Stay away from me, Mila, and Natasha! Get sober again!" she spat at him, the intensity of her emotions transforming her words into a plea layered with anger and desperation. The room hung heavy with the weight of a fractured family and shattered trust.

—

ash speaks!

omg this chapter.... i have no words