CHAPTER SIX:
REPAIRS AND DAMAGES..

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  THE NEXT MORNING, BILLIE DECIDED TO FULFILL HER PROMISE TO MR. MIYAGI. Her mother, while she was gone on her date with Daniel, had made empanadas the previous night; so Billie had decided to deliver some to Mr. Miyagi's—and just to stop by and say hello, of course.

  She'd had to call ahead to get his address, which kinda ruined the complete surprise (He still wasn't aware of why she might come over.), but she didn't really find herself caring all too much. After all, her attention was on the blustering wind and her gleaming, orange motorcycle at the moment.

  With her signature orange leather jacket thrown hastily over her shoulders, Billie was speeding down the California roads; her usual, wild smirk brighter than ever. Today was abnormally windy, causing her poorly tamed curls to flow behind her in the wind. That was kinda annoying, since she had specifically spent twenty minutes trying to calm them down—but it was whatever. Right now, Billie-Jean Rodriguez was devoid of worry. And she intended to stay that way.

  Well, for as long as she could afford to, at least.

  Anyway, soon Billie found the road Mr. Miyagi had told her about and pulled up to his house; making sure to check the address on the mail box—just in case. To her surprise, in the dirt driveway was four antique cars; all nice enough that she could definitely see them being in some kind of God-awful car show for old men on a Sunday afternoon.

One of them stood out to her, however. It was yellow, with a white top and some nice, black rimmed wheels. All of the cars were shiny, seemingly glowing off of a recent cleaning, but this one was brighter than any of them. Maybe it was Billie's preference for bright-ass colors and nice vehicles, but she found herself drawn to it. Of course, she wasn't going to ask Mr. Miyagi if she could take it off his hands, but that doesn't mean she wasn't going to admire a badass-looking, yellow vintage car.

After parking her bike and taking a good look at Mr. Miyagi's cars, Billie finally decided to actually do what she drove out there to do, and grabbed the container in which the foil-wrapped beef empanadas sat inside. Curiously walking around, Billie found herself stopping to admire Mr. Miyagi's house. It wasn't huge, but it still looked as though it required some money to build. It was cute, in the way that made you think about growing old and having a little garden for yourself to tend to. Billie found herself oddly at peace here. A peace, that in reality, she doesn't know if she'd ever felt before.

Snapping herself out of her stare, she followed the stone path up to the wooden front door. Billie raised a hand and knocked, excitement—for some reason—bubbling within. A very large part of her hoped that today was one of Daniel's training days, and that she'd get to see him again after last night. The euphoria of the night before still had yet to leave Billie. Still, she found herself replaying the night over and over again in her mind. It was sickening. She didn't like how... invested she was in this. Or maybe she did. Honestly, Billie had no clue.

A minute or so later, Mr. Miyagi cracked open the door. A wide, but crinkled smile formed on his aged face quickly afterwards as he recognized her. Billie grinned as though it was second nature, chirping a happy good morning as a greeting. Now, that was weird. Never did she ever get so enthusiastic in the morning. Yep, it was official. Billie-Jean Rodriguez was going insane.

"Ah, good morning to you too, Billie-san. Why are you here?" Mr. Miyagi said cheerfully, his wistful smile still on his face.

Billie held up the empanadas so he could see. "I kept one of my promises and brought over some empanadas."

  "Oh, how kind, Billie-san. Come in. Daniel-san out back sanding floor. You take some to him," he told, stepping to the side.

  "Danny's here?" Billie questioned, walking inside and watching as Mr. Miyagi shut the door behind him.

  The old man nodded. "Will be very good surprise for him to see you today."

  "I would hope so," Billie joked, earning a chuckle from Mr. Miyagi.

  Billie chatted with him for a few more minutes while Mr. Miyagi downed his first empanada, before he once again insisted she go take Daniel some, which was an offer she couldn't force herself to refuse. Foiled-encased empanadas in hand, Billie opened up the patio door to be met with a clearly sweaty Daniel, hands wiping the deck floor with some weird looking bongo-type thing. Sweat glistened from his arms and neck, and weirdly, Billie was attracted to it. Gross. She thought to herself. I need help.

  "'Morning, Danny. How's those deck floors?"

  Daniel immediately sprang up, brown eyes so wide Billie could swear she could see the whole house reflecting back in them. His surprise changed into pure joy upon seeing her, making Billie feel all... warm and fuzzy inside. It was an extremely good feeling, though, it also felt odd. Really odd.

  "Billie? What are you doin' here?" He grinned at her. "Just couldn't get enough of me, huh?" The grin turned into a smirk at the blush that crept its way onto her cheeks.

  "Actually, no, Mr. Cocky. I came to give Mr. Miyagi some empanadas. Though, I guess you being here is a decent surprise."

  "Doesn't seem just decent to me."

  Oh, how Billie just wanted to kiss that stupid smirk off of his stupid face.

  "Whatever, LaRusso. I brought you some empanadas, since I see that you got put to work," Billie said, smirking herself at the groan and eye roll he threw her way.

  "No shit, I did. It's all I've been doin' over here. Manual freaking labor. At this point, I'll have a six pack by the tournament," he huffed, bringing a hand up to smooth out his hair.

  Billie smirked even wider at that. "I wouldn't mind that."

  "Yeah?"

  "Yeah."

  "Alright, I'll get to work on that then."

  Did a mental image totally appear in Billie's mind at his comment? Absolutely. Would she ever admit that out loud? Hell no.

  "So, uh." Billie changed the subject. "Want one?"

  "Hell yes, I do. Hand it over, baby," he said excitedly, as though his mouth was salivating at the thought. It probably was, due to how long he'd probably been out here. And, yes. Billie did not, in fact, miss the word Daniel had used to address her. Though, hopefully she was able to make it look like she had.

Billie unwrapped the tinfoil around the empanadas, handing him one that was particularly larger than the others. Daniel took it from her hands quickly—almost too quickly.

"Damn, Danny. Save some for the rest of us."

He didn't immediately respond, as he was busy scarfing down his empanada. "Sorry, Billie. I'm just starving 'cause I haven't eaten anything today but a tiny ass granola bar this morning. And let me tell you, those things don't go far."

Billie couldn't help but burst out laughing at his voice, which was painfully muffled by the food in his mouth. Didn't he ever learn not to talk when he's eating?

"You got a mouthful there?"

"Oh whatever."

"What? I'm just stating the obvious."

"Then state the unobvious."

Billie just chuckled at that. "That's not a thing, Daniel."

"I'll make it a thing," he sassed back, raising his eyebrows as he eyed the rest of the empanadas. "You think you could spare me a few more?"

  "Two more. Then no more after that." Billie watched as he frowned, sulking a bit. "Don't worry. It fills you up real fast."

  Daniel inched closer to her, looking down at her with pleading eyes. When Billie shook her head, he just huffed and made a face.

  "You are an evil woman. Just evil," he complained, pouting as he stared down at her.

  "Mhmhm. Yes, I'm just so evil."

"Very."

"The most."

  A weird kind of... tension crackled in the air, the same kind that had been there the night before. And, once again, it brought Billie butterflies along with it. Maybe it was because Daniel's gaze kept dancing from her eyes to her lips, the way his face just kept inching towards hers, or the look that flared in his big brown irises. Honestly, Billie had no clue. All she knew, was that kissing him was suddenly looking like a very good idea.

"Billie-san not evil."

  Billie was the first to move, jumping away from Daniel as fast as she could. Mr. Miyagi merely cracked a small smirk at the two of them, a very knowing expression edged onto his face. "Daniel-san, how are empanadas?"

"Uh, good. Yeah, really good," Daniel stumbled over his words slightly. "Actually, I'm gonna need those two more you promised me, Billie."

Billie rolled her eyes, somehow recovering surprisingly quickly from whatever that was. "Here, gosh. You are so freaking impatient."

"I try."

Mr. Miyagi chuckled lightly, raising a brow at the way Daniel, once again, scarfed down his second empanada. "Billie-san, Daniel-san need get back to work. We see you later."

"'Course, Mr. Miyagi. I'll try to stop by more often," Billie promised, grinning warmly with slightly reddened cheeks. This place was peaceful. No tension in the air—no fear—no drama. Just peace. Billie, oddly, found herself loving it.

"Yeah, you should. You're a great distraction from all this hard work I'm doin'," Daniel said, having finished his second and moving on to his third.

"Distraction? Okay, I see how it is," Billie teased, watching in pure pleasure as Daniel's eyes widened and he began fumbling his words around trying to explain what he had meant.

"I'm kidding, Danny. Calm your jets."

"Calm your jets?"

"Shut up."

"Shutting up."

▬▬ ☯︎︎ ▬▬

  WHEN BILLIE STEPPED INTO DIEGO RODRIGUEZ'S HOUSE SUNDAY NIGHT, THE FIRST PERSON SHE SAW WAS NONE OTHER THAN JOHNNY FREAKING LAWRENCE. Of course, her father still had no understanding of what the words settle in meant, and he just had to invite the second most hated person in her life to his house the
first night back from her mom's. Yes, because that makes sense. So much sense.

  Johnny was sat on the couch with Diego beside him, a sack of poker cards messily thrown out on the coffee table in front of them. Though, they held no cards in their hands. The only thing really moving seemed to be their mouths, actually. They were just casually talking. Having what looked to be a deep, but fun conversation. Something Billie has never had with Diego. Her own father.

  Fuck this. Billie thought, huffing a loud breath. Almost immediately, both of them jerked their heads up.

  "Jeanie, you're here," Johnny said extremely casually, acting as though the last time they'd spoken to each other was just some jolly old convo instead of the shit show it actually was. And the nickname. Shit, Billie hasn't heard that in years. Really, she never wanted to hear it again.

"Shut the fuck up, Johnny," she hissed coldly, voice as stiff as brick. "And don't ever call me that shit again. That shit is in the past. Let it be." Let me be. She added on silently.

"Billie-Jean! He is a guest. Be respectful," Diego scolded, sending her a pathetic glare.

  Billie just rolled her eyes. "Always so quick to defend him, aren't you?"

  "Billie-Jean, come on. Stop being unreasonable!" Diego raised his voice slightly, attempting to scare her. Maybe, if she were ten years old again, she would have been. Now, though? Hell no. Billie-Jean Rodriguez could never bring herself to ever be scared of someone so pathetic again. She merely cocked a smirk in response, holding up her only free hand, and then extended her middle finger.

  "Hope you fuck-ups have fun," she replied, her voice sickly sweet. "Also, don't even dare knock on my door or some stupid shit like that. I won't come out."

  "Jeanie, please," Johnny pleaded, rushing up. "Just—"

  "I already told you to shut the fuck up. I won't repeat myself."

  With that, Billie removed herself from the living room.

  Her door shut louder than usual, and she was sure she might have broken her arm throwing all her shit on the floor. Part of her just wanted to leave. Technically, by law, she had no legal obligation to be here. Diego had given up custody of her, after all. But he had made a deal with her mom, and she didn't want him going after her just because Billie refused to put up with him. Nah, she wouldn't be weak. She was Billie-Jean Rodriguez. She didn't need anyone.

  Billie laid down on her bed, not even bothered to pull the covers over her. Hugging her signature orange leather jacket tight around herself, she let out a loud sigh. Another, smaller part of her knew, that soon, she would break. Clearly, she was right in her suspicions. Diego Rodriguez would never change. No matter what she said, did, how bad she cursed at him, or how many times she revved up her motorcycle and drove away, nothing could change that man.

  And, for once, that thought brought Billie sadness.

  However, the second she felt it, she pushed it away.

  After, all she felt was anger. It was the only emotion that had ever stayed with her.

▬▬ ☯︎︎ ▬▬

  ANGER WAS THE EMOTION BILLIE FELT THE MOST ATTUNED TO. You see, anger wasn't vulnerable or weak like sadness—or even peaceful and healing like happiness. It was free, focused, and powerful. It had no room for weaknesses. It allowed you to say whatever the hell you wanted, do whatever the hell you wanted, and be whoever the hell you wanted. It was uncaring, unfazed by the rest of the world. Who cares? It would whisper. You can't rely on anyone else anyway. Only you.

  Billie had been betrayed by almost everyone in her life she had ever even given an ounce of trust to. First, her father, before she ever truly understood the weight of his actions. Second, Johnny—someone who she had deeply cared for, and maybe even loved like a brother. Third, and most recently, her friends; they certainly surprised her the most. Seeing them in the back of Johnny's car acting like it was the most normal thing it the world. What, was that what they spent their time doing when she was gone? Hanging around with Johnny Lawrence and his Cobras? Stupid, if you asked her.

  The only people who hadn't betrayed her yet, were her mother, Daniel, and Mr. Miyagi. A desperate part of her hoped and prayed it stayed that way. That Daniel and Mr. Miyagi could be more people she could truly trust. But she wasn't stupid. She knew better than to let her guard down. Even if she was, pathetically, developing a soft spot for them (Especially Daniel.), she still needed to be prepared for anything.

  School had been... interesting the past few days. Since Billie refused to speak to her so-called friends, the only people—or person she should say—she had spoken to was Daniel. Actually, it was kinda nice. He walked her to her classes, ate lunch with her outside to avoid everyone, held her hand a few times, and even flipped off Johnny with her too. If she was being honest, it wasn't just kinda nice. It was really nice. Really really nice. Like, almost too nice.

  Call her paranoid, but never in her life has someone other than her mother (And Johnny, at one point.), been so consistently good to her. So it was weird to think that it was even a thing at all, and especially weird that they happened to be... whatever they were. Billie hadn't really put much thought into what happens next. So what—they went on a date, kissed, held hands, spent almost every waking moment they could together—it didn't really mean anything, did it?

  It's not like this hasn't been a thing before. She and Johnny used to do the same thing—minus the date, kissing, hand holding—you get the point. But he eventually betrayed her, so what's stopping Daniel from doing it too? Actual good morals? Billie thought, staring down at the desk right beneath her. I hope he has good morals. Though, do I even have goods morals? She jerked her head to the side, adjusting her arms which laid crossed on her desk. I should really look into that.

  Science was definitely Billie's second least favorite subject. Math, by a little, took the top spot, but science still pissed her off, too. It just wasn't her thing. Billie was more of a wing-it type of person, and since science required a lot of studying and preparation, it was just not the best for her. Besides, she could give less of a shit about the Periodic Table of Elements. It wasn't like she was going to be a scientist or something.

  Her Chemistry test had already been completed and put in the tray, so now she sat; awaiting the bell as impatient as ever. Another, newer thing about science that she hated: the fact that her whole "friend" group was in this class. They even all sat by each other, which meant that Billie was currently sat on the end of a row of desks next to Ali, who still hadn't yet got the memo that Billie was done with them.

  Cassidy sat beside Ali, and on the other end, sat Susan. All three had tried to speak to her, but Ali was the most determined. Probably because Billie had been quite cold to Cassidy, which had, rightfully, scared the living crap out of her—and Susan wasn't known for her ability to be understanding. So, unfortunately, that left Ali to do the heavy lifting.

  "Billie," Ali called, tapping her on the arm gently. "Billie, come on. Just talk to me. It doesn't even have to be for a while. Just a minute, please. I don't want to lose you, again." Billie noticed just how desperate the plead in Ali's voice had gotten. However, she made no move to acknowledge the blonde beside her.

  "Fine. If you won't acknowledge me, then I'll just talk. I know you can hear me," she stated, firmly. Like she was convincing herself that it was a good idea. Personally, Billie thought it was a terrible idea, but she wasn't planning on voicing that opinion. "I know it was... shocking for you to see us with Johnny and his friends. Especially after we had bad mouthed him and helped you avoid him. But, honestly, we meant no harm. They had just invited us to have a little fun, and we were bored and stupid and we really really shouldn't have gone—but we did anyway. Honest to God, we didn't even have fun. All Johnny would do is ask us about you, and talk crap about Daniel. I tried my best to keep everyone's mouth shut about you, but I think Cass accidentally let it slip that you were on a date with Daniel and—well—you know what happened. After we drove away, I demanded Johnny drop us off at my house and never talk to us again—honest to God. We haven't even looked at him since."

  Billie sighed, still not daring to turn her head. She knew Ali was telling the truth—she could tell by the strain in her voice—but that didn't mean she wanted to forgive her. Stubbornness was another good friend of Billie's. One that had always stuck by her side. And that, Billie was sure of, would never leave her. However, despite that, a piece of Billie wanted her friends back. Daniel was... amazing, she couldn't lie about that. But she missed them—believe it or not. Maybe stubbornness would take a mini vacation so she could attempt to make up with them. Or maybe she wouldn't, and nothing would change.

  "Billie, please. I'm begging you. I can't lose you again," Ali pleaded. Billie could just feel Ali's eyes piercing through the back of her head. Though, after hearing those words, Billie just couldn't bring herself to ignore her anymore.

  "Ali, just stop. I forgive you, it's okay." Billie had lifted her head and finally turned to look her best friend in the eyes. Ali looked nearly on the brink of happy tears.

  "You do?" Ali asked cautiously, as though Billie were a bomb about to implode.

  "Yes, I do. But don't make me regret it," Billie said, completely meaning that last sentence. "I don't have, uh, time for people who won't treat me right." Really, she didn't. Especially, with Johnny and her father breathing down her throat.

  "I get it, Billie," Ali said, but then she began backtracking. "Well, actually, I don't. I've never had to deal with... what you deal with. But I still want to be your friend and be there for you. And I'm sure Cassidy and Susan do, too."

  Billie nodded, cracking a smile. It was nice to hear that. "Thanks, Als. Means a lot."

  "No problem, Billie." Ali just grinned. "Hey, wanna take back your spot at lunch? We left it open on purpose."

  "I dunno. Does Daniel get one, too?" Billie asked, almost immediately regretting it as Cassidy and Susan jerked around at the sound of his name. Apparently, they had been listening in the whole conversation. What else did Billie expect, though?

  "I've just been inching to know, Billie. Are you and Daniel... you know?" Cassidy questioned excitedly, eyes lit up with curiosity.

  "No, Cass. We just went out on a date. It's nothing special," Billie replied, brushing it off. Though, none of them were impressed. The stares of disbelief and raised brows were enough to convince Billie of that. "What? Seriously, it's nothing serious."

  "You must think us blind or something, Billie. And trust me, we aren't. We've seen you two in the halls. Holding hands, flipping off Johnny, giving each other the eyes. You aren't as slick as you think, girl," Susan stated, sounding like a concerned mother.

  "Well, okay. We've been around each other a lot, and, uh, held hands. And, uh, maybe kissed—but that's not important—"

  "You what?"

  "No way, Billie! Spill!"

  "See it's "nothing" my ass!"

  "Okay, okay! I'll tell you on the way to fourth. God, calm down." Billie did, indeed, tell them on the way to fourth. So much so, she messed ten minutes of math because they wanted even more details. But she didn't really care. Even though she was very content on not showing it, deep down, Billie was glad to have them back.

  Though, she still kept her guard up, as she wasn't planning on letting it down for anyone. Keyword there: planning.

▬▬ ☯︎︎ ▬▬

  THE LUNCH BELL CAME QUICKLY THAT DAY. For once, actually, it caught her off guard. Most of the time, Billie was already packed by the time the bell rang. But today, she had to shove all her crap into the largest compartment of her backpack as fast as possible so she could get out of class in time. Throwing her bag over her shoulder, Billie rushed out. Conveniently for her, however, all her friends were awaiting her just outside the door.

  "You look winded," Susan told, looking sympathetic.

  "You really think so, Susie? 'Cause I'm really not so sure." Billie was starting to think sarcasm came a little too easily for her.

  Susan just rolled her eyes and smiled. "Oh, shut it, Billie."

"Not a chance, Susie."

The group continued chatting a little longer on the their way to lunch, with Cassidy excessively bringing up the information Billie had told them about the date, which was beginning to get slightly annoying. This. Billie thought tiredly. This is why I don't tell people things.

Luckily, Billie's knight in not so shiny armor was there to save her.

All of a sudden, Daniel had popped in out of nowhere, wrapping an arm around Billie's shoulders and pulling her into his side. Cassidy, of course, shut up immediately, which Billie was thankful for. Daniel would never let her live it down if he knew she was telling her friends about... whatever was happening. Yeah, she still had no idea what was going on. And yes, she was aware that she should probably be attempting to get that worked out—but she was herself—so there was a good chance it would stay like this for a while.

"Hey there, ladies. Mind if I steal her for a bit?" Daniel asked, grinning down widely at Billie.

"Sure thing, LaRusso. Just don't keep her for too long," Cassidy replied, wiggling her eyebrows playfully at Billie. Billie, in response, playfully gave her the finger.

"Ah, don't worry. I won't," Daniel said, softly redirecting her and slowing down. After they were behind most of the crowd and could walk at their own speed, he smiled down at her, arm not leaving her shoulders. "So you finally let them apologize, huh?"

Billie huffed, looking up at him with a feigned expression of annoyance. "Yeah, I did."

  Surprisingly, Daniel's smile grew at the confirmation. "I'm glad. They seem to really care about you. If even what they did was, well, straight bullshit," he said, letting out a slightly awkward laugh. "I mean I can't speak for them—obviously—but they've known you for a long time, and I think it's good for you to keep them in your life."

  "Yeah, I guess," Billie replied stiffly, voice teetering on the edge of monotone. She was taken aback by his words. Truly, she didn't think he cared all that much about her friendship troubles. Or, to be honest, she didn't think he cared much about her personal life at all. After all, why should he? It wasn't like she had truly confided in him yet. Told him of the hell-coaster her life was. Told him about her dad—hell—she hadn't even truly explained what happened with Johnny to him. So why does he care? The thought echoed. Why would he want to care?

A hint of anxiety rose in her stomach. Then, the realization hit her like a speeding train in an action movie: this was going deeper than what she was prepared for. Real feelings were being developed now. This wasn't just an one off thing. A date that turned into a causal friendship because Billie didn't make any more effort and the boy gave up because he didn't care enough. This was gradually becoming serious. Her gaze shifted to Daniel again. He was serious. Her gaze then found the floor again.

Am I ready to be serious?

The question went unanswered. Though, one thought found it's way: I want to try.

Was she saying she was ready? Hell no. But was she willing to let whatever was happening... happen? Yes, she was.

"You good?" Daniel snapped Billie out of her thoughts. He was staring at her with concern bubbling from his eyes, his dark brows furrowed.

"Yeah, you just got me thinkin', that's all," Billie explained, reframing from smiling as much as she could. Daniel then began to rub her shoulder, seemingly in support of whatever she was about to say. That did not help her struggle at all.

"I got you thinkin', huh? What, about my pretty, big brown eyes?" Daniel teased cockily, smirking down at her as she rolled her eyes.

"If it helps you sleep at night, then sure. I was just daydreaming of your big brown, stupid-ass, puppy dog eyes," Billie teased back, watching as his cheeks actually flushed—for some reason. "But since that secret's out, I actually had something else in mind."

Daniel raised a curious brow, the corners of his mouth upturning cheekily. "Alright, then. Lay it on me, Ms. Rodriguez."

"Gladly, Mr. LaRusso." Billie's smile finally won the battle. "I want to take you out on a date," she declared, hazel eyes shining as she watched his surprised reaction.

His mouth was hung wide, his "puppy dog eyes" were wider than she'd ever seen them, and he stopped rubbing her shoulder. "Really, now? You want to take me on a date?"

"Yeah, that was what I said, Danny."

"Nah, I wasn't, uh, trying to be a jerk or nothing. I'm just, uh, stunned I guess. No girl has ever wanted to take me on a date," Daniel stumbled over his words explaining himself, still sounding shocked.

"Well, I did. So you taking it, or leaving it?" Billie asked, smirking up at him expectantly.

Daniel just smirked back down at her. "Oh, I'm taking it, for sure. I wanna know whatcha could possibly have planned."

"You'll see, Danny. Now, come on. The girls are gonna kill you if you don't follow the Billie return policy correctly."

▬▬ ☯︎︎ ▬▬

THE NEXT DAY, BILLIE HAD STRAIGHTENED OUT THE DETAILS FOR THE DATE AT LUNCH. It was once again on a Friday night, but this time, Billie was picking him up. Purposely, she left out the details of what they were actually doing on the date, but only because she wanted it to truly be a surprise for him. Her plans were actually pretty simple. There was a this decently sized strip around the Cobra Kai dojo, where a bunch of cute, smaller shops, restaurants, and other businesses were located. Billie thought it was perfect for a second date. They would get to walk around in the fall atmosphere, eat dinner together in a cozy cafe, shop in the cute shops, and explore whatever the heck was even there now. Honestly, it was kinda a surprise, but Billie liked it that way.

Surprises always made things more memorable. Well, at least in Billie's eyes.

  The last bell of the day was oddly quiet as Billie walked out of her last class for the week, mind spinning with excitement and nervousness for the incoming evening. She almost viewed this date as her way of saying: yeah, I like you too. Even if she couldn't get the words to actually, you know, come out of her mouth.

Her backpack was lazily hung over her shoulder where her leather jacket kept padded; as always. The walk back to her bike was calm. Too calm. Usually, she'd have either Daniel walking her over, or her girls. But today, it was just her. Not like she had a problem with that—it just rubbed her the wrong way. Unluckily for her, she soon figured out the reason why she was alone today.

Johnny Lawrence was stood by her gleaming orange motorcycle, arms crossed as though he was beginning to grow impatient. Suddenly, the anger she felt and let slowly die down returned to its full force once again as she laid eyes on the blond boy whom she had once called her closest friend. Quickly, she realized that as long as Johnny and her father were in her life, that anger would never fade.

"What are you doing, Johnny?" Billie questioned. She was already exasperated by the conversation, which hadn't even began.

His icy eyes lit up upon seeing her. "I needed to talk to you. And this was the only way I knew how."

"Well, I'm sorry to break it to you, but I'm not open to speak to you at the moment," she replied harshly. This time, she didn't feel as bad about it.

"Then when will you be?"

"Never."

"Exactly the response I expected." Johnny just shook his head. "See, this is why I have to do this. Because you are so stubborn."

"Stubborn? If anything, you're the stubborn one, Johnny. You're the one who can't take no for a goddamn answer. You're the one who refuses to leave me alone. Don't try to blame me for your actions, Johnny Lawrence. I won't allow it," Billie allowed her voice to turn bitter. To sound sour. To feel sharp.

"Why can't you just hear me out for once? Just once, Jeanie," Johnny nearly begged. "You treat me as though you never knew me. Even when we both know that isn't true. You were once my closest friend. My person. The one person I trusted above all else. I—"

"Don't." The word was crisp on her tongue. "Don't try to guilt me into this bullshit, Johnny. The past is the past. I don't think you understand truly what went down five years ago, and honestly, I don't think you ever will. Because it wasn't about you. And it never was. And it never will be." His face was enough for her to tell she'd made an impact. "You were my best friend. I won't deny it. But the keyword there is were. Were means it is in the past. I've accepted it. It's time you do the same."

Johnny just shook his head again. "No. I won't let you give up on us."

Billie laughed. It wasn't a happy laugh. It was empty. Hollow. "That isn't your decision to make."

"No, it is. Now it is. You're gonna regret this, Billie-Jean. Abandoning me. Going out with LaRusso. Treating Diego the way you have. It's gonna catch up to you. One day." Was Johnny Lawrence threatening her? No, she was just having a nightmare. It wasn't real. Right?

"Are you really threatening me, Johnny Lawrence?"

"Maybe."

"Get the fuck away from my motorcycle, before I fucking run you over with it."

"Oh, so you're threatening me too, now?"

Billie stomped up and pushed him as hard as she could out of the way. He didn't move as much as she'd liked, but just enough so she could mount her bike and take off. Billie-Jean Rodriguez did not take one look back in till she arrived at her mom's apartment complex.

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Billie basically anytime Johnny even just exists (and for good reason) ^^^^

Well hi. It's been a little bit. I know I said I was coming back, which I meant, but life just kinda threw me with the biggest curve ball I've ever experienced and for the last couple of months I've been dealing with it. I am okay, btw. I know nobody was really asking, but I just wanted to share that lmaoo.

Anyways, on to what happened this chapter. We got some Dillie moments, Billie made up with her friends, the Billie, Johnny, and Diego scene, and that Jillie (Billie and Johnny's ship name) scene. What I wanted to show in this chapter was Billie generally just struggling a bit. Struggling with her growing feelings for Daniel, her anger towards her father, and her, in reality, deep sadness and grief over Johnny. Billie doesn't like dealing with any emotion other than anger, and even then she doesn't even really deal with it, so her grief over the loss of Johnny in her life was something she never truly handled, since she just moved to New York. She didn't actually have to face anything, because she wasn't having to see Johnny or her father. So now, after having moved back, she's finally being forced to deal with these complicated feelings and emotions and she just doesn't know how.

  And, of course, Johnny isn't understanding, and neither is her father, so it's putting even more pressure on her. And even more pressure: Daniel and her feelings for him. Billie has a hard time trusting as is, so bringing herself to a point to where she can fully trust him and express her feelings towards him will take some time. However, in the next few chapters (the latter chapters of act one) things will be HAPPENING alright!!! Next chapter is date #2 and date #3??? (very uh effy on date #3) the spaghetti scene/country club scene, and BoY is some shit gonna happen then!! Can't wait for y'all to read it!! Love y'all!!