chapter sixty-two:
❛ rattled (2) ❜

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Clementine paced nervously outside Tyler's hospital room, her eyes flickering between the door and the corridor. The sterile, quiet atmosphere of the hospital felt suffocating, and the weight of everything in the past few days had left her feeling restless and anxious. Her hands were trembling, and she clenched them into fists, trying to keep herself steady.

Her father, Caleb, stood beside her, arms crossed and gaze hard, though there was a softness in his eyes as he glanced at his son through the glass. His usual stern demeanor was replaced by something else-something Clementine hadn't seen in a long time. Worry.

Caleb exhaled slowly, his face etched with a line of deep concern. "I don't understand how this happened," he murmured, more to himself than to her. "He's not the kind of kid to get caught up in this kind of mess."

Clementine nodded absently, her mind whirling. Tyler had been gone in London for months with Sierra, and when he came back, he was unrecognizable. Not just physically-though the bruises, cuts, and swollen face were a clear indication of the violence he'd endured-but emotionally, too. Something had happened to him while he was away, something that was still unclear, and it was eating her up inside. The fact that he was now unconscious, lying in a hospital bed, made it feel all the worse.

"What do you think happened, Dad?" Clementine asked quietly, keeping her voice steady even though her heart was racing.

Caleb turned to her, his jaw tight. "I don't know, Clem," he said, his voice low. "The police think it's a mugging gone wrong, but... it doesn't add up. He's been through a lot, and I don't know if this is just some random attack or something more."

Before Clementine could respond, two officers appeared at the end of the hallway. They were both wearing formal uniforms, and their faces were set in grim expressions. They walked toward her and Caleb, and she immediately felt a wave of tension wash over her. She had been hoping for answers, but every time the officers appeared, it only seemed to raise more questions.

The officer on the left, a man with graying hair and a stern face, cleared his throat. "Mr. and Miss Katz, we've reviewed the security footage from the area near the airport where your son was last seen. It appears that he was attacked by a group of individuals. It looks like a mugging at first, but there are a lot of inconsistencies. We can't say for sure what happened beyond that until your son wakes up."

Caleb nodded, rubbing his temple. "So you don't know who did this to him?"

The officer shook his head. "We don't have clear identification of the suspects yet, no. But we're working on it. We're trying to piece everything together. The footage showed a group of individuals, but it was unclear whether they were just opportunistic or if there's something more going on."

Clementine felt her stomach churn. A mugging? It didn't make sense. Tyler wasn't the type to let himself get caught in something like that. He was street smart, or at least he always used to be. The idea of him getting caught up in something so random didn't sit right with her.

She stepped closer to her dad, her voice barely a whisper. "So, what now?"

The officer glanced at his partner before speaking again. "For now, we wait for Tyler to wake up. The only way we'll get any real answers is if he's able to tell us what happened. Until then, we're keeping everything under wraps."

Clementine's mind raced as the officers spoke, but all she could focus on was the fact that Tyler was still unconscious. She hated the feeling of helplessness that settled over her.

Caleb let out a frustrated sigh. "We'll just have to wait then," he said, though his voice held an edge of bitterness. "I don't like this, Clem. Something's wrong here. Something's not right about this whole situation."

Clementine looked up at her father, trying to gauge his emotions. She knew he wasn't the type to show weakness, but she could feel the unease in his posture. He wasn't sure what had happened to Tyler, and neither was she.

She turned back to the door of Tyler's hospital room, her heart heavy with worry. Her brother had always been strong-stronger than anyone gave him credit for-but now, all she could do was wait.

"How long do we have to wait, Dad?" she asked, her voice barely audible, as she leaned against the wall.

Caleb's face softened a bit, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll wait until he wakes up. Then, we'll get some answers. Whatever happened to him, we'll figure it out."

Clementine nodded, but she knew there was more at play here than anyone realized. The thought of Tyler being targeted-whether by a random mugging or something more personal-left her unsettled. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a coincidence.

The minutes dragged on, stretching into what felt like hours. Clementine stared at the door of the room, wishing for anything-anything at all-to make her brother open his eyes and give them the answers they so desperately needed.

Clementine walked into Miyagi-Do with Robby and Miguel, her heart pounding in her chest. She tried to keep her head held high, but the weight of the day loomed over her. Today wasn't just about karate or the Sekai Taikai; today was about her future. The surgery was over, but the question remained-had it worked? Was she going to be okay, or was chemotherapy the next step? Every time she thought about it, a cold shiver ran down her spine.

And she was worried about her brother.

Robby squeezed her hand gently as they entered, giving her a comforting smile. "You're going to be fine," he murmured, his voice soft but full of certainty. She appreciated his reassurance, but the gnawing doubt in her stomach refused to go away. No matter how much he tried to comfort her, it didn't change the fact that this was all out of her control.

They walked in and found Eli and Demetri waiting for them near the center of the dojo. Eli looked up as they entered, his face lighting up with that familiar grin of his.

"Hey, there they are!" he said in his signature over-the-top tone. "The future champions of the Sekai Taikai." His voice practically sang the words, making it sound like they were the main characters of some grand story.

Clementine and Robby exchanged a quick, amused glance. It was a nice thought, but the reality of the situation was far more complicated. Clementine forced a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Robby said, his voice steady and serious now. He looked over at Eli, his brow furrowed slightly. "Nobody scored a point on Axel all tournament." There was an edge to his voice, a small amount of frustration mixed in with the recognition that Axel was no joke. He was a force to be reckoned with, and Robby didn't want to take that lightly.

Clementine nodded in agreement, feeling the same weight of reality settle in. Axel's performance had been flawless so far. If she was going to face him, she needed to be in top form, and right now, she wasn't even sure if her body was ready. The lingering effects of the surgery were still fresh in her mind, and the prospect of chemotherapy loomed like an unwelcome shadow.

"And the doctor still needs to clear me," she added, her voice quieter now. "If I have to do chemotherapy, I'm going to have to drop out." The words hung heavy in the air. She didn't want to say them, but there was no escaping the truth. If chemotherapy was the next step, it would mean her fighting days were over. At least for a while.

The room grew quieter as the reality of her words sank in. Robby's grip on her hand tightened, but his expression didn't change. He was trying to remain calm, but she could see the concern in his eyes. This wasn't just about the tournament anymore. It was about her health, her future. And no matter how hard they all tried to pretend everything was fine, she knew that this was the biggest fight of all.

Eli, sensing the shift in mood, tried to lighten things up, always the optimist. "Yeah, well, for Robby, that's about to change." He winked at the two of them. "And Clem, don't worry about it. He's gonna clear you. Alison spent all morning manifesting and reading tarot cards."

Clementine couldn't help but chuckle softly, the tension in her chest loosening just a bit. Alison and her quirky ways were a constant source of amusement, even if it was just a small distraction. "Alison and her spiritual well-being," she muttered with a smile, trying to focus on something positive for once. A small, almost imperceptible weight was lifted from her shoulders, just from acknowledging the ridiculousness of Alison's morning rituals.

Miguel, who had been quietly observing the conversation, glanced down at the boxes near Demetri's feet. His curiosity got the best of him. "What's all this?" he asked, his tone laced with interest as he stepped closer to the boxes. He had a pretty good idea, but he was still eager to hear Demetri's explanation.

Demetri grinned, clearly excited to share his plans. "All this," he said dramatically, gesturing to the pile of equipment, "is how Miyagi-Do is gonna win the Sekai Taikai."

Robby and Clementine shared a quick look, both raising eyebrows at Demetri's enthusiasm. They were a little skeptical. As much as they trusted their friends, they weren't entirely sure what Demetri had in mind.

"How's that, exactly?" Robby asked, a playful smirk on his face as he crossed his arms.

Demetri looked proud of himself as he straightened up. "Just wait until you see," he said cryptically, stepping back and gesturing for them to follow him. It was clear he was about to unveil some sort of plan. Robby, Clementine, and Miguel exchanged amused glances before following Demetri toward the boxes.

Clementine tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind was still racing with everything that had happened in the past few weeks. The surgery. The uncertainty. The fear of chemotherapy. It was hard to think about anything else. Even with her friends trying to distract her, there was a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach that wouldn't go away.

But as Demetri started going on about the "winning strategy," Clementine found herself pulling her attention back to the present. She squeezed Robby's hand once more, seeking reassurance. He gave her a comforting smile, but she knew he was just as uncertain as she was.

"I'm just not sure I can do this," Clementine admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke to Robby alone.

He didn't hesitate for a second, squeezing her hand tighter. "You're gonna do it. You've got this." His voice was full of quiet determination, and in that moment, she believed him. There was no one else she'd rather have by her side. No matter what happened, they'd face it together.

As Demetri continued to excitedly explain whatever crazy plan he had come up with, Clementine felt a sense of calm wash over her. She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was for sure: she wasn't giving up yet. Not on herself. Not on Robby. And definitely not on Miyagi-Do.

Alison made her way into the familiar grounds of Miyagi-Do, the weight of her computer bag slung over her shoulder. It wasn't every day that she had to bring something this high-tech into the dojo, but Demetri had insisted. And, well, she couldn't back out of a promise. Even if the entire thing felt a bit out of her comfort zone.

As she neared the dojo, she spotted Robby, Eli, Demetri, and Miguel gathered around near the sparring deck. The sound of their laughter echoed in the air, the tension from the tournament in the past, but still hanging in the air as a reminder of everything to come. Robby turned, his eyes catching Alison's approach.

"Alison! What's that for?" he called out, raising a hand in greeting. The others all looked over too, intrigued by her heavy bag.

Alison smiled back but waved them off. "I'll explain later, don't worry. I'm on a mission right now," she said, her voice light, but there was a definite sense of purpose in her steps as she continued her way toward the little hut.

Inside, it was quieter, the peaceful atmosphere a welcome contrast to the chatter and movement outside. Clementine was already in the middle of the space, her gear on, goggles pushed up on her forehead, and her hands adjusting her vest. She looked determined, but there was a hint of apprehension in her stance as she checked herself over.

Alison closed the door softly behind her, placing the computer bag on a nearby table with a soft thud. The thrum of the machine starting up was the only noise as she set everything up.

Clementine glanced over from her position, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What's all this for?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and confusion as she looked from Alison to the computer bag.

Alison hesitated for a moment, but then shrugged, moving a bit closer to Clementine. She rubbed the back of her neck, trying to recall Demetri's enthusiastic explanation from earlier. "Honestly, I zoned out half of what Demetri told me yesterday on how it works," she admitted, smiling sheepishly. "But from what I remember, it's just a system to show you and Robby the probability of you beating Zara and Axel in the semi-finals."

Clementine tilted her head, giving her an uncertain look. "Probability? Are we really relying on something like this to take down Zara and Axel?"

Alison nodded. "Yeah, I get it. It sounds kind of... weird, but it could give us an edge. I mean, Demetri is all about the math and the tech stuff, so I'm trusting him on this. It'll track past matches, patterns, that kind of thing. If we can predict their moves even a little, we might be able to plan better."

Clementine studied her for a moment, eyes scanning Alison's face as she processed the information. She was quiet for a beat before saying, "And you're wearing this headset, right? So you'll be able to see what Zara might do?"

"Exactly," Alison said, a bit of excitement creeping into her voice now. "The system is designed to track Zara's tendencies based on previous matches. Once it's all connected, the headset will give me a heads-up on what move she's most likely to make next. It's like giving you a playbook of sorts."

Clementine let out a slow breath, her eyes glancing at the sparring mat outside through the small window. "I'm fighting you, though, right?" she asked, her tone calm but with just a hint of uncertainty.

Alison's expression softened, and she gave a small, knowing smile. "Yeah. You and me. But if it works, it could help me guide you through it," she explained. "You're not alone in this."

Clementine shifted her weight, still eyeing the sparring area as though visualizing herself in action. She glanced back at Alison. "Okay," she said, her voice steady and deliberate. "Let's try it."

Alison's face lit up, relieved that Clementine was willing to trust her with this. "Awesome," she said, walking over to the table where her computer sat. She turned the device on and began typing, the whirring of the machine filling the silence between them. "Alright, so it'll take a few minutes to calibrate and set everything up."

Clementine walked over to the center of the room and started to loosen up, stretching her arms and legs, preparing herself mentally for the fight. She didn't let her nerves show, though, her face a mask of determination. Alison noticed the shift in Clementine's mood-this wasn't the girl who had been uncertain about the system a few moments ago.

"Thanks for doing this," Clementine said, her voice quiet but sincere.

Alison smiled, though it was a little less sharp than usual, her tone gentler. "Of course. We're all in this together, right?" she replied, glancing back at the screen. "I've got your back, Clem."

Clementine nodded, stretching her shoulders and rolling her neck. "Well, if we're doing this, we better make sure it works," she said, her smirk returning. "I'm not about to go into this unprepared."

Alison returned the smirk, her fingers tapping on the keys to finish up the last of the setup. "You won't be. We're gonna take them down, just wait."

As the machine finished processing and the first set of predictions flashed up on the screen, Alison adjusted her headset, double-checking the connection. "Alright, ready? We're gonna run through some simulations with the data we've got."

Clementine nodded, moving toward the sparring mat, ready to work. As she stepped into position, Alison moved behind the computer, headset now firmly in place, and the screen lit up with rows of data, showing Zara's past moves, the calculated probabilities, and what the system predicted.

"Okay," Alison said, voice steady but filled with excitement. "Here we go. Let's do this." She glanced at Clementine and gave her a nod of encouragement.

Clementine gave a small, confident grin before turning her focus back to the mat. "Let's make it count."

As the system started feeding real-time data into Alison's headset, she began to call out instructions, guiding Clementine through different scenarios. Clementine moved, her body in sync with Alison's guidance, her mind sharpening as the predicted movements unfolded before them.

For the first time in a long time, Clementine felt like she had a real chance-not just because of the tech, but because she wasn't fighting alone.

The air in the small dojo felt thick with anticipation as Clementine and Alison squared off in the center of the room. Both of them were ready-Alison with the headset securely placed on her head, and Clementine in her combat stance, prepared for whatever came next.

"Ready?" Clementine asked, a playful yet determined edge to her voice.

Alison gave a small nod, adjusting the headset one more time as she glanced at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keys. "Always," she said, though there was a slight undercurrent of tension in her voice. She wasn't as experienced in sparring as Clementine, but she had something the others didn't: the data. The system was meant to help predict movements, an advantage they hadn't had before.

As they began, Clementine moved fluidly, her years of training at Miyagi-Do, Cobra Kai, and her own unique fighting style coming together in one powerful sequence. She feinted left, pivoted right, and kicked high-all movements calculated, instinctive, and sharp.

Alison moved to block, but as Clementine's fist came toward her, she barely managed to dodge it in time. The system's gentle hum in Alison's ear offered a stream of data-each move and counter calculated and analyzed in real time.

"Zara's likely to initiate a low kick on your left leg in 3 seconds," the voice in Alison's headset said.

Before Alison could fully process the prediction, Clementine's left leg swept out in a low arc. Alison barely ducked out of the way, her body moving faster than she could think, her instinct guiding her just enough to avoid the hit. The data had been right, though. It was exactly the kind of move Zara would likely use.

"Nice dodge," Clementine said, grinning. "How are the predictions holding up?"

Alison grinned back but didn't waste time responding. "We're good, but I need to be faster," she muttered to herself, eyeing the screen. The numbers were changing quickly, the data flowing fast enough to make anyone's head spin.

"Zara will likely try to bait you with a high jab," the headset warned.

Before the voice even finished, Clementine moved-her foot aimed for Alison's chest in a perfect high kick. Alison, with the data in her ear, anticipated it just in time and managed to block, her arms coming up in a sharp guard. The force of the blow pushed her back a step, but she held her ground, her heart racing. She could feel the connection, the burn in her muscles, and the excitement of the challenge.

"You're getting quicker," Clementine said, her grin widening. "Guess all that data stuff really is helping."

Alison didn't have time to respond. Another set of calculations came through, and she had to adjust on the fly.

"Zara's going to try a spinning back kick. Be ready for it," the voice warned.

Alison's eyes narrowed. She had seen Zara use that move in the tournament. She could already feel the familiar pressure building as Clementine made her next move-this time a feint to the left, a setup for a spin of her own. She couldn't afford to be predictable, but she also knew Zara's pattern.

Alison moved faster, her body twisting in a blur of motion, dodging Clementine's kick just by inches. As she sidestepped, she countered with a quick jab aimed for Clementine's side, but Clementine was too quick, blocking the strike and retaliating with a controlled roundhouse.

The sound of their footsteps on the mat, the swish of their gi's, and the occasional grunt of effort filled the air as the two of them sparred in near-perfect sync. Every time Clementine landed a blow, the data flashed in Alison's headset, showing her the probabilities of certain moves landing, the likelihood of success, and how Clementine's diverse training made her such a formidable opponent.

"Alright, I've got the data for you," Alison said, catching her breath, her voice calm despite the adrenaline coursing through her. "Based on the analysis, your probability of beating Zara is 78%-she's gonna be tough, but with all your combined styles, you've got a solid advantage. But we need to stay unpredictable."

Clementine paused mid-move, looking over at Alison with raised eyebrows. "78%? You sure?"

Alison nodded, quickly scanning the numbers that were flashing on her screen. "It's all about your balance of strikes. Your hybrid style from Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do really sets you apart. The system says that if you can control the pacing and keep Zara on her toes, you've got the upper hand."

Clementine let out a deep breath, her mind racing through the matchups, the moves, and the strategies. She wasn't one to rely solely on probabilities or technology, but knowing that the data backed her up gave her a quiet confidence she hadn't had before.

"Alright, 78%," Clementine said, her voice laced with determination. "That's good enough for me. I've beaten worse odds."

Alison smiled at her, adjusting the headset a bit and giving her a thumbs up. "I knew you'd be down for the challenge."

They moved into the next round of their sparring, the fluid motions of their training meshing with the predictions and real-time data guiding them. Clementine felt more in control, more prepared, and most importantly, ready for whatever Zara and Axel could throw her way.

With the data, her own instincts, and Alison's quiet encouragement in her ear, Clementine knew she could take on anything.

But even with all the calculations, she wasn't going to underestimate Zara. The fight wasn't over until the last point was scored. And for Clementine, that was a promise she intended to keep.

The quiet hum of the Miyagi-Do dojo seemed miles away as Clementine finished adjusting Alison's headset, the soft sound of her movements interrupted by the sudden crash of the door swinging open. Robby stormed in, his face tight with frustration, hands balled into fists at his sides. His gaze locked onto the computer where Alison's data had just displayed a probability of him winning against Axel-a measly 12%.

"12%?" Robby snapped, his voice a mix of disbelief and anger. "I get that Axel's tough, but 12%? I'm better than that."

Clementine looked up immediately, concern flashing in her eyes. She stood and walked toward him, her movements steady but filled with empathy. She reached out and placed a hand on his arm, her touch grounding him as she met his gaze with a calm, reassuring look.

"Hey," she said softly, her voice soothing despite the storm in his eyes. "I know it's frustrating. But you're so much better than a number on a screen. You've trained hard, and you've come so far. Axel might have a strong game, but you've got your own strengths-strengths that can't be measured by data."

Robby let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair, his muscles tense with anxiety. "It's not just about the number, Clem. I can't go into that fight knowing it's stacked against me like that. I've been working so hard, and I still feel like I'm gonna fall short."

Clementine gave a small, empathetic smile. "You're not going to fall short. You've got heart. And sometimes, heart is more important than the odds." She gently cupped his cheek, forcing him to meet her eyes. "You've been fighting for yourself, for your future, and you can't let a number on a screen define you."

Robby looked at her, a mix of frustration and gratitude softening his expression. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Clem."

She leaned in and kissed his cheek softly, her voice full of sincerity. "You've got this. I believe in you. And don't let anyone-especially a computer-tell you what you can and can't do."

Her words seemed to settle him, but there was still a lingering cloud of doubt in his eyes. Clementine took a deep breath, knowing she had to leave soon for her doctor's appointment. "I've got to head out for my appointment, but I'll be right back. Just keep that focus, okay?"

Robby nodded slowly, though his mind was still clearly tangled in the probability chart. Clementine squeezed his hand before pulling back, her expression full of love and support.

As she turned to walk towards the door, Miguel walked in, his eyes immediately locking onto Robby, who was still standing there, lost in his thoughts.

Clementine paused in the doorway, looking over her shoulder at Miguel. "Miguel," she said, her tone soft but pleading, "Talk to him. Brother to brother, please? Girlfriend comforting can only do so much."

Miguel's gaze softened as he glanced between Clementine and Robby. He could see the frustration and anxiety still written all over Robby's face, despite Clementine's efforts to calm him.

"Yeah," Miguel said, his voice low but steady, "I got it. Thanks, Clem."

Clementine gave him a small nod before stepping out, the door closing softly behind her.

Clementine sat in a sterile, white hospital room, her fingers nervously tapping on the armrest of the chair. The cold fluorescent lights overhead hummed quietly as she shifted her weight, her heart thumping in her chest. It had been weeks since the surgery, and today was the day she'd finally get the answers she needed.

Her father, Caleb Katz, sat beside her, his presence calming despite the tense environment. As a pediatric surgeon, he was used to handling tough situations, but this one was personal. His daughter's health was on the line. He kept his eyes on her, sensing her anxiety, but trying to keep his own worries at bay.

"Just a little longer, sweetie," Caleb said with a reassuring smile, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. "Dr. Michaels will be in soon, and then we'll know everything."

Clementine nodded but couldn't shake the feeling that the weight of the unknown was heavier than ever. She stared at the door, waiting for it to swing open, wondering what news she would hear today. She tried to relax, but every few seconds her thoughts circled back to the same question: Would she need chemotherapy?

Moments later, the door creaked open, and a tall, middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair stepped into the room. Dr. Michaels, her oncologist, smiled kindly at them, holding a chart in his hands. He adjusted his glasses before walking over to Clementine's side.

"Good to see you, Clementine," he greeted her, his voice warm but professional. "How are we feeling today?"

"Just nervous," Clementine admitted, her voice a little shaky as she met his eyes. "I'm ready to know what happens next."

Dr. Michaels gave a reassuring nod and motioned for her to sit up, gently lifting her shirt to examine the scar where her ovaries had been removed. "I understand, but I think you're going to be very relieved after we talk."

He placed his fingers carefully along the incision, examining it as he checked her chart. Clementine held her breath, trying to read his expression, but his face remained focused and calm.

Caleb stood off to the side, watching his daughter carefully, his hand resting on the back of her chair. He could tell that Clementine was holding it together, but her nerves were palpable.

Dr. Michaels hummed softly as he finished his examination, then looked back at her, his eyes softening. "Everything looks great, Clementine. The incision has healed well, and after reviewing your test results and your recovery, I'm happy to say you won't need chemotherapy."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and for the first time in weeks, Clementine felt a rush of relief flood her chest. She exhaled slowly, her heart pounding, but this time with joy.

"Wait, what?" Clementine asked, her voice filled with disbelief, then breaking into a smile. "You're saying I'm in the clear?"

Dr. Michaels nodded, his lips curling into a reassuring smile. "That's exactly what I'm saying. You're clear to go, and there's no need for additional treatment. We'll continue to monitor your progress, but as of now, you're in the clear."

Clementine's breath caught in her throat, and she could hardly believe it. Her hands flew to her face, pressing against her cheeks as if she might wake up from a dream. "Oh my god," she whispered, laughing in sheer disbelief. "I'm... I'm okay. I'm okay."

Her father smiled proudly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into a tight hug. "I knew you would be. You're strong, Clem. Always have been."

"Thank you, Dr. Michaels. Thank you so much," Clementine said, wiping away a tear as she beamed up at him.

Dr. Michaels nodded with a gentle smile. "It's my job, but you've done the hard work. Just remember to take it easy, rest, and live life to the fullest. You're clear, Clementine. Enjoy the good news."

As Dr. Michaels left the room, Clementine felt like she was floating. She couldn't believe it-this was the news she had hoped for, the one that felt too good to be true. And now, it was real.

Just as she was about to say something to her father, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her fingers still trembling with excitement. It was a text from Robby.

"Hey, meet me in labor and delivery? Carmen just gave birth, and her and my dad got married in the room. I'm kind of freaking out, but I wanted you to be there."

Clementine's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in shock. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Wait... what?" she whispered, her voice shaky with disbelief. "Robby's dad and Carmen got married... and Carmen gave birth?"

Her dad looked over at her with raised eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

Clementine quickly read the message again and let out a gasp, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my god, Robby just texted me. Carmen had the baby... and they got married in the room?!"

Caleb chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. "Well, that's a lot to take in. Go on, honey. You don't want to miss this."

Clementine was too stunned to say much more. She grabbed her jacket, still processing everything she'd just learned. Her world felt like it had just turned upside down, and she had no idea what to think about it all. But one thing was certain-she was going to be there for Robby. She texted him back quickly.

"I'm on my way. I'll be there soon. Congrats to you all!"

As she stood to leave, her mind was racing. Not only had she received the best news about her health, but now, she was about to witness one of the most unexpected moments in Robby's life. And she couldn't wait to be there for him.

Clementine's heart was still racing as she and Caleb rushed through the hospital halls. The weight of the news, the joy of hearing that she was in the clear from cancer, had left her on an emotional high. But now, her mind was focused on the next big event-meeting Robby's new baby sister.

As they approached the labor and delivery floor, Caleb gave a soft chuckle, squeezing Clementine's hand. "You okay there?"

Clementine nodded, but the excitement was obvious on her face. "I can't believe it. A baby sister. Robby's really going to be a big brother."

"I'm sure he'll be just fine at it," Caleb said with a smile. "He's had his share of surprises lately, huh?"

Clementine laughed softly, feeling a little giddy. "I guess that's one way to put it."

They reached the door to the room, and Caleb knocked before opening it. Inside, Johnny Lawrence stood at the bedside, holding a tiny, swaddled bundle in his arms, with Carmen sitting in the bed, still looking radiant despite the exhaustion of just giving birth. Robby was standing beside them, his eyes wide with a mix of wonder and emotion.

"Hey, congrats, Johnny," Caleb said, stepping into the room and offering a firm handshake. His face softened as he looked at the little baby in Johnny's arms. "I'm proud of you, man. And Carmen, you did an amazing job."

Johnny grinned, his rough exterior softening as he glanced at his new daughter. "Thanks, Caleb. I still can't believe it's real. But here she is." He looked down at the little girl, his face softening even more as he gazed at her with pride. "Meet Laura."

Clementine's gaze softened, and she stepped forward, her heart swelling. "Laura," she repeated with a smile, her voice full of warmth. She looked over at Robby, who was standing nearby, trying to hide his own emotions behind a smirk. "Robby, Miguel-congrats on your baby sister."

Robby's eyes were full of pride, but there was something vulnerable about him too. He looked at Clementine, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Clem."

Miguel, standing next to him, had his arm slung around Robby's shoulder in a silent show of support. "Yeah, thanks," Miguel said, smiling at his baby sister with a look of awe.

Clementine couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for both of them, watching Robby stand there, his tough-guy persona breaking just enough to let the love for his sister shine through. She smiled at him before looking down at the bundle in Johnny's arms.

"Can I hold her?" Clementine asked softly, her heart melting at the sight of the baby. She took a cautious step closer, as if she were afraid of being too forward.

Johnny, as protective as he was, nodded and gently passed the baby over to Clementine. Her heart leapt in her chest as she carefully cradled the little one, amazed at how fragile and small she was. Laura's tiny hands curled into fists, and Clementine couldn't help but smile.

"She's perfect," Clementine whispered, her eyes welling with tears as she looked down at the baby. She couldn't believe how much love and joy had filled the room in just a few hours. "What a beautiful name, Laura."

Johnny smiled down at her, his eyes full of pride. "Yeah, Laura. I named her after my mom. She passed a few years ago, and I wanted to honor her."

Clementine's heart swelled as she gently rocked Laura in her arms. "I think she's going to have a great life. You'll be an amazing dad to her."

Johnny's face softened even more at her words, and there was a vulnerability there that he didn't often show. He glanced at Carmen, who was watching them with a fond smile. "Thanks, Clem. That means a lot. But I think we're all gonna do our best to make sure she's got a good life."

Clementine smiled back at him, carefully handing Laura back to Johnny after a few moments. "I can't wait to see what kind of person she grows up to be. I'm so happy for you, Johnny."

As Robby stepped closer, he wrapped his arm around Clementine's shoulders, pulling her into a tight hug. "Thanks for being here, Clem. This means a lot to me."

Clementine hugged him back, her heart full of warmth for the man she loved and for the new family they were all becoming a part of. "Of course," she said quietly. "I'm always here for you, Robby. You're gonna be an amazing big brother. You already are."

Johnny watched the two of them, his expression softening as he held his daughter close. "Yeah, Robby, you've got this. And Miguel, you too. You're not alone in this, either."

The family was together, and despite the chaos and the past struggles, Clementine knew that this moment was one of the happiest she'd ever felt. The bond they all shared-through the ups and downs-was stronger than ever, and she was grateful to be part of it.

Clementine stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of the happiness around her, holding Laura, the tiny new addition to the family. The soft hum of joy in the room was undeniable, and she felt so much warmth in the air. But there was something she couldn't keep to herself any longer.

As Johnny adjusted the baby in his arms, Clementine gently placed her hand on Robby's shoulder. He looked at her, his expression softening with a mix of love and concern. "Hey," she said, her voice low and a little shaky with the emotions swirling inside her, "there's something I need to tell you all."

Robby tilted his head, his gaze sharpening with curiosity, Miguel's eyes flickering between her and Johnny. Caleb, noticing the change in Clementine's demeanor, gave her a reassuring smile but stayed quiet, sensing she needed this moment.

Clementine took a deep breath, her heart racing as she felt like the weight of the world was being lifted off her chest. "I got the results from my doctor this morning." She paused, looking down at Laura for a moment, her emotions swirling. "I don't need chemotherapy."

The room went quiet for a split second, and then Robby's face lit up. His eyes widened as the realization sank in. "Wait... are you serious?" he asked, his voice soft but full of disbelief.

"Yeah, I'm serious," Clementine said, her lips curving into a soft smile. "The surgery worked. The cancer's gone, and I'm in the clear. No chemo. I'm... I'm really okay, Robby."

Johnny, who had been holding Laura carefully, exchanged a look with Carmen, and then his attention turned back to Clementine. His expression softened into one of relief. "That's... that's amazing, Clem. You really scared us for a while there, but I'm so happy to hear that."

Clementine couldn't help but laugh lightly, wiping at her eyes. "It feels unreal, honestly. After everything, it feels like this weight just... disappeared."

Robby moved toward her, pulling her into a tight hug, his face buried in her hair. "I'm so glad. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that. We all did," he murmured.

Carmen, her hand resting gently on Johnny's arm, smiled warmly at Clementine. "You're a fighter, Clem. You've been through so much, and I'm so proud of you."

Miguel, who had been standing quietly by Robby's side, added with a grin, "You're unstoppable, Clementine. Nothing can keep you down."

Tears started to gather in Clementine's eyes again, but this time, they were tears of joy. It felt like everything in her life-her struggles, her fears, and now this-was all finally coming together. She pulled away from Robby, holding his hands in hers, her eyes filled with warmth. "I couldn't have done this without you. Without all of you. I'm just so happy I get to be here... with you all. With my new family."

Robby's grin matched hers, his arms still wrapped around her. "We're all here for you, always."

Johnny placed Laura back into Carmen's arms and stepped forward, giving Clementine a sincere look. "You're part of the family now, Clem. And you always will be. We're here for you-through all the ups and downs."

Clementine felt herself basking in the love and support around her. Her heart swelled, and for the first time in a long time, she felt truly free of the fear that had plagued her for so long. "Thank you all. I love you," she said softly, wiping at her eyes and laughing a little through the tears.

As the room filled with soft laughter and the warm chatter of family, Johnny's smile never wavered as he looked down at Laura, now cradled peacefully in Carmen's arms. "So, what do you think of the name Laura, Clem?" Johnny asked, his voice warm with pride.

"I think it's perfect," Clementine said with a soft smile. "She's already got the best family. She's going to grow up surrounded by love."

And as the family stood together in that hospital room, it was clear that everything they had been through, every challenge and obstacle, had brought them closer than ever. This was just the beginning of a new chapter-for all of them.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY HERE LMFAOOO
clem and robby<3

please please stop being a ghost reader!! and vote <3

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE. IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE JUST VOTE!!!!

PLEASE STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
i'm sorry for all the notifications but us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up but votes are not... its hard for my motivation!