chapter nineteen:
❛ downward spiral ❜

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Alessia sprawled on a lounger beside the shimmering pool, the sun overhead casting a golden glow that felt like a warm embrace. Her friends, Sam, Yasmine, and Moon, were positioned nearby, each of them enjoying the lazy afternoon in their own way. Alessia felt a lightness in her heart that she hadn't experienced in a while; she was starting to forge genuine connections with these girls. Moon was sweet and easy to talk to, her laughter infectious, while Yasmine, despite her uptight demeanor, was beginning to reveal her softer side. Alessia was determined to break through that shell, seeing potential for a meaningful friendship.

Sam and Alessia were both absorbed in their books, the pages fluttering occasionally in the soft breeze. Alessia glanced over at Sam, who seemed engrossed in her novel, a small smile playing on her lips. Their shared silence was comfortable, punctuated only by the distant sounds of splashes and laughter from other pool-goers. The smell of sunscreen mixed with the scent of warm concrete, creating a nostalgic atmosphere of summer freedom.

Suddenly, the moment was disrupted by the unmistakable presence of Anthony, Sam's younger brother. Alessia looked up to see him standing at the edge of the pool, his eyes wide and his mouth agape in a cartoonish expression of shock. His gaze was fixed on them, and Alessia couldn't stifle her laughter at how obvious his fascination was.

"Ew. Anthony, can you not stare at my friends?" Sam shot back, her voice teasing yet protective, a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips.

Anthony's face turned a deep shade of crimson, clearly flustered. "No, no, no, I wasn't, um, uh, staring," he stammered, scrambling for words as he shifted on his feet, clearly caught off guard.

The four girls exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. Alessia found it amusing how quickly he lost his cool, and her laughter blended with Moon's and Yasmine's, creating a symphony of teenage amusement. Anthony, feeling the weight of their collective gaze, mumbled a quick excuse before turning on his heel and sprinting away, his bravado crumbling as he fled.

"Such a dork," Moon giggled, shaking her head in mock disapproval as she glanced at Alessia, who couldn't help but smile at the scene. The light-hearted atmosphere felt like a bubble of joy around them.

Yasmine then turned to Sam, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "He's starting high school in the fall, right?" she asked, a conspiratorial tone creeping into her voice.

Sam nodded, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, why?"

"Let's torture him. Tell him later I asked if he's been working out," Yasmine suggested, her grin widening mischievously.

Alessia's eyes widened in mock horror, but she couldn't suppress a laugh. "That's so mean!" she exclaimed, shaking her head, though deep down, she found the idea amusing.

"Ew. You guys are so gross, and I want no part of this," Sam replied, though her smile betrayed her amusement at the playful banter.

"So, Sam, how's the whole eat, pray, love journey going?" Moon asked, tilting her head slightly, genuinely interested in her friend's well-being.

"Actually, better than I expected. It's been kind of nice to just focus on myself, without all the karate or relationship drama," Sam responded, her tone reflective as she allowed herself to sink into the conversation. Alessia could sense a relief in Sam's voice, an openness that felt like a weight had been lifted.

Just as they were settling into this more serious moment, a familiar voice rang out across the pool area, cutting through the lightheartedness. "Hey, babe!" Eli called out as he strolled over, Miguel by his side, both of them exuding casual confidence.

Alessia's heart sank at the sight, a knot tightening in her stomach. Babe? The term struck her like a thunderbolt, and she instinctively glanced at Moon, who greeted Eli with a warm wave, her expression brightening at his arrival. The realization hit Alessia like a tidal wave-Eli and Moon were back together. The air around them shifted, the joy they had been sharing momentarily overshadowed by this new development.

Moon let out a soft sigh of realization, glancing over at Sam and Alessia with a hint of disappointment. "Oh, I totally forgot that they were coming," she murmured, her eyes flickering between her friends and Eli.

"It's fine, really," Sam said quickly, her voice attempting to soothe Moon, though Alessia could sense the tension beneath her words. The atmosphere had shifted, the carefree vibe tinged with a hint of awkwardness.

Alessia felt a sudden wave of anxiety wash over her. She had avoided Eli since the All Valley, especially after confessing her lingering feelings for Robby. Standing there, watching Eli and Moon together, felt like an intrusion on her fragile sense of peace.

"I'm... gonna go find Robby," Alessia blurted out, her voice trembling slightly as she stood up abruptly. She couldn't bear to linger in the uncomfortable situation any longer. The air felt thick with unspoken words, and she needed to escape.

As she brushed past Eli and Miguel, she tried to maintain a facade of calm, but her heart raced with every step away from the group. The laughter and chatter faded into the background, replaced by the echo of her thoughts. She needed to clear her head, to find Robby and distance herself from the whirlwind of emotions that had suddenly engulfed her. The warmth of the sun and the laughter of her friends felt distant now, overshadowed by her internal turmoil.

Alessia stood by the entrance gate of the waterpark, her heart thrumming with anticipation as she watched people streaming in. The air was alive with laughter, splashes, and the faint sound of music, all under the bright sun that bathed everything in golden light. She leaned against the wall, her mind racing with thoughts of Robby. Her eyes darted around, searching for his familiar figure amid the crowd.

When she finally saw him walk through the entrance, a smile burst across her face like sunshine breaking through clouds. Robby looked effortlessly cool, his dark hair slightly tousled by the breeze, his casual attire accentuating his athletic build. She pushed herself off the wall, her excitement bubbling over as she sprinted toward him. Without a second thought, she launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

"Hey!" Robby chuckled, caught off guard but immediately melting into the embrace. He squeezed her back, his warmth enveloping her like a cozy blanket. "Are you okay?" he asked, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Yeah... just had an awkward moment with Eli. Him and Moon are back together," Alessia said, her voice shifting to a more serious tone as she recalled the tension of earlier.

Robby tilted his head, processing her words. "Isn't that good? He can move on," he said, trying to be supportive. He reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a small gesture that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

"Yeah, but... he liked me for years, and I kinda led him on," Alessia admitted, a frown tugging at her lips as she felt the weight of guilt settle in. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Eli, but her feelings for Robby had always been stronger.

Robby stepped closer, the intensity of his gaze piercing through her moment of doubt. "You guys are just in a rough patch. He'll get over it," he reassured her, the warmth in his tone helping to ease her worries, even if just a little.

"Anyway, I missed you," she said, her heart swelling as she looked up at him, hoping to steer the conversation back to lighter topics.

"I missed you too..." Robby replied, a smile spreading across his face that lit up his eyes. "Did you think about what I told you?" he asked, his voice softening, making her pulse race with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

Alessia's cheeks flushed at the memory of their last conversation weeks earlier, just after returning from the spa. She had been surprised by his confession that he still had feelings for her. "Yeah. I did..." she said slowly, feeling a rush of courage surge within her.

Before she could second-guess herself, she grabbed his face, pulling him down to her as she kissed him passionately. It was a moment that felt electrifying, filled with the sweetness of first love and the longing that had lingered between them. The world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in their own bubble.

From a distance, Eli stood frozen, his eyes widening as he watched the scene unfold. "Keene and Alessia are back together," he scoffed under his breath, disbelief and irritation boiling beneath the surface as he shook his head, unable to comprehend the sight before him.

Alessia finally pulled away, breathless, her long brunette hair catching in the wind and framing her face. "How was the trip with your dad?" she asked, eager to change the subject and redirect the attention to him.

Robby chuckled, still caught in the afterglow of their kiss. "That's what you say after you kiss me?" he teased, the lightness in his voice making her giggle.

"Come on, it's important!" she replied, playfully punching his shoulder, feeling the warmth of their connection spark anew.

"Will you be my boyfriend again, Robby Keene?" she asked, her voice dropping to a softer, more earnest tone, her heart racing as she waited for his response.

A wide smile broke out on Robby's face, sincere and bright. "I would love to be your boyfriend again, Alessia Chavez," he said, his words wrapping around her like a warm hug.

Alessia felt elated, her heart soaring at his answer. "So, how was the trip?" she prodded again, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

"It wasn't much of a trip... We had to get Miguel back, but for the most part, I think my dad and I are in a good place," Robby explained, a note of relief and happiness evident in his voice.

"That's amazing, Robby!" Alessia exclaimed, genuinely thrilled for him. She loved seeing him happy, knowing how much he had struggled with their past.

"What about you and your mom?" Robby asked, his expression shifting to concern as he focused back on her.

Alessia's smile wavered, the weight of reality crashing back down on her. "I... I actually haven't seen her in ages if I think about it," she said, her voice trailing off as worry crept in. "My sister and Matt have been working hard on their real estate business, so I've been watching my niece and nephew a lot. Haven't seen my mom around in a while."

Robby noticed the change in her demeanor, and he stepped closer, gently taking her hands in his. "Hey, hey," he said softly. "She's probably just busy trying to get her life back on track, Alessia. Don't worry," he reassured her, trying to offer comfort as the anxious look on her face tugged at his heartstrings.

"Yeah, yeah... you're right," Alessia gulped, forcing a smile even as the knot of worry tightened in her stomach.

"Wanna check out the Typhoon?" Robby suggested, his voice lifting with excitement, hoping to pull her out of her thoughts.

Alessia grinned back at him, her earlier anxieties starting to dissipate in the face of his enthusiasm. "Absolutely!" she replied, her spirits buoyed as they walked toward the entrance of the ride together, their fingers intertwined. The sound of laughter and splashes filled the air, and as they approached the ride, the thrill of adventure washed over her, promising a day filled with fun and memories that would overshadow any lingering doubts.

Alessia and Robby laid out together on the pool deck, the warmth of the sun soaking into their skin. The sounds of laughter and splashes filled the air as children darted between the pool and the water slides. Alessia rested her head on her folded arms, enjoying the light breeze and the sense of freedom that came with a day off. Robby was lying next to her, his eyes closed, a relaxed smile on his face as he basked in the summer heat.

But their moment of peace was suddenly disrupted. A heated argument erupted nearby, drawing Alessia's attention. She glanced over to see members of Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Fangs squaring off, voices rising in frustration. The tension between the two groups was palpable, and Alessia watched with a mixture of curiosity and concern as they gestured animatedly, clearly caught up in a dispute.

Robby stirred, lifting his head as he assessed the situation. "I'll be back," he said, pushing himself up from the lounge chair. He shot Alessia a reassuring look, one that conveyed his protective nature, before striding purposefully toward the unfolding conflict. Alessia nodded, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence, even as she tried to tune out the escalating noise.

As she turned her attention back to the waterpark, she let out a breath, trying to shake off the anxiety that the argument stirred within her. That's when she spotted him-her ex-boyfriend, Tommy. He was walking confidently across the pool deck, and her heart plummeted into her stomach. His presence sent a wave of mixed emotions crashing over her.

Tommy was dressed casually in a black tank top and bright red swim trunks, his hair tousled as he scanned the area. When their eyes met, a smirk crept onto his face, a look of mischief and familiarity that made her heart skip a beat. He began to walk towards her, his swagger evident, and Alessia felt a rush of panic. She instinctively scooted away from him, trying to create space, but he didn't seem deterred.

"Hey, haven't seen you since prom," Tommy said, sliding into the chair beside her with an air of nonchalance, as if they were old friends catching up rather than ex-lovers with a complicated history. He leaned back, his arms resting casually on the back of the chair, a confident grin plastered on his face.

"Still need me to hook you up, or are you still staying clean?" he asked, his tone teasing, a hint of arrogance in his voice. Alessia felt a wave of anger rise within her; she didn't want to be reminded of the mistakes she'd worked so hard to overcome.

"I would never go back to drugs," she shot back, her voice sharp as she glared at him. The intensity of her response surprised even her; she could feel her heart racing, the sting of old wounds resurfacing.

Tommy merely scoffed, unfazed by her anger. "Yeah, that's what they all say," he replied dismissively, waving his hand as if to brush her off. The contempt in his voice made her skin crawl.

"If you ever need me, you know where to find me," he added with a wink, his smirk widening as if he thought he was being charming. Alessia felt a surge of frustration and disgust; she hated how easily he could unsettle her.

"Get lost, Tommy," she snapped, her voice rising as she turned her body slightly away from him, wanting to escape the conversation. Just as she was about to get up, she noticed Robby approaching from the corner of her eye.

"Back off," Robby said, his voice low and firm as he stepped in front of Alessia, positioning himself between her and Tommy. There was a protective fierceness in his gaze that made Alessia feel both grateful and safe.

Tommy straightened up, a mocking expression crossing his face as he looked at Robby. "What's the matter, Keene? Is she off-limits now?" he shot back, clearly trying to provoke Robby while still maintaining that infuriating smirk.

"Don't talk to her," Robby replied, the edge in his voice cutting through the tension. His posture was tense, ready to defend Alessia at a moment's notice.

With a roll of his eyes, Tommy shrugged. "Whatever, good luck with that," he said, casting one last glance at Alessia before strutting away, his confidence unfazed by the confrontation.

As Tommy disappeared into the crowd, Robby turned back to Alessia, concern etched on his features. "Are you okay?" he asked, searching her face for signs of distress.

Alessia forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, I think I'm gonna go home, okay?" she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. The encounter had left her rattled, and she wanted nothing more than to escape the atmosphere of the waterpark.

Robby nodded slowly, his expression softening as he stepped closer, instinctively understanding her need for space while also wanting to be there for her. "I'll call you later," he promised, his tone gentle yet firm.

As Alessia gathered her things, the unease from her encounter with Tommy lingered in the back of her mind. She wanted to shake it off, but his words echoed in her head, taunting her. With one last glance at Robby, she felt a mix of gratitude and guilt, knowing he had stood up for her. "Thanks, Robby," she said quietly before turning to leave, hoping that the rest of the day would be better than this one.

ASH SPEAKS!

they're back together!!! yayy!!!

theres some foreshadowing in this chapter... for season 6🤭

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