chapter twenty-five:
❛ the prize ❜

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

tw: self harm and mentions of drugs

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

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Alessia's heart was heavy as she walked through the quiet neighborhood. The early morning air was crisp, the sun barely rising over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the streets. She had woken up early, a quiet resolve building in her chest. It had been a while since she had seen her mom, Zoe, and the thought of it gnawed at her. Her mom had been sober for a while after years of struggle, but it had been hard, so hard for Alessia to stay away. But after everything that had happened with school, her friends, and the mess of emotions she could barely hold together, she thought seeing her mom again might give her some sort of clarity.

She reached the familiar front door and hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the handle. Memories of her childhood came flooding back, of days spent in this house, of times when things had felt normal before everything had fallen apart. With a deep breath, Alessia pushed the door open.

The smell hit her first. It wasn't the comforting scent of home she remembered-fresh laundry, the smell of her mom's perfume-but something stale. Something wrong. The house was unnaturally quiet, the kind of silence that made everything feel heavier. She called out softly, her voice barely a whisper, "Mom?"

No response.

Alessia stepped further inside, glancing around. The house felt off, like it was still asleep even though it was morning. As she walked through the living room, she saw her mom lying on the couch, sprawled out in a way that made Alessia's stomach twist. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the empty bottle of liquor on the coffee table and her mom's disheveled state.

Zoe was passed out cold, her hair tangled and her face flushed. Her clothes were wrinkled and dirty, a telltale sign of how far she had fallen. The bottle of vodka beside her was half-empty, the lid haphazardly tossed to the side. Alessia's stomach flipped, and she gasped, the shock and the overwhelming anger flooding her chest all at once.

"Oh my God, Mom..." Alessia whispered under her breath, her heart pounding in her ears. She clenched her fists by her sides, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill.

She wanted to scream. To shout. To throw something, to make her mom wake up and face the reality of what she had done. But instead, Alessia felt a cold anger wash over her-anger mixed with fear, with disappointment, and with the painful realization that her mom had relapsed.

"Mom! Mom, wake up!" Alessia's voice was louder now, a sharp edge to it as she shook her mom's shoulder. Her mom barely stirred, mumbling something incoherent in her sleep, her body limp and unresponsive. The sight of her mother-this version of her mother-was something Alessia couldn't bear. She was supposed to be better. She was supposed to be okay.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and Alessia couldn't stop the flood of emotion that hit her all at once. Her throat tightened, the words of frustration and hurt pouring out before she could stop them.

"Why the hell would you do this again, Mom?" Alessia shouted, her voice cracking with anger and betrayal. "I need you! You promised you wouldn't do this anymore!"

The sharpness in her voice seemed to break through to her mom, who groggily stirred, blinking against the harsh light of the morning. Her eyes fluttered open, and when they met Alessia's, there was a brief moment of confusion, then guilt. Her mother's face was pale, and her eyes were bloodshot, but the shame in them was undeniable.

"Alessia?" Zoe mumbled, her voice rough from the alcohol and sleep. "What... what time is it?"

Tears spilled down Alessia's cheeks as she stared at her mom, fury and sadness mixing in a torrent inside her. "Don't you dare ask me what time it is! You've been passed out on the couch, drunk again. After everything..." Her voice trailed off as the weight of the situation settled over her. "I thought... I thought we were past this."

Zoe's eyes shifted uncomfortably, and she groaned softly, her hand lifting weakly to her forehead. "I'm sorry, honey... I didn't mean to... I just needed to... just needed a little something..."

"A little something?" Alessia repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "You're throwing away everything again. You don't get to just relapse when it's convenient for you. You promised me, Mom."

Zoe's face twisted with guilt, but she didn't say anything. She just lay there, her eyes closing again, her body sinking back into the couch.

Alessia's heart shattered. She had tried so hard to convince herself that her mom had really changed, that everything was fine, that she could handle it. But now it was clear-Zoe hadn't changed at all.

Alessia let out a shaky breath, and then, almost instinctively, she knelt beside the couch. She wasn't going to let her mom stay here, passed out and lost in the haze of alcohol. She didn't want to be angry anymore. She just wanted her mom to be okay again, the way she used to be, the way they had both hoped for.

With shaking hands, Alessia gently shook her mother again, this time quieter, more urgent. "Mom... you need to get up. Please. Please, just get up. I can't do this alone."

It took a few moments, but eventually, Zoe's eyes flickered open again, though she seemed far from fully awake. Alessia's hands were shaking as she helped her mom sit up, her body limp and uncooperative, but Alessia couldn't let her fall back into the darkness. She couldn't let her give up.

"I'll help you upstairs," Alessia said softly, her voice trembling as she gently placed an arm around her mother's shoulders. Zoe didn't argue, but her face was pinched with discomfort, and she barely seemed aware of what was happening.

Slowly, painfully, Alessia helped her mom stand, guiding her through the house. Every step felt like a battle, every part of her body screaming with the weight of it all. But she kept going, one step at a time, holding her mom up even when it felt like everything might collapse.

When they finally made it upstairs, Alessia tucked her mom into bed, her heart heavy with the sadness of the situation. She sat beside her, running her fingers through her mom's tangled hair, a small act of comfort despite the circumstances. The house was still quiet, and all Alessia could hear was the sound of her own breathing, shaky and uneven.

As she sat there, watching her mom sleep, Alessia felt a deep, familiar ache in her chest, an ache that wasn't just about the relapse. It was about the years of broken promises, of lies and pain, and of trying so hard to fix something that wasn't hers to fix.

She stood up slowly, wiping her eyes as she left the room, her fingers lingering on the doorframe for a moment longer than necessary. Then, with a heavy heart, she walked out, knowing there was nothing she could do except wait, hope, and pray that one day, her mom would truly come back to her.

Alessia stood alone in the school bathroom, her back against the cold tiles as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The fluorescent lights above buzzed faintly, adding to the heavy stillness in the room. Her breaths came in shallow bursts, each inhale feeling tighter than the last. Her chest was a vice, constricting with every breath, and the thought of leaving the bathroom and facing the hallway, facing anyone, felt impossible.

Her eyes flickered to the band-aid on her finger, the one she had hastily applied earlier when she had cut herself. It had felt like a quick fix, a way to mask the bleeding-both physical and emotional. But now, as the anxiety swirled around her, the tightness in her chest grew heavier, and her finger itched for release. Her hand reached instinctively for the band-aid, fingers trembling as she slowly peeled it off, the adhesive catching against her skin.

For a split second, the sting of the band-aid pulling free grounded her, bringing her back to the present. Her finger, still raw from the cut, throbbed as the cool air of the bathroom hit it. Her pulse quickened, the dull ache in her finger feeling like a lifeline amidst the chaos in her mind. She didn't think, she just acted. Pressing her finger to the side of the sink, she pressed down on the wound. The sharpness of the pain was almost a relief, a momentary distraction from the rush of panicked thoughts.

Blood began to well up around the edges of the cut, small droplets running down her finger in a way that felt almost soothing-like it was purging something from within her. It wasn't enough, though. It never felt like enough. But it was something she could control.

Her eyes wandered back to the small bag on the counter, the band-aids inside barely visible. With shaky hands, she fumbled to grab a fresh one, quickly pressing it back onto her finger. The coolness of the band-aid against her hot skin brought a momentary sense of calm. But only for a second. Her heart still raced, and the tightness in her chest hadn't dissipated.

She stood there for a long moment, gripping the edge of the sink, staring at her reflection again. Her eyes were wide, glossed over, like she couldn't fully focus on anything around her. Her breathing was still erratic, but she tried to steady herself. Just breathe, she told herself, over and over. It didn't work. The air felt thick in her lungs, her chest heavy with a suffocating mix of anxiety and fear she couldn't quite name.

After what felt like an eternity, Alessia forced herself to move. She straightened her back, took one slow, shaky step forward, then another. The tension in her body made each movement feel like she was wading through molasses, but she pushed herself onward. She couldn't stay in here forever. She had to leave, to pretend like everything was fine.

Pushing open the door, she stepped into the hall. The noise of students walking by, laughing, talking, all seemed too loud, too bright. Her mind felt far away from the bustling world around her. She needed a moment to collect herself, to escape.

As she walked down the hall, trying to focus on her breathing, her shoulder collided with someone.

"Hey, Alessia, watch where you're-" Eli started, but his voice trailed off when he saw the look on her face. His brows furrowed, a flicker of concern crossing his features.

Alessia froze. For the first time since stepping out of the bathroom, she realized just how much she had been trying to avoid everything. The panic that had gripped her tightened again, but this time, her thoughts became sharper. She was caught. And she could feel it in the way Eli was looking at her-like he was about to ask something she wasn't ready to answer.

Miguel, Demetri, and Eli stood before her now, all three of them waiting for her to say something. She could feel their eyes on her, like they were waiting for her to snap out of it. Miguel offered a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. There was concern there too. Alessia felt the weight of their attention, their expectations, and she swallowed, pushing her feelings down once more.

"We're going to check out the campus," Miguel said, his voice calm, casual. But there was something in his tone that felt like an invitation. "You wanna come with us?"

Alessia blinked, her thoughts suddenly spinning. Campus? Right, the campus. The very idea of being outside, of doing something normal, was almost too much. But it was an escape, wasn't it? A distraction.

Her lips parted as she stammered, trying to form a response. "Uh, sure. I'll come," she said quickly, her voice strained, but she forced herself to smile. The words didn't come out naturally, like they usually would. They felt forced, like a lie that wasn't even hers.

Eli's eyes softened, but his gaze didn't leave hers. He studied her for a moment, and Alessia's stomach dropped. His expression was full of concern, not the usual playful teasing he gave her. He looked at her like he was seeing through the mask she tried so hard to keep on.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice quiet, and for the first time, his tone wasn't lighthearted. There was genuine worry there, and it made Alessia feel exposed, vulnerable. She wanted to lie. She wanted to say yes, that everything was fine, that she was fine.

But she couldn't. Not when Eli was looking at her like that.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, forcing the words out. The smile on her face felt brittle, like it would crack if she held it up for too long. "Just... just tired. It's nothing."

But Eli didn't look convinced. He didn't even blink, his gaze staying fixed on her face. There was something in the way he was looking at her, a mixture of concern and something else, something deeper, like he knew she was lying.

Alessia looked away first, breaking the connection, and took a step back. "Let's go, yeah? I mean, it'll be fun, right?" she asked, her voice a little too high-pitched. The words came out too quickly, too forced.

Miguel and Demetri exchanged a glance but said nothing, probably sensing the tension but not wanting to make it worse. They both nodded, giving Alessia a warm but confused smile. "Alright, then," Miguel said with a soft chuckle. "Let's go check it out."

Eli, still eyeing her carefully, didn't move. He glanced at her again, a furrow in his brow. He seemed unsure, his suspicion clear. But he didn't push. Not yet.

The group started walking down the hall, but Alessia couldn't shake the feeling that Eli was still watching her, waiting for her to crack, for her to admit that she wasn't fine.

The whole way, Alessia focused on keeping her steps steady, on pushing the panic down and pretending like everything was okay. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't ignore the feeling that Eli was still watching, still waiting for her to come clean.

Alessia followed the group outside, her curls whipping wildly in the breeze as they made their way across the College of the Valley campus. The sun was shining brightly, warming the earth beneath her feet, but it did little to lighten the heaviness that weighed on her chest. Her thoughts were a storm of anxiety, swirling with the ever-present tension of the Sekai Taikai, her mom's relapse, and the constant pull of her old habits, the urge to return to the numbness of drugs creeping beneath the surface. She could feel her pulse quicken, her chest tightening as she tried to push those thoughts away, but they lingered like a shadow she couldn't escape.

The tour guide, a young man in khakis and a College of the Valley polo shirt, walked ahead of them, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm as he gestured to the nearby building. "And here, we have our multi-level library," he said with a pride that could only come from someone who had spent countless hours in its walls. "It's the fourth largest in the San Fernando Valley!"

Demetri, his arms crossed over his chest, snorted dismissively, rolling his eyes. "What are we doing here?" he muttered. "If the University of Phoenix wasn't online, it'd probably look like this."

Clementine, walking a few steps ahead, nodded in agreement, her voice cutting through the air with blunt honesty. "Yeah, I'm not going to college," she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. She shrugged, her tone nonchalant but tinged with bitterness. "Probably won't even get in anywhere, considering my juvenile record."

Eli, walking beside Alessia, patted his best friend on the back, his tone trying to offer reassurance. "You never know, Alessia," he said, though his words felt empty, like they didn't quite reach her. Before she could respond, a loud crash shattered the moment, followed by the sound of feet skidding across pavement.

Alessia's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. She turned just in time to see the tour guide being slammed to the ground, his body hitting the dirt with a sickening thud. Without thinking, Alessia burst into laughter, the absurdity of the situation taking over her. Her hand flew to her mouth as she tried to stifle her giggles. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed, her laughter ringing out in the still morning air.

The chaos seemed to spiral out of control in an instant. Kyler, one of the last people Alessia wanted to see, jogged over with a grin on his face, his eyes bright with mischief. He shoved the guy who had knocked down the tour guide, his voice laced with that same cocky arrogance she remembered so well. "Oh, sick grab, boy!" Kyler shouted, laughing at the spectacle. His sidekick, Brucks, was right behind him, grinning with equal enthusiasm.

Alessia's mind raced, trying to place the faces in front of her. Her memories from freshman year were foggy, clouded by the haze of her addiction, but she could still vaguely remember the two of them-Kyler and Brucks-doing unspeakable things. The memory of them dunking Demetri's head into a toilet surfaced, and Alessia felt a flash of anger at the way they had treated her friends.

"You just got brucksed!" Kyler shouted, clearly pleased with the scene he had created, while the tour guide struggled to get back on his feet.

Kyler turned toward the group, his eyes scanning them, before his smirk widened. "Oh, what's up, guys?" he asked, his voice dripping with that same familiar arrogance.

Miguel was the first to respond, his voice laced with disbelief as he shook his head. "Do you go here?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and disdain.

Kyler chuckled, shaking his head dismissively as if the question was beneath him. "Nah, it's more like this school goes to me, you know what I mean?" he said, the cocky smirk never faltering.

Eli, standing close to Alison, hesitated before speaking up. His voice was cautious, unsure how to approach the situation, especially with the tense history between him and Brucks. "What's up, Brucks? You... you look good, man," Eli said, his words slow, almost as if he was testing the waters.

Brucks grinned, flashing his new set of teeth like they were a badge of honor. "Thanks, man. All new teeth," he said, his grin widening.

Alessia's brows furrowed, her confusion palpable as she glanced over at Demetri for some kind of explanation. "When you were in juvie and during Eli's Red Hulk phase, he beat Brucks up," Demetri explained, his voice low and full of that familiar awkwardness that always seemed to surround him in these situations.

Alessia's eyes widened in shock. She had heard about Eli's Red Hulk phase, of course, but to know that he had been involved with Brucks was something else entirely. The idea of Eli, who was so different now, having been that aggressive in the past, was hard to reconcile.

Eli rubbed the back of his neck, his voice soft as he tried to apologize, though the words felt strained. "Yeah, I'm really sorry about that, dude," he said, his gaze flicking to Brucks. "I was in a bad place back then, and-"

Brucks waved it off casually, his chuckle coming easily, as if it was all water under the bridge. "It's all good, buddy. Play karate games, win karate prizes, you know?" he said with a shrug, brushing off the tension in the air like it was nothing.

Kyler laughed beside him, clearly entertained by the awkward interaction, but Alessia felt completely out of place. She had never been a part of the karate wars that had so dominated the lives of the others. She had been too busy with her own battles, and now here she was, watching this strange reunion unfold before her. She couldn't help but feel like an outsider in a group that was, for the first time, beginning to feel like a family.

Brucks, trying to ease the awkwardness of the situation, gave Eli a nod. "Hey, it helped me get my life on track," he said with a grin, as though his past battles with Eli had somehow been the catalyst for his newfound success. "Ad meliora," he added, his voice light, "Toward better things."

Eli nodded, clearly relieved that Brucks wasn't holding a grudge, though his voice still held an edge of discomfort. "Sick," he said, his words feeling a little hollow as the awkwardness continued to hang in the air.

"See you at the house, Ky?" Brucks said, glancing at Kyler as if to say goodbye, before turning to walk away.

"Bet," Kyler replied, giving Brucks a fist bump, clearly pleased with the way the conversation had gone.

Miguel, still processing the information, raised an eyebrow and turned to Kyler. "So, you and Brucks both go here?" he asked, his voice full of disbelief.

Kyler shook his head with a smirk. "Nah, he's just visiting," he said, clearly enjoying the effect his words had on the group. "He goes to MIT."

Alessia's jaw practically dropped. She exchanged a wide-eyed look with Eli and Demetri, all of them struggling to wrap their minds around what they had just heard. Brucks? At MIT? It seemed impossible, considering the person he had been back in high school. The thought was so absurd that Alessia felt a bubble of disbelief rise in her chest.

Demetri blinked in shock. "I'm sorry, did you say MIT?" he asked, his voice sounding as if he couldn't believe it either.

Kyler nodded with a proud smirk. "Yeah, and he's killing it too," he added, clearly enjoying the reactions from the group.

Demetri shook his head in disbelief, his mind struggling to process the information. "That's... that's insane," he muttered.

Kyler, ever the social butterfly, threw an arm around Demetri's shoulders with a grin that seemed to stretch from ear to ear. "So what's up, guys? We hanging out or what?" he asked, clearly oblivious to the awkwardness in the air.

Alessia froze, standing in between Eli and Miguel, unsure of how to respond. The whole situation felt surreal-too strange, too awkward. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she let out a hesitant, "I-I guess?"

Eli gave her a side glance, his expression wary. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice serious. "There'll probably be booze and drugs, Al," he warned her, his gaze fixed on her with concern.

Alessia shrugged, her heart a tangled mess of confusion. She wasn't sure what she was doing anymore, whether she should go along with it or turn away from everything she knew would pull her back under. But in that moment, she couldn't bring herself to say no.

Eli raised an eyebrow, his concern evident. "You sure?" he asked again, and Alessia could only nod, her mind racing with uncertainty.

Alessia stood frozen in the middle of the crowded sorority house, feeling like a fish out of water. The noise of the blaring music, the drunken laughter, and the chatter of students filled the space, creating a chaotic atmosphere she wasn't used to. The air was thick with a blend of alcohol and cheap perfume, the scent almost overwhelming her. She glanced around at the sea of strangers, most of whom were lost in their own reckless party world. The whole scene felt like a bad dream to her, one that she didn't quite belong in.

Her friends didn't seem any more at ease than she did. Eli, eyes wide in disbelief, was still stuck on the conversation about Brucks. He was staring across the room at him, standing tall at the center of a group, completely at ease as he laughed and chatted with people. "I can't believe Brucks got into MIT. And was he speaking Latin earlier?" Eli muttered, his voice thick with confusion. It was like everything he thought he knew about the guy had been flipped upside down.

Demetri, who had been leaning against the wall, looked over at Eli with a mischievous grin. "I don't know. Maybe your fists unlocked his dormant brain," he joked, referencing Eli's infamous confrontation with Brucks back when things were very different between them.

Alessia wasn't really listening to them. Her attention had shifted to the drink in her hand, a beer she had lied about to Eli. She told him it was just Coke, but she couldn't hide the way she kept chugging it. The cold liquid burned as it slid down her throat, numbing the weight that had been pressing on her chest for days. Deep down, she knew Robby would be furious if he knew what she was doing. He would probably leave her. Eli too. He'd been nothing but supportive, but right now, Alessia needed something-anything-to make the heaviness go away. She needed an escape.

Miguel, standing nearby, didn't look impressed by the party scene either. His gaze flickered across the room, landing on Kyler. He watched as Kyler flirted with a girl on the other side of the room, as if nothing ever fazed him. Despite the years of bad blood between them, Miguel couldn't help but feel irritated. "Even after everything, Kyler still lands on his feet," he muttered, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair. The contrast between Kyler's seemingly unscathed life and Miguel's own struggles was hard to swallow.

Just as the tension simmered between them, a loud voice cut through the noise, making everyone turn their heads. "Hey, shitbreath!" The group's attention snapped to Kyler, who was suddenly shoved hard by a guy much bigger than him. The force of the shove sent Kyler stumbling backward, his usual cocky smirk wiped off his face as he tried to regain his balance.

Alessia's lips curled into a smirk, a little bit of amusement flickering in her eyes as she watched the scene unfold. "Shit, Kyler's getting Kyler'd on by another guy," she remarked with a dry laugh, her voice slurring slightly from the alcohol. Her words were almost lost in the noise of the room, but she didn't care. The irony of it all was too much. "Karma has a funny way of showing up, doesn't it?" she giggled, feeling the buzz of the alcohol start to sink in, washing away her unease-for now.

The bigger guy didn't let up, towering over Kyler and pushing him around like a ragdoll. Kyler tried to put up a fight, but it was clear he was outmatched. His cocky attitude faltered, and his usual bravado seemed to evaporate under the pressure.

Miguel, despite his frustrations with Kyler, couldn't just stand by and watch him get humiliated. With a resigned sigh, he started to walk over, his gaze narrowing as he approached the two of them. He couldn't help himself-he had to step in.

Alessia raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between Miguel and the chaos in front of her. "Why is he helping him?" she muttered under her breath, confused and a little tipsy. She didn't get it. Why would Miguel step in to help Kyler, of all people? It didn't make any sense.

As Miguel approached the scene, Alessia couldn't help but feel like an outsider, detached from everything happening around her. The music, the laughter, the tension-it all felt so foreign to her now. The alcohol was doing its job, numbing her mind, but it didn't take away the gnawing feeling deep inside her. The feeling that no matter how much she tried to escape, she'd never truly be able to outrun her problems.

The party had swallowed Alessia whole. She found herself drifting through the crowd, her steps aimless as the music vibrated in her chest. Everywhere she turned, people were laughing, shouting, and dancing, their faces flushed with alcohol or some other high. The heat in the room made her head spin, and she felt suffocated by the noise, the pressure, the energy. It was too much, too overwhelming.

She needed a break. Her feet led her toward a hallway she didn't recognize, and without thinking, she pushed open a door, hoping for some solitude. Instead, she found herself in a dimly lit bathroom, the coolness of the tiles a sharp contrast to the chaos outside.

At first, it was quiet. Alessia leaned against the sink, taking a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her reflection in the mirror looked blurry, distorted by the fog of alcohol and her own exhaustion. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt truly okay, not since everything had fallen apart-her mom's relapse, her anxiety creeping back like an old friend, and the Sekai Taikai looming over her like an unshakable weight.

Just as she was about to walk out, she heard laughter from one of the stalls. Then the sound of a lighter flicking. A pungent smell began to fill the room, heavy and earthy.

She turned, her heart skipping in her chest as she saw two girls sitting on the floor in the corner, a joint between them, the smoke swirling lazily in the air. They hadn't noticed her yet, but one of them looked up, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"Hey," the girl called out, her voice soft but confident. "You wanna join?"

Alessia's throat tightened. She had to swallow hard before she could answer, her mind racing. The thought of joining them felt like a stupid, dangerous decision, but the idea of escaping for a moment, of getting away from everything that was suffocating her, was almost too tempting to resist.

The other girl, her eyes red and glassy, glanced up too. "You look like you could use a hit. Life's way easier when you're floating, you know?"

Alessia hesitated. She thought of Robby, his eyes pleading with her to stay clean, to not fall back into the same old habits. She thought of Eli, his constant concern for her, of how disappointed he would be if he knew what she was about to do. But the pressure of it all, the pressure to be perfect, to be strong-it felt too much to carry anymore.

With a shaky breath, she nodded. "Sure," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

The girls smiled, exchanging a look of approval. The first girl handed her the joint, her fingers lightly brushing Alessia's. "Just take a puff, not too much. You'll be fine," she instructed, her voice soothing in a way that made Alessia feel like everything was going to be okay.

Alessia took the joint from her, her hand trembling slightly. She sat down next to them, her legs tucked under her, and brought the smoke to her lips. The first inhale burned her lungs, a sharp sting that made her cough. She tried again, and this time the smoke seemed to settle in her chest, swirling in her body like a cloud.

At first, nothing happened. But then, it was like the world tilted slightly, the edges of her vision blurring just enough to make everything feel distant, like she was floating above it all. The music, the chatter, the weight of her life-it all felt farther away, less important. Alessia exhaled, watching the smoke drift out of her mouth, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease.

The girls giggled beside her, their voices blending with the sound of the party outside, but it felt so far removed now, like she was hearing it through a thick curtain. Alessia didn't speak, didn't need to. She just sat there, feeling lighter with each exhale, until the world felt like it was spinning, but in the most comfortable, effortless way.

She leaned back against the wall, her eyes closing for a moment, and for the first time in what felt like ages, she could breathe without the weight of her worries pressing down on her chest. Everything felt...soft. Like she was floating, suspended in a moment where nothing mattered.

And for once, that felt good.

Alessia sat at a table, surrounded by half-empty cups and the remnants of the chaotic drinking game. The music thumped in the background, vibrating the floor beneath her feet as she giggled and swayed slightly in her seat. Her mind was a foggy haze, the high still hanging on her like a cloud, making everything feel lighter, less urgent. The beer she had been sipping felt like liquid courage, the combination of it and the weed leaving her feeling detached from everything outside of the moment.

Kyler, grinning like a Cheshire cat, was sitting across from her, his hand poised over his cup. "You're going down, Alessia. You know that, right?"

Alessia raised an eyebrow, her buzzed confidence making her feel like she could do anything. "Nah, I think it's you who's going down," she shot back, her words slurring slightly. Her heart was beating a little faster now, but in that fun, lighthearted way that made her feel invincible.

Kyler laughed and took his shot, and Alessia followed suit, her mind fogging over as she threw back the alcohol. The game was stupid-just a simple flip cup-but in her state, it felt like the highest stakes imaginable.

The game came down to the final round. Kyler's turn, then hers. The pressure was on, but Alessia couldn't stop smiling. She focused on the cup, steadying her hand as best as she could. She flipped it with one smooth motion, watching as it landed perfectly, upright, and she couldn't help but burst into a loud, triumphant cheer.

"Yes!" she pumped her fist in the air, unable to contain her excitement. "I did it! I won!"

Kyler shook his head with a grin, holding up his hands in mock defeat. "Well, damn, firecracker. Didn't know you had it in you."

Alessia leaned back in her chair, basking in her victory as she laughed, the feeling of the alcohol and weed still swirling in her veins. She felt light and free, the world outside the game just a blur of colors and sounds.

But then, from the side, she heard a voice that cut through the fog of her mind.

"Alessia? Are you drunk?! Oh my god..." Eli's voice, thick with disbelief, rang out, sharp and clear.

Her eyes widened as she saw Eli standing there, his face a mixture of confusion and concern. His eyes flickered from her to the empty cups and then back to her, his gaze narrowing. "You relapsed, didn't you?"

Alessia's heart stuttered for a second. Her mind was spinning, trying to piece together what was real and what wasn't. She could feel the warmth of the alcohol still buzzing in her body, and the high that made everything feel too far away. But she knew how to play it off-she'd done it before.

She swallowed hard, fighting to steady her breathing. She gave Eli a wide-eyed, innocent look and grinned, her words slurring but her voice steady. "No, no, Eli. I'm just... just having fun, you know?" Her voice was casual, too casual, but she didn't care. She was good at this-good at pretending, at lying when she needed to. "I'm not drunk. Just... celebrating, you know? It's no big deal."

Eli's eyebrows furrowed, and he stepped closer, his voice a little more urgent now. "Alessia... are you sure? Because this doesn't look like celebrating. You've been drinking, and you're high. What's going on with you?"

Alessia laughed, the sound a little too loud. "What? Oh, come on, Eli. I'm fine, seriously. You're just... overreacting." She waved him off, trying to focus on anything but the way her heart was beating a little too fast. She didn't want him to see through her, didn't want him to know that inside, everything felt like it was slipping.

Kyler, sensing the tension, leaned back in his chair, watching the exchange with mild amusement. He wasn't going to get involved, not when he was having his own fun. But Alessia could feel his eyes on her, almost like he was waiting for her to crack.

Eli's gaze softened, but he didn't seem convinced. "I'm not overreacting, Alessia. I'm worried about you." His voice was quieter now, like he was trying to reach her through the fog she'd wrapped herself in.

Alessia swallowed, her heart pounding in her ears. She leaned back slightly, doing her best to look casual, to make the lie sound like the truth. "I'm good, Eli. I swear. Just a little buzzed, but not drunk. Just... trying to have a good time, that's all."

Eli's expression hardened for a moment, but Alessia could tell he wasn't buying it. "You're not fine, Alessia. I can tell when you're not okay. You're not fooling me."

She quickly stood up, her legs a little unsteady, and gave him a bright smile, even though her stomach was in knots. "I'm fine, really. You're just... just being a worrywart." She walked past him, her steps a little too fast, a little too erratic. "I'll be fine, Eli. I'm just having fun, okay? I'll talk to you later."

Before he could respond, she was already out the door, her heart racing in her chest. The moment the door shut behind her, she let out a shaky breath, trying to shake off the tension. She had lied-and she had done it well-but the guilt was already crawling up her spine, reminding her that she was walking a dangerous line.

Miguel practically dragged Alessia across the crowded room, weaving through bodies as the pulse of bass-heavy music vibrated through their bones. Alessia stumbled slightly, her mind still floating from the high, but she managed to keep up. As they reached the back corner, where Kyler was lounging confidently like he owned the place, she felt a sense of relief. Kyler was always good for a distraction, especially when he was in the middle of one of his infamous rants.

Kyler was holding court with a group of guys, gesturing wildly as he spoke. His voice cut through the noise. "I don't know nothing about Stanford or NYU, Rhea and Firecracker, but this place is lit! So, Rhea, when you get here next year, I'm gonna have it on lockdown." He grinned, clearly proud of himself, his cocky attitude filling the space around him. He used the nickname Firecracker for Alessia with some weird affection, a name she'd never quite gotten used to.

Miguel shot Kyler a skeptical look, arms crossed. "You sure you're getting into this frat?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. His voice was dripping with doubt, clearly unimpressed.

Kyler puffed out his chest, as if the question had personally insulted him. "Am I sure? Bro, does the Pope shit with a funny hat?" He threw his hands up in exaggerated surrender, clearly thinking that comment would settle everything.

Alessia sighed dramatically, already tired of Kyler's antics. She rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to cut through the nonsense. "Kyler, we gotta tell you something-"

But before she could finish, a hulking figure appeared in the doorway. Skeeter, one of the frat leaders, stomped over, his face twisted in a scowl. He was massive, towering over the group, and the look he gave Kyler was nothing short of furious.

"Where's my vacuum?" Skeeter's voice cut through the chaos of the party, loud and sharp, demanding attention. He was clearly pissed, and the way he glared directly at Kyler made it clear that something was about to go down.

Kyler's smug expression faltered for just a split second before he muttered under his breath, "Oh, shit." He realized instantly that he was in trouble.

Skeeter pointed to the floor, where the remnants of snacks, popcorn, Takis, and crushed cans were scattered like confetti. "Yo, vacuum. Clean this up," Skeeter barked, his tone dripping with hostility.

Kyler, not wanting to look weak, crossed his arms and shrugged, trying to act unaffected. "Nah, man, I'm good." He tilted his head back slightly, clearly acting as though cleaning up was beneath him.

But Skeeter wasn't having it. His voice rose in anger. "Hey!" He yelled so loudly that people around them paused to see what was happening. The entire room went silent for a moment, tension thick in the air. Alessia jumped at the sudden outburst, her body stiffening.

Skeeter took a step closer, his breath hot and foul as he leaned down to Kyler's face. "Listen, Shitbreath," he spat, his voice low and threatening. "You want in? Get on the ground and be the vacuum." He motioned toward the mess on the floor with a cruel smile. The way he smirked at Kyler sent a chill down Alessia's spine, but she couldn't look away. She had never seen someone humiliate Kyler like this.

Miguel, sensing things were about to spiral, stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Is he actually getting in?" he asked, glancing at Skeeter with a cool, almost clinical gaze. He wasn't going to let Kyler get humiliated without at least trying to find out what the hell was going on.

Skeeter turned on Miguel, sneering. "How about you stay out of this?" he shot back, his arrogance unmistakable.

Alessia rolled her eyes, nudging Miguel with her elbow. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, shit. Miguel, you gonna let this dickhead talk to you like that?"

Miguel, however, didn't seem phased. He just shot her a look as if to say, not now, but Alessia could tell he was about to step in. And she wasn't sure if that made things better or worse.

Kyler, realizing the situation was going downhill fast, let out a long, defeated sigh. With a reluctant grimace, he got down on all fours, looking humiliated but trying to maintain his dignity. "Suction mode, on," Skeeter jeered, grabbing Kyler by the ankles and making a mockery of the entire situation.

Alessia watched in disbelief, her eyes widening as Kyler started to eat the snacks off the floor. She could feel her stomach churn in disgust, but there was no stopping it now. She raised a hand to her forehead, shielding her face in embarrassment. "Okay, this is just sad," she muttered under her breath, trying to block out the sight.

Miguel had had enough. He stepped forward and shoved Skeeter off of Kyler, his voice sharp and demanding, "Enough!" The crowd around them turned their attention to the sudden movement, unsure of what was going to happen next.

Kyler scrambled to his feet, wiping his mouth and spitting out the remnants of what he'd been forced to eat. He looked at Miguel with a mix of confusion and relief, not fully understanding what was going on.

Miguel wasn't backing down. He locked eyes with Skeeter, his voice cold and unwavering. "Why don't you tell him the truth?"

Skeeter scoffed, feigning ignorance. "The truth about what, man?" he sneered, clearly enjoying the power he held over Kyler.

Kyler, still recovering from the humiliation, glanced between Skeeter and Miguel, utterly lost. "What's happening? What truth?" His confusion was written all over his face.

Miguel stepped closer, his jaw tight. "The truth is that you are never, and I mean never, getting into this frat," he declared, the words slicing through the tension in the room.

Skeeter's smirk widened as he crossed his arms. "Yeah, we had a good run, but you? You're never getting in here. Not a chance."

Kyler's face dropped, the realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. For a moment, he looked completely defeated, his bravado shattered. Alessia almost felt bad for him, but the shock of it all was too much to ignore.

The room fell silent for a brief moment, the tension thick in the air as everyone waited to see how Kyler would react. Then, to everyone's surprise, he straightened up, his jaw clenched in defiance. "Your loss," he muttered, shaking his head as he walked past Skeeter, trying to salvage what little pride he had left.

As he passed, a girl carrying a drink walked by. Kyler, with a surprising burst of confidence, grabbed her cup and, without a second thought, poured it over Skeeter's head.

Alessia's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in surprise. Then, without missing a beat, she let out a triumphant cheer. "Hell yeah!" she shouted, adrenaline pumping through her veins.

Skeeter, now drenched and furious, swung a punch at Kyler, but Kyler, quicker than anyone expected, blocked it, twisting Skeeter's arm behind his back in one swift motion. "Bitch, don't you know I know karate?" Kyler growled, his newfound confidence shining through.

With that, he landed a solid punch right to Skeeter's jaw, sending him stumbling into the nearest wall. The entire room erupted into chaos.

"Oh, it's on!" Alessia yelled, a wild grin spreading across her face. She was high, drunk, and riding the rush of the moment, but she didn't care. With her adrenaline spiking, she charged toward a group of guys who had been watching the fight with too much enthusiasm.

"Step off!" she shouted, pushing one of the guys who had been about to jump in on the fight. He stumbled back in surprise, but Alessia didn't wait for him to recover. She shoved him again, hard, knocking him into his friend, who tried to grab her. Without thinking, she swung her elbow into his stomach, making him double over in pain.

The other guy tried to pull her back, but Alessia was too fast. She spun on her heel, kicking him square in the chest, sending him crashing into the couch. The room was a blur of bodies and chaos as she fought off anyone who dared get too close, her movements fueled by the rush of the moment, the alcohol, and the high.

Miguel watched in stunned silence as Alessia, wild-eyed and fearless, took on the group of guys, each move more intense than the last. He wasn't sure whether to stop her or cheer her on, but one thing was for sure-he wasn't going to get in her way now.

Just as the chaos reached a fever pitch, a deafening crash echoed across the room. Alessia whipped her head around, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw Brucks, one of the biggest guys she'd ever seen, hurl a frat brother into a table. The table splintered on impact, its wood shattering with a loud crack that sent debris flying into the air. For a split second, the entire room seemed to freeze, before chaos erupted in full force.

"Hell yeah!" Alessia screamed, her voice full of excitement as the energy in the room surged. She was drunk, but the sight of Brucks taking control of the situation sent an electric jolt through her.

"Get Brucksed!" Brucks bellowed, his chest puffed out like a warrior claiming victory, his voice booming over the noise. His words were met with roars of approval, and the crowd erupted into cheers as the frat brother he had slammed to the ground groaned in confusion, trying to pick himself up from the wreckage.

"Yeah!" Miguel, Demetri, Hawk, and even Kyler joined in, their voices rising in unison. It was as if the wild energy of the room fed into them, transforming them into a unified force of pure chaos. Everyone around them was either laughing or shouting, feeding off the adrenaline that surged through the air. The situation was spiraling out of control, but it felt exhilarating.

In the midst of the madness, a voice, shaky and unsure, cut through the noise. "Someone should call campus security!" The words seemed to hang in the air, but instead of calming the situation, they only heightened the tension. Alessia's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't about to get caught in the middle of some big, expensive campus scandal.

"Boys! Time to go!" she shouted, her voice sharp and authoritative, cutting through the growing confusion like a knife. She shot a quick glance toward the door, her instincts kicking into high gear. The sirens were getting louder. They needed to get out, fast.

Without another word, Miguel, Demetri, Hawk, and Kyler exchanged a glance and then, like a well-rehearsed routine, they began shoving through the crowd, pushing past stumbling bodies and confused onlookers. Alessia was right on their heels, her heart pounding in her chest as she darted between people, her breath coming in short bursts.

They barreled toward the door, barely squeezing through the throng of partygoers, their laughter mingling with the sounds of chaos. The entire house seemed to be in disarray, some people still cheering while others were frantically trying to figure out what was happening. But none of that mattered now.

As they reached the front porch, Alessia glanced back to see Brucks throwing another guy into a wall, his laughter booming as the crowd cheered him on. The sirens were closing in, and Alessia felt the rush of adrenaline as they turned and bolted into the night. The cool air hit her face like a slap, but it only made her heart race faster.

Their footsteps echoed in the street as they sprinted away from the chaos they'd left behind, the sound of their laughter and energy filling the quiet night. The world felt as though it had paused, the night still young and filled with possibilities. They were free-just for the moment.

Alessia's voice rang out one last time in the night air. "Best night ever," she said, breathless but elated, her grin stretching from ear to ear. The rest of the group roared in agreement, their adrenaline-fueled laughter echoing in the distance as they disappeared into the darkness.

The food court buzzed with the usual college hustle-students chatting, the clink of trays, and the low hum of music playing overhead. Alessia sat alone at a table, her hands wrapped around a bottle of water. She took slow, deliberate sips, trying to clear the fog in her mind, but the headache from the alcohol and weed still lingered. It wasn't the first time she'd mixed the two, but it sure felt like the worst.

As she exhaled, trying to steady herself, the door to the food court opened, and she felt a familiar presence before she even saw him. Eli walked in, scanning the area until his eyes landed on her.

Her heart sank.

He didn't waste any time. "Alessia," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the noise. "We need to talk."

She froze, her grip tightening on the water bottle. "Not now, Eli," she muttered, hoping he'd just leave her alone.

But he wasn't backing down. Eli approached the table, his face a mixture of concern and frustration. He didn't sit, instead standing over her like a looming figure. "What happened last night?" he demanded. "You went off the rails, and now you're here looking like you're trying to sober up."

Alessia sighed, but the guilt weighed heavy in her chest. She looked up at him, but her eyes were sharp, defensive. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not," Eli shot back, crossing his arms. "You were wasted, Alessia. And now you're sitting here trying to act like nothing happened. You're gonna tell me the truth. Now."

Alessia's jaw clenched, and she leaned back in her seat, pretending to look uninterested. "Okay, fine, Eli. I got drunk. And high," she said, her words coming out clipped.

Eli's expression faltered, his eyes searching her face. "Why?" he asked, his voice softening but still edged with disbelief.

Alessia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Why not? You wouldn't understand."

Eli leaned closer, frustration clear on his face. "Alessia, please. Don't lie to me." His voice cracked with raw concern. "Why did you do it?"

Her hands trembled as she fiddled with the water bottle, but she tried to keep her composure. "I just needed to escape, alright?" she snapped, her words sharper than she meant them to be. "I'm dealing with stuff."

Eli's gaze hardened, his tone pleading. "Alessia, come on. I don't want to find you dead one day or- or find you on my porch every day again. I can't go back to that. I won't."

The weight of his words hit her like a punch to the gut. Her heart dropped, but her anger flared up, defensive. "You think you can just control me, Eli? Huh? Just keep me locked in your little world where you decide what's best for me? You don't get to tell me how to live!"

Her chest tightened with frustration. She stood up abruptly, knocking her chair back. "I'm done."

Eli reached out, his voice cracking with desperation. "Please, Alessia. This isn't just about you. Robby and I care about you. We don't want to see you throw your life away."

Alessia froze in place, her breath catching in her throat. She turned to look at him, her gaze cold, eyes narrowed. "Don't," she spat. "Don't you dare use Robby like that."

Eli's voice dropped, laced with hurt. "I'm gonna tell Robby. I can't let you- I mean both Robby and I aren't gonna let you compete in the Sekai Takai if you keep this up."

The words hit her like a physical blow. Her pulse pounded in her ears, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze. She could feel her face burning with rage, her hands shaking at her sides. The thought of Eli betraying her trust like that, threatening to ruin everything she'd worked for, sent a cold fury rippling through her body.

"Fine," she snarled, her voice dripping with venom. "Go ahead and tell him. See how far it gets you."

Without waiting for him to respond, Alessia stormed out of the food court, her footsteps loud against the tiled floor. She didn't care about the consequences anymore. She didn't care about anything, not right then. Eli's words echoed in her mind, but she refused to look back.

And as she walked away, taking the risk of losing everything, she knew one thing for sure-she was done letting anyone control her. Not even Eli.

ASH SPEAKS!!

i feel so bad for alessia :(
soo she will not be participating in the sekai taikai. i want her to focus on her mental health because next chapter, she will... be sent back to rehab. spoiler yes, but alessias going through a lot. she will be in barcelona tho! just... just for tory though. you'll find out.

again, this is to spread awareness. in no way am i romanticizing this. she will be getting clean and sober again (it will be a bit of struggle but our girl alessia got this)

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