𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓, Miguel Diaz

S04:E01

•~3rd person P.O.V~•
"I have to go potty, Mommy," Elaine whined, jutting out her bottom lip as she looked up at Rachel. They'd been driving for hours, it was no wonder that everyone was tired, hungry, thirsty, and needed a bathroom break. Rachel just couldn't believe it. Beatrice had driven them all over the country the whole time Rachel was in her custody. Apparently, Beatrice had heard of Rachel's fighting skills and then found out that some karate tournaments give out checks to their winners.

If Rachel wanted food for herself and her kids, as well as a roof over their heads, then she had to fight in tournaments around the country. She could hardly name all the places she'd been, mostly because they never stayed there quite long enough for Rachel to remember. When Beatrice arranged for Rachel to be at another tournament, they left whatever home they were renting and went on to another one. Luckily, for Beatrice, Rachel hadn't lost and Rachel had gained a lot of traction on the internet.

Rachel frequently did TV interviews and signed autographs but if one of her fans ever asked her if she'd seen the edit that they'd posted on TikTok about her, her answer was always no. As soon as Beatrice moved them into their first house, she took Rachel's phone and computer. Rachel was home-schooled, as was Elaine, and Beatrice had hired bodyguards that were always around. Rachel had no escape, and no way to tell people what was going on behind closed doors.

If Rachel rebelled, which was what she'd first tried when she started living with Beatrice, then Beatrice would either beat Rachel or threaten to beat Elaine. After Rachel had her baby, Kennedy Diaz, Beatrice started making sure that there was always a basement in their rented homes. Why? So if Rachel acted up, answered a question wrong in an interview, or even brought up anyone from before she lived with Beatrice, Beatrice could lock her inside the basement without food or water for four days. This was typically after beatings as well, so Rachel was already weakened beyond belief. Beatrice would set up cameras in the basement, and in the middle of the night, Rachel could sometimes hear Beatrice watching them whilst hysterically laughing.

But sometimes, times like now, Rachel had a sliver of hope. Rachel was back in San Fernando Valley because she was invited to participate in the All Valley Tournament. This also meant Rachel may have an opportunity to reach out to someone she knew. So she could get the help she needed. Rachel sighed as she looked around the all-too-familiar gas station. It was the gas station right next to the Cobra Kai dojo, which was currently empty, which led Rachel to believe that they weren't practicing that day. Beatrice was tuckered out from the car ride, so she stayed outside in her car while Rachel got food and drinks for everyone. She thought about running away, but she couldn't run too quickly with Kennedy's heavy car seat while holding Elaine. Even if she did, the police would just return her, because they needed evidence and not just simple bruises.

"Do you see that room, right there?" Rachel asked as she pointed in the direction of the girl's restroom. Luckily, it was a one-person bathroom, so Rachel didn't have to worry about some creep going inside with Elaine. Elaine nodded before she looked back at Rachel. "Hurry up and lock the door behind you, I'll wait for you upfront." Elaine nodded and sprinted off to the bathroom. Rachel was able to get Elaine to a healthy weight for her age, and she wasn't so afraid anymore. Mostly because Beatrice didn't hit her anymore, but Elaine always was on her best behavior anyways. Rachel had gathered all of the desired food and drinks into one tote bag as she started to go to the cash register when she heard a group of assholes.

"What are ya gonna do, LaPusso?"

"Would you just leave me alone?" Rachel tried to ignore them at first, telling herself that it wasn't her job to take up for anyone until she heard the boy's voice. The boy who was being picked on. She sighed, she couldn't not take up for Anthony LaRusso. He was like her little brother. Rachel walked up the aisle and grabbed one of the boys' arms, pressing on a known pressure point that made the boy fall.