The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 4

Isabelle pulled into a parking spot at the mini-mall in front of Cobra Kai. She looked over at Miguel, who was vibrating with excitement.

"You ready?" she asked, already knowing that he was absolutely ready to jump straight into training. She had tagged along with him to keep up her promise of unpaid labor.

Miguel nodded in her direction as he quickly rushed inside the dojo, eager for a new lesson from his sensei. Isabelle is not far behind.

Entering, she saw Johny Lawrence in the office, looking confused at some paperwork.

Giving a slight knock, she strolled in.

"What the hell are you doing here? I don't train girls," he snapped in her direction before continuing to glare at the documents in front of him.

"Good, because I don't take lessons from misogynistic assholes," she replied while rolling her eyes at the manchild in front of her, who was pouting at having to file paperwork. "I came because I promised Miguel I would help his dojo succeed. I am absolutely amazing at marketing, organization—"

"That sounds great, but this isn't some fancy castle where we need you to command everything, Elsa," he rudely cut her off as he started to lose his patience.

Isabelle deadpanned, "If you let me finish, you overgrown toddler. I was going to say I also know my way around paperwork. And based on the fact that you've been glaring at those documents for a few minutes, I'm guessing you need help."

Johnny contemplated her offer, struggling to understand all the legal jargon. If he had known opening a dojo would involve this much paperwork, he wouldn't have made such a rash decision.

Sighing, he conceded, "Fine, but I won't pay you."

"Yeah, Miguel, let me know if you won't. I have willingly signed up for unpaid labor. Now get out of here and teach Miguel some karate while I clean up in here."

~

A few weeks have passed since Miguel started his intense lessons. He was improving rapidly due to Johny's training. They were currently sparring while Isabelle worked in the office. She had successfully reorganized the space so it looked more put together. All the paperwork was completed and filed. Isabelle was even able to start a Cobra Kai Instagram account, which quickly grew in popularity.

Her head snapped up as she heard a deafening groan of pain from the front of the dojo. She stepped out of the office and saw Miguel bent over, holding his ear. Isabelle gave Johny a questioning glance.

He simply turned to Miguel, "No, it's fine. Don't be a baby."

Isabelle rolled her eyes, his way with words never failing to impress her. Suddenly, a group of women wandered into the dojo. Now, it was Johny's turn to give her a questioning glance.

"Don't look at me like that. I had to sublet the space for a few hours to make ends meet. It's not my fault you have continuously failed to bring in more students," she said cheekily, causing Miguel to let out a surprise laugh. For the past few weeks, Isabelle and Johny have been bantering like crazy. Johny finds her sass to be annoying, while Isabelle just likes pissing Johny off with her flippant attitude.

~

Isabelle never liked Robby's mom. In fact, she hated both of Robby's parents for how they treated him. But right now, she really hates his mom.

"Listen, I know that you're super bummed out that tonight, but, you know, I'm trying to meet that special someone," Shannon told Robby, shimmying side to side in a fancy cocktail dress, ready to go out and party. "You're only getting older and bigger, and sooner or later, you're gonna leave me for a life filled with excitement. And, I mean, you have Isabelle. I have no one. And you don't wanna leave your mama alone, do you?" Shannon grabbed Robby's face and caressed his cheek with her thumb. Her actions make Isabelle scowl as Shannon obviously manipulates Robby into feeling guilty so she can go out.