Cobra Kai [1]

Chapter Eight

They say poor people live a happier life because they are more grateful for the few things they have than the rich.

That's bullshit.

Whoever said that never had to wake up at 7a.m on the weekend to work in a Mexican restaurant in order to pay the bills when he was sixteen.

Unlike me today.

I close the door softly, trying not to wake up my mom or Brandon on the process. Tory stayed in today so I don't have to worry about feeding anyone.

The whole place is silent, it's still bright early on the morning and the neighbors are surely still asleep. Except for the landlord apparently.

I roll my eyes as I spot him coming out of the laundry room and I drop my head, trying to get past him as quietly as I can. I hate this man and it would ruin my entire day if I had to talk to him this early on the morning.

«Hey hey hey, isn't that Nichols?» I hear him greet and I freeze on the spot. Shit.

I turn around to face him and as I expected the usual cocky grin I want to punch away from his face is plastered in there.

«Oooh I got lucky, it's the pretty one.» His smirk widens and I'm suddenly feeling a wave of nausea.

«I gotta get to work.» I simply say.

«Of course, of course.» He starts coming closer, and my grip on my bag tightens. «I can't have you being late, you know how seriously I take ponctuality. Especially when it comes to rent.»

I sigh, I was expecting it of course. «Okay, I got it. I promise we're doing our best to pay it on time, Tory's working doubles and I have night shifts five days a week. We can't do more than that.» I try to reason.

«Of course you can. You'd do anything to protect your mother and brother now, wouldn't you.» He grabs a strand of my hair and start twirling it around his finger. «And in case you can't, there's something you can do to get on my good graces.»

I smack his hand away, barely restraining myself from kicking him in the balls. «We'll have your money. Until then stay the hell away from me and my family.»

He laughs before backing out, his hands raised in surrender. He was mocking me and I knew it but I couldn't do anything about it, not without risking him kicking me and my family out.

I shove my anger and disgust deep down and start walking towards the restaurant. I would gladly and easily beat him up for his dirty suggestions but I'd rather keep the sparring to a minimum, Tory is already on probation. I can't risk the same thing too or we would risk loosing custody of Brandon if anything happens to mom. And I'm not willing to take that risk.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I received the message at ten when I was at work and I've been restless ever since.

Mrs. Diaz:

Miguel is awake!!! He's going through some scanners and medical checks at the moment but you can come by later.

I told him about your visits and I think he'd really like to see you.

Love, Carmen.

An overwhelming sense of relief vibrates in my body at the words.

Miguel was alive.

Tears start to form in my eyes and I have to run to the bathroom and lock myself inside before breaking down in sobs.

Thank God he was alive, he made it through.

I didn't stay there for long, having work to do. But it felt great to let it out for once, all the sadness, anxiety and frustration of the past two weeks struck me at once. But I wash it all away as I wash my tear-filled face and take a deep breath while looking at the mirror.