The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 16

Sam skeptically took a sip of the green smoothie that Moon made. "It's good." She stated, awkwardly nodding her head to prevent herself from cringing at the taste.

Isabelle giggled from where she lay on the bed beside Moon. "I'm sure it is."

"It has fresh acai, organic kale, and free-trade hemp oil," Moon said excitedly, not noticing Sam's reaction.

Sam hesitated, "Hemp oil? This isn't going to get me high, is it?"

Moon giggled, "I don't think so. It's supposed to balance your kinetic energy."

"Do you have something for sore muscles? I haven't been able to feel my legs since yesterday morning. The director worked us so hard. I think we only got an hour's break overall for the fourteen hours we practiced," Isabelle groaned, stretching her legs out.

Sam chuckled at Isabelle's antics, "I'm glad you called us Moon. I missed us hanging out." Moon smiled, glad to have two of her close friends back.

"Ugh, I love girl friendships. So much better than guy friendships," Isabelle said, blowing kisses at them.

Moon furrowed her brow, "What do you mean? I thought you were doing good with everyone."

"I am. It's just..." Isabelle turned away, blushing.

"Wait, do you have a crush?" Moon asked, leaning towards a red-faced Isabelle.

Isabelle frantically shook her head, "I don't have a crush."

"Is it Robby?" Sam asked smugly, rooting for him since she knew he also had a crush on Isabelle. She was sick of being a third wheel forced to witness the tension that built between them. Even a blind man could see Robby was head over heels for Isabelle.

Isabelle shook her head, "Maybe..."

"Is it Miguel?" Moon asked excitedly. She had been shipping them since they first met in the lunch room. She could feel their auras were made for each other. Miguel never shined as brightly as he did around Isabelle. He practically glowed.

Isabelle sighed, "Honestly... I don't know. I like them both a lot. I almost kissed both of them on separate occasions. But I just don't know who to pick. I know it's unfair not to pick, but my heart aches whenever I think of losing either one of them. What do I do?"

"Well, my mom's therapist always says, 'You can't hide from your heart.'" Moon advised.

Sam tilted her head, "What does that even mean?" Sam's question prompted them to burst into a fit of giggles.

~

Isabelle and Johny walked into the dojo together. Isabelle knew what it was like to lose someone close to you, so she didn't pity Johny. She just softly patted his back, wordlessly letting him know she was here if he needed to talk. He gave her an appreciative nod as Miguel approached.

"Hey, sensei, I'm sorry about your loss," he said softly.

Johny nodded, "Thanks."

"So, how was the funeral?" Miguel asked, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

Johny tried to quickly change the subject, "As good as any funeral can be. So, how'd it go around here while I was gone?"

Isabelle glanced around at the students, who seemed... different. Most who once had a playful spark in their eyes now seemed to also have a spark of hatred. It was as if an unseen darkness had crept into their lives, changing the atmosphere and the people within it. Friends who used to greet her warmly now looked at her with a mix of distrust and animosity. The change was subtle but unmistakable, and it filled Isabelle with a deep sense of unease.