The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 26

Miguel rummaged through Johnny's fridge for some water, throwing out suggestions as he went. "What about Johnny Lawrence Karate or Strike Hard Karate?" He paused, frowning when he realized Johnny wasn't listening. Walking over to where Johnny was sitting at the table, sighing heavily, he said, "Come on, Sensei, I'm trying to think of names for our new dojo."

"How long does it take for Facebook messages to get delivered?" Johnny asked, completely ignoring Miguel's efforts. He looked up from his computer at Miguel's deadpan expression. "Ali lives in Colorado, so probably a while, right?"

"It's instantaneous," Miguel replied flatly. Johnny sighed, slamming his laptop shut in frustration over Ali's lack of response. "Okay, what about All-American Karate?" Miguel continued, trying to bring the conversation back on track.

Johny shook his head, "It's not good enough. We need something that tells everyone we're the most badass dojo in the Valley."

"Yeah. Sucks that Cobra Kai's such a badass name," Miguel said ruefully before perking up with an idea. "You know who would have amazing ideas? Isabelle. We can ask her."

Johny raised an eyebrow, "Have you even talked to her? Apologized yet? You two aren't on the best of terms right now... Eh, we don't need her help. What if we just keep Cobra Kai but spell ours with a triple K." Johny finished, feeling smug about his idea.

Miguel stared at him in disbelief. "Like... KKK?"

Johnny nodded before the realization hit him. "Yeah, that's probably a bad idea... All right, whatever. Makeup with Isabelle quickly so we can figure this out. But first, we need some students."

"It's my first day back at school today. I could do some recruiting," Miguel suggested, dodging the idea of talking to Isabelle. He didn't want to avoid her, but the fear of how she might react, of her rejecting him, kept him hesitating. He didn't want to lose her forever.

Johny nodded, "Good."

"But... where will we train?" Miguel asked, confused by Johny's lack of a plan.

Johny smirked, "Let me handle it."

~

"Why?" Isabelle whined in defiance.

Her father sighed, clearly trying to stay patient, "Because the doctor said you can handle a few hours at school. It's not the whole day, Ariana. But we need to slowly integrate you back into school."

"But I promised my friend I would help her," Isabelle protested, her frustration growing.

"I know, and I know how much promises mean to you," her father said, softening his tone. "How about this... You go to school for the required two hours a day, and then I'll have a driver drop you off at your friend's house. You can spend the rest of your day there. Seems fair? You still keep your promise and still abide by the doctor's orders."

Isabelle scowled for a moment before a smirk tugged at her lips. "I also want two hours a day dedicated to dancing. It doesn't have to be at the studio since that would be too overwhelming. A personal trainer so I can get back to my earlier dancing ability."

Her father chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Negotiating already, huh? Fine, we'll see what we can do. But only if you stick to the plan." Isabelle eagerly nodded before launching herself into her father's arms.

~

Walking through the doors of the school, Isabelle couldn't help but notice the new changes. Security guards were posted on every door, metal detectors were installed in every entrance, and new security cameras were installed in every corner. Isabelle nervously tugged at her backpack as the security guard handed it back to her after a thorough check. Turning to face the accumulating crowd was nerve-wracking. But, instead of pity and upset faces, Isabelle was met with cheers and applause. A large banner hung across the hallway reading, "Welcome back, Isabelle!" She smiled, heartwarming at the kind gesture from her classmates. She shyly waved back at everyone until she noticed how quiet it suddenly became. Glancing behind her, she saw Miguel entering the school. As he grabbed his backpack and turned around, their eyes locked. A heavy silence fell over the crowd, everyone holding their breath to see how they would react.