The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 30

As Isabelle completed the turn, matching the crescendo of the piano, her father's phone rang again. Groaning, Isabelle dropped her raised leg.

"Dad, just answer the phone! I can't concentrate on my balance if it keeps ringing," Isabelle said, annoyance creeping into her voice. Her father had been helping her prepare for her debut performance as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, a role she was both excited and nervous about.

He chuckled, picking up the phone. "Hello?" After a moment, he hung up and flashed her a reassuring smile. "Wrong number. Let's go again." Isabelle couldn't help but smile back, feeling the warmth of his support. She got back into position, shaking off the distraction. With the music swelling, she focused her energy, ready to dive into the dance again.

~

Robby entered the dojo, immediately met by cold glares from everyone in the room. He scoffed, ignoring them as he headed to the back to pack his bag.

"You're late," Kreese's voice sounded from behind him.

Robby didn't turn around, shaking his head. "I'm not here for practice."

"Well, if you wanna be a Cobra Kai—"

"I never said I was joining," Robby quickly interrupted. "I just needed a place to crash."

Kreese nodded, "Well, you can crash here as long as you want."

Robby stood up, facing Kreese directly. "Look, this was a bad idea. I know Cobra Kai helped when I was getting jumped in juvie, but I'm not gonna be a pawn in this bet you've made with my dad and Mr. LaRusso."

Kreese's eyes gleamed as he chose his words carefully. "I don't think of you as a pawn, Robby. I think of you as a king. Your father had all the talent in the world, but he squandered it. I gave him every opportunity to come back, but he chose Diaz." At the mention of Miguel, Robby flinched. "And he left you with that mark on your head," Kreese continued. "Trust me, you've got even more talent than your father. You just need to show it to the world."

Robby scoffed, his disbelief growing. "After everything that's happened, do you think I care about a stupid trophy?"

Kreese's smirk deepened. "It's not about the trophy. It's about being a champion. Win or lose, that reputation will follow you for the rest of your life. Just ask your father and LaRusso."

Robby shrugged, still unconvinced. "Yeah, well, they've got a good chance of winning now that they've teamed up."

Kreese's smirk turned predatory. "They're not the only ones teaming up."

~

Isabelle speed-walked away from her father's friends, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. Cheyenne had convinced her dad to throw a party for the first time in years, and though everyone was excited to see Isabelle again, the constant barrage of personal questions quickly became too much. Scanning the backyard, she searched for her dad, hoping to use him as a shield. She finally spotted him sitting on a couch beside Cheyenne and rushed over, eager for a break from all the invasive questions.

"Dad!" Isabelle exclaimed as she plopped down in the chair next to him. Leaning in close, she whispered, "How much longer do we have to play host? I'm dying for ice cream, but they only have vegan, lactose-free ice cream, and I fear that's a crime."

Her father chuckled softly, whispering back, "Soon, sweetheart. Just one more hour. Be a good host and say hello to our guests, okay?"

Isabelle sighed, straightened up, and put on a practiced smile, but her cheerful expression vanished as she made eye contact with none other than John Kreese.