ingydar- nika muhl & kate martin

Chapter four

Caitlin and Nika woke up with no signs of Kate in the hotel room

Nika's eyes flutter open, and she immediately notices Kate's absence. "Kate?" she calls out, worry etching across her face.

Caitlin, also awake, glances around the room. "Where's Kate?"

Nika's heart pounds with concern as she notices Kate's phone left behind. She grabs it, scanning through the messages, her worry escalating. "She's been talking to Claire all night. This isn't good."

Caitlin, trying to stay calm, suggests, "Let's check the bar first. That's where she saw Claire last night. Maybe she's there."

Nika and Caitlin rush out of their hotel room, their hearts racing with worry. They quickly make their way to the bar, searching for any sign of Kate. They look around anxiously, hoping to spot her amidst the crowd.

As they scan the bar, Nika's eyes land on a familiar figure. She recognizes Kate, seeing her talking to Claire in a corner. Nika's heart sinks, and she grabs Caitlin's arm, gesturing toward them.

Kates eyes were dropping, her eyes bloodshot and her body shaking a bit.

Nika and Caitlin exchange a worried glance as they approach Kate and Claire. Nika's voice filled with concern, "Kate, what's going on?"

Kate looks at Nika and Caitlin, guilt and desperation etching across her face. "I...I couldn't resist. Claire's got the goods, and I...I just needed it, you know?"

Nika steps closer, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and concern. "Kate, you've worked so hard to get clean. Don't throw it all away now. You're stronger than this."

Caitlin puts a supportive hand on Kate's shoulder, her voice gentle but firm. "Nika's right, Kate. You can still turn this around. You don't have to let one slip turn into a relapse. You have people who care about you and want to help you. Just take a step back and think about what you're doing."

Claire gave Nika and Caitlin dirty looks, "She's twenty four.. she can handle herself."

Nika's eyes narrow as she hears Claire's comment. Her voice is sharp and protective, "That doesn't mean she should have to face this alone. And it doesn't give you the right to influence her decisions. She's made progress, and we're not going to let you jeopardize that."

"Well, Kates a big girl. And if she wants to do this, then she can." Claire smiles, "Isn't that right Katey baby?"

Caitlin interjects, her voice firm, "Kate, you don't have to listen to her. You have the power to make your own choices. We're here for you, no matter what. And we won't let Claire pressure you into something you don't truly want to do."

Nika's gaze hardens as she faces Claire. "Leave her alone, Claire. You've already caused her enough pain. We won't let you destroy her progress."

Kate steps away from Claire, beginning to walk out of the bar

Nika and Caitlin follow Kate out of the bar, grateful that she's stepping away from the temptation. They walk beside her, their presence offering a sense of support and understanding.

Nika gently grasps Kate's hand, offering a reassuring squeeze. "We're here for you, Kate," she repeats softly. "You don't have to face this alone." Caitlin adds, her voice gentle, "You've shown incredible strength to walk away, and we're proud of you."

Kate looks at Nika and Caitlin, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank you... for always being there for me. I don't know what I'd do without you guys." She sniffles, her emotions raw.

Caitlin puts a comforting arm around Kate's shoulder, "That's what friends are for. We're in this together." Nika nods, her eyes filled with empathy, "We'll support you every step of the way, Kate. You're not alone, I promise."