After a long day at Beast Ink, I found myself in the passenger seat of Finn's car, the engine humming softly as we drove through town. He had mentioned wanting to take me somewhere, but the destination remained a mystery. I stared out of the window, my thoughts drifting back to home as we passed by my house.

As we pulled up to the shooting range, I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness. The place was larger than I had expected, with various lanes for shooting and a rustic charm that gave it character. "Welcome to Gunner's Haven," Finn said with a small smile, noticing my awe.

Once inside, I was greeted by rows of guns displayed behind glass cases. Different sizes, shapes, and styles stood on proud display, a testament to the world of firearms. Finn's friend behind the counter nodded in recognition as we walked in, and Finn exchanged a few words with him before leading me towards the shooting lanes.

I watched in awe as he finished and turned to me, passing me a pair of ear muffs. I put them on as he had, feeling the weight of the gun in my hands. Finn loaded it expertly before passing it to me, his eyes locking with mine. "Ready?"

I nodded, trying to steady my trembling hands. "Why are we here, Finn?"

He didn't answer immediately, instead gesturing to the targets at the end of the range. "I want you to learn how to use a gun."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise, my confusion evident. "Why?"

Finn's gaze was unwavering as he responded. "Self-defense. You need to be able to protect yourself."

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around the gun. "I've never even held one before."

He smiled reassuringly, his confidence somehow calming my nerves. "I'll teach you."

He picked up a gun, his movements fluid and experienced. The way he handled it, the familiarity he had with the weapon, it all told me that he knew his way around guns. He fired a few rounds, the shots reverberating in the air, and my gaze followed the trajectory of the bullets hitting the target with remarkable accuracy.

After his demonstration, Finn loaded another gun and handed it to me. "Hold it firmly, but not too tight," he advised. His voice was calm, his demeanor reassuring as he guided me through the process. "Now, close your eyes and imagine something that makes you really angry."

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as he had instructed. The memories flooded in – my parents' rejection, my sister's scorn, the years of struggle and self-doubt. I aimed at the target, my heart pounding, and fired. Five shots in quick succession, and when I opened my eyes, I saw the target with a cluster of holes right through its head.

Finn's voice broke the silence. "How do you feel?"

I lowered the gun, the adrenaline coursing through me as I struggled to find the right words. "It was scary, but... I feel better," I admitted, surprised by the sense of release that came with it.

He nodded in understanding, his eyes meeting mine with a mix of seriousness and concern. "Emma, there's more to dealing with stress than just hitting the bottle. Trust me, I've been down that road."

***

As he drove me to Isabella's apartment, I looked out of the window, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. 

As Finn's car glided past the town hall, I couldn't help but glance at the commotion on the streets. Supporters of my dad's campaign clashed with those of his opponent, Delaney. It was like a scene out of a movie, with passionate chants filling the air. Signs held high, voices raised, the energy was electrifying, and it was impossible not to feel the tension. The chants echoed in my ears – "Change for the better!" from my dad's side, and "Preserve our roots!" from Delaney's supporters. It was a snapshot of the town's division, right before my eyes, a vivid reminder of the high-stakes battle for Alcott's future.

The town's lights blurred into streaks as I tried to wrap my head around everything he had said. "Why didn't you just take me to Isabella's like you said?" I finally asked, my voice hesitant.

Finn's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. "Because I've seen you pass out from drinking twice, and I don't want to watch you spiral down that path." He glanced at me briefly before returning his attention to the road. "There was a time I had my own struggles, and I won't let you make the same mistakes I did."

I swallowed hard, his words sinking in as I realized the depth of his concern. "I promise, I'll lay off the alcohol," I said earnestly.

Finn's gaze softened, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "It's not just about promises, kid. You need to find a healthier way to cope."

Before I knew it, we were pulling up to Isabella's apartment building. Nina and Isabella were waiting for me, concern etched on their faces. As I stepped out of the car, Finn's voice reached me one last time.

"Take care of yourself kid."

And as I settled into Isabella's apartment, surrounded by friends who cared, I knew that maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to face my demons without losing myself along the way.