Chapter Five: Johnny Lawrence

"I had to get out all alone and figure it out on my own and I know what I really want now. Can't stop me, can't break me, what don't kill me, gon' make me, shoot for the stars, no safety."

~Elevate by DJ Khalil~

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Revised: July 3, 2022

Warnings: abuse, domestic violence, sexual harassment/assault, language, violence, and other mature themes

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Zion's POV

My week has been hell. I'm still living out of my car, I have bruises all over my body, and the rumor about me and Walker has only grown out of control.

I'm eating lunch in the corner of the janitor's closet; I want to be away from everyone. I can't even go into the cafeteria. I know everybody will make fun of me or give me ugly looks. I know the teachers won't do shit. I know I don't have the mental capacity or physical strength to stand up to them.

I've witnessed all the bad looks today. When I went to the bathroom, someone wrote "Zyon is a cumslut" on the stall door. They didn't even spell my name correctly, yet it still bothered me. I'm not leaving this tiny room.

A knock comes at the door and I set my lunch to the side to crawl over and open it.

"Eli? How did you know I was in here?"

"I used to sit in here last year. It's nice. I had a feeling you'd be here," he explains. "C-Can I come in?"

I nod and scoot back to make room because I trust Eli, unlike almost every other person in this school.

He closes the door and we sit in awkward silence for a minute before he speaks. I can hear the fluorescent light above us humming in the silence.

"I heard the rumor," he begins.

"Oh, God, of course you did," I set my head in my hands.

"I know it's not true. I saw you hurt Walker."

"And I would do it again," I mutter.

"I'm not sure what's going on between you and all of them, but I can guess it isn't good. I've seen the looks and the tense body language you have when they're in the room. I just want you to know that you've been there for me and so I'm here for you."

My heart melts. "O-Oh, thank you, Eli."

It's silent as I take in the close proximity we have to each other.

"You know, Miguel's mom let him do karate again," Eli says what he must have found out in my absence. "I don't know if it's for me, but you should try it. You were awesome the other night."

He believes in me even after I've given him every reason to be disappointed in how much of a coward I am. 

"Eli, can you keep a secret?" I ask. He nods. "Um, okay, so as much fun as it is and as much as I would love to learn to defend myself properly, I can't take karate because I can't afford it."

"Oh," he says after a moment.

"My mom," I sigh, "is living off of my dad's will and spending it on our trash apartment and her alcohol addiction."

I don't want to live a lie anymore. At least, not with Eli. I feel like I can trust him.

"She... She kicked me out the other night and I just didn't know what to do and so now I'm homeless and broke and all I have is my car and I feel like my world keeps collapsing more and more since my dad died."

I don't know why I told him this, but it feels amazing to let it all out for the first time. Even Jess has no clue about what's been going on.

Eli isn't very good with words, so he comes over to me and gives me a timid side hug to which I immerse him in a big hug. I try to hold in my tears as I let all the pain out into this hug. I didn't realize how much I needed it.

"Thank you," I whisper and pull away. He wipes my tears and gives me a timid smile. Eli is someone special to me. I can already tell he will be in my life for a while.

⭒⭒⭒

"Hi," a girl comes up to me at my locker. She has really short hair and I think I've seen her before; she sits alone at lunch.

"Hey," I say wearily.

This rumor has caused so many new people to look at me and speak to me weirdly. She's probably just here to make fun of me.

"I'm Aisha Robinson," she looks at me for a reaction.

"Zion Ambrose," I respond.

"Yeah, I know. I followed you on Instagram the other day," she explains.

"Oh," I say, vaguely remembering.

"We have the same math class and the same lunch. I sit a few rows behind you." I try to recall her. "Anyway, Yasmine posted a video of me a couple days back. I don't know if you saw it..."

"No, I didn't," I say. Yasmine is the blonde Demetri has a crush on, if I recall correctly.

"Well, my point is. I guess you're the girl that Walker started the rumor about?" Aisha asks me.

"Um, yeah," I shift awkwardly and avoid eye contact.

"Well, I don't believe it. I see all the unnecessary shit they give you. Bullies really suck."

"Yeah." I try not to be a bitch about it, but she's just stating the obvious. 

"Um, I was wondering if you wanted to come to a dojo with me today? It's called Cobra Kai. We could learn some karate moves? I'd really love to go with another girl," she says.

"I'm really not sure-"

"I'll even pay for your class just so I don't have to go alone," she interjects.

"I don't want to inconvenience you," I shake my head. I don't need charity from her or Miguel.

"I have the money. I promise it won't make or break me. I feel like we both need this," she pleads.

"Um, sure. I'll meet you there after school?" I ask, completely weirded out by this new alliance forming.

⭒⭒⭒

"This is the place," Aisha says as we walk into the dojo. It's practically empty, except for Miguel and the sensei that saved me. Twice.

"No yoga 'til five," the man, Sensei Lawrence, says. "No matter how bad you need it."

"Um, actually," she looks at me, "we're here for karate."

"Zion," Miguel whispers with a surprised smile and I wave at him.

It's time I fight back, or at least defend better.

"I saw your website. It said that there was supposed to be a session today," Aisha says.

"I appreciate you ladies coming in, but there are no girls in Cobra Kai," the sensei says.

"Then it's a good thing we're young women," I defend and Miguel gives a smile.

"Sorry," he says, not really sounding that sorry.

"Why?" Aisha asks.

"Same reason there aren't women in the Army. Doesn't make sense," he says and I tilt my head in confusion.

"But women are in the Ar-"

"Uh, Sensei, I need to show you something in the office," Miguel says. They walk away, turn back and bow, then continue into the office.

"What era is he from?" Aisha asks me.

"Miguel will handle it," I smile. I believe in my friend.

"I see you sitting with him and Eli and Demetri a lot. Just friends?" Aisha asks.

"Um, yeah...?" I respond unconvincingly.

The sensei walks back in, "Okay, take off your shoes. Hop on the mat."

We do so and I see the look of frustration in his face at us doing the most simple things.

"Okay, after further review, I've decided to allow female students. I'm Johnny Lawrence, but you will address me as Sensei Lawrence. Now, if you want to be in Cobra Kai, you can't act like a girl."

"Act like a girl?" I ask.

"What do you mean? How do girls act?" Aisha asks.

"Don't give me that. You know, all emotional, loud, complain-y, never letting you finish a sentence," he explains.

"Well, I know a few guys who act just-"

"QUIET!" Sensei Lawrence yells and it scares us. "My student tells me you've both been harassed at school."

"Yeah," Aisha speaks up before I can. "Mostly online. Um, I get mean texts and emails sent to me. Makes me not wanna go." I had no idea it was this deep.

"And who sends you these messages?" he asks.

"Well, they're mostly anonymous. These kids create fake accounts and they tell me things like I'm ugly and that I should kill myself," she elaborates.

"Oh my God," Sensei Lawrence says what I'm thinking. "What a bunch of pussies!"

I'm shocked because I wasn't expecting that response. I look at Miguel with a shared smile of amusement at his candidness and word choice.

"Back in my day, if you wanted to tease someone, you did it to their face. There was honor, respect. These geeks hide behind their computers. What a bunch of spineless losers. You're not afraid of these losers, are you?" he asks.

"No," Aisha says.

"Are you gonna take shit from these losers?" he asks.

"No."

"Good. Because when I'm done with you, you're gonna be sending a message back. Only it's not gonna be with your keyboard. It's gonna be with your fists," he says and puts up his fists, to which Aisha smiles. "And you, what's your story?"

I straighten my posture. "We've met twice. I'm the girl from the mini-mart and the Halloween dance."

"Oh, yeah. I'm glad you came," he nods in approval. "So, you came here to learn how to kick their asses."

"I came here to learn how to defend myself," I correct him.

"Okay, Miss..."

"Ambrose. Zion Ambrose," I finish.

"Miss Ambrose, karate is also about self-offense. Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy," he points to the painted letters on the wall that are admittedly crooked. 

This isn't anything like what the women's self defense class taught me, but it's a welcomed change.

"Okay, so who is going to strike first?" No response. "Who is going to spar my best student?"

"Spar Miguel?" I ask.

"That's your only other student," Aisha points out and I smile slightly.

"Just for that comment, Miss Robinson, you're up first," he says.

I step to the side as he sets them up to stand across from each other.

"Face me. Bow. Face each other. Bow. Mr. Diaz, show her everything you've learned."

"Wait, wait, I don't think is right, Sensei," Miguel says.

"You don't think what's right?" he asks in question.

"She's a girl. I'm not gonna-"

"And? I thought you said women were equal to men," Sensei Lawrence says.

"I did say that. I didn't mean it like that," Miguel takes it back. "I meant-"

"Then show her women are equal and give her everything you got," he says.

Miguel looks at me wearily and I nod for him to continue. She's got this.

"Wait. I just want to remind everyone this is my first day," Aisha speaks up.

"Enemies don't care what day it is. They prey on weakness. If you want to beat them, you gotta conquer your fears and jump face-first into the fire," he says inspirationally. "Are you ready, Miss Robinson?"

"I guess."

"Mr. Diaz...?"

"Uh..."

"Fight!"

None of them move. Miguel looks confused and like he doesn't want to attack Aisha. Aisha doesn't attack, either.

"Don't just stand there. Fight!"

"I'm sorry," Miguel tells Aisha.

Then, he kicks her in the stomach and sends her down to the ground quickly. She lets out a grunt and I gasp.

"Oh my God, Aisha, a-a-are you okay? I'm so sorry." Miguel is worried and offers her a hand up, "Come on."

Aisha then jumps up without his help and throttles him to the ground easily. She crushes poor Miguel's ribs and he groans in pain.

"Girl's a natural Cobra," Sensei Lawrence looks at me with a smile. Some commotion comes from outside and he turns to it, "All right. Students, wait here. Diaz, you're in charge."

I go over and help Miguel up as he turns to Aisha, "Wow, you really went all in."

"Sorry," Aisha instantly apologizes.

"That's what you were supposed to do. Good job," I say and she smiles.

"All right, how about you two spar while I relax my ribs," Miguel groans and I laugh.

"Okay, we can spar," I say. "I have to warn you that I know a little bit of Taekwondo."

I try to psych her out, but honestly all I learned was kicking and anatomy; it wasn't anything revolutionary. This feels more like my speed.

"Okay, come at me," Aisha smiles.

We stand across from each other as I try to find Aisha's weakness. Her size is an advantage and so is the muscle behind that, but this means she's slower than me. If I can be quick, I can get her.

"Um, okay. Face me. Bow," Miguel instructs and we do so. "Face each other. Bow." We do so. "Fight!"

I wait for her to make the first move. She runs forward to sweep me off my feet and I slide to the side and get her from the back, kicking the back of her knees and she falls. She grabs for me and I jump on her back, pinning her to the mat. She moves, grabs my ankle and yanks me down.

I scream and kick, both of us jumping back up. Before she can react, I kick her in the face and she stumbles backwards. I use that lack of balance to my strength and kick her again in the stomach until she falls onto her back.

"Winner!" Miguel praises me, staring in awe. "That was awesome." I give him a big smile, his support meaning everything to me.

Then, I turn to my new friend, "You okay, Aisha?"

"I'm fine. Let's go again!"

⭒⭒⭒

The rumors here are only getting worse and worse for everyone. Another girl named Sam has a rumor going around about her sucking off Kyler at the movies. I don't understand the fascination with making lewd rumors for attention.

I genuinely doubt anyone would ever want to even kiss Kyler, so I don't believe what anyone says. I know how rumors feel and I always want to believe the girl.

Unfortunately for me, the rumor about me and Walker having dirty sex is still floating around, so I head to the janitor's closet again. Every little thing my peers whisper behind my back or throw at me written in notes makes me hate my existence here more and more.

"Come sit with us," Miguel comes over to me right before lunch.

"Um..." I try to think of an excuse.

"Eli told us you've been in the janitor's closet," Aisha joins him. "Stand your ground. Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy."

"I-I don't know," I say.

"Come on. Demetri and Eli miss you," Miguel pulls my hand. "Didn't Ghandi say that nobody can hurt you unless you let them?"

I shrug off the unhelpful advice and follow him reluctantly. We make it into the cafeteria and I get into the food line. Demetri and Eli come behind us and I smile at them.

"Aisha?" Demetri asks when he notices her.

"Hey," she replies. They must know each other.

"She's sitting with us, too," I inform him.

"Just another random person at our table," he mutters and I ignore him.

I put in my number and walk out of the line with them. We set our stuff down; I sit next to Miguel and Aisha and across from Eli and Demetri.

Another tray sets down at our table. We all look up and see Sam, the girl who allegedly gave Kyler a blowjob. 

"Is this okay?" her eyes scan the table and finds mine pleadingly.

"Um, I-"

"Don't even think about it," Aisha interrupts me.

"Come on. I need a place to sit," Sam sighs.

"You can go sit with Kyler. I hear he doesn't mind that you suck," Aisha responds.

Sam's face falls and she walks away. I look at Aisha in confusion because that wasn't very nice, even if her old, popular friends seem awful.

"What was that?" I ask in confusion.

"She's my ex best friend. She's a bitch now. She can go sit with her rich, skinny, bitchy friends," she responds sourly. I guess I'm not the only who's guarded.

I turn to see Sam shove Kyler's back lightly, "You think it's funny to spread dirty lies about me and other girls?"

I stare in shock that she's standing up for me. I just met her unofficially. 

"What are you talking about? We saw a movie. That's it," Kyler says. I roll my eyes. "Well, maybe I saw a bit more than you."

"Yeah, we heard you got pretty 'choked up,'" his friends and the cafeteria laugh.

Sam throws Kyler's lunch tray on the ground. The room goes silent.

"Hey, guys," Kyler announces, "you know that billboard with a big ass dick on it?" He refers to the LaRusso auto billboard that was spray painted; that's been circling on Instagram, too. "I guess Sam takes after her dad."

"As for Zion," Walker looks at me, "that slut was practically begging for it from me."

I visibly tense and I know Miguel does, too. I feel anger surging through my body.

"I think you meant you were begging me to stop beating your ass for assault," I step closer to their group.

Walker scoffs as Sam and I make eye contact in solidarity. I think we both want to punch these douchebags.

"Yeah, touching someone without consent is called assault," I tell him like he's a child. He's stunned.

"You're just a whore," Brad steps in. "Both of you."

The world only keeps confirming what my mom tells me is true.

"Hey, Kyler!" Miguel yells and I look over in shock. "Why don't you shut up and stop being such an asshole?"

That's when Brad and Walker walk over to Miguel, towering over him and I try not to panic. If I get into a fight, I'm scared they'll call my mom.

"Want another beat down, 'Rhea?" Kyler asks and shoves him back. "I'm ready for your lame-ass karate this time." He shoves him again.

"It's not lame-ass karate..."

Kyler throws a punch, but Miguel pins his arm in a futile position.

"...it's Cobra Kai."

Miguel punches Kyler's nose. Kyler then picks up Miguel and slams him on the table as people get out their phones.

I look over at my friends. Aisha and Eli are watching in fascination, Demetri is not wanting to show his fascination, and Sam is stepping closer to me. It's one of those things you don't want to watch, but you can't pull your focus away from it.

Kyler throws Miguel on another table and puts him into a headlock. Then, Miguel escapes it and hurts Kyler by kicking him down.

"No mercy!" Aisha shouts.

"Come on, Miguel!" I join in as the cafeteria begins to cheer.

Miguel knocks down Kyler's cronies and I notice he kicked Walker right in the gut. He runs around with a lunch tray, smacking everyone.

When they're all down, the crowd of students start cheering and I beam. Miguel finally won and got the spotlight.

He smiles at me and then winks at Sam. I laugh and then look over to see Demetri's look of disapproval and Eli's look of subtle excitement.

"Hey! Get down from there right now," Counselor Blatt comes over and pulls Miguel off the table.

My gaze drifts to Sam looking after Miguel in awe. I'm a little bit surprised, but she seems nice enough now that she's away from her friends. I can also tell that Miguel really likes her.

"Well, that was horrifying," Demetri walks over.

"Are you kidding? That was badass!" Aisha yells.

"Cool," Eli smiles.

I look at Sam, unsure of how to feel about her. I'm loyal to Aisha, but Sam just defended me when she didn't need to. Plus, I want to like the girl Miguel likes.

"I hope those stupid rumors are over," she breaks the ice.

"Me too," I nod. "I'm Zion."

"Yeah, I figured. I'm Sam."

"We should celebrate," Demetri decides.

"What about a group dinner tonight?" I suggest.

"I have to check with my mom. Make sure wherever we go has a good sanitation rating and make sure that I'm not out for too long," Demetri grabs his phone.

"I'd like that," Eli exchanges a smile with me.

"Um, my dad has family dinner night tonight," Sam says.

"Okay, just us," I say to the others. "Let's hope Miguel isn't grounded."

⭒⭒⭒

"So, how does it feel to be a celebrity?" Demetri asks Miguel as we sit down at Applebee's.

"Honestly? Awesome. And my mom has no idea because my Yaya answered the phone," Miguel says proudly.

"That's luck right there," I agree.

"I'm going to talk to Sensei about it later today."

"He'll be proud of you," I say.

"What can I get you all to eat?" the waiter comes over.

Everyone has ordered, except for me and Eli.

"Oh, I'm not eating," I say when she looks at me.

"This was your idea," Aisha says. I just wanted to get together with some friends and think about anything other than my mom.

"Not hungry," I say softly and look to Eli so he can order.

"We'll split the Classic Combo Appetizer," Eli speaks up next to me, shocking me. I didn't expect him to really be that loud.

The waitress nods and leaves. I glance at the menu to see that it includes wings, chips, dip, chicken quesadillas, and cheese sticks for fourteen dollars.

I give Eli a look and he smiles at me. I try to argue, but he touches my hand under the table and nods at me to say that it's okay.

Now, I remember I told him a lot of private things. I accept it for now, but tell myself that I have to pay him back sometime.

⭒⭒⭒

The dinner is practically over and Aisha left first, then Demetri, and now Miguel and Eli are waiting on their moms. I want to have the chance to say thank you to Eli before I go.

"That's my mom," Miguel says when a car pulls up, honking and a woman screams.

"Miggie!"

"Bye, Miggie," I tease him.

"Don't call me that," he sighs in embarrassment as he walks out of the restaurant.

Eli and I wave goodbye to him until it's only us. I try to find my courage to properly thank him.

"Um, thank you for paying for my food. I'll pay you back. Promise," I say.

"It wasn't any trouble," he shrugs.

"Eli, it means so much to me. Especially that you care enough to do that."

"I-I do care about you," he says softly.

"I care about you, too," I smile.

"Um," his face turns red, "I don't know how you feel about coming over, but I know you might need a place to stay tonight, so..."

"You're so sweet, but I couldn't impose," I reply.

"My mom is okay with it," he insists.

"Eli..."

He looks at me with a pleading look. I don't want to say no to him.

"Um, okay, one night."

He smiles brightly, "I can text you my address. We have a guest room and everything."

⭒⭒⭒

"Here," Eli walks me into a simple but complete bedroom with a bed, table, lamp, and tiny flatscreen. It's actually much nicer than the apartment's bedroom. "A-And I'm right across the hall if you need anything."

"Thank you," I set down my small canvas bag with a smile.

"Did you get her settled in, Eli?" his mom, Mrs. Moskowitz, walks into the room. Eli nods. "I know it isn't much-"

"It's perfect," I cut her off. She smiles, satisfied. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Did Eli show you the bathroom?" she asks and we both nod.

"Yes, Eli was great to show me around," I say.

She seems so excited to have me. I wonder how many people Eli has over and how many of them have been girls Regardless, I feel so welcome. It's nice that she cares and I can tell she loves Eli. I wish I could say the same of my mom.

"Good," his mom hugs him and fluffs his hair, making Eli blush and kind of push her off in embarrassment. "Well, we'll let you get some sleep. Let me know if you need anything."

She walks out first and Eli nods at me before walking out.

I close the door and settle into the bed, trying not to breakdown. Though today was relatively good, I still miss my house and my dad. Life would be so much different if he were still here.

⭒⭒⭒

I walk out of the shower in my clothes from the day before. I have one change of clothes Mrs. Moskowitz provided, so I go back into my room and change. Just as I'm pulling the shirt over my head, I hear a knock on the door.

"Zion, honey, we have breakfast downstairs. I hope you like pancakes," his mom says through the door.

"Thank you, Mrs. Moskowitz. I'll be down in a moment," I say. I put on the yoga pants and sweatshirt before grabbing my bag and going downstairs.

At the table, it's just Eli and his mom. Eli explained to me last night that his dad is almost always out on business trips. Their house is pretty big, especially for only two people constantly being here. I can see Eli being very lonely here and that makes me sad.

"Zion, how did you sleep?" Mrs. Moskowitz asks me.

"I slept fine, thanks," I say and put syrup on my pancakes. Eli stares at me, but doesn't say anything. I smile at him and he smiles back.

"Well, I have to get to work," Mrs. Moskowitz says. "Stay as long as you'd like, Zion. Eli, be a good host. Love you," she kisses the top of his head and runs out.

We sit in silence a moment as I try to think about something to talk about. I'm having trouble focusing since I find myself liking him more and more each day. 

"Are you going to karate today?" Eli speaks up. I look at him with a sad smile.

"I'd like to, but I don't think I'd be allowed in without money," I explain. "I don't think Aisha will pay for me anymore."

"What if I paid for both of us?" he asks with a smile.

"You want to go to Cobra Kai?" I ask in shock.

"Demetri and I decided to this morning. I could pay for this week for you," Eli says. "If you want."

"I," I debate, "would appreciate that, Eli, but I can't just go around wasting money-"

"I know Aisha has paid for your classes. Please?" he asks and I sigh.

"I mean, if you really want to, but not for long," I say, looking at him weirdly.

He really seems enticed by the idea of karate. "I want to."

"Well, thank you, Eli," I put my hand on his and we sit in silence another moment.

"Let me go get ready."

⭒⭒⭒

I show up to Cobra Kai with Eli to see a huge crowd of people. We get out and I lock my car behind us before walking up to Miguel.

"Holy crap," I say and Miguel nods.

"I know!" He smiles as everyone watches the cafeteria fight on their smartphones. Sensei Lawrence's car parks and he gets out in shock. Miguel and I smile proudly.

"Looks like we're in business," Sensei unlocks the dojo.

I find Eli and Demetri in the crowd and take Eli's hand. Demetri looks down in surprise. It was an instinct that felt right in the moment and Eli doesn't seem to mind. We actually share a smile.

"Zion, we have to get into our gis," Miguel comes over to me.

"Our what?" I ask.

"The karate pajamas," he explains. I'm even more lost. "What karate people fight in."

"Okay?" I ask.

"Sensei had them made for you, me, and Aisha. Let's go," Miguel pulls my hand and I'm pulled away from Eli.

"Hold on," I call to Miguel and shake off his hand. I go back to the two boys, "See you inside?"

Eli nods as he blushes and Demetri just looks between the two of us in utter confusion.

I suppress my smile as I walk into the dojo to find Sensei Lawrence.