IT HAD been two weeks, with no fighting and taking her medication, before Isabella and Robby were released from the juvenile detention centre. They had given back her clothes and belongings, before guiding her and Robby out of the building.

They met with Sensei Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, who were arguing obviously. Isabella wasn't surprised when she didn't see her mom or brother waiting for her, which is probably why they sent Johnny instead— however, that probably wasn't the best idea because Robby didn't want anything to do with him.

"Seriously?" The boy scoffed in disbelief, "I told you I don't want you here."

Sensei Lawrence replied, "You're my son. I wanted to be here."

"And so did I." Daniel added.

"Don't do me any favours," Robby retorted, "It's your fault I was in here."

"Isn't this a nice reunion," Isabella muttered in disbelief, before taking a few sarcastic steps back towards the building, "Maybe juvie can let me stay for one more week."

"Belle, don't." Sensei replied, "I came to pick you up, for your mom. We'll pick up Miguel from the dojo on the way."

"Great," Isabella deadpanned, "I'll wait in the car, while you sort this out."

She gave a small wave to the boy, who returned a small head nod. Now they were back to real life, Isabella felt as though she couldn't be friends with Robby, and he felt the same way. How could she befriend someone who paralysed her brother? How could she be friends with someone from Miyagi- Do?

Isabella liked the karate-free-drama atmosphere of juvie, which she hated herself for saying. She got used to the boredom and strictness of the system.

"You alright, kid?" Sensei Lawrence asked, as he entered the car. He paused, "Sorry for all of that."

"It's okay." Isabella nodded, before glancing at the man's black t-shirt. A massive face of an eagle printed on the front, followed by the words Eagle Fang Karate. She added, "Nice merchandise."

"Thanks," Sensei appreciated, "I have one in the back for you, if you wanted it."

Isabella knew this conversation was going to happen, though she hoped that Miguel had already told him. She hesitated, "I'm taking a break from karate."

"At least your humour is still intact," Johnny replied, "I thought juvie was gonna make you a pussy."

Isabella sighed, "I'm not joking, Sensei. I'm quitting karate."

Johnny frowned, "What?"

"I've been thinking, a lot." Isabella explained, "Karate just made me into a person I was trying not to be—"

"That was because of Cobra Kai," He reasoned, "Just come along to Eagle Fang, it'll be good for you, like it was before—"

"Before? I was threatening my enemies with knives. I was just so angry." Isabella interrupted, "That's how I ended up in juvie, Sensei. I'm not coming back to karate."

"So, you're just gonna bail on me when the All Valley is in a couple of weeks?" Johnny said, "After what happened to your brother, I was depending on you, Diaz."

"I'm sorry," Isabella sighed, "It's for my own good."

"What if you just take those pills that your mom is always talking about, join Eagle Fang, and fight at the All Valley?" Johnny suggested.

"The medication makes me tired." Isabella explained, "I won't be able to keep up, let alone win."

"Then just don't take 'em, kid." Johnny exclaimed, "It's all a bunch of made up bullshit, anyway."

"I don't think it's bullshit, Sensei." She frowned, "There's something wrong with my brain. I'm not like Miguel, okay?"

Johnny took a long breath, "Sorry, kid. I just wanted you to prove yourself at the All Valley."

Sensei Lawrence parked his car at a local park, waiting to pick up Miguel from training. Isabella jumped out of the car when she saw her brother walking towards the vehicle; they hugged each other tightly, Isabella noticing that Miguel was using her body to lift some weight off of his weak legs.

"Oh my God," Isabella pulled out of the hug to look at him, "You're fucking walking!"

"Yeah," He beamed a smile, before hugging her again.

"Do you need any help walking to the car?" Isabella asked worriedly, "How are you finding karate? It's not too much pressure on—"

"It's okay, Belle." Miguel reassured, as the two continued walking to the car. Isabella opened the passenger side door for Miguel, who climbed in awkwardly, before she sat in the back seats and Johnny started driving them home.

The boy's smile faded, after a silent journey, as he looked at Sensei, "They cancelled the All Valley."

"What?" Johnny's smile faded too, "They did what?"

"They said something about not wanting to foster a culture of violence, after... what happened." Miguel explain cautiously. He added, "But I was thinking that you could speak to the board. Tell them what karate means to you. How you started Cobra Kai to help kids like us, taught us how to stand up for ourselves."

Johnny parked the car outside of their apartments, before replying, "Maybe this is a blessing in disguise."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Miguel asked curiously.

"It's not like you were gonna fight, anyway." Sensei replied.

The boy stopped walking, frowning, "Of course, I was."

"Training with no contact is one thing, I can't risk you getting hurt again." Johnny explained, "It's for your own safety."

Miguel retorted, "I thought safety was for pussies?"

"This is different." The man replied, as Isabella's apartment door opened and met eyes with her mom, who she hadn't seen in weeks.

Her mom finally looked at her, her smile beaming so widely as she rushed towards her for a tight hug. Carmen smiled, "Belle! Mi amor, I've missed you so much. How are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm okay, Ma." She replied softly, embracing the comfort and warmth of her mom's touch. She added, "I mean, juvie wasn't the best but at least I'm—"

Miguel yelled, interrupting them, "You don't think I can do it!"

"You almost hurt yourself with one kick! One kick!" Johnny snapped, "What do you think'll happen in a real fight?" He paused, "Look, you already proved you could win."

"I need to prove it again!" The boy shot back, "You said you'd always be on my side." Miguel stormed inside of the apartment, leaving the three alone outside.

Carmen took a breath, "I'll go and talk to him. Thank you, Johnny." She placed a hand on Isabella's shoulder, "Come on, Belle."

The girl caught a glimpse of the inside of her apartment, noticing the nonexistent 'welcome home!' banners or a family meal to celebrate. There was no party, surprise from her friends, a celebration cake, or even any letters. Why did everyone expect her to go back to normal? Like she hadn't just spend four weeks in juvie.

The pressure and stress of her normal life was like two sandbags crushing her lungs. It reminded her of her old life and the person she was trying so hard not to be. But what if that person was just who she was, or who she would always end out to be.

Carmen snapped her out of her trance, as she spoke, "Dinners nearly ready, I just need to speak to Miggy."

"Uh, I think I'm gonna go to my probation appointment. It's not until later, but if I walk, I'll get there on time." Isabella explained, "It's only a quick meeting."

Her mom frowned in confusion, "Oh, uh, are you sure?"

"Yeah," She nodded, "I should be back in time for dinner."

Johnny suggested, "Do you want a ride, kid?"

"It's okay, I'll walk." Isabella tried to sound happy, "I haven't been on a walk for weeks, I need to make the most of it."

Johnny and Carmen shared the same look, but Isabella but already walking away. She thought things would be different after juvie, but the feeling still lingered in the back of her mind. The familiar feeling of always being second place to everyone.

a/n:
i promise things will get exciting soon!!