Intervention of Desperation

"Ashley, get your things, we're going now," Nicole said, her voice firm but cracking with emotion as she stood in the doorway of their living room. Ashley, slumped on the couch, looked up at her mother with a mixture of anger and defiance. "Where are we going?" Ashley asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm getting you a spot, you're going to rehab, Ashley," Nicole replied, her eyes welling up with tears. "You're my daughter, you're 17, and you're still my little girl." Nicole's voice broke as she spoke, and she began to cry. Ashley looked at her mother, and for a moment, Nicole saw a glimmer of the girl she used to be, before the addiction and Axel had taken over. But it was quickly replaced by a hardened expression. "You're pregnant, Ashley," Nicole continued, her voice shaking. "Think of that. You're carrying a child, and you need help." Ashley's face crumpled, and she began to cry harder. Nicole pulled Ashley into a hug, holding her tightly as she sobbed. "Axel is gone, Ashley. You're done with him. Forget him." But Ashley pulled back, her eyes flashing with anger. "You don't understand, Mom. He loves me," she said, her voice rising. Nicole's expression was firm. "No, Ashley, he doesn't. He's toxic, and he's ruining your life. You're going to get help, and you're going to move on from him." Ashley's face twisted in anger. "Fuck off, Mom," she spat, pushing Nicole away. But Nicole was not deterred. She grabbed Ashley's arm and began to drag her towards the door. "Ashley, come on," Nicole said, her voice firm. "We're going now." Ashley struggled against her mother's grip, but Nicole held tight. "Let me go, Mom!" Ashley shouted, but Nicole just kept pulling her towards the car. As they reached the car, Ashley's resistance began to fade, and she collapsed into the passenger seat, tears streaming down her face. Nicole got in beside her and started the engine, relief washing over her as she pulled away from the house. For the first time in weeks, Nicole felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could save her daughter from the darkness that had consumed her.