"Fighting for Control"

Ashley's eyes narrowed as Ms. Johnson pulled out a small notebook from her bag. "So, Ashley, I have to ask, are you using?" she asked, her voice firm but gentle. Ashley's face twisted in anger. "No, I'm not," she said, her voice rising. "I told you, I'm fine. I'm not using anything." Ms. Johnson's expression remained calm, but her eyes seemed to bore into Ashley's soul. "I'm testing you, Ashley," she said, her voice low and even. "I've seen the track marks on your arms, and I've heard the rumors about your relationship with Danny. I need to know if you're being honest with me." Ashley's anger flared up, but she pushed it down, trying to maintain a calm exterior. "I'm telling you, I'm not using," she repeated, her voice firm. Ms. Johnson nodded, her eyes never leaving Ashley's face. "Okay, let's try something else," she said, pulling out a small packet from her bag. "Can you tell me what's in this packet?" Ashley's heart sank as she saw the packet. It was a small baggie, and inside, she could see a white powdery substance. "I don't know," she said, trying to play it cool. Ms. Johnson's expression was skeptical. "Come on, Ashley," she said, her voice gentle. "I think you do. And I think you know exactly what it is." Ashley's mind was racing. She knew she had to be careful, but a part of her wanted to lash out, to tell Ms. Johnson to back off. But she knew she couldn't do that, not if she wanted to keep her kids. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, trying to sound convincing. Ms. Johnson sighed, her expression softening. "Ashley, I'm not here to judge you," she said. "I'm here to help you and your kids. But I need you to be honest with me. Can you do that?" Ashley felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Ms. Johnson. She wanted to trust her, to believe that she was genuinely trying to help. But she was scared, scared of losing her kids, scared of being judged, scared of being trapped. "I'll try," Ashley said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Ms. Johnson nodded, a small smile on her face. "That's all I can ask for," she said. "Now, let's talk about your kids. How are they doing?" Ashley's heart swelled with love and concern as she thought about her kids. She knew she had to do whatever it took to keep them safe, to give them the best possible life. But as she looked at Ms. Johnson, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was running out of time.