**Chapter 6: Descent into Chaos**

Ashley's mind was a jumble of thoughts as she stood in the bathroom, staring at the line of powder on the counter. What if she was pregnant? What if she got addicted? What if she was a fuck-up? The questions swirled in her head like a vortex, pulling her down into a dark abyss of uncertainty. Gerald's voice cut through her thoughts, low and husky. "Come on, don't be a wuss," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. He reached out and smacked her ass once, the sudden sting making her jump. Ashley's heart was racing as Gerald kissed her, his lips pressing against hers with a gentle urgency. The world around her melted away, and for a moment, she forgot about the powder, forgot about the bar, forgot about everything except the sensation of Gerald's mouth on hers. As he pulled away, Ashley felt a sense of disorientation wash over her. Gerald's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. "Go on," he whispered, his voice low and persuasive. Ashley's mind was still reeling, but her body seemed to be moving of its own accord. She felt like she was in a trance, her thoughts foggy and unclear. Gerald's hand closed around her wrist, pulling her closer to the counter. The powder seemed to be calling to her, a siren's song of escape and oblivion. Ashley's heart was pounding in her chest, but she felt a sense of inevitability wash over her. She was going to do this. She was going to take the leap. As she leaned forward, Gerald's breath whispered against her ear. "That's my girl," he murmured, his voice full of approval. Ashley's world narrowed to a single point, the line of powder on the counter. She felt like she was staring into the abyss, but Gerald's hand on her wrist was the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. And then, in a movement that seemed almost involuntary, Ashley leaned forward, her nose inches from the powder. The world around her began to spin, and she felt herself falling, falling, falling into a darkness that seemed to have no bottom.