**Spiral Out of Control**

Six weeks had passed since Ashley's argument with her mother, and things had taken a drastic turn for the worse. Ashley was now a regular fixture on the streets, always with Axel by her side, and always under the influence of something. Her addiction had escalated to the point where she was drinking and using drugs daily, and her school life had suffered as a result. She had been suspended for truancy and was now in trouble with the law, having been picked up for disorderly conduct on multiple occasions. Her mental health had also taken a hit, with anxiety and depression consuming her every waking moment. She would often lash out at her mother, Nicole, for no reason, and Nicole was at her wit's end trying to keep her daughter alive. The latest blow came when Ashley discovered she was pregnant. Nicole was shocked and devastated when Ashley broke the news to her, tears streaming down her face as she processed the reality of her daughter's situation. "How could you, Ashley?" Nicole asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "How could you let things get this far?" Ashley just shrugged, her eyes glassy and unfocused. "I don't know, Mom. It just happened." Nicole felt a wave of stress wash over her. She was trying to keep her daughter alive, but it seemed like the whole world was against her. Axel was a toxic influence, and Nicole knew she had to get Ashley away from him, but Ashley was too far gone to listen. As the days went by, Ashley's condition continued to deteriorate. She was constantly hungover, and her behavior became more and more erratic. Nicole tried to get her into rehab, but Ashley refused, insisting that she was fine and didn't need help. Nicole was at a loss for what to do. She felt like she was losing her daughter to the darkness, and she didn't know how to bring her back. She tried to stay strong, but the stress and worry were taking a toll on her own mental health. One day, as Ashley stumbled into the house, reeking of smoke and booze, Nicole had had enough. "Ashley, I'm getting you help, whether you like it or not," she said, her voice firm and resolute. "You're going to rehab, and you're going to get the treatment you need. I'm not going to lose you to this addiction." Ashley looked at her mother, her eyes flashing with anger, but Nicole could see the fear lurking beneath the surface. She knew that Ashley was scared, but she also knew that she had to take drastic measures to save her daughter's life.