**Chapter 7: Confrontation Escalation**

Erica's grip on Ashley's arm was like a vice as she dragged her out of her room and downstairs. "Listen to me, Ashley, we have options here," Erica said, her voice firm but with a hint of desperation. "You will get on track, or I will cause a scene with the social worker." Ashley sighed, exasperated. "What the...? You're an asshole, Erica." She tried to shake off Erica's grip, but her sister only tightened it. Erica pulled Ashley into the living room and sat her down on the couch. She picked up the phone and began dialing. Ashley's eyes widened in alarm. "Fine, then I'll call them," Ashley said, trying to sound defiant despite the fear creeping into her voice. Erica's expression was unyielding. "You don't understand, Ashley. I'm not bluffing. I'll call them, and they'll take you away. You're not going to ruin my life and your own like this." Ashley's face twisted in a mix of anger and fear. She knew Erica was serious, and the thought of being taken away from her family and placed in a foster home was terrifying. But she also knew she couldn't give in to Erica's demands. The phone rang several times before a voice picked up on the other end. Erica's voice was calm and collected as she spoke to the social worker, but Ashley could sense the tension beneath the surface. "Hi, it's Erica. I need to report some concerns about Ashley's behavior. She's not taking her suspension seriously, and she's refusing to get help." Ashley's eyes blazed with anger as she listened to Erica's words. She felt betrayed and hurt that her sister would do this to her. She opened her mouth to protest, but Erica's warning glance silenced her. The social worker's voice on the other end of the line was calm and sympathetic, but Ashley could sense a hint of skepticism. "Okay, Erica, I'll send someone over to talk to Ashley. Can you have her ready?" Erica's eyes locked onto Ashley's, a fierce determination burning in them. "She'll be ready," Erica said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. Ashley felt a cold dread creeping up her spine as she realized the gravity of the situation. She was in trouble, and she didn't know how to get out of it. The social worker was coming, and Ashley's life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.