Chapter Negative Three: Drama

"Everything that kills me makes me feel alive. Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep, dreaming about the things that we could be."

~Counting Stars by OneRepublic~

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Warnings: abuse, addiction, biphobia, domestic violence, homophobia, language, outing, underage drinking, and other mature themes

A/N: Just a reminder that you are loved and valid. If you need to talk about anything, I'm here.

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Zion's POV

"So, can you hangout tonight?" Jess asks hopefully.

"I don't know. Robby is supposed to come back into town today," I say into the phone with a smile.

"I still need to meet him!" She giggles, "Ooh, does he have a sister?"

"Jess!" I exclaim with a laugh. "I just want to meet up with him again if I can."

"Well, the group is going to another party tonight," she says. "I don't want to go alone."

"I thought you just said the group was going with you?" I ask in confusion.

"Yes, but they're going to split off. Katie and Reid will probably play each other in beer pong and make me feel like a third wheel, and then we both know Brian and Diego are sickening together," she complains. "Plus, I don't want to handle Gabi alone."

"Oh no. Gabi will be there?" I ask with a groan.

"It's at Kayla's house," Jess sighs and I gasp.

"No way. You are not dragging me back to that house," I shake my head. "I can't believe you'd even invite the idea."

"Diego is dragging Brian who is dragging Katie who is dragging Reid and I. You know Reid will reach out to you and beg you to come, too," she reasons with me.

"Jess, Gabi and Kayla are bad people. You know this. I don't go near them because we can't trust them. Being on their property is dangerous," I say dramatically.

"You're over exaggerating," Jess pouts.

"Am I, though?" I ask. "They were awful to us. Somehow Gabi makes Regina George look like a saint."

"And Kayla is Karen," Jess giggles.

"Exactly. I'm not going," I make up my mind.

"Fiiine," she groans. "What will you do with Robby?"

"It all depends if he can even meet up tonight," I admit.

"Why wait for an 'if' when you can just-"

"I'm not going to Kayla's, Jess," I argue.

"Okay, okay, I get it."

My phone buzzes and I pull it away from my ear to see a text message from Robby.

Robby to Zion: There's a house party tonight that the guys are going to. Are you up for that?

I text back my response nervously.

Zion to Robby: Maybe, what house?

"Zion, what's going on? Helloooooo," Jess yells into the phone and I put it up to my ear.

"Sorry. Robby text me," I explain.

"You're doing that thing again," she teases me. 

"What thing?" I ask.

"The thing where you fall really fast, really hard," she says.

"No, I'm not. This thing with Robby isn't meant to last. It's a summer fling," I shrug and she laughs.

"Mhm. Keep telling yourself that."

My phone buzzes again and I check to see a response from Robby with an address...

to Kayla Miller's house.

"Jess?" I ask.

"Mhm?"

"You need to help me find an outfit for the party tonight."

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"Bri, can you be the driver tonight?" Katie asks her brother as we drive down the highway.

"Aw, why?" Brian pouts.

"So I can crush her at beer pong to prove I'm the best once and for all," Reid smiles.

"Please, you know I own you in that game," Katie argues. "Please, Bri?"

"Fine," Brian sighs and Katie cheers.

I anxiously shake my leg up and down in anticipation of this party and Jess notices, "Zion, are you okay?"

"You do know we're going to the house of a known homophobe, right, Diego?" I ask as we drive over there.

"Kayla isn't homophobic," Diego jumps to her defense.

"How do you even know Kayla?" Reid asks.

"We were science partners last year. She said it's fun having a smart, gay friend," he says.

"That feels kind of offensive. She only likes you because you're gay and she can get something out of it?" I ask skeptically.

"We probably won't even see them tonight," Brian argues, siding with Diego. "Besides, this won't get violent; it's not like we're in some lame movie where a fight breaks out at every party."

"Yeah, but with our luck we'll keep running into them," I lay my head on Jess' shoulder.

"Lighten up, Zion. Just find your man and have a good time," Jess taps my thigh in support.

"Your man?" Katie asks.

"Robby," I remind her.

"The skater boy?" she asks.

"HE WAS A SKATER BOY! SHE SAID, 'SEE YOU LATER, BOY!'" Brian, Jess, and Reid all scream as if on cue.

"I had that coming," Katie sighs.

"Thank you for ruining my hearing," I say sarcastically and Jess laughs.

"You're so uptight. What's wrong?" Reid turns back from the passengers seat in concern.

"Sorry," I apologize immediately. "It's just... family stuff." My mom yelled at me again just before I left the house and almost didn't let me come, but I don't want to get into it with them; it's nobody's business to know.

"Your dad?" Katie asks in concern.

"Um... yeah," I lie. I don't want to ruin the night with my stupid problems.

"I'm so sorry," Jess apologizes and everyone else follows suit.

I hate the look of pity, especially since they can't do anything to change it and they didn't cause it.

"Well, we're here," Reid says as we pull up to the familiar house in a rich neighborhood. I used to come here all the time when I was younger. "If Gabi starts something with either of you, I'll be there to have your backs," Reid assures Jess and I and Brian nods in agreement.

"I never thought I'd be back here," Jess admits.

"Same," I nod towards the huge house lit up with people swarming inside. 

"Well, let's go!" Diego jumps out of the car first and then turns to wait for Brian.

I grab my things and text Robby to see if he's here already.

"You'll be okay tonight," Reid assures me and gives me a quick side hug before walking in first with Katie.

I know they all understand my apprehension to be here after Gabi outed me two years ago, but some of them just don't get girl drama. It got so bad that my dad got involved with the school.

"I actually like your outfit tonight, Zion," Diego compliments my dark pink tube top with some gold jewelry and black jean shorts. It's pretty basic, but more colorful than my usual outfits.

"Thank you," I say. I hope he grows on me. I haven't really gotten to know him since I've been MIA with the group because of my dad. He comes off as a little annoying, not going to lie.

We walk through the front door and the music blasts around us. I hope I can find something to drink to distract from earlier, but first I'd like to find Robby.

I make my way through the sea of people to find the drink table or Robby. This place is so packed that I barely even recognize it.

"Ow," I elbow some guy on my way through the crowd and I instantly turn to apologize.

"I'm so sorry," I say.

He turns to me, "Don't worry about... Zion?"

"Oh my god. Dylan, hey," I realize who it is and nervously smile.

My ex boyfriend.

"Hey, how have you been?" he asks me casually.

"Great," I nod. We agreed, like most cliche couples, to still stay friends after the breakup, but we are legitimately still there for each other if we ever need. Jess and I have good relations since we broke up, too, so I guess I've never really had a relationship end in a mess. I'm lucky in that regard. "And you?"

"Pretty good. Your dad?" he asks me.

"As well as he can be, I guess," I nod glumly. He's bedridden at home right now, but thankfully he isn't in the hospital.

"Is he finally getting chemo?" Dylan asks me.

"Um..." I hate talking about it. "Yeah. He is, but it's stage four. There's not... much hope."

"Well, there's always hope," he says as positively as he can, but I know he's just being nice. When all hope is lost, what's left?

"Yeah," I agree anyway. 

"Dylan! I got you beer," a voice squeals and someone rushes over, jumping on his back.

Kayla Miller, one of my ex best friends. What the hell is she doing with him?

"Thank you," Dylan says awkwardly and tosses her off his back to take the cup that's already slightly spilled. He looks between the two of us like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Zion!" Kayla cheers when she sees me. She's already super drunk.

"Kayla," I say less enthusiastically. "Are you two...?" I look to Dylan for an answer and he shifts awkwardly.

"Yep! I'm his girlfriend," Kayla clings onto his arm with a bright smile and it makes my stomach churn. I hate that he's with her of all people.

"It just kind of happened," Dylan admits with a small smile as he looks at Kayla.

"That's... great" I fake a smile. "I was on my way to get a drink, so if you'll excuse me."

I push past Dylan and Kayla to find the drink table. I need one after that.

I finally make it over and pour a bottle of something into a red Solo cup. It goes down quickly and has a bitter taste.

"I knew I smelled something repulsive." I turn to look beside me and see Gabriella Del Rosario, or Gabi for short.

"The same perfume you've been wearing since sixth grade?" I counter with a smirk.

"She meant you," Kayla walks up behind her with a dumb smirk. I'm not drunk enough for this.

"She knows I meant her," Gabi tells Kayla. She isn't the brightest crayon in the box. "What are you doing here, Ambrose?"

"This party is an open invitation, Del Rosario," I say and pour another cup. 

"Not for trash like you," Gabi puts her hand down by my cup and I look up at her.

"At least I'm classy, Gabs," I use the nickname she hates. "No matter how rich you are, your heart is still shriveled like a raisin."

"Watch out, Kayla. She might try to kiss us again," Gabi taunts me and I glare at her.

"I have standards," I say.

"You dated Jess. How high can those standards be?" she says and I ball my fist. 

"Take that back," I say angrily.

"Sorry. No take backs," Gabi smirks. "You shouldn't even be here, Zion. I didn't think this was your type of thing. You know, a place where people have fun?"

"I didn't think you'd be here, either. Usually you're in the fiery pits of hell, right?" I smirk. "Going to burn more pictures of us together?"

"Kayla, let's go," Gabi says when I bring that up. "Before she gets her daddy to go to the principal about us again." Gabi walks away and Kayla smirks at me before turning away. I hate them.

"That seemed like a fun conversation."

I spin around to see Reid. "Yeah. Great."

"Don't let them get you down. You're better off with out 'em," Reid taps my shoulder with his hand supportively.

"I know," I say. "They just get under my skin so easily. After everything they've done, I always just want to punch them when I see them. I want to get back at them for outing me and humiliating me. I want to get more than just even."

"I know, I know. It's okay to feel that way. I don't really get girl fights, but I'm here for you," Reid says supportively. He's like a great brother sometimes.

"Thanks. I'm honestly shocked you're over here. Where's Katie?" I ask.

"Um..." Reid shifts uncomfortably, "I actually came over to grab-"

"...the beer for beer pong," we finish together.

"I figured," I nod with a smile.

He sighs, "Sorry."

"Don't be. Have fun," I encourage him.

"You, too," he nods. 

"So, when are you asking Katie out?" I ask him with a smile.

His eyes widen, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Come on. You two are-"

"Have you found Robby yet?" he interrupts me, obviously freaked out by the mention of his crush on Katie.

I laugh, but roll with the subject change, "Not yet. Are his friends here?"

"I think so," Reid shrugs. "Robby seems chill. Just be careful with some of his friends, okay?"

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, dude," I hold out my fist and he bumps it with his.

"Anytime, sista," he teases me and we exchange finger guns before he walks away.

I check my phone for a response from Robby, but no such luck yet. So, I walk out to the backyard and see a DJ is set up. It's Oliver from my history class. Even the backyard is crowded.

Suddenly, some hands wrap around my waist and lift me up. I shriek as they immediately put me down and spin me around.

"I found you."

"Robby!" I smile and wrap him tightly in a hug which he returns slowly.

"Hey," he says and I pull away. "Are you already drunk?"

"Maybe a little," I say. "Wouldn't be a party without drinks, right?"

"Let's go somewhere quieter," he says over the music and I nod as he leads me just inside the door.

"Sorry, this whole night is just so weird that I felt the need to drink. But I'm not a lightweight," I assure him.

"Why? What's been going on?" he asks me and I shrug.

"What hasn't been going on? It's been a little bit of everything this past week," I sigh.

"Do you want to talk it out?" he asks in concern.

"No, no, let's go have fun," I say with a smile and grab his hand.

"Are you sure?" he follows me back out to the backyard.

"Yeah," I nod and pull him closer to dance with me. 

He smiles and places his hands on my hips. I loop my arms behind his neck, pulling him close as we move a little to the fast music. I reach up and kiss him as he secures his arms around me and we deepen the kiss.

"Get into it," a voice cheers and I jump away from Robby a bit in shock. Jess.

"Oh my god," I say as Robby looks between us in confusion. "Robby, this is Jess, my best friend. Jess, Robby."

"Good to meet you," Robby smiles politely.

"Dito," Jess smiles. "I'm glad I can finally meet the boy Zion has been talking about all week."

"Jess," I whisper-yell as she exposes me.

"Sorry," she giggles. She's definitely drunk. "This music is so loud."

"Yeah, it's kind of hard to hear you," I laugh and grab Robby's hand. "Did you want something?"

"No, just came to say hi. And also you'd better treat her right," Jess points at Robby protectively. 

"I will," he smiles at me and I blush.

"You'd better," she says again before waltzing away drunkenly.

"Sorry, she's a lot when she's drunk," I explain.

"That's okay. She seems nice," he says and I nod.

"Did you want anything to drink?" I ask him.

"I don't drink," he tells me.

"Really?" I ask in astonishment. Usually everyone drinks at these parties. "Are you the DD?"

"DD?" he asks.

"Designated driver," I explain and he shrugs.

"I end up being one most of the time. I just don't like alcohol and how it impacts your body. My mom is an alcoholic," he reveals.

"Mine, too," I roll my eyes. "We're so similar."

"Why do you drink, then? If you don't mind me asking?" he questions.

"To forget reality, the hard stuff," I tell him.

"Oh, what hard stuff?" he tries to get to know me.

"Um..."

"Zion!" Brian rushes over, dragging Diego behind him.

"Hey. Robby, this is Brian and Diego," I point to them and Robby nods to them.

"Damn, Zion. Your boyfriend is hot," Diego whispers to me and I see Brian tense.

"Diego," Brian harshly whispers as Robby and I share an amused smile.

"What? You can't tell me you wouldn't leave me for him," Diego sighs.

"My boyfriend is hotter than Ricky Martin. And I love him," Brian pulls Diego in for a kiss.

"Hey, guys," I snap between them and cause them to break their make out session. "What did you want?"

"Mmm, I heard they're playing truth or dare inside. You in?" Brian smiles excitedly.

"At a Kayla Miller party? No way," I say, already knowing something bad could happen.

"Buzzkill," Diego rolls his eyes. 

"Both of you aren't coming?" Brian pouts.

"I mean, did you want to, Robby?" I ask and turn to him.

"Eh, I'm cool with whatever you want, Zion," he shrugs with his hands in his pockets.

"Um... You two have fun. Maybe Robby and I will enjoy the fresh air together," I grab his hand.

"Whatever, losers," Diego teases us and puts a 'L' on his forehead with his hand before heading inside with Brian right on his heels.

"So, what's the big deal about a 'Kayla Miller party?'" Robby asks curiously.

I sigh and look around for a place to sit. My eyes land on a bench on the less populated side of the backyard and I pull him to follow me, "Come here."

We sit down where it's quieter and I pick at my nails as I try to find the words to explain it.

"Um... in middle school, Jess and I dated," I start off and I peek over to see Robby confused. "I'm bisexual, so-"

"You like guys and girls," he nods in understanding.

"Right. Well, Jess and I weren't out yet, but I think our old friends had a clue that we were gay. Kayla, the host of tonight's party, and her best friend, Gabi, were friends with Jess and I all throughout elementary school. We also had this other friend, Maddie, but she moved to Texas in fifth grade. Everything between the four of us began to fall apart and one day, Gabi and Kayla stopped talking to Jess and I completely. We didn't know why, but we would always get death glares in the hallways."

"I'm so sorry," Robby says and takes his thumb, massaging the top of my hand with it.

"Long story short, a year after that they found out Jess was gay- she knew long before me. Gabi saw Jess and I holding hands when we were starting to date and tried to keep it a secret, but she wouldn't let it go. She spread horrible rumors about us and Kayla went along with it. Eventually, it turned into cyberbullying and our parents got involved to shut it down. We've blocked each other on all social media since and... This is massive girl drama, sorry."

"It's okay," Robby nods. "I'm sorry they were so unaccepting."

"Yeah, and I wasn't even planning to come tonight-"

"But you did because of me," Robby says guiltily and I realize what I'm saying.

"No, no, you had nothing to do with this," I shake my head.

"Is that why you've had a hard week? Because you were stressed about this?" he asks.

"Robby, no," I meet his sad eyes. "My friends were planning on coming tonight. I was planning to come with them. You were just an added bonus," I say. "A happy bonus."

Robby's eyes soften and he looks less sad now, "You're sure it wasn't me?"

"No, life is just a bit rough sometimes," I say. "It's not you."

"Okay. Good," he smiles and I press a kiss to his lips. "That cheers me up."

"Oh, I'm sure it does," I smile and kiss him again with a light peck.

Robby pulls my legs over his lap and sets me closer to him. I melt into the kiss he leans in for, it really deepening this time. He holds me firmly, not wanting me to leave him; I don't want to leave. He takes dominance in my mouth and I yank on his hair as I try to control my breathing. 

We break for air and I move into his lap and he presses a kiss on my neck. His hands support my hips and I grip his biceps and lean back as he kisses up my jawline and then back to my mouth. I grind on him a little out of instinct.

"Fuck," he moans a little bit into the kisses. I glance down and see he's aroused.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Keene," I plant a kiss on his nose before crawling off of him. 

He grabs my hand, "Why'd you stop?"

I sigh, "I-I don't know... We're moving a little fast and... this is just a party in public and people-"

"So, what if they watch?" he stands up with me and butterflies form in my stomach. Then his smirk melts into a smile, "I'm just kidding. We'll go slow, if that's what you want."

Jess said I fall fast and hard for people, so maybe this is all in my head. At the same time, it's a summer fling and time is limited. But this is a crowded party; I'd like something more romantic. Then again, it's just what I'm used to and it makes me wonder what Robby's past experiences have been.

"Uh, maybe just a bit slower," I nod.

"As you wish," he says in understanding.

"Thank you," I say and then look up at him. "Did you just quote The Princess Bride?"

"Maybe..." he chuckles.

"I don't know anybody else who has seen that movie! You're actually cultured," I tease.

"Yeah, well, they play a lot of reruns on Starz TV. It helps block out the sound of my mom..." he trails off with a disgusted look on his face. "Never mind."

"The sound of your mom?" I ask and he shakes his head. Sore subject. Got it. "Sorry."

"It's fine," he says. 

"Zion! There you are!" a voice screams from behind me.

"You're popular," Robby gestures for me to turn around and see Katie.

"What? What's wrong?" I ask.

"Jess- yelling- Gabi-" Katie pants from running all the way here. She probably searched the whole house for me. 

"Oh no," I say when I realize it's a fight, most likely. "Um... I have to go," I turn to Robby and he just looks confused.

"Bring him. But hurry," Katie says and I hold out my hand. Robby grabs it and we follow Katie back inside to Kayla's living room.

"Bitch, you left us first with no good reason except your intolerance," Jess says drunkenly as she stands on top of the couch. She doesn't ever yell like this or fight, but homophobia sets her off, as it should.

"What was I supposed to do? You were in love with me," Gabi retorts.

"Don't flatter yourself so much," I walk in, dropping Robby's hand and going to grab Jess. "Come on, Jess. Let's just calm down."

"For the record, I'm not homophobic. I just don't like predatory girls," Gabi scoffs.

"All right, let's get out of here," Reid comes over and drags Jess away before she can tackle Gabi.

The rest of the room watches the drama unfold in awe and I roll my eyes. Robby is watching all of this, of course. He probably finds it so dumb; what if he hates me for being bi? Or if now he thinks I'm easy because of the stereotype unfairly given to bisexuals?

I follow the group out of the room, knowing I have to be there for Jess; we've been through all of this together and as much as I want to tell off Gabi, I'm drunk and sure I'll regret something.

"You need to calm down," Katie and Reid sit Jess in a chair in the kitchen and I walk over for another drink.

"They say it because they know they can get away with it," I groan. "It's middle school all over again."

"They saw us getting popular and being ourselves and decided there was only one way to take us down: that goddamn rumor and encouraging bullying because we didn't fit 'the norm,'" Jess sobs now as she's drunk. It almost makes me upset because she's upset and I can be an emotional drunk.

"I didn't know it would come to that," Diego walks in with Brian.

"I'm so sorry, guys," Brian apologizes. 

"Wait, have you guys seen Robby?" I ask worriedly, wondering where he went.

"He's a pretty boy," Katie admits and I nod with a small smile.

"He's not as handsome as me. Nobody is," Reid argues with a conceited smile.

"Don't worry. You're pretty, too," Katie pinches his cheek and he slaps her off. 

"Don't do that," Reid tells Katie.

"You don't like it when I pinch your cheeks?" Katie asks in a baby voice and Reid backs away from her.

"Gross," Jess groans.

They run out of the kitchen like five-year-olds playing tag, Reid shrieking as Katie chases him.

"Do you guys think Robby ditched me?" I sit beside Jess worriedly.

"You've only been apart, like, five minutes," Diego rolls his eyes at my dramatic tone.

"Well, I left him first, but... Do you think I ruined the night?" I ask.

"If you ruined the night, then I blew it up. I'm so sorry, Zion," Jess pouts and leans on the arm of her chair drunkenly.

"I told him I'm bi. He probably hates me," I say nervously.

"Not everyone is your mother," Jess comforts me.

"Yeah, your mom doesn't know what she's even saying. You're valid, babe," Brian comes over and gives me a little hug.

"But-"

"No 'but's. You aren't a cigarette," Brian lifts my chin to look at him. 

I laugh, "What the hell does that mean?"

"You know," he looks at the rest of us who are confused, "like, a cigarette butt?"

"Oh, honey, no," Diego says in disapproval and Brian's face falls.

"It sounded better in my head."

"I love you, you dork," I stand up and give him a proper hug. "It's the thought that counts."

"I want to piss in Kayla's shampoo bottle," Jess stands up with a vindictive look in her eyes.

"Nope," Brian rushes over and sits her back down. "None of that." Jess pouts.

"Where do you think Reid and Katie went?" I ask curiously. 

"To make out," Jess giggles and takes a sip of something from a cup.

"Someone stop her from drinking," Diego points to her but doesn't move to help.

I roll my eyes and yank the cup away from her, "No."

"Uuuuuuugh," she groans and flops back in the chair.

"You should go try to find Robby," Brian says.

"I don't want to leave her," I turn back to Jess.

"We'll watch her," the blond assures me.

"Ew, why?" Diego asks and I glare at him a bit. He's a judgmental downer, from what I can tell. And Brian seems happy with him, which is great, but really? Diego? Of all the cute, gay guys in California?

"You're the best," I smile to Brian before exiting out of the kitchen and walking around to find Robby.

I make it through the backyard and the whole downstairs with no luck. I try the upstairs and see nothing, but then end up passing by Kayla's room. 

Curiosity gets the best of me and I peek in, wondering if it'll look the same as roughly five years ago.

It does, almost. The bright colors and basic decorations are still intact, but she's added new posters and removed her 2010 Justin Bieber poster- thank god. 

"Why are you in my room?" a voice asks from behind me and I spin around to see Kayla.

"Um... You got rid of the Justin Bieber poster," I ignore the question.

"I needed space for Shawn Mendes," she closes the door a little and I see behind it a huge cardboard cutout of the pop singer.

"Holy shit," I whisper, completely weirded out, as she giggles.

"You know," Kayla walks over to the picture wall above her bed with photos from over the years, "I didn't hate you. Gabi was upset about the end of school party and she was my best friend, so I had to choose."

"The end of school party?" I ask, wondering what that means. Is she giving me insight after all these years into why they suddenly hated Jess and I?

"Yeah, at the end of the year," Kayla says. "You know what happened and then we stopped talking."

"No, I don't know what happened. You left and then bullied us," I argue.

"Gabi and I aren't bullies. We were just worried, I guess. My mom isn't very cool with gay people and I don't know why, but Gabi's mom found out about you guys and we were convinced you were bad, but... I don't know. You were pretty awful to Gabi and I..." she lies and I frown. "I miss our group, though."

She points to a picture from a birthday party at a crappy bowling alley when we were six and so innocent.

"It can't go back to how it was," I shake my head, remembering everything they've done.

"Yeah, Gabi hates you now. And I guess I do, too," Kayla says, always the follower.

"Sexuality isn't a choice, Kayla. You hopped on the bandwagon Gabi made in sixth grade and never got off. It hurt when you guys started ignoring us over something we have no control over," I argue and she frowns.

"Not all of us are raised in families who accept things like that," she frowns.

"You think it was easy for me to be accepted? I didn't even come out on my own terms! You and Gabi spread rumors that got out before I was ready," I say, trying not to cry. "It was hard for my own mother to accept me... Things got out of hand, Kayla. You never think about how your actions impact others."

"Please don't hate me for being with Dylan," she says.

Up until now, I'll be honest I was trying to forget about that.

"That's all you got from what I just said?" I ask her in disbelief.

She shrugs. I'm trying to make a point about homophobia and middle school and all she dwells on is her boyfriend of the week?

I shake my head angrily, "You really are just as dumb as you were back then."

I walk out of her room, knowing it wasn't very nice of me to say, but I had to say it. Things come out unfiltered when I'm drunk and I refuse to be stepped on here. I'm already trampled enough at home.

I walk back downstairs and down the hallway when I see Robby standing in the foyer talking to some girl.

"There you are-"

I stop mid sentence when I see Gabi is who he's talking to.

"Hey," Robby smiles casually at me, a bit caught off-guard because he knows he's talking to Hades.

"You know, you have really beautiful eyes," Gabi twirls her hair and flirts with Robby right in front of me. And I know we aren't anything and Gabi most likely has no idea- because how would she know- but it makes my blood boil.

"Thanks, I get them from my dad," I butt in and move next to Robby, taking his hand and showing Gabi he's off-limits.

Her eyes widen, "So, this is the girl you've been talking about. I wasn't aware you were... together."

"Yeah, kind of," Robby nods and Gabi smirks at this, knowing we aren't confirmed. It isn't Robby's fault, but it makes me so mad.

"Well, then," she bites her lip and looks him up and down, "let me know when you get tired of Zion. I'd be more than happy to make your visit better."

I look down angrily, knowing he'll probably fall for her and her rich charms. She isn't a good person, but at least she doesn't have the baggage I do. Besides, Robby probably doesn't even want me after I've been a drunk fool all night, running away from him. I'm not worthy of him.

"Thanks, but my visit has been fantastic so far," Robby moves his hand from mine to wrap around my waist and pull me close. "I've had the best tour guide."

I look up at him with a bright smile and he pecks my nose with a kiss. I blush a deep red color and turn back to see Gabi absolutely pissed.

She turns away with nothing else to say and I feel my body relax once she leaves. I'm shocked that Robby stood up for me and chose me over her. 

"She's aggressive," he says when she walks away and I laugh.

"You handled her so well. I don't think she's ever been left speechless," I note and he shrugs.

"I just said the truth," he says and I step in front of him to enlace my fingers with all ten of his. 

"I thought maybe you left or something," I admit with a frown.

"What?" he asks.

"You disappeared after I did and... I'm sorry for leaving you alone and not coming back sooner and-"

"Zion, hey, it's all right," Robby assures me. "You defended your friend. It was..." He looks me up and down and I feel a bit weak in the knees, I have to admit. "It was sexy," he whispers in my ear.

"It was?" I whisper back and he places a kiss on my cheek.

"Yeah," he nods. "I really like this summer fling idea. It's not all about sex or the pressure and it's refreshing, if I'm being honest."

"Wait..." I realize he's thinking about more than just intimacy. "Really?"

"Yeah, I mean, I've had girls come and go, but they didn't mean anything," he admits and I realize I'm a little jealous of even just his past relationships. "The girls my friends and I hung out with weren't worth finding an emotional connection with. Nothing was wrong with that, but it isn't for me and... I like talking with you, Zion. I like to hang out with you... I like you. A lot."

"Are you sure?" I doubt.

His hands move to my waist and he leans in to kiss me once more. 

"I'm sure."

"Then... did you want to go back out to the party?" I ask. Robby shrugs and I lead him back into the room. "How long are you here for this weekend?"

"I'm staying until Monday," he says.

"So, can we meet up again?" I ask.

"It's a date," he nods and I look around for my friends.

"You called her dumb?" a voice shrieks from behind me and I turn to see Gabi followed by Kayla.

The blonde has obviously been crying and I'm pretty sure it was because of me; maybe I took it too far, but it's too late now.

"It's not like it's untrue," I say, not backing down from a fight with Gabi.

Gabi slaps me across the face, "Screw you, Ambrose."

I freeze, my face heating up from the sting and shock. Only my mom has ever hit me...

"Hey, get away from her," Robby pushes me behind him and steps in. It shocks me as she scoffs at Robby.

"She'll turn on you," Gabi smirks.

"Says the girl who cheated on Carson," I spit at her, bringing up her middle school relationship. Robby holds out his hand to keep me back as I get more aggressive.

"Okay, what is going on here?" Dylan walks over and stands by Kayla. "Why are you crying?" he asks the blonde in concern.

"Zion called me stupid," Kayla sobs.

"I said you're 'dumb.' Nothing new," I say and Robby grabs my wrist, walking me away from the drama.

"What's going on?" Katie is instantly by my side with Reid.

"Just reliving middle school," I groan in annoyance.

"What the hell, Zion?" Dylan walks over to me. "That was uncalled for. Go apologize to Katie."

"Why should I apologize? She started this entire thing. You know that, Dylan," I say.

"There are two sides to every story," Dylan says.

"Don't invalidate my side of the story," I argue.

"I'm not. I was the one who dated you even though you're bi," he says and I laugh dryly.

"You say that like it's a flaw or a disease!" I say angrily.

"Hey, maybe you should just back off and let everyone calm down?" Robby steps in. This is just great.

"Who's this?" Dylan asks me.

"Her date. And you are?" Robby asks, trying to be polite but you can sense the hostility in his voice.

"The ex boyfriend," he responds with a smirk. "You know what?" Dylan looks at me. "I have to get back to Kayla." He turns to walk away.

"Yeah, don't worry about me. I only got slapped," I yell after him sarcastically. The party is dying down so people have left, but I know there are still some who saw all of this.

"Are you okay?" Robby holds my hands and looks at me in concern.

"Yeah, it was... it was only a slap, right?" I ask bravely, not wanting my pain to be seen. "Is my face red?"

"Yeah, but maybe we can find you an icepack," Robby says and lifts my chin to examine my cheek. Our eyes connect and he gives me a soft smile, helping me calm down.

"It might be best if we just go," Katie says, still being the mom friend. "This was a bad idea."

"I'll go get the others," Reid nods and walks back to the kitchen to search for the trio I left behind.

"This is a mess," I groan. "I'm so sorry, Robby." He probably hates me for all the drama tonight.

"No, it's okay. Just get some rest, okay?" he asks me and I nod. He places his hands on my waist and leans in for a short kiss. Our lips connect for no more than five seconds and then he pulls away and we share a smile.

"You aren't mad?" I ask him.

"No way," he says. "My friends are probably leaving soon, anyway."

"Okay... I am sorry," I say again guiltily.

"Don't be. Text me later," he says as all my friends come over. I nod and he turns to leave.

"Okay, that was sweet," Katie smiles, as she watched the whole thing. "He's growing on me, but I'm still weary."

"Where is that bitch, Gabriella?" Jess fumes.

She looks around the party and Reid shakes his head, "Oh no you don't." He picks Jess up and carries her over his shoulder as she giggles drunkenly.

"Are you okay? I heard she slapped you," Brian links arms with me and I nod.

"I'm good. I'm tough like my dad," I smile.

"I'm jealous," Diego comments and grabs Brian's hand.

"Jess, you need to not drink as much next time," I say to her as her face practically sits by Reid's butt while he carries her.

"But it's so fuuuun!" she sways her arms and Reid struggles to hold onto her.

"Don't do that," he taps her legs.

"So, I wanted to ask you guys if you'd want to go to the mall with me tomorrow?" Katie asks. "So we could have a group outing without the alcohol?"

"What's the fun in that?" I tease and she gives me a smile.

"You can bring your boyfriend," she says.

"It's just a summer fling," I state and they all share a snicker. "What?"

"Sure. Like you don't fall fast and hard," Reid teases me as we pile into the car.

"Kinky," Diego comments and we all giggle drunkenly.

"Give me the keys," Brian wanders over to Katie as I fasten my seatbelt.

⭒⭒⭒

I make it home late at night, hoping my parents are asleep. I don't want to get caught when I'm drunk.

I wave goodbye to everyone quietly before running to the front door and rushing up the stairs.

Thankfully, I make it to my room without a problem. My mom's door is shut and so is my dad's; they have separate rooms now because he's sick.

I change my clothes and use a makeup wipe. Then, I fall into bed and almost instantly pass out. 

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: School has been kicking my ass. Someone please yell at me to do my work ahhh.

Some of the characters in the prequel resemble some characters Zion meets when she moves to The Valley, so that can potentially explain why she feels certain ways about certain characters... More to come on that front, I suppose.

Anything you guys want to see in the prequel? More of a certain character or something you want them to do? I'm open to suggestions.

On another note:

I need season four. I need season four. I need season four. I need season four. I need season four. I need season four.

I feel like the addition of Terry Silver is going to throw everything off (in a good way) but mess up the plans and ideas I have for season four with Zion. I guess we shall see! I'm so excited.

I hope you're all having a good day and remember I'm here if you need to talk.