Chapter Negative Ten: Luck Be A Ladybug

"Give me one last kiss. Let's end it on this... You see it's hard to face the addict that's inside of me. I want to fill my glass up with you constantly."

~End It On This by No Doubt~

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Warnings: abuse, addiction, biphobia/homophobia, death, domestic violence, hospitals/medical things, language, slight smut, substance abuse, underage drinking, and other mature themes

A/N: This chapter is longer than the other prequel chapters. Please enjoy.

Oh, and remember, your sexuality and identity is 1000% valid. Janice in this story is just a piece of shit. I love you all <3

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Zion's POV

The next morning, I'm up and driving over to where Robby is staying to pick him up.

Today is the day he meets my parents and I couldn't be more stressed about it.

When we get to the hospital, I let Robby know that we're going to wait outside until my dad is available for visitors. 

"And his overall health...?" Robby looks at me nervously.

"I mean, he still seems happy, I guess," I sigh. "He gets excited when Jess gives me new crystals to bring him. Every little bit helps."

"I'm sure it does," Robby nods. "Uh, anything specific I should or shouldn't mention?"

"Well, he enjoys talking about sports. I was a sporty girl, but he does have a good bond with guys, so you could try that," I suggest.

"What sports did you play?" he asks as we sit on a bench outside the hospital.

"Soccer, remember?" I remind him and he nods.

"That's right and I did, too. Okay, so that's a start," he takes a mental note. "And your mom?"

"Just compliment her. Let her keep talking about herself and don't talk about politics," I explain.

"All right. I'm assuming that means she's not as left as we are?" he asks.

"Right, she was raised conservative," I nod. "She's still grasping the fact that I can like girls and guys and any in between." She's still trying to handle a lot of things... and not doing it well.

"I am sorry about what I said about her," Robby apologizes again. "That's your personal stuff and I have no business in it."

"It's all right. Can we just not... not talk about it?" I ask softly. "She should be out here to get us any minute."

"Yeah, um... it's cool that you have both parents, though. You don't know how lucky you are," he says positively.

I look down and can only nod. My mom doesn't give a shit about me. Is that really luck? She's just here to cause stress in my life. Sometimes, I wish she were out of my life like Robby's dad isn't in his. Maybe my dad and I would be better off.

I'm going to hell for thinking that, aren't I?

"Oh, hold on," Robby's phone rings and he silences it. "Sorry."

"Who was it?" I ask curiously.

"Uh, wrong number," he shrugs unconvincingly.

Then, the phone rings again and I can see the angry and irritated look on Robby's face.

"Hold on. I have to get this," he groans and stands up.

He walks away as he accepts the call and I can only hear little bits and pieces of the conversation. He looks genuinely distressed.

I hear him yelling, "You're a piece of shit. Stop bothering me when you know my mom is the only one who even has to deal with you!"

I get out my phone and pretend not to eavesdrop as I worry very much for Robby.

"I don't fucking know where she is, okay? I'm out of town and I have to go," he ends the call quickly and walks back over to me. His hands are shaking in anger.

"Are you okay?" I comfort him as he sits next to me once more.

"My fucking dad just called me," his leg shakes up and down anxiously. "Asking about child support and where me and my mom are. He didn't care me about the fifteen years of my life that he had the opportunity to be a father, so why care now?"

I feel horrible for Robby. I can see the pain behind his eyes and how he just wants to breakdown about it. I know because I've been there before when I get into it with my mom. But, what can you do? These people are still technically our parents.

"I'm sorry I'm putting this on you. You have your own issues-"

"You shouldn't feel the need to hide your feelings, Robby," I look at him in all honesty. "I know everyone says that girls are the emotional ones, but guys also have feelings and you can let them out with me. You're safe with me and I'm here to listen."

"But it isn't fair for me to pile more worry onto you," he runs his hand through his hair absentmindedly and it drives me wild how attractive that small action is.

"I'll help you carry the burden," I offer and our eyes connect as we share a soft smile.

His hand cups my cheek and presses a kiss onto my lips as I melt into it.

When I pull away, we just smile at each other and enjoy the moment where time seems to stand still.

"Oh," my eyes land on something tiny and red on his shoulder.

"What?" he asks, most likely seeing the panic in my face.

"Uh... there's a ladybug on your shoulder," I stand up and move away from him.

"Oh, well, that's good luck," he smiles.

I shake my head, unable to even focus on the bug. It's a ladybug, which is my stupidest and one of my biggest fears ever. They're so creepy and the bright colors have always scared me. I'm not even sure why, but here we are. Maybe I was killed by one in a past life?

"Zion, are you okay?" He must see my pale face.

"I... I'm kind of... scared of ladybugs," I admit softly.

Robby looks at me a moment before he bursts into laughter. I frown in embarrassment.

"I'm serious! They're creepy. All of their spots look like eyes and their wings come out of nowhere and look disgusting. The wings are a clear and brown and ew," I take another step back as I feel my heart rate climbing.

"They're harmless," he sets it in the palm of his hand and advances towards me with it.

"NO!" I scream. "Robby, do NOT bring that closer to me."

Robby is just laughing at this point as I back away from the bug once more.

"Zion, what are you doing?" a voice comes from the front door of the hospital and I look over to see my mom.

I point at Robby, who is still laughing slightly. 

"What?" my mom asks, visibly irritated.

"He has a ladybug," I explain. It sounds so stupid, I'm aware.

"You and your stupid ladybug obsession," she sounds bothered. "Just get rid of it."

"Well, maybe it'll give us some good luck," Robby's eyes dart between me and my mom before sending the ladybug off to fly free.

It flies in my direction and I panic, crossing far away from it as I refrain from the natural reaction of screaming.

"You're so cute," Robby whispers as he walks over to me. 

"Shut up," I tensely respond as he smiles.

"So, I assume you're Robby?" my mom addresses the boy by my side.

"Yes, ma'am. Robby Keene. It's nice to meet you," he extends his hand. Please, let my mom play nice.

"Nice to meet you, too," she nods in slight approval. Well, that's good. 

"I like your rings," Robby compliments. Good.

"Thank you," my mom's face lights up a little. "This amethyst ring is my wedding ring from Andrew, my husband."

"It's beautiful," Robby says.

"Well, your dad is upstairs. The visiting hours are open for a little bit, so if you're ready we can go in," Mom explains.

"Okay," I nod and we follow my mom inside.

Robby takes my hand and whispers in my ear, "Maybe the ladybug gave me good luck for meeting your parents."

"Lucky you," I say bitterly.

"The ladybug didn't hurt me, you know," he tells me with a soft smile.

"Fuck you," I whisper before we get into the elevator with my mom and we stay in there for a minute in awkward silence.

The doors open and she walks out first to find my dad's room for the weekend.

"You were trying to, weren't you?" Robby continues our conversation in a hushed tone as he reminisces the night before.

I drop his hand and glare at him as he smirks mischievously, knowing that he's got me there.

We walk into my dad's room and he sits up with a bright smile on his face, "Star!"

"Hey, Dad," I run over and give him a big hug, trying not to interfere with his wires. He has so much hooked up to him. "You look good," I say, glad to see that the color is still in his face. Some days he becomes as pale as a ghost.

"Right," he laughs sarcastically. "I'm a real Brad Pitt."

"You've always been attractive to me," my mom grabs his hand from the other side of the bed and they share a romantic and intimate look.

"Gross," I state and my dad laughs as my mom gives me a sour look.

"Well, you must be the boy Zion keeps talking about. Now, what was your name?" my dad looks over at Robby. "Richard? Ricky? Remi? Reggie?" My dad obviously teases him.

"Robby," he responds with an awkward laugh.

"You don't say," my dad smiles and extends his hand. "Nice to meet you." 

"Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Ambrose," Robby walks over and accepts the handshake.

"Mr. Ambrose was my dad. Please, just call me Andrew," my dad says.

He's always been so good with people. How else do you think he convinced the nurses to add a Firestick to the TV in his hospital rooms? It's that Greek charm only my dad pulls off.

"Okay, Andrew," Robby nods.

I look to my mom and she doesn't offer the same kindness. I'm kind of disappointed in her.

"You can call me Mrs. Ambrose," she says curtly. Robby shifts a little uncomfortably, most likely thinking about the night he unofficially met her.

"So, Robby, tell me something about yourself," Dad initiates the awkward conversation. "You have a job?"

"Uh," Robby's eyes dart to me and then away, "I freelance here and there. TechTown, Beach Clubs, house sitting." This isn't what he told me.

"You're a busy guy," my dad nods, impressed.

"You get fired a lot?" Mom takes a seat and questions him.

"No, just lots of connections. Summer gives me the flexibility for a few part-time jobs," he explains. I didn't know any of this.

"I'm sure your dad isn't happy that you're gone a lot, huh? Does he miss the good ol' days of bonding?" my dad asks lightheartedly, but I can see Robby tense.

"Actually, sir, my dad..." Robby tries to phrase it.

"His dad isn't active in his life," I say quickly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," my dad apologizes immediately. "I didn't know."

"It was my fault. I'm sorry, Robby," I say.

"It's all right. I'm actually used to the questions. My mom and I are better off without him anyway," he assures us.

"I wouldn't have asked if I had known. I just remember when Zion was growing up, we'd spend our free time together during the summer when I'd take off. When she got older and too cool for her dad, I missed her. That is, until my diagnosis. Now, she spends too much time with me. She's probably sick of me," Dad smiles in my direction.

"Never," I say softly. 

"I'm sick of you being in this damn hospital, that's for sure," my mom sighs.

"I am, too," I nod.

"It's not so bad. I have the staff working for me as my personal servants," Dad chuckles. "I got Nurse Vera to bring me extra jello yesterday."

"Better get something for how much we pay for you to be here," I hear my mom mutter.

Robby looks at her and then back at me and my dad as he sends a weird glance her way.

"Janice," he says softly.

"I'm sorry," she realizes her attitude. "It's just a stressor for me with you being in here. I mean, you have to meet your daughter's boyfriend in a hospital room!"

"Oh, we aren't-"

"We aren't meaning..." Robby cuts me off from saying that we aren't boyfriend and girlfriend, "to make anything more difficult." Robby sends a look my way to signal for me not to bring up the technicality about the nature of our... fling.

"Of course not. This is a horrible first impression," Mom says almost apologetically. 

"Robby," my dad directs us back on course, "you live out of town?"

"In the Valley," Robby nods. 

"Sounds nice," my dad says. "Any college plans out there or elsewhere?"

"Dad, he's only a sophomore," I argue.

"Plans are still good to have," the man points out. 

"Your dad is right," Robby nods. "I have my eye on a few colleges, but nothing too big and fancy, you know? I guess I should be working towards scholarships."

"I can only imagine how hard your mother must work to support for you and her alone," Mom joins in.

"She... She's always busy," Robby nods with a bit of hesitation. These personal questions seem too much for him.

"I can keep you answering my questions all night," my dad sighs, "but I'll give you a chance to get to know some things about us, if you'd like."

"We can sit," I offer to Robby and we pull up the uncomfortable hospital chairs. I grab his hand and he looks at me wearily in front of my parents. I nod in assurance that this is fine.

"I was born in Colorado on a cold, winter night-" he begins.

"We don't need your life story," I laugh.

"I am entertaining our guest," Dad says with a smile. "But, I can skip a few years... or forty. As an old man-"

"A young man," Mom interjects and takes his hand. I feel kind of homey in this circle of warmth.

"As I am almost half a century old," he continues, "I've learned many things that I've passed onto my daughter."

I smile to myself as he gestures with his free hand to me from his hospital bed.

"She's such a strong young lady. I've taught her when I can," he says. "She also knows when to get someone negative out of her life. We've dealt with that before." 

I nod slightly as I think about Kayla and Gabi. I wonder what he's getting at.

"You seem like a good kid, Robby," he begins. "But, you just remember that I love my daughter more than anything. Don't hurt her."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Robby looks at me with his beautiful blue eyes.

"I will come back from the grave and haunt you," Dad threatens.

"You won't die," Mom snaps immediately. "Stop making those jokes, Andrew."

"We just have to be realistic, honey. I can't make promises about my longevity with how the cancer is spreading," he argues with her.

Robby's hand tightens around mine as he looks at me to check that I'm okay. My dad and his health are for sure my weak spots.

I've been through bullying, heartbreak, and even slight abuse, but nothing compares to the pain of when you realize you may lose the most important person in your life. I know I'd be lost without him.

"There is hope for surgery," I'm brought back into the moment by my mom.

"Surgery?" I ask. "Is that something new?"

"They've done more tests earlier today to see where my cancer is, if it's spread, things like that. Surgery may be the last chance for my full recovery," my dad explains.

My breathing hitches, "But, you will recover, right?"

"Not now," my mom whispers as she glances at Robby. I don't even care.

"You're going to get better, right?" I ask my dad as I feel tears in my eyes.

It's silent as both my parents don't respond.

I can feel Robby's eyes on me, but I'm too focused on the ceiling as I convince myself not to cry.

"Robby, what do you do besides work?" Dad changes the topic. "I miss being young like you. I'd go go-karting with Zion and stargazing before I was in this bed. That's why I call her 'Star.' She's my little star and she used to call me 'Big Star' all the time, but she's outgrown that now."

"You two have such a great bond. Zion tells me really amazing things about you. She's lucky," Robby smiles.

"I'd like to think so," he nods proudly.

"As for me, I skateboard and hang out with my friends," Robby answers the previous question.

"Ah, skateboarding. I used to do that, but I'm afraid I wasn't any good. I was more of a cyclist in my youth," Dad chuckles.

"I always worried about you on your motorcycle, too," my mom nods.

"Well, I did give it up once our Star was born," he smiles at me. "Couldn't risk her losing me so soon, right?"

"It's always too soon," I say as I feel myself wanting to cry.

"Don't be sad about the future. We've had a good time together and maybe it'll last even longer. We've got to stay positive," Dad reminds me as he always does.

"I don't know what's positive about this," Mom sighs in irritation.

Silence awkwardly covers us again. She really isn't helping me to try and stay positive and strong for my dad like he taught me. I always feel like collapsing around her.

"I remember when Zion was a kid," my dad tries once again to lighten the mood, "she played soccer and had to borrow a jersey since she was running late and forgot it."

"Oh, no. Not this story!" I argue as my dad laughs and continues.

"Unfortunately, the shorts were too big. The whole uniform was huge on her tiny body," my dad says between his laughs. "Well, she was-"

"Don't," I say as Robby's eyes dart between us.

"No, no, I want to hear this," Robby smiles.

"As you can imagine, she ran and the shorts... well, they fell down as she kicked the winning goal."

Robby breaks out into laughter.

"Why would you tell that story?" I ask in frustration.

"It was hilarious! And she almost tripped over them, too," my dad is cracking himself up as Robby laughs and I send them both a death glare.

"I hate you both."

"That reminds me: Did you know she's scared of ladybugs?" Robby chuckles. 

"My daughter is a weirdo! She was, like, eight and started freaking out whenever she'd see one," my dad adds. "'Ah! It's going to kill me!'" he mocks me in a little girl's voice.

"I'm not that bad," I cross my arms.

"Yes, you are," Robby and Dad say at the same time and it makes them laugh even more.

"Oh, you boys," Mom sighs with a slight smile when she sees my dad is having fun. 

"Zion was lucky to find someone good like you, Robby," my dad approves.

He approves.

"Well, my mom raised me well," Robby nods as he subtly throws shade his dad's way. 

"I second that," I smile. I wonder if I'll ever meet his mom or if the summer fling stops here?

"All right. The results are in, Ambroses," a voice comes from the door and we all turn to see Dr. Anderson. "Oh, bad time?" he looks at the room filled with the four of us.

"No, come in," Mom instructs as she stands up and waits for the doctor to explain whatever he needs to.

I need to brave around my dad and close off my emotions around my mom, especially when the doctor comes in. This is when I'm at my most vulnerable and I can't be.

"Don't mind our guest. Dr. Anderson, this is Robby Keene. He's dating Zion," my dad introduces.

"How do you do?" the doctor says as they shake hands. 

"The results?" my mom pesters.

"You all may want to sit down," Dr. Anderson suggests.

"Should I be in here for this?" Robby asks worriedly.

"Please, stay," I grab his hand again and he nods and sits by me. It's good to know he's here.

"Andrew..."

His tone isn't a good one; it doesn't assure us that our loved one isn't dying.

"...the cancer has spread to your liver and lungs."

I lose feeling in my body.

"Oh, God," I hear my mom shriek.

"The breathing problems, the blood you've coughed up and thrown up, everything is leading back to the spreading of the cancer into different tissues throughout your body," Dr. Anderson tells us.

"If it spread... What does that mean?" my dad tries to remain calm and rational.

"You have stage four colon cancer," Dr. Anderson confirms.

I feel tears slip out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.

Robby tries to pull me in for a hug, but I pull away and stand up before walking out of the room all together before anyone can say anything.

After a moment, the doctor continues and I listen from the hall,

"Surgery is only an option if the chemo condenses the cancer into one spot. While there is still hope, we know that your body hasn't done well with chemo these past few times."

I stand in the hall and try to steady my breathing.

"Radiation therapy will help your pain and maybe prevent more spreading, but as of now... this is all the news I have."

It's silent until my sob echoes through the hall and most likely into the room. I can't even hold it in anymore.

I'm going to lose my dad and there's nothing anybody can do about it.

"There's... There's always hope," Dr. Anderson says.

Footsteps come towards me and Robby enters the hallway.

"Hey, hey, I'm here," he wraps me in a hug.

"No, please," I push him away with a whisper.

He looks at me with sad eyes.

"I just... I need a minute."

I turn away and rush off to the bathroom for some solace to think all of this through, even though every thought is irrational.

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The wheels on the pavement and the engine are the only sounds around us for a while as we drive away from the hospital and towards Jess'.

"It was nice to meet your parents," Robby breaks the silence.

"I know for sure my dad liked you," I agree.

When I came back out of the bathroom, we all talked some more and focused on lighter topics. I think it was easier with Robby there next to me... and after my mom left the room.

"Your mom was nice," he continues. "I guess she's just going through tough things, just like you."

I nod awkwardly. At least when I go through tough stuff I don't hurt anyone.

"And you're beautiful, just like her. I can see the resemblance," he says.

I tense. I don't want to look like her. All my life I've been told that her and I look so similar, but I don't even want the same genes as her.

I guess I'm going to hell for that, too. 

I'm going to hell for a lot of things; let's be honest.

"Thanks," I accept the compliment to avoid getting into it.

"So... we're going to play manhunt? What is that?" Robby asks in confusion.

"It's our own version of hide-and-seek," I explain. "You'll see. It's more advanced and really fun."

Robby takes my hand, "Zion."

I turn my head towards him in question when I hear the serious nature of his tone.

"I've been trying to bring it up for a while now, but I've never had the chance, so I'm just going to say it."

My heart pounds as I anticipate the words he'll tell me.

"Next weekend is my last weekend here."

The words hit me like a truck. I knew this was coming. I was prepared for it.

But, then again, how do you truly prepare for it?

"Yeah. Well, that's okay." I take a moment. "Oh, did you want it to be just us tonight?"

"No, it's okay. I like your friends," he says. "Just figured I'd let you know."

"Right. Okay," I nod tensely. "Well, we're here." I didn't want to just have Robby tonight; I think all my friends together will make me feel the best after this horrible day.

We get out of my car and walk straight into Jess' house; they have an open door policy.

"It's about time," Reid sighs impatiently as we walk into the living room.

"You just got here, too," Katie rolls her eyes. "I'm the only punctual one."

"Hey!" Brian gasps in offense at his twin.

"I had to drag you along. You were either coming or getting left," Katie shrugs.

"Anyway," Jess stands up, "hi. Welcome to my house, Robby. Do you need a tour?"

"I can show you around," I offer and he nods. 

"Okay, have fun," they turn around as I show him the kitchen.

"Um, can I ask you something?" Robby asks when we make it down to Jess' room.

"Sure," I nod, looking around at all the pictures of our group on the wall.

"Does Jess like me?" he asks. 

"Yeah. Why would you ask that?" I question.

"I don't know. She gives me some weird looks sometimes and I know she was upset about Friday, so I don't know," Robby shrugs. "Forget I said anything."

"It's okay," I say. "She was mad before, but she knows I'm happy. She's just overprotective like that."

"Okay," Robby believes me as I walk over and finally hug him.

I lay my head on his chest, "I'm sorry I didn't accept this earlier."

"You didn't need to. I just wasn't sure what to do," he admits as he tightens his grip around me.

"I wasn't sure, either. I just freaked out. I'm sorry," I apologize again.

"Don't be sorry for that," he presses a kiss on my forehead. "Ever."

"I'm so happy we have one more weekend," I admit. I only wish it was longer. 

"Me too," he says as I pull him closer.

He leans in for a kiss. Our lips connect gingerly. He tastes like mint and vaguely... smoky? But it's not cigarette smoke. I'm to quite sure how to describe it, but it's calming and welcoming. 

He bites my lower lip and slips his hand onto my stomach as his thumb lightly draws circles on it. I shiver from the pleasant feeling as my hands reach up and comb through his slicked back hair.

"Ew, affection."

Our attention is turned to Jess staring at us.

"Well, I can see you're giving him a tour of your mouth," Jess smirks, "but I know he's familiar with that, so let's get started on Manhunt, okay?"

"Jess," I frown at her, "stop doing that!"

"It's not my fault I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time. You two forget to close doors," they say as we follow her out.

I sigh in annoyance as Robby follows me back into the living room.

"Cockblocker," I mutter to Jess under my breath.

"It's my official title, babe," she whispers and then blows me a kiss.

Robby gives me a look of confusion and I just wave him off like it's nothing. She's such an idiot, but she's my idiot.

"As your best friend, you're stuck with me for better or for worse," Jess always says.

"Robby, you've never played Manhunt, have you?" Reid turns to him.

"No, I don't think so," Robby shakes his head with a small smile. Reid is definitely closest to Robby considering he knows the group Robby came here with.

"All right. Well, this is my favorite game and I always win," he brags.

"Bullshit! And you know it," Katie argues.

"Come on, do you have to argue with everything I say?" he complains. "We never get anything done because your mouth is always going off on me."

"Oh, please. Don't flatter yourself," she scoffs.

"I know something else your mouth can do, Miss Evans," Reid scoots closer to the blonde.

"Bite me, Jackson," she shoves him away.

"Now, that's something my mouth can do," he smirks seductively her way and the rest of the room exchanges a glance.

Brian looks terrified at the fact that his sister is arguing with one of his best friends in such a way, Robby is confused as ever with their sexual tension, and Jess is enjoying it and also sharing a mutual look with me. We really, really want them to finally get together.

"That's it! I'm moving," Katie stands up and sits next to me. "Hi. I need to get away from that disaster.

"But, he could be your disaster," I whisper just enough for Jess to hear, too.

"As if," she turns beat red and Jess and I share a look of success.

"Anyway!" Brian claps his hands. "I will be equally horrible and amazing at this game, as usual. See, I'm used to hiding away at school, so that's good. But, I'm awful at anything sports related, so that's unfortunate for me. I'm a stereotypical twink," he smiles in amusement.

"What exactly are the rules?" Robby is still confused.

"It's hide-and-seek outside in my neighborhood," Jess explains. "You hide from the one person who is 'it,' but they have to tag you when you're caught. So, if they see you, they have to touch you in order to get you out. This means you can run away and hide again successfully. If you're tagged, you help look for everyone and the last person hiding wins."

"Can I hide with you?" Robby asks me with a smile.

"Of course," I say as I lean my head on his shoulder.

"Can I hide with you, Kat?" Reid asks her.

Katie flips him off with a smug smile.

"Anybody want to be 'it' first?" Katie asks.

"Fuck no," Brian says quickly.

"We should do this in spin the bottle fashion," Reid stands up. "Hold on. Let me go get some ketchup."

"Oh! We don't have bottled ketchup anymore," Jess tells him. "My moms grow tomatoes and we make our own."

"That is so cute!" Katie smiles.

"And gay," Reid rolls his eyes, "like me."

"And me," Brian smiles.

"And me." "And me." "And me."

I glance at Robby and he chuckles, "And I support that."

I smile happily and lean into his chest as he wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me into his lap.

"You two are sickening," Brian sighs.

"Oh, yeah, are you and Diego over?" I ask in concern. I haven't been updated on Brian's life in a while.

"Yeah. He was getting really clingy," Brian sighs.

"Honestly," Jess speaks up, "I wasn't the biggest Diego fan. He was rude to us and way too attached to you."

"And he always talked about weird things," Katie scrunches her nose. "One day, I was eating a hamburger when I third-wheeled with you and he showed me a video about why I should go vegan. It was disgusting and overbearing."

"Ooh! But, are you going vegan?" Jess asks in excitement.

"No," Katie shakes her head quickly and Jess deflates.

"He seemed nice to me," Robby shrugs since he doesn't know Diego very well.

"He had a big personality, which I guess isn't always bad. It's just that he always knew everything about everything and it got annoying quickly," I explain.

"Agreed," Jess nods.

"I found whatever the hell this is," Reid walks in with an empty S.Pellegrino water bottle.

"Perfect," Jess nods in approval. "Okay, let's spin it to see who it lands on."

Reid spins it and the bottle eventually points to Katie.

"You rigged it," Katie frowns as she points at Reid accusatorially. 

"How would I have rigged that?" Reid asks in disbelief.

"I don't know. You just did," she complains.

"Deal with it," Brian sighs. "Let's get this over with so we can watch The Hannah Montana Movie."

"We are not watching Hannah Montana," Reid argues.

"You're outnumbered. We sent the poll to the group chat, remember?" Jess smirks.

"Robby doesn't wanna watch that shit," Reid argues.

"Then you can go watch your muscle car movies," Katie rolls her eyes playfully.

"Come on, Robby. You don't want to watch some dumb Miley Cyrus movie, right?" Reid points to the boy beside me.

Robby looks at me as I smile softly; I ended up voting for Hannah Montana, too. I was a little obsessed when I was younger.

"Whatever Zion wants is fine with me," Robby finally says something.

"Damnit," Reid groans in frustration.

"Sorry, man," Robby says apologetically.

"Who am I kidding? You're just gonna make out the entire movie and not pay attention," Reid says in a sour tone before following Jess out the front door.

Brian, Katie, Robby, and myself walk after them.

"Sorry that they're-"

"Don't be sorry. This is more fun than anything else I could be doing," Robby squeezes my hand in assurance.

"Anything?" I bring his arm around my waist.

"Fine," he smirks. "Almost anything."

"I thought so," I giggle.

"Can we make out later, though?" he whispers in a seductive tone and my hand slaps his chest. His toned, muscular chest.

God, I hope we do.

"Rules: No backyards of private property. No jumping fences. Don't go past the neighborhood's entrance or the house down to my left that says 404," Jess explains.

"Yes, ma'am," Reid stands at attention and Katie laughs as she hits his chest.

"Katie, you're up. Count to sixty," Jess announces.

"One. Two. Three."

I grab Robby's hand, "I have an idea of where we can go."

"Me, too," he whispers as we walk away from Katie.

"You don't even know this place," I say in astonishment.

"Jess has an old cellar under her house, right?" Robby asks.

"How'd you know that?" I ask. I'm kind of creeped out.

"I saw the doors when we first entered the house. We can just hide down there," Robby suggests. "It's right by Katie and I don't think she'd ever suspect anything. And, it isn't against the rules."

"Hm, okay," I agree excitedly. That's a great idea. "We have to be careful, though. It's like their panic room and they have some valuables down there."

"We'll be careful," he assures me.

"Okay," I smile excitedly and run to the front left of the house to the cellar doors. 

Robby picks the lock easily and looks up at me, "We're in."

"You astound me," I say with a light laugh.

"Let's go in," he puts his hands on my waist and helps lift me onto the ladder to crawl down.

It creaks a little as we make it down the ladder. Robby tuns on his flashlight to get some light down here so we can close the cellar door.

"Shhhh," I tell him.

I also turn on my flashlight and help out. Finally, we find the light switch. 

"I'll go close it," Robby says.

"Hurry! I think sixty seconds is practically up," I tell him.

The door closes and we're left alone in Jess' panic cellar.

We're alone in Jess' cellar.

We're alone.

"So... what do we do while we wait?" I ask with a smirk.

"None of that," Robby shakes his head. "There could be cameras and I don't want another one of your friends walking in on us again."

"You're so boring," I sigh.

"Why? You want to be caught again?" he asks me. "You want to be caught while I take you?" he asks with a smile and brings his hands to my waist to snake over my curves.

"It's not the worst idea ever," I kiss him. "But, I guess you're right."

"It was a good rush, though," he admits. "But, no. We shouldn't." 

"I agree. It's a bad idea."

⭒⭒⭒

Maybe ten minutes later, Robby pushes me against the wall as he leaves hickey after hickey on my neck.

"Stay quiet, pretty girl."

I stifle my moans as my hands run up and down his back and mess up his hair. I'm so wet.

"Oh," I whisper as I wrap my one leg around his so he can get a better angle on my collarbone.

Robby plants sensual kisses from just below my right ear down to where my tank top begins just above my boobs.

I bring him up for a kiss, knowing I'll lose it if he ends up kissing and leaving marks on my breasts.

"Do you think they'll ever find us?" Robby chuckles as he pulls away a moment.

"I don't care," I keep the kiss going since I don't want to stop and lose this passion.

Not yet.

"Hey, okay, what's going on?" Robby removes himself from my grip. "You're being extra... physical tonight. I like it, for sure, but why?"

"I don't know," I shrug awkwardly. "You like it, so what's the problem?"

"Is it about your dad?" he asks.

I groan and sit on the comfy chair down here.

"You know how to set the mood," I sarcastically remark.

"Is it?" he asks. "You haven't mentioned anything about him since we left the hospital. I know the news wasn't great, but I think you're repressing it-"

"I'm not good with change, okay?" I ask.

A moment of tension.

"It's always been me, my mom, and my dad. I was raised here, I met my friends here, I know everything about this small town. And now, you're here. It's great, promise, but you're leaving. And today, I just found out my dad is most likely leaving, too," I sigh in all honesty.

"You know I can't help that I have to leave. I'm so sorry I'm making you feel this way, Zion," Robby apologizes.

"No, we agreed on this. We knew this. I knew this. I also knew I should have prepared for the worst with my dad. It doesn't matter, though. I'm still not good with change," I shrug.

"I'm not, either. My mom used to be pretty active in my life and now she's going on vacations and spending time with older men rather than with me," Robby admits. "Life is about change, though. You'll be okay."

"You're right," I nod.

I don't want to get any deeper or more emotional with him. He's only here one more weekend and if he knows all my secrets, that's not good. I'll share them with Jess later, if I need to. But, Robby and I only last three more days. I won't get attached.

"ZION!" I hear voices screaming. "ROBBY!"

"Oh," I widen my eyes.

"They're still looking for us," Robby stands up.

"I totally forgot," I say and grab my phone. "Shit!"

"What?" Robby asks.

"I have thirty-five text messages and they've all tried to call me. My phone was on silent," I say in a panic.

"Okay, let's get out of here," Robby says and climbs the ladder to push the cellar doors open.

"HELLO? YOU GUYS WON!" I hear Katie screaming.

The doors finally pop open and Robby helps pull me out.

"Oh, thank the moon!" Jess runs over and clobbers me in a hug. "Don't you ever scare me like that again."

"You were down there?" Brian asks as he scrunches his nose in a similar way to his sister.

"Genius," Reid's face lights up.

"It was Robby's idea," I give him the credit.

"We called you," Brian says.

"We were worried," Katie adds.

"I'm sorry. My phone was on silent and we were talking a lot," I glance at Robby. I wonder if it was a mistake to let him into my life so he can see all the worst parts of me?

"You have Zion's lipstick all over your face," Reid observes and gestures all over his face.

I blush as Robby tries to rub it off vigorously. Smooth.

"Well, it's late now," Brian says impatiently.

"Hannah Montana, anyone?" Katie grins.

"Please!" Jess exclaims. "This was Zion and I's favorite movie when we were younger. We watched it over and over again."

"I'm pretty sure I just liked it because I had a huge crush on Travis, though," Brian sighs.

"I had a crush on Miley," I say and Jess giggles.

"Me too!" Jess and Katie yell together.

"Well, let's go inside. It's kind of cold," Katie frowns.

"Do you want my jacket, Kat?" Reid holds it out for her. She looks at him wearily. "It won't kill you. I was just wearing it."

"Hm," she debates it for a moment. "Okay. Thanks."

We all make it back inside to the living room and sprawl out. Katie and Reid share a couch, Jess sits in her chair, Brian is on the floor, and I lay with Robby on the other couch. He holds me in his arms as I already feel myself drifting off to sleep.

"Jess," Katie turns to her, "are you going by she/they or she/her? Your Instagram pronouns changed and I just wanted to be sure."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you. I'm not sure 'they' fits me. I went back to cisgender, but I may experiment with neo-pronouns and see if those work better in the future," Jess explains to us.

"Whatever you feel most comfortable being addressed as is okay with us," I say as I try to turn my head from it's comfortable spot on Robby's chest.

"You guys rock," Jess smiles excitedly.

"SHHHHH!" Brian yells. "THE THEME SONG IS COMING ON!"

And with that, we all sing along. Even Robby and Reid.

I smile happily as we all watch this movie together. I loved Hannah Montana growing up. 

As the movie progresses, I glance over and see Katie and Reid cuddling, too. Brian is leaning between Jess' legs in the most sibling way. It's a nice moment.

⭒⭒⭒

"Zion, wake up," Robby shakes me awake and I sit up. "The movie is over."

"Wow, I passed out," I say as my eyes adjust to the bright light.

"Did you like it?" Brian asks Robby excitedly.

"Yeah, I saw it a few times as a kid when Mom paid for cable," he nods.

"I heard you singing the theme song," I tease him.

"Okay, maybe I enjoyed it more than I thought," he nods with a small smirk.

"Sh, they're sleeping," Jess points to Reid and Katie as they're curled up together.

"I hate to wake them up," I say softly. They really do look adorable. I'm so happy they finally somehow gave into it.

"I'll just tell Mom we're sleeping over so she doesn't worry about me and Katie. Reid's parents won't care anyway," Brian grabs his phone.

"I'll never stop teasing them for this," Jess takes a picture of it with a wicked smile. "Now, I have blackmail."

"Are you ready to go?" Robby turns to me. "I hate to be rude, but I need to get back so I can leave in the morning, as usual."

"That's a good idea," I nod and grab my things.

"Uh, thanks for having me," Robby turns to Jess.

"No problem. Thanks for keeping your clothes on this time," Jess smirks at us.

"All right, time to go," I push Robby to the door.

"Zion, wait," she calls me back and I leave Robby to go talk to Jess for a moment. "You guys didn't have sex in my cellar, did you?"

"No, we didn't do anything dirty down there," I assure her in a soft whisper.

"Thank the moon," she sighs. "Drive safe."

"Okay," I smile and walk out to join Robby.

We did some things, but what Jess doesn't know won't kill her.

⭒⭒⭒

The car ride is mainly silent the rest of the way. I decide I finally want to ask what's been bugging me since the hospital.

"Hey, so..." my voice breaks the silence and Robby turns to me. "Earlier with my parents you said a lot of things. Some of those things you never even told me and I just... I guess I want to understand you better. All of the jobs you said you've had-"

"Look, I'm sorry," Robby sighs. "I was trying to impress your family and I went with what came to mind."

"Oh. So, you don't really work at those places?" I ask.

"It's hard to understand and explain, Zion," he shakes his head.

"Then, help me to understand," I say.

"I don't think you would," he says and I can sense a bit of hostility in his tone.

"What does that mean?" I question.

"You have a nice house with a car and money and as far as I know, you don't work," Robby says. Is this bothering him? 

"I used to," I argue. "Before I spent more time off to be with my dad and help out my mom, I had a job."

"But, that isn't the same. My friends get me money through some... unorthodox ways, but I have to try to pay the bills somehow. My mom seems to forget more and more recently. These are problems you don't have," he states.

"Seriously? You were there today when my dad was basically given a death sentence," my voice cracks, "and now you're saying I don't have problems?"

"Financial problems," he corrects me.

"And your 'friends' that you hate get you money illegally?" I ask.

"I mean, it's not really like that. Sometimes you just have to do what it takes to survive and I'm just saying that you don't have that experience," Robby explains. 

I sigh, feeling like the emotions are overtaking me.

"I'm sorry," he says as I feel my eyes water and I try to focus on the road. "I've been apart of your life for a few weekends now and honestly, yeah, I'm jealous. It's not something you can help and I'm sorry I took my anger out on you. I'm frustrated and I know you are, too. I wanted your parents to approve of me and I stretched the truth. I didn't mean to invalidate anything you're going through. God, I'm just awful at this. I am truly sorry."

I pull up to the house he's staying at and put the car in park.

"Up until now, you were actually doing so well," I say with a small smile. "I'm in no place to judge what you do to keep living. And you're right. I am well-to-do with my dad's job. I'm sorry if I made you feel not good enough somehow."

Robby looks down. It's dark in the car aside from a light post above us.

"And you are good enough, Robby Keene," I place my hand on his shoulder. 

We sit in silence as Robby stares off and seems to think about something.

"Um, I guess I should get inside," he decides.

I nod awkwardly as he gets out of the car and closes the door behind him.

"Robby, wait," I decide to also get out of the car and I run after him. He turns to me as I stand in front of him, "Be safe going back home."

"I will be," he says with a soft smile.

"I miss you already," I whisper.

He cups my face and presses a kiss on my lips. I kiss back and it seems everything we need to say, all the words that confirm we care about each other, all the hidden emotions that say we want each other, are coming to the surface in this kiss.

"I miss you, too," he pulls away after a minute.

I wrap him in a hug, "Thank you again for being there for me today. And I'm sorry I dragged you along to Jess'. I just thought a big group would be the best for me after the news."

"Don't be sorry. I was happy to be there for you," he assures me. "You should get home, though. It's late."

"Okay," I smile happily. "I'll see you Friday?"

"I'll see you Friday," he nods.

I steal another quick kiss before we part our ways.

I glance back at Robby as I walk away and I see him doing the same thing. I wave and he waves back. 

Then, I pick up my pace and get into my car with a smile.

⭒⭒⭒

I make it back into my driveway with a heavy weight on my chest. 

I'll probably lose my dad. I'll lose Robby first. Then, my dad. Then, who knows what else? I don't know how much heartbreak I can take.

All I know is that I need to be quiet coming inside so my dad stays asleep. My mom text me that he moved back to his bedroom and was instructed to get a lot of sleep. At least he's home, I guess.

On the other hand, it's bad news. The hospital can't do much else for him at this point.

What if I break and can't be put back together?

I sigh and finally get out of my car. I lock it behind me and approach the door.

"Where the hell have you been?" my mom's voice echoes through the downstairs as I walk in.

"I was at Jess's," I say, completely caught off-guard. I'm unsure of her reaction to Robby, so I just leave out that part.

"You made me worried sick. I've been calling and texting you," she says angrily. She's drunk and stressed out again and it causes me to cautiously walk around her. I'm worried she'll hit me again.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see that-"

"I have to worry over your father all the time. He's dying, Zion," she says and it hits right in the heart when she says it so bluntly. I know that. I've known that. It was made very clear to me today. "And now I have to worry over my slut of a child while she sleeps around at a girl's house and I'm slaving away to make your dad's last few weeks here nice."

"I-" She cuts me off again as my heart breaks. His last few weeks here.

"I never even wanted a girl. And bisexual? What the hell does that mean? Stop being so greedy and pick one fucking gender, Zion. I didn't want to raise a slut for a daughter, but here we fucking are!" she holds up the knife like she's forgotten it's in her grasp.

I look down, tears pouring out of my eyes. She's still convinced Jess and I are together in some way, like I'd cheat on Robby.

"Never be late again or I will use this knife for something other than cutting fruit. Got it?" she threatens, waving it around.

"Y-Yes," I nod in fear, visibly shaking now.

She's become so unhinged recently. And I don't want to tell my dad because he has enough pressure and stress as it is. He's bed-ridden and probably asleep right now, so he can't help. I don't know what else to do except put up with it.

I mean, what do you do when your mom doesn't love you? What do you do when she's worse than any high school bully you've ever had to deal with? They don't teach you how to handle these things.

"Go up to your room, you little bitch," my mom says and continues cutting her fruit with the knife.

I run up to my room as fast as I can and lock it behind me, all my emotions pouring out as I breakdown on my bed.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Only one or two more chapters with Robby:(

There will be ten parts to this prequel and the last two will be about the aftermath involving her dad's passing and Janice's abuse, so those will be heavier topics.

I post a chapter earlier today about my plans for Season 4. Please go check it out and let me know what you would love to see happen! I'm SOOOOO excited for this season. I just wish we didn't have to wait for December hehe.