Chapter Negative Eleven: Three Days

"And we know that we're headstrong, and our heart's gone, and the timing's never right. But for now let's get away on a Roman holiday."

~Roman Holiday by Halsey~

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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

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Zion's POV

"I wish I knew all the constellations like you do," I look up at the night sky in awe.

"You say that every time we come out here," Dad chuckles. "You just need to make time to learn."

"I know that one is the Big Dipper," I point slightly to the right of us in the sky.

"It sure is," my dad nods proudly.

We sit in silence another moment and just stargaze. The moment is peaceful and pure and my heart is full. There's something so magical about our backyard.

"I'm really glad we could do this again," I admit.

It's been a week since he was diagnosed with stage four. The survival rate is less than fifteen percent over five years. The doctor was honest with us and said he isn't sure how many days, weeks, months, or years we have left with him. All we know is that his condition is worsening and he wants to spend as much time with me as possible.

Robby comes back into town tomorrow, so my balance between him and my dad will be a bit hard to juggle. I know Robby will understand, but my time with him is also dwindling. This will be our last weekend and I want it to be special.

I also want to hang out with my dad. Everything I do is because of him and I can't act like he's normal. I'll be normal with Robby to save our weekend, but alone is when I can try to cope. I'm not alone much, but I strongly intend to make something work.

"You can always count on the sky," he smiles as he tilts his head up from his wheelchair.

He's on oxygen now and is wired in, so he can't travel without it and he can't walk anymore; it's safer this way.

"Look up and remember me, okay, Star?" he glances over at me.

I feel myself tear up. I still can't grasp the reality of the situation fully. He's already acting like he's dead, but he's only two feet away.

"Zion?" he says and I turn to face him now. It's weird hearing my real name since he calls me "Star" so often. "I want you to always remember I'm here for you."

"Mhm," I nod to acknowledge him. If I speak, I know I'll break down and ruin what's supposed to be a gleeful night.

I don't know how he can always be here for me if he's dead. Bodies are six feet under and there's no heaven or afterlife to look forward to. Maybe the universe preserves spirits or reincarnations happen? I'm not sure, but I know it won't be the same to look at a star and pretend it's my dad.

"I bought you something," he tells me.

"Why?" I sit up in confusion as he reaches to his side and grabs a box that surely Mom helped him lift.

"Because you're my daughter," he holds it out for me as his hands shake weakly.

I take it out of his grasp and unwrap the paper around the box.

"No way," I gasp when I see a Smithsonian Telescope Kit. It's such a nerdy thing, but it's perfect for tonight.

"You can see Venus in the sky tonight with a telescope, so I thought we could test it out," he suggests.

"Okay," I open the box like a little kid on Christmas. I'm way too excited about this.

He helps me set it up and adjust all the lenses. Once it's set, he hands it to me and I look up to find Venus. He places his hand on my shoulder and I glance over to see a warm smile on his face.

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I feel myself falling asleep on the grass an hour later. The fireflies surround us and I'm really thankful I put on bug spray. My dad looks about ready to pass out, too.

"Maybe we should start heading in," he suggests after he yawns and it prompts me to yawn, too.

"Can we get a telescope picture first?" I hand him the silver gift and he accepts it.

"Good idea," he praises me as I try to set up the camera with a timer and flash on our porch.

It starts counting down as I rush over to stand with my dad and we smile brightly for the camera.

"I need a copy of that," he says as I go to check it.

"I'll text it to you," I nod.

"No, I want a real copy to put in a photo album," Dad tells me.

"Okay, boomer," I whisper to myself. My friend group had a whole phase where we said that and now it's become a joke between me and my dad.

"I know I look like a silver fox, but I'm not that old yet," he tries to roll my way.

"Gross," I smile as I text him the photo. I'll get prints of it later when I go out.

"You know," Dad changes the subject, "I really did like that Robby kid."

"You two had a fun time teasing me," I nod as I set the photo as my wallpaper.

"I only tease the people I love," he reminds me. "Now, help me get inside."

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"Hey," I walk into my dad's bedroom Friday afternoon.

"Hey, Star," he pauses the TV and turns to me. "What's up?"

"I was about to head out with Robby, but I can still cancel if you think I should. I don't want to leave you," I say anxiously. Every moment with him is precious.

"No, I told you to go," he says. "I'm watching Shawshank Redemption and am completely fine. Go have fun with your boyfriend."

"Well, he's not officially my boyfriend," I correct him. "But, like, are you sure?"

"I'm going to ignore you now," he plays the TV again. He smiles, "Go."

I hesitate with a small nod before walking downstairs.

"Where are you going?" my mom asks as I grab my purse.

"Out," I say.

"Out where?" she asks, not happy with my tone.

"With Robby and I don't know where yet," I tell her as she comes over and brushes my hair with her fingers a moment. "Stop that."

"You're going out with a boy and you need to look good for him," she says.

"I do look good," I look down at my feet insecurely.

"Fine. Don't let me help you," she shrugs and turns away. "Did I give you permission to go?"

"Dad did," I tell her.

"Oh, so your dad who sleeps all the time knows your plans and I don't? He needs to rest and not be bothered with your plans," she snaps at me. She's very sensitive about my dad, obviously.

"It wasn't like that. He and I weren't planning on hanging out tonight and Robby is back in town, so it was an exchange," I try to explain it to her.

"But you still never told me this?" she questions.

I sigh and give in, "Can I go out with Robby tonight? I'll be back by curfew."

"Yes," she says. She's happier now that she has control over what I'm doing, but at least I can go.

"Okay, thanks," I say and grab my keys before heading out the door so I can pick Robby up.

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Robby and I get out of the car at the destination he suggested.

"So, this is State Street?" he smiles.

"You're lucky I like you," I grab his hand. Parking was a mess. "Of course you'd choose the busiest place to come."

"All the tourists come here, right?" he asks me as we walk down the street. "Well, I'm a tourist."

"And I'm a local and I hate it here," I sigh.

"Oh, come on," he stops us and grabs my waist so I face him. "You're telling me there's nothing here you'll enjoy?"

"You're here," I kiss him.

"Besides me," he chuckles.

"Maybe," I say, trying to not ruin his fun.

"You're going to enjoy tonight. I guarantee it," he pulls me to follow him towards the aquarium.

"Okay, so what are you wanting to do?" I ask as we look around. "The aquarium?"

"That sounds cool. Are you interested?" Robby checks with me.

"If you are," I nod. "My treat."

"What?" he looks at me. "It was my idea to come here."

"You pay for some things and I pay for others," I assure him as we get in line.

A few minutes later, we make it to the ticket booth and the worker greets us.

"Hi, what can I do for you?" they greet us.

"Two tickets," I say and steal a smile towards Robby.

"Sure! Did you want to see the penguins get fed? It's in ten minutes and it's only five more dollars," they register our tickets.

I look at Robby and he nods, "That sounds great."

"Perfect," they print our tickets. "Have a good time."

"Thank you," we both say and walk inside to scan our entry tickets.

"This isn't so bad, right?" he teases me.

"Not so far," I nod and we make it to the feeding demonstration.

We take a seat on the bleachers they have set up and Robby sets his hand on my thigh.

I look over at him as he pretends he isn't moving it more and more towards the inside of my thigh.

"Robby," I whisper.

His hand tenses and grabs my thigh a little, "I told you you'd have fun, right?"

"Not here," I say as I look around at the families with ages young and old.

"But it was okay on a roof? In your best friend's basement? In your room when I wasn't supposed to be there?" he smiles at me, his voice low.

"That was different," I place my hand on his.

"Welcome, everyone, to Sea King Aquarium!" the announcer begins the show.

"We can have some time for that later," I whisper to Robby as the lights dim.

I wrap my fingers around his and keep our hands in my lap. He seems content with this.

"All right," he smiles and I know he's not at all mad.

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The lights reflect out over the water as we finish our dessert.

We sit inside a nice restaurant we found by the water. We definitely don't fit in with the nice couples in suits and fancy dresses.

"Can we trade?" I ask with a smile.

"Trade cheesecake?" he looks down at his plain strawberry New York Cheesecake.

"Just a tiny sampling," I suggest with a smile. "I thought you'd like to try my triple chocolate cheesecake?"

"I..." he looks down at my plate and gives in. "Hand it over."

We trade plates and I scoop a large piece onto my spoon.

"I thought you said a tiny sampling?" Robby laughs as I shove it into my mouth before he can argue.

"Maybe I was bluffing," I giggle once I finish the bite.

"Fine," he scoops the chocolate cheesecake into his mouth. "Mmmm."

"Right?!" I smile in agreement.

"I should've ordered this," he moans softly.

"Mine," I pull the plate back over to me and he frowns. "Robby?"

I laugh as he responds, "What?"

"You have chocolate on your face," I say. It's all over his lips.

"Maybe you can get it off for me?" he smirks and I nod, sliding out of the booth and to his side.

I sit beside him and scoot close. I feel so close to him and am intoxicated by his smell, his look, his presence... his hand on my thigh.

I put my hand behind his neck and turn his head to face me. My eyes dart to his lips and his to mine. I lean in and press a kiss to his lips as the chocolate mixes with his already great taste. He pulls me closer and my legs wrap over his lap. We makeout in the booth as his teeth bite down on my lower lip. I moan in enjoyment and he holds me tighter as we fight for dominance.

When we pull away, our eyes connect and our breathing crosses from us being so close. So close.

"Did you get it?" he asks in a soft tone.

"Huh?" I ask, not understanding what he's asking.

"The chocolate. Is it gone?" he tilts his head.

"Oh," I laugh and lay my head on his chest. "Yeah, I got it."

"Thank you," he rests his chin on top of my head.

"Ehm, here's your check," our judgy, stuffy server returns.

"Thank you," Robby smiles at her and leans over to grab it.

"Sure," she mutters with a scowl and walks away.

"How much is it?" I ask Robby.

"No, I'm paying for it. Don't worry about it," he says as he slips out his wallet and grabs some cash.

"Holy shit," I say when I see so many hundreds, fifties, and twenties. "Robby, where did you-"

"My job," he whispers and shushes me. "We're gonna let the other people here think we're trust fund kids. It avoids all the questions."

"Your job?" I ask him with wide eyes. "What, did you sell a Ferrari?"

"No," he sets the cash down with the tab and urges me to scoot out. "I brought my savings."

"You brought all your savings for tonight?" I ask in astonishment. "Why?"

"Not all of them, but yeah, most. For you. For us. This weekend," he grabs my hand and we walk out of the restaurant.

"That makes no sense. We could have had McDonald's and I would have been happy," I exclaim.

"Are you not happy about the food we had?" he looks at me.

"You know I don't mean that," I argue.

"Could you have had steak at McDonald's?" his eyes look into mine and sparkle.

"No," I smile softly.

"Then, just accept the gift," he presses a kiss on my lips and we continue walking.

I notice all the older rich couples staring at us in distaste as we pass them. They must have seen our physical moments together. Oops.

"What are you thinking about?" Robby holds the door open for me as we exit the restaurant.

I takes me a minute to remember what we were talking about, "I don't like not giving as much as the other person I'm with."

"You've given me your time and attention," he smirks. "That's more than enough of a gift."

"You are so corny, Keene," I laugh.

"Can I get a cliche souvenir?" he looks over at a tourist shop. "If we're being corny, anyway."

"Like, a t-shirt or a shot glass?" I ask and he nods in response. "You can, if you'd like. I don't think you'll find anything."

"I'm a tourist. I want to remember this," he says.

"Okay," I nod and follow him into the tacky store.

We pass through families as Robby browses. I see a crystal book and wonder if I should get it for Jess, but she probably already has it.

"Should I get an 'I'm With Stupid' shirt?" he points to a gray shirt surely to be worn by a middle aged, straight, white couple.

"Absolutely not," I grab his wrist and pull him with me away from the ugly shirt with a giggle.

He laughs as I find us in front of the shot glasses. Robby looks at them as I wander away to another section.

"I found something," Robby comes over a few minutes later and holds something tiny and shiny in my face.

"A ladybug?" I step back in surprise when I see the comically large keychain.

"Are you scared?" he laughs as I lightly slap his arm.

"No, but you should be," I threaten him.

"I was going to get it. It's only four dollars," he looks at the insect.

"A keychain is a good idea and very practical, but not a ladybug," I shake my head and try to find the section with them.

"Which one do you like?" he asks as I spin the rack around.

"All of them except the one you're holding," I grin at him.

He grabs my wrist and pulls me a little closer to him, "Now, I'm holding both of you. What do you think now?"

"I think you should get the donkey keychain because you're being an ass," I whisper seductively in his ear and then pull out of his grip. I like to tease him back.

"I know you love my ass, but seriously," he looks at me with a smirk.

"I am being serious. Don't get the ladybug," I bat my eyelashes at him.

"Fine. I'll get... this one," he swaps it out for a crystalized butterfly keychain with my hometown on it. "You aren't scared of butterflies, are you?"

"Let's just go up to pay," I walk away and can feel his smirk radiating from behind me.

"Did you want anything?" he asks and picks up a snow globe that has Santa Maria on it.

"No, thanks," I smile. "I'll probably never move from here, so there's no need for a souvenier."

"If you insist," he shrugs and we get in line.

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I make it home on time and go up to my room immediately. I already know that my dad is asleep and I really don't want to see my mom.

I sink onto the mattress and just reflect on tonight. I was definitely uptight with Robby and I think it was because of everything going on with my dad. I can't help wondering if I ruined the night.

We only have two more days together.

Two days that I intend to make count.

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A/N: I finally updated again! School started up and all my books are behind because of the lack of free time. I hope you enjoyed this simple chapter with more insight into her dad and Robby.

Have a great day/night! Love you all.