For Better Or For Worse | Rihanna

XVIII; June 2004

Eden paced around her hotel room, occasionally looking in the mirror and fixing her outfit. Her hands were cold and unsteady and it felt like her clothes weren't sitting properly, despite how often she shifted the garment on her body.

Tonight was her last night with Robyn and the first time she'd be in the same space as her parents for more than a minute at a time. She knew they weren't the biggest fans of her, and she knew they were unaware of the nature of her and Robyn's relationship.

Though Robyn's father would be there, he was a minimal character in her life and it wasn't him that Eden was worried about. She wasn't looking for her mother's approval, but she didn't want to come across as anything she wasn't.

Her mind was just unsettled as of late. The novelty of the hotel room wore off stunningly fast, and all that was left was a broken teenager going through more trauma than a person could handle, sleeping in an empty room.

Eden had decided she'd go home after tonight. It had been a week, the pressure had surely decimated. There wasn't anything keeping her here and maybe the familiarity of home would help.

Okay, it was time to go. She picked up her phone, car keys and room key. She was still in possession of Forty's Jeep. He had offered her to stay with him and Eden had considered the offer but ultimately refused.

His house was massive, but always busy with people coming and going. Peace just wasn't attainable. But Forty would provide anything for his family, and that included his "employees", so to say. He had a large collection of cars, so one less wasn't that big of a deal.

The drive from the hotel to Robyn's house wasn't long but the street was almost entirely blocked by people. Eden circled the block before parking a few streets down right by the beach; it would be useful for a surprise she had planned for Robyn anyways.

Fashionably late as always, Eden walked back to the gathering to see a party at full throttle. The music was so loud it felt as if it was coming from all around, damn near the whole neighbourhood was in the street, on the front lawn and in the backyard.

The teenager's view was majorly obstructed by people of all shapes and sizes surrounding her. She pushed past them, but still saw no sign of Robyn.

Eden ventured to the backyard, where the vibe seemed to be more laidback. One side featured multiple tables pushed together to house all the foods prepared for the occasion. By the table, Miss Brathwaite sat entertaining her sons and family friends. On the other side, Mr. Fenty was mingling with other adults and his own children from previous relationships. The 3 children ranged from 4 years to a decade and a half older than Robyn, so they were more like adults than kids. Eden had never met them but recognized them from certain pictures Robyn kept in her closet. All around, others were standing around, moving to the music or simply enjoying each other's company.

Front and center, Robyn was laughing with her friends. Eden looked down at the gift box she was holding in her hands. The wrapping paper had become slightly damp from Eden's clammy hands.

"Fuck," she breathed out. This already felt like a mess.

"Eden!" Robyn called out as soon as she saw her. She extended her hand to her, and Eden walked forward to grab it but almost instantly dropped it.

"Sorry, I don't want to act too obvious around your family," Eden whispered as they hugged.

"It's fine, I'm just happy you're here," Robyn stepped back to reacquaint Eden with her friends.

Robyn was visibly happy and thriving. She was beautiful; she had a fresh silk press, a new tight brown dress and her favourite sneakers on. She had the kind of glow you only get from feeling fulfilled in life and surrounded by your favourite people.