The Fruity Four

Chapter 9

Wind whizzed over Robin's head when she stretched out the open window of Steve's car. The shock of speed and cold peeled her heavy eyes wide and ruffled her bed head into further disarray. She'd planned on biking to school that dreadful Monday morning, but her body had other plans. Robin found herself barely able to get out of bed, let alone trek the two miles it took to get to school. Steve would have slept until noon had she not called, but he was more than willing to pick her up.

"How's Jonathan doing? He barely said a word Saturday morning." Steve said over a loud radio hit.

"He told me he was staying at a motel by the airport until his flight leaves tonight. I gave him my home phone number but he never reached out."

Steve switched the conversation. "Are you ready to face her?" He shut the radio off, knowing the background noise would be too much of a distraction.

Robin rolled the window up, sealing the outside world away. "No." She said flatly. "Let's play hooky."

Steve shook his head. "You can't let her win. Walk into that school like you own the place."

"Easy for you to say," Robin sighed. "I wish I had your confidence."

Steve took one hand off the wheel to squeeze Robin's shoulder. He pulled up alongside the front entrance of Hawkins High and tightened the embrace when she began visibly shaking. "It's gonna be okay, Rob." He soothed. "She's the one who should be afraid."

Robin could only nod and offer a weak smile while she stepped out. She was worried if she opened her mouth she'd throw up. A jarring bell sounded from within the school signifying that Robin had five minutes to get to homeroom. She dashed off before she could change her mind and lock herself back in Steve's car. He yelled something encouraging Robin couldn't make out.

School felt even more like a prison than usual. The walls seemed to be pressing in on every side as she shouldered through the late crowd to Spanish class. Señora Rivera met her at the door, also running behind of course.

¿Estás bien?" She questioned if Robin was okay. "You aren't looking well, chica."

All the strength Robin had mustered instantly deflated. "Si, Señora. Just tired."

Her teacher gave Robin an accusatory stare, seeing right through the lie. But she held the door open for Robin instead of prying further. Robin held her breath and stepped into the classroom. To her great relief Nancy's seat was empty. But Robin couldn't understand why she felt slightly disappointed as well. She waved at Eddie on her way to her seat and he winked back. Robin had every intention of dozing off for the entirety of class, until Señora Rivera reminded them that their group projects were due in a few weeks. She'd completely forgotten that her and Nancy were still partners. Her mind spun trying to find a way out of the project. But it was far too late to switch partners and Robin needed to keep her grades up if she wanted to get into a good language program at a college as far from Indiana as she could afford.

She spent the rest of the school day worrying about having to face Nancy again. Her original plan: to avoid her until the end of time, had been foiled. By last period she'd determined it would be better to confront Nancy today so they could deal with their feelings and keep it strictly professional for the remainder of the school year. Satisfied with the mature approach, Robin left school with her head held high. She used the walk home to overthink every possible outcome that could occur between her and Nancy. It was evident that spring was in full swing by the beads of sweat dripping down Robin's forehead by the last half mile. A wall of cool air blasted her system when she unlocked her front door. Her parents were still at work so Robin helped herself to a snack and plopped onto the sofa to stress eat.