𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒

𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐎𝐍
JULY 1ST, 1985

Scarlette perched on the edge of the counter at Scoops Ahoy, her legs swinging gently like a pendulum as she sat next to Robin, who was deeply absorbed in the world of translations with her headphones snugly over her ears. The rhythmic hum of the walkman filled the air, mingling with the sweet, intoxicating scent of waffle cones and the faint, cheerful laughter of customers. Leaning back with a playful smirk, Scarlette found herself captivated by the lively interaction unfolding between Robin and Lucas's little sister, Erica.

With the precision of a pint-sized general on a mission, Erica relentlessly rang the bell at the front counter, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief as she sought Robin's attention. It was an almost daily ritual—the miniature connoisseur making her rounds for sample after sample, expertly testing the limits of the parlor's generous spirit.

Robin sighed theatrically, pulling her headphones down around her neck like a battle standard. "What is it now?" she asked, her tone dripping with feigned exhaustion as she looked down at Erica, who beamed up at her as if she had just cracked the universe's secret code.

"I'd like to try the peanut butter chocolate swirl, please," Erica requested, her voice saccharine sweet, though both Scarlette and Robin could see through the veneer of innocence.

Scarlette chuckled softly, amusement bubbling up inside her as she anticipated Robin's retort. This was their game—a delightful clash of wits between the seasoned staff and the fiercely determined young girl.

"No. No more samples today," Robin replied, her smile teasing yet firm. She leaned forward on the counter, the very embodiment of playful authority, shaking her head as though she genuinely cared about maintaining the integrity of company policy.

Erica's smile wavered, the wheels turning in her head as her innocent facade slipped into a frown. "Why not?" she demanded, arms crossed defiantly, the picture of a miniature storm cloud.

"Because you're abusing our company policy," Robin shot back, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Scarlette could barely contain her laughter, delighting in the playful sparring between them.

Erica huffed in frustration, her face contorting dramatically as if Robin had just declared the end of ice cream itself. "Where's the sailor man?" she exclaimed, referring to Scarlette's older brother, Steve, who often served as her ice cream guardian.

"Sorry, he can't help you. He's busy," Robin replied, her tone nonchalant as she turned her back to the girl, plucking the English-to-Russian translation book off the shelf with an exaggerated flourish.

"Why not?" Erica whined, her voice rising in irritation, her crossed arms and scowl amplifying her indignation.

Robin and Scarlette exchanged knowing glances, an unspoken agreement passing between them like a spark. "Spy craft," Robin declared with a conspiratorial wink, the corners of her mouth curling into a mischievous grin.

Erica scoffed, throwing her arms up in dramatic exasperation. "Fine! I'll just get my ice cream from somewhere else!" she declared, storming out of the store like a tiny warrior retreating after a valiant but lost battle.

As the door swung shut behind her, Scarlette and Robin erupted into laughter, their spirits buoyed by the playful exchange. Scarlette found herself leaning against the counter, clutching her sides as giggles spilled from her lips. In that moment, the pressures of the day faded away, leaving only the warmth of friendship and the sweet, uncomplicated joys of life at Scoops Ahoy, a sanctuary amid the chaos of adolescence.

As the laughter from their playful exchange with Erica began to settle, Robin glanced over at Scarlette, her expression shifting to one of concern. She leaned in closer, her voice softening. "Hey, how are you feeling after everything that happened yesterday? You know, with Eleven and Max not including you and... well, you catching Henry talking to that girl?"

Scarlette's smile faded slightly, her heart sinking at the reminder. She shrugged nonchalantly, but the tightness in her chest betrayed her attempt at indifference. "I'm fine," she replied, though the quiver in her voice suggested otherwise.

Robin raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Scarlette, you don't have to pretend with me. I know it stings when your friends leave you out. And seeing Henry with someone else... that's got to be hard, right?"

Scarlette looked away, biting her lip as she thought about the fleeting moment she'd witnessed. "Yeah, it was just... weird," she admitted, her gaze drifting to the busy streets outside the ice cream parlor. "I mean, we were supposed to be close. It felt like everyone was having fun without me, like I didn't even matter."

Robin nodded empathetically, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. "That sucks, but you do matter, Scarlette. You're amazing, and you deserve to be included. Just because they made a mistake doesn't mean you're not part of the group."

Scarlette smiled faintly, appreciating Robin's reassurance but still feeling the weight of her insecurities. "I just wish things were different. It's like I keep trying to fit in, but I feel like I'm always on the outside looking in."

Robin placed a comforting hand on Scarlette's shoulder. "You're not on the outside. You're one of us, and you'll always be welcome. Just remember, sometimes people mess up without meaning to. And as for Henry... you deserve someone who sees how special you are, not someone who makes you doubt yourself."

Scarlette nodded, the warmth of Robin's words wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. "Thanks, Robin. It means a lot."

Seeing the lingering sadness in Scarlette's eyes, Robin couldn't resist lightening the mood with a joke. "You know," she began with a mischievous grin, "if I were a magician, I'd pull a rabbit out of my hat right now to cheer you up. But all I have is this peanut butter chocolate swirl ice cream. It's a bit messy, but I promise it's a 'hare-raising' experience!"

Scarlette couldn't help but laugh, a genuine smile breaking through her clouds of worry. "Oh, please, that's terrible!" she replied, shaking her head, but her laughter was infectious, and Robin joined in, pleased to see her friend's spirits lift even a little.

"See? Much better!" Robin said, striking a mock magician's pose. "And if you need more cheering up, I'll just have to whip out my secret weapon." She paused dramatically, leaning in closer. "Ice cream! The ultimate cure for heartbreak!"

Scarlette laughed again, feeling lighter. "You're right; I can always count on ice cream to make everything better."

"Exactly!" Robin exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "And if that doesn't work, I can always call up a marching band to parade in your honor. Nothing says 'you're special' like a bunch of people marching around, playing trumpets!"

Scarlette giggled, her heart warming at Robin's playful antics. "Okay, okay, I get it. You're the best cheerleader I could ask for."

"Just doing my job!" Robin replied, puffing out her chest proudly. "Now, what flavor do you want? Because we're not leaving this counter until you're feeling at least eighty percent better!"

a/n
short chap but i'm writing the next one rn