Stick around (RINNEY)

3

Wednesday, July 12th, 1978:

Finney leant his back up against his locker, pretending to listen to whatever Gwen was rambling on about. He stopped listening around ten minutes ago when he realised she was speaking absolute nonsense. He just zoned out and began daydreaming. His attention draws back to reality when a certain brunette boy walks past and catches his eye. Robin.

It has been just over a week since the two talked at the fair, but to Finney, it felt like it's been an eternity. He felt stupid that he actually believed Robin would call him or even acknowledge his existence in the school hallways. He felt stupid that he actually believed that things might be different. He found himself hoping every single call would be him, but it never was.

Gwen stopped talking when she noticed Finney staring at something behind her. She followed his gaze and landed on Robin Arellano, talking and laughing with some of his friends. She could tell by the glossy effect that was beginning to form in his eyes that he was upset. Finney had told her all about their interactions and how Robin asked for his number. She was glad to see him so happy, but now he was back to being lonely.

"You're staring at him." Gwenny singed with a grin on her face, trying to lighten the mood up even by a little.

"Shut it, Gwenny." Finn frowned, his eyes not moving from Robin and his friends. Gwen threw her hands up in defence.

"Hey! I haven't done anything." She pouted. Finney sighed and looked to her.

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry." She nodded.

"Have you tried talking to him?" She gestured towards Robin. Finney shook his head and looked to his feet. "Well, I think you should." She suggested.

"It's not that easy." He said. "I'm a nervous wreck, and I'll just screw it up." He began picking at his lips anxiously.

"Sometimes, if you want an answer, you have to be brave. Mum always told us to be brave." Finney felt his heart pang at the mention of his mother, and he quickly wanted to end the conversation.

"Come on, we got to get home so I can get ready for baseball."

(Time skip)

Finney walked the streets back to his house alone. He had stayed after baseball practice to shoot his rocket into the sky for some entertainment.
The sun was just beginning to set, and the streets were peaceful, only a few people walking around. Finney was always extra cautious when he was by himself, making sure he was aware of the things around him so he didn't get beat up or ran over.

Sometimes, when he's walking by himself, he thinks about what would happen if he just didn't go back home. If he just kept going until the next town. Then he remembered that his family needed him. His dad wasn't a bad person. He just changed after their mum died. They all did. But still, it was nice to dream about a change in scenery sometimes.

"Hey! Finney!" Someone called out, making Finney shut his eyes tight and freeze in his place. He didn't dare move a single inch. "Finn!" They called again. Finney slowly opened his eyes and looked to where it was coming from. He spots a scrappy blue car pulled over on the other side of the road. He looks both ways before crossing and approaching the car. He gets to the window, seeing Vance Hopper behind the wheel, and Robin in the passenger seat.

"Robin?" Finney's eyebrows pulled together, and his lips curled down into a frown.

"Hey buddy. How have you been?" Robin smiled, unaware of everything. Finney stayed quiet, his hands tapping against his jeans. "You ok?" He tilted his head to the side.

"Uh, yeah." Finney forced out a smile, leaning slightly closer to the window.

"Cool. Vance and I were just about to get something to eat." Robin explained. "Hey, would you mabe wanna join us?" He offered. Vance quickly hit his leg, making Robins head snap towards him. He gave Robin a look, almost saying,'What the hell are you doing?'

"I kinda have to get home before the sun sets." Robin looked back over to Finney.

"Oh, ok." He smiled slightly. "Um, I totally forgot, but I lost the wrapper with your number on it. Could you maybe right it down again?"

"Yeah, ok. I'll give it to you tomorrow." Robin nodded his head and grinned.

"Alright. I'll see you around." Finney backed away from the car, watching as it zooms off.