Stick around (RINNEY)

12

The last bell rings out loudly, disrupting the teachers' consistent rambling, signalling it was finally that time Robin had been awaiting for all day. Time to go home.

Robin descended down the many school stairs as quickly as he could, his shoes squeaking and his dads old dog tags jiggling around his neck with every step. He nearly tripped over his feet multiple times, but that was the least of his worries right now.

He needed to find Finney before anyone else could.

Earlier today, during his free period, Vance so kindly reminded him of the events that had occurred early in the morning. That was when everything came flooding back to him like a tidal wave crashing against the rocks. That's when the panic really began to set in. How had Vance even convinced him to do something so stupid? Why would he agree to do that? It would never end good.

His drunken actions were coming back to haunt him. A punishment for committing what some people would call a sin. And now he would have to face all of the consequences. Or would he? Did he still have time?

He weaves through hurds of people who were gossiping about irrelevant shit that wouldn't matter in a few years or bragging about whatever while walking the same speed as a snail. Why did they have to be so slow? Especially today.

He pushes past them and reaches the corner, spotting Finn alone by his locker. Robin was about to approach but came to a quuck halt, seeing that someone had already beat him to it.

A girl.

Not just any girl.

Donna.

Robin stops in his tracks, not daring to take one more step. No. He keeps his feet glued to the floor and watches them from a distance, patiently waiting for the two to stop whatever conversation they were having so he can go over.

Donna was quite the popular girl. She was kind-hearted and friends with almost everyone. She was pretty as well. With her healthy brown hair that shined in the sun and revealed very subtle hues of gold, her big, beautiful bambi eyes that any boy would get lost in. And no one could forget her smile that was like the very same sun that lit up the entire world. She was in no doubt, the prettiest girl in school.

So why was she talking to Finney Blake at his locker?

The nerves coursing through Robins veins get quickly replaced with a rush of jealousy as his eyes scan over Finney's face. Finney had a sweet smile plastered on his face. The same smile he normally has whilst talking about his random space facts or when he's complemented. He kept on laughing and touching her shoulder. Did Finney like her? Were they dating? Was Robin that stupid to think Finn would like him?

Maybe that's the way it should be. A boy and a girl. Not two boys. Maybe it was for the better that it wasn't Finney on the phone earlier.

Robin couldn't imagine ever admitting those feelings again like he did in his drunken state this morning. To anyone. He could never pour out his heart. He knows that some words are best kept unspoken and locked away deep into the corners of the mind, left to gather up cobwebs and specs of dust.

His skin starts to burn with self-hatred, starting from the tips of his fingers and circulating around his whole body. The strange feeling punching a hole through his chest.
He hits himself in the side of his leg as a form of punishment.

Finally, after what felt like forever and more, Donna leaves. Robin quickly starts to head over to him.

He closes his eyes and takes a long, deep breath in an attempt to compose himself. He can't be angry at himself for the rest of the day. He tries to play it cool by leaning up against the locker and shooting a playful grin towards the pale boy.