ROBBIE'S POV:
Finn had been arrested and charged with the rape and assault of Mr. McQueen and things were finally starting to get back to normal for me. Not that I wanted to admit it, but acting like everything was normal after Finn had threatened to do the same to me after Mr. McQueen had lashed out at me made my skin crawl. I didn't want to be anywhere near him, but I had to maintain the act…
"John Paul told me" Phoebe admitted as I walked out of Price Slice that morning
"Told you what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her
"That you knew what Finn had done, and that you apologised to him for the bullying" she informed me "why didn't you go to the police sooner?"
"Finn threatened to do what he did to him to me" I admitted "that's why. You don't have to believe me but it's the truth"
"I do believe you" she replied, smiling at me weakly
I reciprocated the smile… "How is he?"
"Not too bad. Thankful that he can walk through the village not feeling scared" she informed me
"Good. Listen, I better get off. Was only meant to be a few minutes getting something for Mum. See you around, yeah?" I questioned
She nodded her head, signalling yes… "See you around"
I made my way back through the village and to the house, letting myself in the front door. Removing my shoes and coat, I walked into the kitchen…
"Robbie, there you are" Mum proclaimed as she hurried into the kitchen after me
"I wasn't gone that long, was I?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her
"No, but while you were gone, a special someone arrived for you" she informed me
"What?" I inquired
"Surprise" a voice I never thought I'd hear again proclaimed
"Laura…" I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat
"Long time no see" she sighed "are you not gonna come and give me a hug?"
Glancing at Mum, she smiled at me warmly and motioned for me to go over. Turning back to Laura, I walked towards her and hugged her tightly… "What're you doing here?"
"Not a crime to come and visit, is it?" she questioned
"No, but…" I began
"But nothing, Robbie. Laura's here. Why don't you show her upstairs?" Mum suggested
"You're staying with us?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her
"Your Mum says I am" she informed me "thanks again, Sandy"
"No problem, love" she replied "be a gent, Robbie. Her suitcase is in the living room"
Nodding at her in understanding, I made my way out of the kitchen, grabbing Laura's suitcase as we went to make our way upstairs. Showing her to the spare room that used to be Freddie's, I opened the door and set her suitcase down on the bed…
"How long are you here for?" I inquired, moving to stand in the doorway opposite her
"Not too sure yet" she admitted "I'm done with school for the year so I could stick around for a month or more if your Mum's willing to put up with me for that long"
"Things are pretty hectic here" I informed her "I don't think she will be"
"Are you not happy to see me, Robbie?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow at me
"What makes you say that?" I asked
"You're making excuses about me staying when I know full well everything's great here because your Mum's already told me I can stay as long as I want. I know you and can read you like a book, Robbie Roscoe, so what's going on?" she inquired
"Do you think this is the best place for you to stay, given our history?" I questioned
"Robbie, we were almost a year ago" she proclaimed "and we're still friends, right?"
I nodded my head, signalling yes… "I just don't want it to be awkward"
"It won't be awkward, not if we don't let it be" she replied "now why don't you go back downstairs, put the kettle on and make me a cup of tea?"
I smiled at her warmly and nodded my head, signalling yes. Reciprocating my smile, she kissed my cheek and made her way to the bed, unzipping her suitcase…
"Alright, love?" Mum asked as I walked into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on
"Yeah, fine" I replied, smiling at her warmly as I began to organise Laura a drink
"You sure? I thought you'd be happy Laura was staying here?" she questioned
"I am, it's just…" I admitted, stopping speaking mid-sentence
"Robbie?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow at me
"It's just… You know how serious Laura and I were before we moved here" I sighed
"And? You ended on good terms, didn't you?" she asked
I nodded my head, signalling yes… "Doesn't stop me feeling the way I do about her though. I loved her, Mum, I still do"
"I can always ask her to go?" she suggested
"No, no, it's fine" I assured her "we'll be fine, I'll be fine"
This was just a random story idea that I had after I had a dream about Charlie Wernham who plays Robbie, let me know your thoughts!