Number Thirty One
A/N: HAY. I know I made a mistake in the first chapter where I wrote 2014 instead of 2019. If you noticed this, just go with the flow okay? Thanks and any criticism will be APPRECIATED
May 27, 2019 - 1:00PM
It had been a long day of work for Robin. Although being back in New York for a few days had been great, knowing that her past was still here made her want to leave to her next destination she got assigned to. Of course Robin wanted to see her old friends but she wanted nothing more than to just be alone for the time being. Of course, the events that transpired the day before intensified the want to leave her old home of more than 6 years.
Robin had just settled down her couch after freshening up when she received a call from her boss.
"Robin! Sorry for the unexpected call. I'd like to report to you about your next assignment. We looked over your profile and saw that you've lived in New York for some time. Seeing this would probably be more convenient to you, we've chosen to make you the permanent anchor for WWN - New York. We'll gladly talk over about this situation with you but this is a big time opportunity. Please come into the office the next time you're here for work. I send my regards. Good day.". Robin was speechless. She had tried her best to avoid her friends during her visit to New York but now she's here as a permanent anchor?
"I need a nap.", Robin said. This as well as meeting Barney again was all too much for her to process.
Two Hours Later
Robin woke up to the sound of somebody knocking at her door. Nobody was told about her address after she cut ties with her friends. She did contact them once in a while but they've never came to the part of looking at Robin's new place.
Robin opened the door in her pajamas not expecting anyone important. She was surprised anybody had even knocked on her door since she moved in only three months ago. But who was at the door was more surprising than the fact that somebody actually came.
"Hey Robin.". It was Lily who offered the greeting. Accompanying her was Marshall and Ted.
Robin stood there in shock. She hadn't seen her friends in weeks. The only thing on her mind was how they knew where she lived.
"Hey! Oh my gosh, I haven't seen you guys in so long. Come in, come in!". There was some obvious tension going on between them. They were just not as close as before. After settling down on the couch with some beer, Robin finally broke the silence.
"Sooooo... how's everything going? How'd you guys know I was back in New York?"
"Oh you know just a hunch and stuff like best friend radar.. ha ha ha..." Lily didn't want to confess Barney told them about their encounter. She tried averting her eyes somewhere other that Robin's because she knew she would jus blurt out the truth from looking at Robin's strong gaze.
"And I suppose that you guys just knew where my building was but also which door and which level?". There was an awkward silence along with the sound of Lily shaking in nervousness.
"God Lily, stop shaking you look like a chihuahua.". Lily was already at her breaking point but just when she was about to blurt out the truth, she was interrupted.
"IT WAS BARNEY!", Marshall screamed. "Barney told us that you guys had an encounter so we figured it must've been important. To tell you the truth, we actually went to WWN and asked for your address so here we are.". Robin didn't know what to say. She was scared about if Barney told them about the morning after but seeing how Ted was silent the whole time was making the thought less significant.
"So back to the first question, how's everything going?".
" Oh great, Marvin is doing great in school. Also, the two little girls are just sweet little angels.". Marshall and Lily were so proud of their little family, it was just cute.
"What about you Ted?".
"Tracy and the kids are so wonderful and great." The awkward tension was obvious but it was unclear to Robin what the reason was.
Soon the awkward chit-chat subsided and it was like old times with the gang. Just without Barney but that was like most times when he was out hooking up with chicks.
An Hour Later
Robin was at the door sending her friends off who seemed to be a bit tipsy but not drunk.
"Well it was nice seeing you Robin. We gotta go a tuck the kids in before they start going crazy.". Lily and Marshall were the first ones to leave, leaving Ted and Robin alone.
"Look Robin, I know what happened between you and Barney. He told me right after Lily and Marshall left the bar. I know I'm not supposed to be bothered by it as nothing important happened but I can't seem to stop worrying about you. I just want to know if you're okay especially since the divorce and stuff...".
"Thanks for the support Ted, but that was three years ago. It's not a big deal anyways but thanks a lot. Now go to your girl and your kids. Have a great night Ted.". Ted finally left and Robin was alone. Again.
Being with her friends again was all so nostalgic. This led to a glass of Glen McKenna scotch. And then another. And then another. Three glasses of scotch did nothing to Robin as the years of scotch drinking and cigar smoking has caused her high point to increase.
Suddenly while thinking about her past, a pang of emotions she has held in over the past three years just hit her. There was obviously a lot of crying and her trying to stop crying, which led to more crying. Robin knew scotch mixed with crying was never a good idea.
Everything was going as planned when Robin picked up the phone and dialed the first number that popped into her head.
"Hey, it's me Robin. Look I'm feeling a bit lonely right now and I was wondering if you could come over. Thanks.". And Robin hung up the phone before getting a response. At this point she didn't care about who it was.
A Few Minutes Later
Robin was sitting on her couch holding the bottle of scotch and watching some late night show when there was a knock.