Sorry for the extremely long delay. I did not expect this chapter to come out so late, but there were so many things I wanted to do with this. I keep wanting to improve it, but I think it's time for me to say enough is enough. Please don't forget to thank MaybeWolf one more time for all the amazing help he puts into this story. And now, I can stall no longer. It's time to submit chapter 8.
Monday morning found Tori waiting nervously by her locker. Usually before homeroom, she'd be hanging out with her friends, but she wanted to make sure she caught Robbie before that. Time seemed to conspire against her. Before she knew it, the first bell had already rung and it was time for her to get to class. Walking slowly, she tried to keep Robbie's locker in her line of sight until the last possible second. Tori's worries deepened with every step until she was forced to round the corner. It's unusual for Robbie to ever miss school, and she can't help but worry that last night's events, or more troubling, her actions might have been the cause.
By the end of Sikowitz's class, Tori knew something was up. She had tried to text him despite the disapproving glare Sikowitz was throwing her way. When no reply had returned, the worry that had been festering within her mind blew into a full scale infection. Ever since the Nozu fiasco, Tori had basically forced Robbie to get his phone working. It was for moments like these that she knew he needed phone service. Tori started wondering when had she started to become so concerned with her shy friend. Hoping her friends would have a clue where he was, Tori walked into the Asphalt Cafe.
"Have you guys seen Robbie today?" Tori asked as she approached their usual table. Even though it's been months since they broke up, it was still weird not seeing Beck and Jade sit next to each other. Tori supposed it's just because that's all she's ever known them as. Just like Robbie and Rex, Beck and Jade were two people she never thought would separate.
"I don't think any of us have seen him since the party." Andre answered quickly. "Did you see him yesterday?" Andre asked back. If there was anyone who had gone to the movies with Robbie, it would be Tori.
"Yeah, I did. It might have ended better if you guys came too." Tori griped. She couldn't help but feel it was her fault for making him cry by forcing him to watch The Notebook. She had tried to reassure him that it was sweet to see a guy get emotional over romantic movie. It was a nice change from every other guy she'd ever taken to see a romantic movie. If she was lucky, they'd be trying to stay awake. If she wasn't, they'd get bored and look for other forms of entertainment.
Much to her frustration, nothing she said would relive her friend of the embarrassment he felt. She could still remember him, sitting in the drivers seat. He appeared to be trying not to cry, whether because he was still thinking about the movie or embarrassed that he had cried, Tori didn't know.
"What happened?" Beck asked, his voice projecting more curiosity than concern.
"Nothing, I'm just worried about him, that's all." She couldn't bring herself to tell them what had actually happened. She didn't think he'd appreciate her telling everyone about an event he was obviously embarrassed about.
"Robbie's a big boy, I'm sure he can handle himself." Jade voiced. Robbie and Tori had always gotten on her bad side. Sometimes it's occurred to her that, in their own convoluted way, they were perfect for eachother.
"Yeah, Tori. Don't worry about it. You'll probably see him tomorrow." Andre reassured. Although, now that he thought about it, it was strange that they hadn't seen him all day. Andre was one of the few people who knew Robbie from elementary school, before his Rex years. Back in the elementary school years, kids would do anything to get out of school except Robbie. He would never miss school for the world. Even back then, Robbie wasn't like all the other kids.
Their freshman year at Hollywood Arts was actually the first time Andre had really gotten to know Robbie. It was only natural for the two kids from the same school to hang out with each other in this new and unknown world they had just entered. For a while, it was just the two of them going to classes, working on homework, and hanging out during lunch. When Andre brought Beck into their little group, it was a big change for Robbie. It seemed like the closer the two guys got, the further Robbie was pushed. It wasn't until when Cat and Jade joined their group did Robbie get included again. In truth, that was only because Robbie had a certain capability to absorb Cat's ramblings, relieving the rest of the group from the headache that you invariably get when spending too much time in close proximity to Cat.
Remembering everything they had been through made Andre feel a little guilty. Robbie was there for him when he needed someone familiar, and he had never done anything to warrant the neglect that Andre had let befallen their relationship. It was just so much harder to find common ground with Robbie compared to his other friends. Then Tori came into the picture. She came at just the perfect time for Robbie too. Tori's kindness was something that came so easily to her, it just spilled over onto Robbie. He was the one person that really needed it. It's not that they were mean to Robbie, except for Jade. Cat was nice, but her and Robbie's relationship was always more one-sided. With Beck's casual indifference, and Andre's own neglect, there wasn't anyone who was kind to Robbie, just because. Andre was just glad that Robbie finally had someone who cared as much about him, as he has cared for everybody.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Tori finally replied to Andre, unconvinced. Whatever happened to Robbie, Tori was going to get to the bottom of it tonight.
Thanks for your patience when it comes to waiting for releases. I think everyone will enjoy next chapter's Rori interaction. I think it's a really important chapter for these two. Until then, stay tuned for MaybeWolf's upcoming stories. He's got a couple in the bag and I'm sure if you give him enough love, you'll see them quicker. Don't forget to leave a review. I really appreciate each and every one I get.
