Harper took a deep breath as she waited for the guard to unlock the door. The metallic clank sent a chill down her spine, her mind automatically filling with memories she'd prefer to keep buried. She clenched and unclenched her hands, trying to keep her hands from shaking. She wasn't in trouble this time around but the environment still made her feel like a prisoner. The juvenile detention center was as cold as she'd expected it to be and it seeped into her bones. The stark, dim hallways made her feel small, and the fluorescent lights emitted a faint buzzing sound that seemed to grow louder. The hollow feeling returned as she remembered feeling trapped, helpless and alone while counting down the days until she'd been released. She'd only been locked up for a couple of weeks but it felt so much longer than that.

Her nerves were already through the roof. It had been over a week since she'd seen Robby but she couldn't shake the guilt she felt for him being in here. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had failed him somehow. She knew that there was nothing she could've done, no way she could've known that Robby was walking into a trap orchestrated by Daniel. But the guilt clung to her, a constant reminder of just how powerless she truly was.

The guard's sharp voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Step forward," he said gruffly, and she jumped at the jarring sound. Harper gave him a weak smile though his eyes continued to follow her as she walked through the door, her sneakers squeaking on the linoleum floor that looked like it rarely got cleaned. The guard's cold gaze followed her, making her feel as if she was the one under scrutiny.

The visitation room was just as uninviting as the rest of the place. Her nerves ebbed away when her eyes locked on Robby. He sat at one of the tables, his posture stiff and arms crossed tightly over his chest. He looked defeated, worn out. Only a week in juvie and it transformed the boy she once knew as warm yet guarded into a closed-off version of himself. His hard gaze settled on her but instantly softened, a version of the old Robby appearing before her.

For a moment, the tension in her chest eased.

Because he was okay. He was in one piece.

Something that wasn't a guarantee in a place like this.

"Hey, Harper," Robby said as she approached the table. A warm smile crossed his face that did little to erase the weariness on his face.

Harper smiled softly as she slid into the chair across from him. "Hey," she replied, trying to keep her voice light because she didn't want him to see how worried she was about him. Or how she noticed the dark circles under his eyes and how absolutely defeated he looked sitting there. It broke her heart possibly more than when he was on the run and living in his car. Neither situation had been ideal but at least he wasn't locked up.

"You didn't have to come," Robby told her.

"Of course, I did," she said with a smile. "Besides, someone's gotta keep you company."

Robby leaned back in the seat. "You really didn't, though. I mean, it's not exactly a great place to visit."

Harper shrugged, trying to downplay how anxious she felt here. How every sound made her want to jump out of her skin, her mind being flooded with memories. "I know but I wanted to make sure you're okay. I've been where you are, remember? Like, not even two months ago. I know how awful this place can be."

"I'm okay," he assured her but his voice was dull.

For a moment, he didn't say anything else. Just stared at her while his eyes reflected a mix of emotions — frustration, vulnerability, and something she couldn't quite place. But she knew that look well. She'd worn that look plenty of times in her life. It was the look of defeat, of acceptance for all the shitty parts of an unfair life.

Robby glanced away as if he could tell that his face wasn't a blank canvas. That she could read the emotions on his face. "Guess I should be grateful someone still cares, huh? It's not really a long list."

"People care, Robby," Harper said with a shake of her head. "More people than you realize. And I'm not just talking about me."

Robby scoffed. "You mean like Daniel? He's been trying to reach out but I'm done with him. He thinks he knows what's best for me but all he did was get me locked up. And Johnny… he hasn't even bothered to show up once. I mean, I knew he was a deadbeat but I, I don't know, thought he'd at least make an effort. So much for caring."

"Your dad cares," Harper said, watching for his reaction. "I know you don't think he does but he's been asking me about you. Like after you ran away, he was asking me if I knew where you were or if you were okay. He's worried sick about you."

A flash of anger and hurt appeared in his eyes as he clenched his jaw. "If he did, he'd show up. But he hasn't, has he? Typical Johnny, always too little, too late."

"I know he's not perfect and that he's made mistakes but I think he's trying. In his own messed-up way, he's trying. And I think you should give him a chance, or at least try to."

Robby let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing a hand through his hair. "I don't think I can, Harper. I'm done with him trying to play dad. It's a little too late for that."

Harper saw that he wasn't convinced, but she didn't push it. She knew his relationship with Johnny was complicated. Instead, she reached across the table and lightly tapped his arm, drawing his attention back to her. "I'm so sorry that you're in here," she said, her voice quieter now. "I feel like this is all my fault. You wouldn't be in here if —"

"Don't," Robby cut her off, shaking his head. His voice held an edge but his eyes softened when they met her gaze. "It's not your fault. You helped me more than anyone. I wouldn't have made it one day if it weren't for you."

"But maybe I didn't do enough. I could've done more. I could've —"

"It's not your fault," he repeated, his voice was laced with bitterness but there was also a hint of acceptance. "I knew what was coming. The second I pushed Miguel, I knew I'd end up here sooner or later. I knew I couldn't run forever."

Harper opened her mouth to argue but quickly closed it, realizing she didn't have the right words. Despite his words, the guilt continued to hang around because perhaps she wasn't directly responsible for him being locked up but she still felt like she could've done something. She sighed as she looked into his eyes, at the determination she saw there — the resolve to push her guilt away. Harper had nothing to say. Nothing that could make him understand why she felt so guilty. Instead, she offered a small smile.

They sat in silence for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. Both tried to appear to be okay with this horribly messed up situation. A situation that neither had control over – physically or mentally. While they were both struggling with everything, Harper was just happy to see him. To see that he was okay despite everything.

Robby broke the silence first. "So, I talked to Sam, and she said you two are talking again."

"Yeah, we are." Harper nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "We worked things out. I mean, there's still a lot we need to figure out and talk about but… we're friends again. It's not perfect but it's a start."

"That's great," he said. "I'm glad you guys are working things out. It was weird knowing that you weren't talking. You two were inseparable all summer. I mean, we all were before things got complicated and everything fell apart."

"That's kinda my fault," Harper said with a sigh as she glanced down. She knew how much her secrets affected their friendship. How it broke them apart because she'd gone behind their back and lied for weeks. Luckily, that was now all in the past but she knew it didn't erase what had happened. "But I really missed her. I never really had friends before I came here, you know? So it was hard not having her around, especially after everything that happened."

Robby frowned, shaking his head. "It's not just on you, you know. We all screwed up in our own ways."

"Maybe," she said with a shrug, knowing deep down that it was her secrets that tore the group apart. Had it not been for that, Harper and her friends would've gotten through the aftermath of the school fight together. Instead, she was left on the sidelines to deal with everything on her own. It all worked out eventually, but Harper knew she would always carry that guilt. "But I was the one who kept secrets, and it all got out of hand. I didn't want to hurt anyone, but that's exactly what happened."

"I get it but it's in the past. Demetris talking to you. And you and Sam are working things out, right? That's what matters."

"Yeah, that's true," Harper said.

A few seconds passed in silence save for the chatter of other inmates in the visitation room. Robby watched her for a moment, a look of hesitation in his eyes before he finally spoke again. "So why are you still hanging around Hawk when you've got your friends back?"

Harper blinked, caught off guard by the question. "What?"

Robby shifted in his seat. "Look, I know he's been there for you. I'm not ignoring that but Sam and Demetri are talking to you again. It's not like you need him anymore."

"It's not about needing him, Robby. He didn't bail on me when everything went to shit. I can't just forget that because I'm talking to Sam and Demetri again."

Robby nodded slowly, but his jaw clenched as if he wasn't entirely satisfied. "Even if his friends treat you like crap? Sam told me that they're constantly making fun of you, and Hawk just lets it happen. Maybe he doesn't go along with it but he also doesn't defend you."

"Maybe they don't know we're still friends," Harper said though her chest tightened. "Maybe he's just trying to keep the peace. I don't know. But, I mean, it's not like we're exactly advertising it."

"It doesn't know if they know or not," Robby said, frustration creeping into his voice. "If he's your friend, he should be sticking up for you no matter what."

Harper stared down at the table, her thoughts swirling. "Maybe, I don't know. But Hawk's been there for me when it counts. Through my panic attack and when everything happened with Kyker and Jake."

Harper spoke too fast and, the moment the words left her mouth, she regretted bringing this up. It wasn't something she was willing to talk about and didn't know why she did. To prove to Robby that Hawk was there for her? She could've done that without bringing up one of the worst days of her life. She noticed the instant shift in his expression, his eyes darkening with concern.

"What are you talking about? I heard about Kyler but what happened with Jake?"

"It's nothing," she said, trying to downplay it.

"Seriously? I know I was at school for like two seconds before shit hit the fan but Sam and Demetri told me all about Kyler and his buddies. I know Kyler spread rumors that you two… you know. So, don't tell me it's nothing."

Harper hesitated, not wanting to pull him into the drama. But the look in his eyes told her he wasn't going to let it slide. She sighed before shrugging. "Seriously, it's just dumb rumors. Jake wanted to make Kyler's rumors more real or something. He ended up getting a little too touchy but I handled it."

Robby's expression darkened some more as he leaned in. His eyes traveled down to her arm where a few bruises were peeking out from underneath her sleeve. "Is that where you got those? From Jake?"

Harper tugged her sleeve down and crossed her arms defensively. "Yeah, but it's fine. I'm fine."

"Yeah, sure," Robby said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You weren't gonna tell me, were you?"

"No, because it's really not a big deal," she answered. "You're already dealing with so much that my problems are nothing compared to what you're going through right now. I wasn't going to just unload everything on you when —"

"That's not how this works, Harper," he cut her off, his voice tinged with frustration. "You can't just keep things from me. I know I'm stuck in here and can't do anything but I want to know what's going on."

"I'm sorry. I just don't want you to worry," Harper told him softly, twisting her bracelet around her list.

"I'm still gonna worry," Robby said, exasperation edging into his words. "You're dealing with all this shit and I can't even do anything. I should be the one helping you, not Hawk. It just sucks, you know? I feel so useless."

"You're not useless, Robby," Harper said, her gaze softening. "Just talking to me, listening — it's more than enough. I know it doesn't feel like it but it really does make a huge difference."

"It's not the same though. I want to be out there, you know? Making sure you're okay and instead, I'm stuck in here."

"I get it. I've been where you are, remember? And it really sucks but you're still such a big part of my life. Just knowing you're there for me helps more than you realize."

Robby nodded but didn't say anything else. The conversation died down, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the silence stretched on. She could feel the minutes ticking away, their time running out as they each said nothing. Her mind was empty, devoid of topics they could talk about and it made her more frantic to say something. Anything.

She said the first thing that came to mind, something that happened over the summer. Before long, they were talking and laughing as if both their worlds weren't on fire. This conversation was different, happier where nothing of importance was discussed. Nothing heavy, just nonsense that lightened the mood. It was nice. It was normal.

Or as normal as it could be given where they currently were.

The minutes passed by quickly. Too quickly. Before long, the guard called the time, signaling the end of the visitation. Their smiles quickly faded as the real world started to break through.

"I'll be back. I promise," Harper said as she stood up, reluctant to walk away from Robby again.

"You better," Robby told her with a smile.

• •

The bell above the door jingled as Harper walked into the small convenience store. A cold blast from the air conditioner washed over her, and she pulled her sleeves down over her arms to keep warm. Music played quietly through the speakers, so low you had to strain to hear it. Her eyes took in the cramped yet organized store. The aisles were small but the shelves were densely packed with different snacks and food items while the back of the store was a wall of refrigerators housing everything from water and soda to alcohol.

What, or rather who, she was looking for felt like some sort of cruel joke, a needle in a haystack situation that she didn't want to be in. But here she was, determined to find Johnny and try to talk some sense into him. After everything had gone down with Robby, Johnny had been asking everyone if they knew about his whereabouts. He'd driven around, worried out of his mind as he checked his usual hangout spots. Now that Robby was in juvie, his location known, it was like Johnny's concern suddenly evaporated.

She'd visited Robby just a day ago and seeing the weariness on his face, the look of hurt in his eyes that he'd tried to hide when he told her that Johnny never visited him was like a punch in the gut. Her heart was already broken for him but his thinking that his dad didn't give a shit only made the cracks bigger. Harper was convinced that Johnny did care but her frustration grew at him not showing up when it mattered. Having gone her whole life without a parental figure who cared about her cemented who she was – but Robby had a dad, and she'd be damned if he went through life thinking that he didn't care.

The cashier eyed her dismissively before going back to the magazine he was reading. The store was empty, and her heart sank at having missed Johnny. Just as she was about to leave, she heard the unmistakable sound of the fridge closing and followed the sound. She sighed in relief at finding Johnny but that relief was short-lived when she saw the state he was in. He looked haggard in the faded red flannel shirt that hung loosely over a stained white t-shirt. Johnny leaned against the glass, staring into the contents as if making the biggest decision of his life.

"Seriously?" Harper muttered, her voice cutting through the muted hum of the store. Somehow, she was unsurprised to find him in his current state. Disheveled and well underway to getting drunk.

Johnny barely glanced in her direction, his tone dismissive as if he didn't have the energy to deal with her. "What do you want, kid?"

"I want to know why you're here instead of visiting Robby," Harper said, trying to keep her voice steady but it shook with anger and frustration. "You know, your son? Who's in juvie and kinda needs to know that his dad actually gives a shit about him."

Johnny sighed as his grip on the fridge tightened. He didn't reply for a moment, focusing his attention on the cases of beer behind the class. Having chosen a six-pack of Banquet, he finally looked at her with glassy, unfocused eyes. "He doesn't want to see me."

Harper rolled her eyes at the typical answer. "Have you tried? Or are you just using it as an excuse to get black out drunk?"

"You don't know what you're talking about, Harper," he said gruffly, trying to sidestep around her but she blocked his path, refusing to let him get away. "What do you want from me?" He asked, his voice rising in volume.

"I want you to stop being such a deadbeat dad. When Robby first ran away, you looked for him and asked everyone if they knew where he was. And now that he's locked up, you're suddenly not interested in being there for him. It's messed up."

Johnny's expression darkened as he fixed his gaze on her. "It's not that simple," he snapped. "I'm doing my best. Miguel's still in a coma and I've been trying to help him. I'm trying to make things right. And Robby… Robby's different. He doesn't want me around."

Harper's frustration boiled over as she listened to him make excuses. "Miguel's not your son! Robby is. And he needs his dad right now but you're just throwing him aside because you're too scared to face him."

"I'm not abandoning him!" Johnny's jaw tightened, his face flushed with anger. "I've tried to be there for him. And every time it just makes things worse. Robby's got every right to be angry but I can't help him if he won't let me."

She took a step closer, her eyes flashing with intensity. "So instead of trying to help him, you're hiding out in a convenience store and drinking away your problems."

"Look, kid –"

"Robby needs you! I saw him yesterday, and he's scared. Really scared. He won't admit any of it but he needs to know that you're fighting for him. That you care enough to try."

Johnny averted her eyes, a mix of shame and worry etched on his face. "You think I don't care? That I'm nothing but a deadbeat dad? I'm trying to deal with everything in the best way I know how but no matter what I do, it just pushes him farther away."

"You refusing to try is pushing him farther away. You're his dad so start acting like it. Start being there for him even if it's difficult. Robby needs you now more than ever and you're just letting him down."

Johnny's shoulders slumped from the weight of her words. Shaking his head, he pushed past her. "I can't do this right now," he muttered.

Harper looked after him in shock as he walked to the counter to check out. She followed him, her voice rising in desperation as she tried to get through to him. "You can't keep running away, Johnny. You have to be there for him. Don't let Robby think that you've given up on him. Don't pick Miguel over your son."

Johnny reached the cashier and tossed the six-pack of beer on the counter. He glared at her, waiting for his change. "I'm done having this conversation," he said firmly. "If you want to keep pushing this, fine. But I'm not going to stand here and argue with you." He grabbed his drinks, his movements sluggish and defeated but the anger in his eyes softened.

The conversation was ending, and there was nothing Harper could do to prolong it. "I just want you to do the right thing," she said quietly. "Robby needs his dad, and I hope you figure that out before it's too late."

Johnny mumbled something incoherent and headed for the door, the bell jingling as he exited the store. Harper stood there for a moment, the weight of the unsuccessful conversation hanging heavily on her. The sound of the bell fading felt like a final nail in the coffin of her hopes that Johnny could change. That he wanted to change. She still believed that underneath all the bravado and bitterness, there was a part of him that cared deeply about Robby. But whether she got through to him tonight, she didn't know. It didn't seem like it, and she felt like she failed.

Harper stood there for a moment, staring blankly at the rows of food and drinks, and tried to collect herself. Her hands shook as she tried to push down the emotions that threatened to overtake her. She knew she'd have to keep pushing, keep trying to get through to Johnny but for now, all she could do was hope. Hope that something she'd said tonight would stick and make a difference.

With a final exhale, she turned and pushed the door to the convenience store open. She frowned at the annoyingly cheerful jingle of the bell as it came to life once more. The cool blast of the air conditioning gave way to the slightly warmer evening air. The sky was already beginning to dim, the first hints of twilight casting long shadows on the ground. Her mind was still tangled with her earlier conversation with Johnny that she didn't notice the group standing off to the side of the store.

"Look who is," a voice drawled, dripping with smug satisfaction.

Harper looked up, her heart sinking as she noticed Mitch and a few of his Cobra Kai buddies. The smirk on their faces told her that her night was about to get worse.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

I hope you guys had fun reading!

Looks like Harper found herself in more trouble at the end of this chapter. She kinda has a knack for that at this point.

Let me know what you think... thoughts, opinions, etc. Ideas! Ideas would be fun, too.