Bonus Chapter 2

KY

In my seventeen years of living, I can't say I've mastered many things. I can cook a decent meal. Ride a bike pretty well. Balance, like, three books on my head.

But one of the things I have mastered is sneaking out of the house.

...Or so I'd thought.

I was halfway to the front door that morning, casting furtive glances over my shoulder, when my mother stepped into the hall. She was wearing a fluffy pink robe, a plastic hair wrap, and an irritable scowl.

I froze mid-step as those cold, unforgiving eyes settled onto me.

"Kylie," she drawled, pacing forward, "where do you think you're going?"

God, I hated the condensation in her tone. It was enough to set me on edge.

"I'm going to Alyx's," I replied evenly, which wasn't a lie. "We're having a Christmas party. And if you're nice," I added slyly, "I might bring you a piece of cake."

Mum's lips curled into a sneer. She hated condensation, too; we were similar in that regard, although I hated to admit it.

"By 'we'" she mused, "I suppose you mean those boys you hang out with."

I rolled my eyes. "Mum-"

"I don't like them," she snapped, shaking her head. "I think they're a bad influence on you."

I stifled a laugh. If only you knew.

"I'll be fine," I insisted, stalking past.

I was almost to the door when she grabbed my arm.

"Kylie," she hissed, "I've had enough of this. Enough of the sneaking out. Enough of the rebellion. It's about time you started taking things more seriously...about time you started thinking of your future."

I wrestled my arm from her grip, shooting her a glare. Mum was a tiny woman, and I towered over her, but she didn't shrink from my anger.

"I do think of my future," I said tightly, opening the front door. "In fifteen minutes, I'll be at Alyx's, having my first shot."

"Kylie-"

Mum began to shout as I walked from the house; I could hear her as I walked to the driveway and climbed into my car.

"Don't you dare get drunk!"

- - - -

"Guys," I said, sinking into the couch, "I think I want to get drunk."

Robert regarded me with a frown. "Don't you get drunk enough?"

"So what?" I retorted. "It's nearly Christmas, Robert. Where your spirit?"

He sighed wearily and switched on the TV. "Left it at home, I'm afraid."

"Hey, Alyx," Martin interjected, "when's Cash getting here?" He was standing on a step-ladder, trying to wind a string of fairy lights around the top of a window.

Alyx pulled his phone from his pocket and peered into the screen. Today he was wearing a grey beanie and a denim jacket, looking as adorably small and nerdy as usual. "He's coming a bit later. He's got football practice until four."

"And Lucy?" Robert prompted, not taking his eyes off the TV. He was also looking as irrevocably Robert as possible, stoic and disapproving in a crisp white shirt and grey crew-neck sweater.

"She'll be here soon," Martin promised, smiling faintly. "Said she's bringing ugly sweaters for all of us."

"Brilliant," I announced, clapping my hands together. "I knew I liked that girl for a reason."

Robert and Alyx exchanged knowing looks.

"What?" I asked, sitting up against the cushions. "So I was a little uncertain at first. Big deal." And I wouldn't apologise for it. This group was very precious to me; of course I was protective.

But everything had worked out now. I had no reason to complain.

"Let's make gingerbread cookies," Alyx suggested suddenly, standing from the couch.

"Yeah, okay." Martin climbed down from the ladder, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Why not."

"Sure," Robert agreed, standing too. He stretched, and his back gave a loud pop.

"Damn," I laughed, smirking up at him. "You really are old."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Are you coming too?"

I grinned, grasping his outstretched hand. "Of course. Lead the way."

Yep, no reason to complain at all.

MARTIN

Lucy arrived at 3:30 exactly.

She swept in, nose red, cheeks flushed with cold, a knitted beanie obscuring her forehead. Tiny tufts of orange hair stuck up at random intervals, and a particularly long scarf trailed from her neck to her knees.

And as soon as she walked into the house, I bundled her in my arms, brushed the hair from her eyes, and kissed her.

"Hi," Lucy whispered as we drew apart. Her eyes were bright and gleaming against her flushed face. "Happy to see me?"

I laughed lightly, the sound reverberating through my chest. "You have no idea."

"Gross," Ky teased, sweeping forward.

I made an outraged cry as she pulled Lucy from my arms and wrapped her in a hug. "Ky, stop stealing my girlfriend."

She smirked at me over Lucy's shoulder. "Too late. We're eloping tomorrow."

"What?" I demanded, in mock despair.

"Babe, why didn't you tell him?" Ky asked, shaking her head at Lucy. "We talked about this."

Lucy bit her lip, looking sheepish. "Sorry, Martin. You shouldn't have found out this way."

I huffed loudly. "Well, at least eat some gingerbread cookies with me before we break up."

She brightened instantly, lips curving into a grin. "There's cookies?"

"Oh, there are cookies alright," Alyx said, stepping out from the kitchen. He was wearing a checked apron and a single oven mitt. "Like, lots of cookies."

"They're still a bit hot," Robert added, appearing beside him. "Go sit down and we'll bring you a plate."

We filed into the living room and settled diligently around the coffee table, lapsing into quiet conversation. Lucy settled on my lap, resting her head beneath my chin as she spoke to Ky. I lost track after a while, tuning out the words as I traced shapes across her palm.

"Here you go," Robert announced, breaking me from my thoughts. He set a large tray of cookies and milk on the table, brushing aside a pile of magazines. "Fresh from the oven."

"Aw, Robert, you'd make the best Mum," Ky declared, fishing ominously through her purse.

We collectively groaned as she pulled out a bottle of gin.

"Stop," Robert said flatly, not making a move to stop her. "You'll regret it."

"Perhaps." She screwed off the cap and poured a generous amount into the nearest glass of milk. "But that's something for future Ky to worry about."

"That is such a bad idea," Alyx declared, holding his own glass out to her. "Like, the worst idea ever. I can't even begin to explain how bad of an idea that is."

Ky grinned and tipped the bottle's contents into his milk. "Martin? Want some?"

"Hmm," I mused aloud, tapping my fingers thoughtfully against Lucy's knuckles.

"Go on," she murmured to me, smiling softly. "Just don't get too wasted."

"You know what?" I tilted her chin up with one finger, kissing her gently. "I don't need to be drunk right now."

"AW," Ky crooned, swigging from her glass. "Romance is beautiful."

"Is that why you broke things off with Claire?" Robert drawled.

"Hey, we're still friends. It was never serious." She shrugged indifferently. "You guys know me, I'm a lone wolf. A free horse. I ride the wind."

"Oh my god." Robert ran a hand over his face wearily. "Please stop talking."

And then the doorbell rang.

ROBERT

Cash arrived at 4:00 exactly.

He swaggered in, holding a small gift bag, a bottle of whisky, and a whole lot of audacity. Seriously, the arrogance dripping off this man could've filled an entire swimming pool.

And from the moment he entered the living room, I immediately wanted him to leave.

"No, no, stay seated," Cash said, grinning obnoxiously. "No need to get up."

"That's good," Martin laughed, tugging playfully on Lucy's hair. "'Cause I don't think Ky can stand up."

Cash laughed, settling down beside Alyx. He kissed him briefly on the cheek. "Ky's drinking already, I see."

Ky raised her glass in response. "It's Christmas, you squares. You're supposed to drink."

Cash squinted. "Is that...milk?"

"And gin," Alyx interjected, sipping from his glass. "Want some?"

"Mmhmm." Cash leaned forward, kissing him, and I resisted an eye roll.

Don't me wrong, I was glad Alyx was happy. But these past few months, I'd watched Cash very closely; I hadn't been able to help myself. I might've helped him apologise to Alyx, but I still didn't trust him.

And after everything, I certainly wouldn't let him hurt Alyx.

"I have an idea," Cash said suddenly, lifting the bottle of whisky he'd brought. "How about a drinking game?"

Martin groaned. "You guys are trying to get me drunk."

Lucy laughed. "So what if we are?" She nodded to Cash. "I'm in."

"What kind of game?" Ky asked suspiciously, quirking a brow.

"Hmm...Never have I ever?" Cash suggested.

"Oh good," Alyx sighed, looking relieved. "A game I know the rules to."

"Not familiar with many drinking games, Miller?" Cash teased.

"I don't know what you and your shady buddies get up," Alyx retorted, poking him lightly on the cheek.

"Shady? I'll have you know, my buddies and I are the most innocent-"

"I'm out," I cut in, trying to sound neutral. Bored.

Every gaze turned to me as I stood from the couch.

"You sure, Robert?" Martin asked, frowning slightly.

"Yeah," I said, my eyes drifting to Cash. He was already staring at me, and we locked gazes before I moved away. "I'm gonna check on that second batch of cookies."

I lingered in the kitchen as the game commenced, wiping down the counter, rearranging the pots and pans. I'd been to Alyx's house enough to feel comfortable fixing everything up, and cleaning took some of the stress from my mind.

Nearby, laughter and raised voices filled the air. I ignored the slight twinge that came with being left out. It'd been my choice, and besides, I was used to it at this point.

Sometimes, it felt like I was just watching other people live their lives.

"Robert?"

I nearly jumped as Cash's voice sounded behind me, but I collected myself last second and didn't so much as flinch as I turned around.

"Yes?"

He was leaning against the counters, brushing the hair from his face. "Do you need any help in here?"

Does he have to drape himself over everything, I thought, annoyed.

"No, it's fine. Go back to your game."

"I think it's over," he remarked wryly. "Most of your friends can't hold their liquor. 'Cept for Ky, of course."

"Is Alyx okay?" I asked immediately, alarm shooting through me as I made for the living room. "Can he stand?" The guy was such a lightweight.

"He's fine," Cash said, raising a placating hand. He sounded slightly alarmed. "Martin's pretty sober. He's supervising."

"I should still make sure he's okay," I insisted, relaxing a little.

Any excuse to leave this awkward situation.

"Do you have a problem with me?" Cash asked quietly before I could walk away.

I faced him slowly, trying to smooth my expression into one of indifference. "Why would I have a problem with you?"

He stared at the floor, tapping his heel gently against the counter. "You just...don't seem to like me."

This one's astute.

"I helped you get back with Alyx," I reminded him.

"Doesn't mean you like me."

I hesitated, chewing thoughtfully on my cheek. Thinking.

"Okay," I said finally, settling against the opposite counter. "You wanna do this?" I thought I saw a hint of fear in his eyes. "Then let's do this."

CASH

Oh no.

I'd done it again. Pissed someone off.

I wasn't entirely sure how. But I'd done it. And now he was going to tell me exactly what he thought of me, I'd practically invited him to.

This probably wouldn't end well.

"Just come out with it, Robert," I said quietly.

His eyes narrowed, and I almost flinched at the anger within them.

This definitely wouldn't end well.

Normally, I wouldn't give much thought to someone's opinion me. If I worried about what everyone thought of me, I'd go mad. Anyone would.

But this was one of Alyx's closest friends. I wanted him to like me.

Although, looking into Robert's face, it was pretty obvious I'd failed on that account.

"I don't trust you," Robert said finally. Bluntly.

He always gave off an air of careful consideration, like he put extra thought into everything he did. Sometimes, I wished I could be more like that.

"Okay," I replied, trying to keep my voice even. "Why?"

I had a feeling cool intellect would impress Robert the most, though he didn't seem easily impressed.

"For starters," Robert began, with an air of laying his cards on the table, "I don't like who you hang out with. Well, who you did hang out with. I don't think you can just hang around with people like Tyson and Bryce and remain a decent person."

God, he was so methodical. I felt like a criminal on trial.

"Look," I sighed, spreading my palms, "I can't do anything about the past. I'll admit, I did some things I'm not proud of." There was no point pretending; it was true. "But I want to be with Alyx, and I want to make up for those things. So can we just...start over?"

Robert was silent for a moment, scrutinising me from head to toe. He and Alyx had that same thoughtful stare, the kind that could make you feel like they were stripping your soul bare. Like they could see right to the core of you.

"How do I know you won't hurt Alyx?" Robert demanded suddenly, startling me. There was a sudden intensity to his voice, replacing the cool indifference that had been there mere minutes before. "How do I know you won't hurt him?"

"You don't," I said desperately, leaning forward. I realised I'd been edging closer as we spoke, tension running through me. I tried to relax myself, dropping back against the counter. "Like any relationship, you don't know. But I have no intention of hurting Alyx. I promise."

"I just...I can't risk it." Even Robert sounded a little desperate now. He ran agitated hands through his hair, carving tracks through it. "I can't let you hurt him."

There was such pain in his face, in his voice, and it made me realise...

"You really care about him," I said softly. Gently.

Robert shook his head, sighing wearily. "I've been his friend for years. I've seen him at his worst. At his lowest. He's been through so much, and he just needs...He needs..."

He looked up at me, imploring me with his eyes. "To feel loved."

"I know," I agreed forcibly, leaning forward again. "I know that."

There was silence again, and then I said, "You're a good friend, Robert."

He snorted, sounding unimpressed.

Then he pushed himself from where he was leaning and stalked up to me, pointing a finger into my chest.

"As Alyx's good friend," he hissed, "surely you know I can't trust you. Surely you know I can't let you just stomp around and then leave."

I swallowed, struggling to maintain eye contact. "I'm not going anywhere."

Robert laughed humourlessly, the sound cold and empty. "I. Don't. Believe. You."

He started to leave, then whirled on his heel, turning back to face me. "If you think I'm going to let you break his heart," he retorted, "then you're dead wrong."

ALYX

Cash was quiet when he returned from the kitchen.

He sat beside me on the coach and stared off into the distance, a muscle twitching in his jaw.

"Alright," Ky announced, swigging from her glass, "who's ready for round two?"

"Nobody," Robert said flatly, snatching the glass from her hand. Ky shot him a scandalised glare. "Everyone's had enough to drink. It's not even six o'clock yet."

"Who cares?" Ky lifted her bottle of gin, waving it triumphantly through the air. "Time is a social construct, anyway."

"That's enough." Robert moved to take it, and Ky held it out of reach, giggling loudly. "I'm cutting you off."

"Yeah, right," Ky laughed, edging backward. "You wish, old man."

They proceeded to grapple for the bottle, but I was distracted by Cash's vacant expression.

"Hey," I murmured, nudging his shoulder. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah..." Cash tried to smile, but I could sense the tension behind it. "I'm fine."

"Want to go somewhere private?" I asked quietly.

His gaze filled with gratitude. "Thankyou."

"Let's go out on the porch." I gripped his hand as we stood from the couch.

"Are you guys going somewhere?" Lucy teased, grinning up at us.

"Just outside for some fresh air," I replied.

"Okay." She raised her brows meaningfully. "Just don't be out too long. We're gonna start the marathon soon."

I thought I saw a strange look pass between Cash and Robert, but I couldn't decipher it, and it stuck in my mind as we stepped onto the back porch.

Snow fell lazily from the sky, landing in powdery clumps. I brushed a thin layer off the worn cushions of the nearest couch, gently tugging Cash down beside me.

"What's up?" I asked, drawing my jacket further around myself.

He hesitated, bracing his hands on his knees. "I...I spoke with Robert. In the kitchen."

I straightened, shifting nervously. "Okay?"

"He...said some things."

"Yeah," I admitted, "Robert can be...prickly." He was about as open to new people as Ky was. "What...What did he say?"

"Well," Cash began, "he basically gave me the 'parent talk': 'If you hurt Alyx, I will track you down, I will hurt you, and I will bury you in an unmarked grave.' That kind of thing."

"Oh, god." I groaned in embarrassment, drawing my hands over my face. "I am so sorry."

"It's okay." He stared down at his feet. "I...I guess I kind of deserve it."

"Cash," I interjected, "you don't-"

"But I do," he protested, looking pained. The worry in his expression tugged at my chest. "I mean, I was so mean to you. And after Bryce and Tyson-" He broke off, burying his face in his hands. "God, I don't blame him at all."

"Cash." I leaned closer, carefully prying his hands from his face. I cradled them in mine, occasionally squeezing. "You have to forgive yourself. The past is the past. You can't change it."

He lifted his eyes to mine, and I smiled gently. "But you can improve upon it."

"I don't deserve you," he said suddenly, gathering me in his arms. I closed my eyes, breathing in his scent, relishing in his warmth. "I wish I could make things right."

"You are," I insisted, pulling away slightly to stroke his cheek. "Everyday, you make up for it. It's not an instant fix, it's a process."

Cash nodded, lips pursed.

I ran my thumb along his bottom lip. "It'll take a while, but eventually, when Robert realises how much you try, he'll come to forgive you. And he'll accept you."

He nodded again, brushing the hair from my eyes. "He really cares about you," Cash said softly.

I smiled at the thought, gratitude filling me. "I know. I'm lucky to have him."

The door opened suddenly, and Ky stuck her head out, squinting into the gathering gloom. "Hey, we're gonna start the movie! Are you guys coming?"

"Yep." Cash stood, pulling me up with him.

"Who won the gin argument?" I asked, approaching the door.

Ky made a face, crinkling her nose. "Robert. But don't worry, I'll get him back."

I laughed, feeling warm. Feeling content.

"Sounds about right."

A/N: So, this is the end! If you've read this, Thankyou so much for coming on this journey with me, I really appreciate it!