chapter twenty-eight:
❛ party time ❜

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Clementine was a bundle of nerves as she paced around her bedroom. Her Bubbe sat calmly on the bed, watching her granddaughter with a knowing smile. "Clementine, darling, we need to get you ready! Robby will be here soon, and I can guarantee you that your Zayde and your dad are gonna interrogate him," Bubbe said, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

Clementine stopped pacing and turned to face her, biting her nails anxiously. "I'm worried, Bubbe! I'm going with Robby! Everyone's gonna see that we are dating again and... and it'll be seen as a betrayal. I haven't even told Ali! Just imagine what's gonna happen? I mean, Ali's right next door getting ready with her mom, and Hawk and Demetri are going over to their place—" she rambled, her anxiety spilling out.

Bubbe stood up and placed her hands on Clementine's shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes. "Darling, I think you should at least tell Ali. She'll be disappointed, but she's your best friend and she'll understand. I mean, you still don't like Hawk—which is a stupid name by the way—and she can't be mad at you for being back with Robby. And as for your teammates... they're definitely gonna be mad, but they will get over it," Bubbe advised with a warm, reassuring tone.

Clementine embraced her grandmother, feeling a wave of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Bubbe," she whispered, taking comfort in the embrace.

Bubbe kissed her forehead and then walked over to Clementine's closet, pulling out the green dress she had chosen for the evening. "Let's get your hair straightened and do your makeup!" she declared with a smile.

Clementine took a deep breath and nodded, allowing herself to be led to the vanity. Bubbe picked up the hair straightener and plugged it in, waiting for it to heat up. "You have such beautiful hair, Clementine. We're just going to enhance it a bit," she said, gently brushing through Clementine's long, wavy locks.

Once the straightener was ready, Bubbe worked methodically, section by section, transforming Clementine's waves into sleek, straight strands that framed her face perfectly. She took her time, ensuring every strand was smooth and glossy. As she worked, Bubbe hummed a soft tune, her presence calming Clementine's nerves.

After her hair was perfectly straightened, Bubbe turned her attention to Clementine's makeup. "Now, let's bring out those beautiful eyes of yours," she said, picking up an eyeshadow palette. She chose a soft, shimmery gold that complemented Clementine's green dress. With a steady hand, she applied the eyeshadow, blending it seamlessly into Clementine's eyelids.

Next, she lined Clementine's eyes with a dark brown eyeliner, creating a subtle wing that made her eyes look larger and more defined. She finished off the eye makeup with a few coats of mascara, making Clementine's lashes look long and voluminous.

"For your cheeks, we'll use a touch of this peachy blush. It'll give you a nice, natural glow," Bubbe said, dusting the blush onto Clementine's cheeks. She then applied a highlighter to the high points of her face, adding a luminous glow to her cheekbones, nose, and cupid's bow.

"Now, for your lips," Bubbe said, picking up a nude lipstick with a hint of pink. She carefully applied the lipstick, then added a dab of gloss to give Clementine's lips a touch of shine.

Clementine looked at herself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the stunning girl staring back at her. "Wow, Bubbe... I look amazing," she said, a smile spreading across her face.

"You were already beautiful, darling. I just enhanced what was already there," Bubbe replied, giving her a warm hug.

Clementine's heart pounded as she picked up her phone and dialed Ali's number. She knew she needed to be honest with her best friend, but that didn't make it any easier.

After a few rings, Ali's cheerful voice came through. "Hey, Clem! What's up? Ready for prom?"

Clementine took a deep breath. "Hey, Ali. Actually, I need to tell you something important before we go. I didn't want you to be blindsided."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What is it, Clem?"

"I'm going to prom with Robby," Clementine said, her voice trembling. "We're back together."

There was a brief silence, then a sigh. "Clem... I'm disappointed you didn't tell me sooner," Ali said, her tone a mix of hurt and understanding. "But, girl, I knew something was up! I'm glad you're happy and together with him. It's gonna take a while for me to like him again... but you get that since you're still trying to like Eli again."

Clementine let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you, Ali. I was so scared you'd be mad."

Ali laughed softly. "Oh, I'm a bit mad, but not at you. Just at the situation. But I get it. Relationships are complicated. I'm your best friend, and I want you to be happy. Even if that means being with Robby. Just give me some time to get used to it, okay?"

"Of course. I understand," Clementine replied, relief washing over her. "But... I don't know how our friends are gonna feel about this when they see us walk in together."

Ali sighed again. "Yeah, that's gonna be tricky. But you know what? You just have to face it head-on. If they care about you, they'll come around. Just like I am. And I'll be there to back you up, no matter what."

Clementine smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, Ali. You're the best."

"You're welcome. Now go knock 'em dead at prom, Clem. And tell Robby he better treat you right, or he's gonna have to answer to me," Ali said with a laugh.

Clementine laughed too. "Will do. See you there!"

She hung up the phone and turned to her Bubbe, who had been watching her anxiously. "Ali's... okay with it," Clementine said, still processing the conversation.

Bubbe smiled warmly. "See? Everything will work out. Now, let's finish getting you ready."

Just as Clementine was finishing up her hair, the doorbell rang. Her heart skipped a beat. Robby was here.

Downstairs, Caleb, Clementine's dad, opened the door to find Robby standing there, looking nervous but determined. Caleb gave him a once-over before stepping aside to let him in. "Come on in, Robby."

Robby stepped into the living room, where Marcus, Clementine's Zayde, was waiting. Caleb closed the door behind him and turned to face Robby, his expression stern. "We need to have a little chat before Clementine comes down."

Robby swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course, sir."

Caleb crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze piercing. "If you hurt my daughter again, I'm not afraid to beat you up. Do you understand?"

Robby met Caleb's eyes, his voice steady. "I understand, sir. I won't hurt her again. I promise."

Marcus stepped forward, his eyes sharp with scrutiny. "You know, young man, I heard you went to juvie for pushing that boy off the balcony. Miguel, was it?"

Robby's face tightened with regret. "Yes, sir. I did. It was a mistake, and I deeply regret it."

Marcus nodded slowly, considering his words. "And how do we know you won't make another mistake like that? How do we know we can trust you with our Clementine?"

Robby took a deep breath. "I've made a lot of mistakes, and I'm working hard to make up for them. I love Clementine, and I want to be better for her. I know I have a lot to prove, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust."

Caleb and Marcus exchanged a look, a silent communication passing between them. Finally, Caleb spoke. "We'll be watching you closely. Don't mess this up."

Robby nodded, his resolve clear. "I won't, sir."

Just then, Clementine's Bubbe appeared at the top of the stairs. "Clementine, darling, Robby's here!"

Clementine took one last look in the mirror, smoothed her dress, and made her way downstairs. As she descended the staircase, Robby's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but smile.

"You look amazing," he said softly, taking her hand as she reached the bottom step.

Clementine smiled back, her nerves easing a little. "Thank you. You look great too."

Caleb cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Have a good time, but remember what we talked about."

"Yes, sir," Robby replied, squeezing Clementine's hand gently.

With that, they made their way outside to the car. Clementine could feel the weight of her father's and Zayde's gazes on them, but she felt a surge of determination. She believed in Robby, and she was ready to face whatever came next.

When Clementine and Robby arrived, Robby circled the car and opened the door for her. They had arrived in a sleek Ferrari California, courtesy of Sensei Silver from Cobra Kai, who had lent Robby the car for the evening. As they stepped out, the eyes of their peers followed them, intrigued by their grand entrance.

As they walked towards the admission line, Clementine could already feel the stares and whispers from their classmates. "I think people are staring at us," she whispered to Robby. In response, Robby smirked and kissed her passionately, making sure everyone noticed. "Good," he said, making Clementine blush as they continued forward.

At the entrance, Clementine showed their tickets to the admission ladies, and they walked inside with their arms locked together. The atmosphere inside was vibrant, with lights twinkling and music filling the air. Almost immediately, Clementine spotted Miguel and Sam by the punch table. She noticed Sam's expression turn from confusion to disappointment, while Miguel looked visibly angry. He grabbed Sam's arm and shook his head in disapproval, a clear sign that he was upset.

Robby took a step forward, almost as if to challenge Miguel, but Clementine quickly pushed him back and whispered, "No fighting tonight unless it's necessary." Robby nodded, smiling down at her with understanding.

Robby nudged Clementine, pointing towards Alison and Eli, who were standing together at a table. "Go over and talk to them, Clem. I'm gonna go talk to Tory about something," Robby whispered. Clementine nodded, giving him a quick kiss before heading towards her friends.

As she approached, Alison immediately hugged her. "I told Eli, by the way, and he did see you guys walk in together..." Alison trailed off, her concern evident.

Clementine turned to Eli. "Look, I'm sorry, Hawk. I know he shaved your hair off—" she began, but was cut off by Hawk pulling her into a hug.

"It's okay, Clem. You can't help if you love him. Plus, he's not a bad guy... he's just made some bad choices. Hopefully, with you guys back together, maybe you can turn him back to the right side and get him to leave Cobra Kai," Hawk said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Clementine smiled back, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Just then, Robby walked over and gently took Clementine's hand. "Is it okay if I take your girlfriend away, Ali?" he asked with a charming grin.

Alison nodded, and Clementine and Robby made their way to the dance floor, brushing past Miguel and Sam. The tension in the air was palpable, but Clementine focused on the music and the feeling of Robby's hand in hers.

They began to dance, moving together effortlessly. Clementine felt a sense of peace wash over her, despite the lingering glances and murmurs from their classmates. As they swayed to the rhythm, she looked up at Robby with curiosity.

"What did you need to talk to Tory about?" she asked.

Robby leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "I needed to know where Blair was," he replied.

Clementine pulled back slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Why? Is she here? I know she's back at school."

Robby's smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "About that... Tory and I got evidence on her, and her mom is sending her to boarding school. You won't be seeing her anymore."

Clementine's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. "Seriously? Tory helped? I thought she hates me."

Robby shook his head. "She doesn't hate you. She's just... complicated. But she saw how Blair was treating you and wanted to help. It's a small step, but maybe there's hope for her yet."

Clementine felt a mixture of relief and amazement wash over her. She looked into Robby's eyes, grateful for his support and the unexpected alliance with Tory. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Robby leaned down and kissed her softly, his lips warm and reassuring. "I'll always have your back, Clem. No matter what," he said as they continued to dance, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

As "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus began to play, the beat quickly became infectious, and Clementine's eyes lit up with recognition. Alison approached with a wide smile and a playful glint in her eye.

"Mind if I steal her for a bit?" Alison asked Robby, who stepped back with a grin, allowing the girls their space.

"Not at all. Have fun, Clem," Robby said, giving Clementine a reassuring nod.

Clementine turned to Alison, who was already pulling her towards the center of the dance floor. "Are we really doing this?" Clementine asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Absolutely! We know this dance by heart," Alison replied, grabbing Clementine's hand and guiding her into the spotlight.

The music's upbeat rhythm seemed to take over as Clementine and Alison began their synchronized routine. The opening lines of the song, "I hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan," set the stage for their performance.

As the chorus hit, they jumped into action. Both girls began by clapping their hands above their heads, then quickly transitioned into a series of smooth hip swings. They made sure to emphasize the lyrics with their movements: Clementine would sway her hips left and right, while Alison mirrored her perfectly.

When the line "So I put my hands up, they're playin' my song" played, Clementine and Alison threw their hands up in the air, fingers splayed, as if they were grabbing the rhythm of the song. They then executed a series of high-energy arm movements, swinging their arms back and forth, mimicking the "I'm on the way" lyrics.

Next, as the song's tempo increased, they performed a classic dance move known as the "step touch." They stepped side to side, touching their feet together while swinging their arms in sync. This was followed by a spin, where both girls twirled gracefully, their dresses flaring out around them, adding a touch of glamour to their performance.

During the line "I got my hands up, they're playing my song, the butterflies fly away," Clementine and Alison did a coordinated step and slide move. Clementine stepped to the right, sliding her foot across the floor, while Alison stepped to the left, matching Clementine's movements perfectly.

As the song reached its bridge, they incorporated a signature move: a quick two-step with a bounce. They bounced on their toes while alternating steps forward and backward, adding a playful rhythm to their routine. They ended this segment with a coordinated jump and a spin, arms raised triumphantly as if celebrating their joy.

The crowd around them cheered and clapped along, clearly enjoying the girls' energetic and well-executed performance. Clementine and Alison smiled at each other, their synchronized moves creating a sense of unity and fun.

The song's final chorus saw them repeating their initial moves with even more enthusiasm. They threw their hands up high once more and added a final flourish with a twirl, arms outstretched as they spun around. The crowd erupted into applause as the song came to an end.

Breathless and exhilarated, Clementine and Alison embraced, laughing and congratulating each other on a performance well done. The crowd's cheers and claps faded into the background as Clementine turned back to Robby, who had watched their dance with a proud smile.

"That was amazing," Clementine said, still catching her breath. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, and her eyes sparkled.

"You two really know how to put on a show," Robby replied, clearly impressed by their performance.

Clementine grinned, feeling the warmth of his embrace as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "It's one of our favorite songs. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

As they swayed together to the music, Clementine felt a renewed sense of connection and joy. The night, despite its earlier tensions and uncertainties, had turned into a celebration of friendship and love. With Robby by her side and her friends surrounding her, Clementine felt grateful for the support and camaraderie that made moments like these so special.

After prom ended, the after-party at Stingray's house was in full swing. Clementine and Robby arrived together, Robby holding two cups. He passed one to Clementine, but she shook her head firmly.

"I'm trying to stay away from alcohol, babe," she said, her voice resolute.

Robby shrugged and smiled, tipping both cups out into a nearby potted plant. "Then, no alcohol for me either," he declared with a grin, earning a warm smile from Clementine.

As they moved further into the party, Clementine's gaze wandered around the crowded room. Her eyes suddenly widened, and her jaw dropped when she spotted Alison in the midst of a messy make-out session with Eli. It was clear that Alison was quite intoxicated.

"Holly shit— I'll be back," Clementine said, her voice laced with disbelief. Without waiting for a response, she pushed through the crowd, making a beeline for Alison.

She approached the couple, gently but firmly pulling Alison away from Eli. "Alison, what are you doing?" Clementine asked, her voice tinged with concern. Alison swayed slightly, barely registering Clementine's presence.

Eli looked visibly relieved as he took a step back. "Not long... she started taking shots," Eli explained, his tone apologetic and concerned.

Clementine looked at Alison, who was leaning heavily against her, her eyes glazed over. "How much did she drink?" Clementine asked, trying to keep her voice calm and even.

"Pretty much everything she could get her hands on," Eli said, sounding a bit frustrated. "She's been at it for a while now."

Clementine laughed nervously, shaking her head. "Alright... well, if you need anything, we will be in the bathroom," she said, nodding towards Robby, who was now standing nearby with a concerned look on his face.

She led Alison gently through the throng of partygoers, guiding her towards the bathroom. Once inside, Clementine helped Alison to sit on the edge of the sink, carefully propping her up.

"Okay, let's get you cleaned up," Clementine said, grabbing a damp washcloth from the cabinet and gently wiping Alison's face. "You need to drink some water and get some fresh air. You've had way too much."

Alison groaned and muttered something unintelligible. Clementine continued to tend to her, rubbing her back soothingly. After a few minutes, she managed to get Alison to sip some water, though the process was slow.

"Robby, could you grab some snacks or something?" Clementine called out to Robby, who was waiting just outside the bathroom door. "We need to help her sober up a bit."

Robby nodded and went off to find something to help with Alison's condition. Clementine stayed in the bathroom, making sure Alison was as comfortable as possible. After a little while, Robby returned with some crackers and a small bottle of water, and together they helped Alison start to recover from her overindulgence.

As the night wore on, Clementine stayed close to Alison, ensuring she was okay and keeping her company until she felt better. Despite the earlier chaos, Clementine was determined to make sure her friend was taken care of, and with Robby's support, she felt more confident in handling the situation.

In the bedroom, Clementine sat on the edge of the bed, keeping an eye on Alison, who was sleeping off her drunken state. Eli was sitting nearby, looking tense and uneasy. Clementine could hear the muffled sounds of a party still raging outside, but they were soon interrupted by loud, chaotic noises.

She stood up, concerned, and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains. Her heart sank when she saw a heated confrontation unfolding in the backyard. Miguel and Robby were going at it, and in another corner, Sam was aggressively facing off with Tory. The scene was chaotic, and it was clear that things were escalating quickly.

"I've gotta go check this out," Clementine said to Eli, her voice steady despite her worry. Eli nodded, giving her a look that suggested he'd stay behind with Alison.

Clementine hurried outside, but as she approached the pool area, she saw Sam and Tory engaged in a fierce argument. Sam was about to strike Tory, and Clementine acted on instinct. She rushed over and pushed Sam away from Tory, but in the process, she lost her balance and fell into the pool, dragging Sam and Tory with her.

The cold water hit Clementine like a shock, and she surfaced, sputtering and gasping for air. Sam immediately began yelling at her from the water. "What the hell, Clementine?! Why did you come here with Robby? You think everything's about you?"

Clementine glared at Sam, her anger boiling over. "Shut up, Sam! Not everything is about you. Get over yourself," she snapped, her voice cutting through the chaos.

She turned to Tory, who was treading water nearby. "Thank you for getting rid of Blair," Clementine said, her tone softening.

Tory smiled through the water, clearly relieved. "It's okay, girl. Blair was messed up to you, and you were right to stand up to her. But she deserved what she got. Friends?" Tory offered, extending a hand.

Clementine nodded gratefully, reaching out to shake hands with Tory. "Friends," she agreed.

Clementine then looked around, trying to piece together what had happened. "Who started this fight?" she asked.

Tory, still keeping afloat, replied, "Sam started it, then Miguel got involved. Robby joined in when he saw I was getting beaten up."

As if on cue, Robby walked over to the edge of the pool, his expression a mix of concern and mischief. Clementine and Tory exchanged a quick glance, a plan forming between them. They held out their hands towards Robby.

"Help us out?" Clementine asked with a grin.

Robby reached down, grabbing their hands, but instead of helping them out, Clementine and Tory pulled him into the pool with them. The three of them erupted into a splashy, playful fight, the earlier tension dissolving into laughter and splashing. Robby, Clementine, and Tory splashed and dunked each other, the pool now a battleground of joy and camaraderie.

As they all laughed and played, the earlier confrontations seemed to fade away, replaced by the simple pleasure of being together and letting go of their frustrations.

Robby and Clementine were parked outside Golf 'n' Stuff, their laughter echoing through the car as they reminisced about the night's events. The energy was light and joyful, and the car's interior was filled with the sound of their shared amusement.

"You should've seen Sam's face when you pushed her into the pool," Robby said, chuckling as he recounted the chaotic scene. "She was totally losing it."

Clementine shook her head, still giggling. "I know, right? She always starts drama with Tory. It's like she needs a new hobby. It was about time someone called her out."

Robby nodded in agreement, a smile never leaving his face. "And speaking of calling things out, I think the best part of the night was watching you and Alison tear it up to 'Party In The USA.' You guys were amazing!"

Clementine leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Wanna know a secret?"

Robby raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sure, what's up?"

Clementine's voice dropped to a playful whisper. "Ali and I did that dance at a talent show. We spent three months perfecting it, and we ended up winning first place. Todd, the kid who always won every year, had the best reaction when we beat him."

Robby's eyes widened in surprise and admiration. "No way! That's awesome. Please tell me there's a video of that."

Clementine sighed dramatically. "I was hoping you wouldn't ask..." She pulled out her phone and navigated to the video. A few taps later, the screen lit up with footage of a younger Clementine and Alison, energetically performing their well-rehearsed dance routine. Robby watched with a grin, clearly entertained by the nostalgic display.

"Aww, you guys were adorable!" he said, his eyes shining with genuine admiration.

Clementine rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. "Yeah, yeah. I can't believe Terry Silver actually let you borrow this car. He saw me at Eagle Fang, you know."

Robby shrugged, his nonchalant demeanor only adding to his charm. "Didn't tell him," he said with a grin.

Their eyes met, and the moment felt charged with a quiet intensity. Robby leaned in and kissed Clementine deeply, his hands gently cupping her face. Clementine responded eagerly, smirking against his lips as she slid into his lap, their connection deepening.

As they pulled back slightly, their breaths mingling, they shared a look that said everything. The night had been a whirlwind of drama and excitement, but in this moment, it was just the two of them, lost in their own world, savoring the sweetness of their shared joy and affection.

ASH SPEAKS!

just wait until next chapter to see miguels reaction... he's waiting to talk to her at the tournament