CHAPTER 25: Reality Check

"You found a place… That's great."

"Who are you talking to?"

"Mom."

"Oh…"

Saying more to herself Felicity watches Roy walking around the living room with his phone by his ear. He's not looking at his big sister as he talks, frankly, he hasn't looked at her for the past two weeks. Since the day Donna moved out or in Roy's point of view, kicked out, he hasn't really acknowledged Felicity. To be fair she hasn't talked to him much either, she's sticking to her gut and the decision she made with her mom is staying. Roy hoped after a few days Felicity would cave and let her move back in but she hasn't. If Donna hasn't found a new job or left Frank then she's not welcomed into their condo. Now it looks like she found a place with Frank so she doesn't need to move back in. Looking down to her homework in her lap Felicity pushes her glasses up her nose and says to Roy.

"Tell her I said hi."

"Why would she want to hear from you?"

"Because I'm still her daughter."

"Please, I'm more her kid than you are."

"Take that back." Felicity demands as quick as she stands up to face him, "Last time I checked I was the one that brought you into this family. Not MY mother."

"Says the girl who took her out of our lives." Roy snaps while walking up the stairs to his room with his phone still beside his ear, "-No, mom. It wasn't anyone important."

"Roy." Felicity calls out to him with a serious tone while pointing her finger his way, "Say what you want but I stand by my choice just like mom stood by hers."

"You didn't give her a choice!" Roy yells at the top of the stairs before telling Donna, "Listen, I got to go. I'll call you back later. Love you. Bye."

"I didn't just tell her to leave. I made her pick."

"Yeah, a job or her boyfriend!" He exclaims as he puts his phone up, "I would never make you pick and choose something like that."

"You don't get it!" She spits out while storming to the stairs, "I made her choose between us or her dumb job and boyfriend! And she picked them over us! Like she did in Las Vegas, you idiot."

He stares at her with conflict in his eyes before turning around and going into his room. He slams the door behind him making Felicity flinch from the sound. That's the most they've talked for the past two weeks. At school, work and home they been avoiding each other just so they didn't hate to talk about the elephant in the room. It's been tearing their family apart. Roy has been keeping up with Donna when Felicity hasn't received or sent even text to her. Groaning Felicity rubs her face before pushing her untamed hair back. She plops back on her couch and looks back to her school work. Not a moment later Tommy comes downstairs in his casual waiter attire for Verdant. He was working late tonight so they probably won't see each other until tomorrow morning. Seeing Felicity angrily stare at her homework he points out innocently while going to get his keys and wallet from the kitchen counter.

"He doesn't hate you. You know."

"Sure feels like it."

"Speedy and him are going through something. His only parent figure is out of the house." Tommy explains while moving her books to sit in front of her on the coffee table, "He's trying to put all his anger somewhere, Barbie."

"Well, why is it all at me?" She looks up tiredly worried, "Why not our mother?"

"Because he doesn't want to lose her."

"So he's okay with losing me? Is that just it?" Felicity snorts while opening a textbook, "I was the one who was always there for him."

"Exactly. No matter what, he'll always have you." He smiles softly as he gets up and goes toward the front door, "He doesn't always have a mother."

"I get it… What am I supposed to do though?"

"Wait." Tommy opens the door and winks at her, "He'll come around."

"Whoa, where you heading off to?"

"Licity's place."

"Are those textbooks?"

"We got a final coming up and she's making me study with her to make sure I actually study."

"I knew I always liked her." Robert Queen sighs with a smile, "When will you be coming home?"

"Maybe after dinner." Oliver answers while zipping up his bag full of books, "I don't know how long Felicity is wanting to study."

"Okay, well, when you get home we need to talk..." His father says from the living room couch, "... About Queen Consolidated. Since you'll be running it one day."

Stopping in his tracks Oliver's face clenches at the thought of his future. He's been avoiding this talk for weeks now with his father. His parents keep bringing it up and he's been able to dodge them. As Senior year is on its last six weeks he knows he can't avoid it for much longer. Ollie knows his parents want to talk about colleges and a major that has to do with following his father's footsteps in QC. However, he's been thinking lately and didn't want to exactly do what his father does. Actually, he doesn't want to do anything like this dad. He doesn't know what he wants to do but he knows doesn't really want to be a CEO. Tilting his head Oliver finally decides to tell his father what's been on his mind.

"Actually. Dad… I don't know what I want to do."

"I know that's why we need to talk about it before it's too late." His father speaks up while staring at his laptop, "There are so many universities and majors for business."

"That's the thing." Oliver turns to look at him nervously. "I don't really want to major in business."

"Sure you don't." Robert chuckles without looking at his son, "Nice Try."

"I'm serious." He drops his bag on the ground and faces his father, "I don't want to go into business."

"W- What?" He finally makes eye contact with Oliver, "What do you want to do then? Be a waiter at Verdant your whole life?"

"Well, no..."

"Then what?" Robert's voice raises as he grows annoyed with the conversation at hand, "We own a business, Oliver. Our name is well known around the world. A Queen will always be running Queen Consolidated. You're a Queen, which means you're a part of the company even if you don't want to. Thea too. There is no way around this."

"Sure there is-"

"No!" Robert stands up and points at him with an emotionless expression, "I'm done with this discussion. Tomorrow your mother and I will sit down with you and talk about future plans. It seems like we need a serious talk about this. Might as well talk to Thea to tomorrow."

"Fine. Whatever." Oliver sighs tiredly while throwing his bag over his shoulder, "But my mind has been made, dad."

With that said Oliver walks out the front door to his car, he left his heart racing. He's just not used to arguing with his father. It's always been Oliver agreeing with Robert so they wouldn't have any confrontations. Getting in his car now he realizes this conversation is past overdue. He only has a few more months of high school then he's off to College. Just the thought makes his heart flutter. What college to go to? Where will Felicity go? Will Tommy and go to the same university? Questions fill his head while driving to his girlfriend's condo but the main one is will be together?

Pacing her room Sara stares at her phone trying to decide if she should make a phone call or not. Wearing her casual waitress attire she looks at the time knowing she has to get to work soon. She hasn't heard from Bruce all day and it's been worrying her like crazy. He's in a whole other city that knows him as a billionaire playboy. Last phone call ended in a fight and they haven't resolved it yet. He's just so far away now and it's taking a toll on both of them. She knows he has his parents company to look after and it takes up a lot of time but he should still be able to call his girlfriend. Looking down at her one last time she hears her door creek open followed with the sound of her father's voice.

"Honey… Is everything okay?

"Yeah, dad. Just boy problems again."

"Maybe you should just worry about school right now." He suggests while opening the door up more, "It's almost over and I want to make sure you do good on your finals."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry." She groans after hearing his usual suggestion, "It's just Bruce hasn't text or called all day."

"Maybe he's just busy."

"He's barely talked to me the past few weeks." Sara plops down onto her bed with a defeated expression, "Ever since our last big fight… I don't know…"

Looking at his Daughter worried Larry Lance rubs the back of his neck. He's never good at this with his daughters, there would be if she was here. He didn't know what to say about their guy problems, he's more worried about their education than a few guys. Sara hasn't even talked once with her father about going to college. Laurel already has a plan and everything so he didn't have to worry about her. Sara, on the other hand, hasn't looked at one college this year. You would think Bruce would want to go to college since he's going to one next semester. Coming into her room more her father leans onto the wall with the door still open.

"Sara, maybe you should take some time away from guys and just think about your future."

"Bruce is my future, Dad!"

"Going to college is-"

"I don't even want to go to college!"

"Don't- Don't talk like that." He sighs while pointing at her seriously, "You're going to college."

"Says who?" She declares while folding her arms, "I really don't want to go to a university."

"Why not?" He raises his voice while pointing behind him, "Your sister has already picked a college she wants to go to and a major."

"I'm not my sister!"

"Well, try to be! I would feel better if you have some type of plan for your future!"

"Try to be?!" Sara repeats his word in shock while thinking out loud angry, "Dad. She doesn't have her shit together either. She watching Ollie and Felicity date and acting like it's okay. He's her first love and she's her closest friend! Not to mention she's acting like she's on her period with Tommy! She's only thinking about college to not think about her fuck up life now."

The two go silent for a moment after hearing her outburst. No long after they hear Laurel storm past Sara's room and out of the house. Realizing Laurel heard everything Sara groans and sits on her bed. She rubs her facing thinking about what she just did. Their father leaves the room to follow Laurel but she's already out of the house. Checking the time she knows she needs to leave to get to work on time. Getting up and grabbing her purse Sara stomps to the front door. The whole time she's thinking what has she just done.

"No, Dad. I'm not moving back in- Why? Are you seriously asking me why?" Tommy spits out with his phone by his head, "You kicked me out, it's not even been a year since you kicked me out? I'm not coming back for you to just kick me out again."

"Is that your dad?" Ollie asks as he walks beside his best friend, "What does he want?"

"For me to move back in." He answers before talking to the phone again, "Listen, I'm not moving back in. I'm happy where I'm at now. Besides everything going on at home, I can't leave… I have to go to an assembly. We'll talk about this late. Bye."

Hanging up the phone Tommy puts it back in his pocket and heads with Oliver to the gym. All seniors and juniors were called to go to the gym for an assembly. The halls are packed with people, the guys haven't found Laurel or Felicity but they hope to once in the gym. The past has been so hectic between the group. Donna has left making Roy furious with Felicity. Sarah and Bruce are mad at each other from their last few fights. Tommy's pissed at Laurel for ignoring their spark. Oliver and Felicity have been distant lately from everything going on. Thea feels like shit about her relationship with Roy. Diggle and Lyla are still mad about their last fight about their pregnancy scare. Now Tommy's father starting problems with him and he knows Ollie is having the same trouble with his dad. When reaching the gym they see tons of people filling seats, looking around they see Felicity and Thea waving while calling out.

"Tommy! Oliver! Over here!"

Walking over to the girls they see Diggle, Lyla, Roy, Sara, and Laurel already with the girls. Looking at them now none of them seem really happy, more like their frustrated and tired. These past few weeks have really taken a toll on them. Who would blame them? Reaching they group Tommy notices Laurel and Sara sitting on opposite ends not looking at one another, Roy and Felicity are acting the exact same way. Tommy and Oliver move to sit between Felicity and Laurel. Smiling tiredly at one another Oliver asks his girlfriend while taking her hand in his.

"Do you know what this assembly is about?"

"I think it's about College or something. To get us prepared."

"Where are you wanting to go?"

"MIT, you?"

"Cornell University but I'm not for sure."

Oliver answers while thinking out the two colleges. The two were so far away from one another. He turns to Felicity and sees her looking at him with the same realization. If they went to those schools they would rarely see each other. They don't say anything else about the matter from knowing how the conversation will go. They just got into this relationship and they want to ride it out as long as they can. Going into this relationship they didn't think about the future, they just thought about the now. The future was so close that they thought when they sit here thinking about it. It took so long to finally get one another and it sounds like it will end soon. Not yet, though, that's what they keep saying in their heads. Once all the kids are packed in the Principal walks to the center of the gym when a stand and microphone is and announces.

"As you all know school is coming to an end. I want you to realize the reality of this, most of you will be done with high school forever and the rest will only have one more year. This is the time all of you need to think about what's next, a job, a career, a college. What do all of you plan to do and take action to get there."

Sara looks down at her phone and sees her screensaver, it's her and Bruce together. They haven't talked, only fight, and it's been a good minute since their last fight. It was always about him being gone and her just staying in Starling. The truth is she has no idea what she'll do after high school, she has another year to think about it but still. Bruce already knows what he's going to do and be the future. She doesn't have a clue and maybe, just maybe that's the reason for all their fights. She's living in the now but he's thinking in the future. It's not wrong for him too since he has a company to take care of. Thinking about it now maybe their fights were a sign they have an expiration date. Realization hits her and her eyes begin to go red knowing they've been putting it aside from not wanting to break up even when they secretly know they should. The principal begins to talk again while looking down to a paper on the stand.

"You all have a future plan even if you don't realize it. You have a plan for what you want to do and I encourage you to set out and do it. It might burn bridges but if you have a goal for your life don't let it fail because of a few mistakes or speed bumps. If you want something, go for it. Your life is now, your time is now and I want you to fulfill your life with the goals you set out to do."

Lyla and John look at one another at the thought of them both wanting to join the military. They have been so focused on the pregnancy scare they forgot on the things they plan out to do. They both knew going into this relationship it would have to end or at least a break because of their military plan. When they had the pregnancy scare Diggle was ready to drop everything to be a father. Even though it was negative he was still ready to give it up and Lyla was too if she was pregnant. Staring at one another they know they should prevent the inevitable for a few false alarms. They know they'll have to take a break once they join and this false alarm was just a distraction for them to pretend they didn't have to. Hearing what the Principal is saying now they know the military is something they need to do no matter the cost. It's all they wanted to do since they were kids. Sighing heavily Lyla takes his hand and squeezes it, he smiles at her sadly and holds her hand tightly like she's going to disappear.

"And hey, maybe you don't have any goals right now. That's okay, many people didn't have any at your age. Myself, included. I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do with my life." The Principal tells the students honestly, "So it's okay if you don't have a plan right now for your life. You still have time. However, I encourage you to think about it. Five years can go by fast, just look at where you are now. It feels like only a few days ago you were all coming into this school as freshman students."

Roy smirks at the thought of when he and Felicity moved here. It was just them against the world. They only had a few bags and the goal to find his parents. They never found them though and here they are four years later. He still doesn't have a clue about what to do after high school. Maybe he'll continue his search for his parents, he honestly doesn't know. He's never planned to go to college, even if he did he doesn't have the money for it. He knows Thea will take some business classes so she can run Verdant. She has been talking about wanting to own it for weeks now. She's been talking to her father about the idea and she believes he's finally on board with it. Sara looks to her sister in sorrow for what she said the other day. Her father just always talks so highly of Laurel. How could he not? She's been planning to be a Lawyer since she knew what it was to be one. Sara, on the other hand, doesn't have a clue about what to do with her future. She doesn't want to go to college and she has no idea what to do with her life. Wishing her big sister understood how it feels to be a mess Sara looks back at their Principal.

"After high school, you all need to do is decide what's best for you and only you. Go down the right path for your life, the one that helps you succeed the most. It may be hard but I promise you pick something for your future and just go for it. And make it good." Their Principal laughs while shrugging, "Because you only get one life."

Tommy bites his bottom lips and folds his arms as he gears in his head starts turning. He always wanted to take over his family's business one day. After this past year, the idea became more of a dream than reality. Maybe his father asking him to move back in is his way of letting Tommy know it's still possible. He wasn't ready to move back in with his father but he still hangs onto the idea of joining the family business. Oliver never really wanted to join his father at Queen Consolidated. It seems to be the right choice, though. His family always wanted him to do it, plus encourage it growing up. So maybe he should give his father some slake and try it out. Looking at Felicity he smiles softly and knowing he should aim high for her. The Principal then claps his hands and finishes his speech.

"No matter what happens, know I'm so proud of all of you. I want to see you all get your diplomas and shoot for the stars. The world is yours and your life starts the moment you walk on the stage to get you high school diploma. I've kept you guys for too long now, you may return to your classes."

Everyone gets up and heads to their classroom, students crowed the doors. The gang stays sitting as they think about everything, about what the future means for all of them. This speech did more damage to them than they thought. It's made them all come to terms about what they need to do but have been scared to do for weeks now. Laurel is the first to get up and leave, Tommy leaves next right behind her. Thea looks around before finding Sin in the crowd of people. The sight of her makes Speedy get up and leave which causes Roy to follow. Sara takes out her phone and looks at it for a moment before saying in a low voice.

"I need to make a call."

"To who?"

"Bruce." She turns back to them with a sad smile, "I think it's time I let him go."

"You okay?"

"No… But I know it's been a long time coming."

"We should get going too." Diggle then gets up and looks at Lyla, "And talk things over."

"Yeah." She sighs while taking his hand, "It's time we actually talk about things."

Oliver and Felicity wave bye before the couples leave the gym. There are only a few students left in the gym as the two of them continue to sit where they are. They watch students and teachers leave the gym without saying a word to one another. Felicity sighs before taking his pinkie with hers, she continues not to say anything but he can tell she's thinking hard. Leaning in close to her he whispers with a smile.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

"After we graduated… We'll go to totally different colleges."

"We'll just have a long distance relationship for a while, that's all."

"Oliver." She turns to look at him with a stressed expression, "Can we do long distance for four years. That's how long we'll be in school for."

"We'll visit each other."

"I don't have money to visit you every chance we get."

"Then what do you want to do?" He growls while releasing her pinkie, "Go on a break?"

"Maybe we should when the summer is over."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing."

"Come on, think about it." She says while tilting her head sadly, "We need to think about our future like he said."

"So you want to date a few more months knowing we'll break up in August." Oliver thinks out loud in shock, "Do you realize everything we did just to be together?"

"I know. I know… I just-"

"If we're taking a break in August…" Oliver begins to stand up, "We might as well take a break now."

"Wait, what?" Felicity stands up and looks at him in fear, "I don't want to break up."

"Then why did you bring it up?" He spits out dramatically while waving his arms, "You're the one wanting to take a break because of something that's a few months away for now."

"I'm just thinking ahead!" Felicity raises her voice, "What do you think is going to happen when I'm at MIT and you at Cornell? Are we going to facetime all the time and call 24/7? I've seen long distance relationships! Their bullshit!"

"You have that little faith in us?"

"I'm thinking realistically, Queen."

"Okay, well, realistically thinking…" Oliver starts walking towards the doors as she follows, "If we're going to break up at the end of the summer we might as well break up now."

"I don't want to break up." Felicity grabs his arms to stop him from walking away from her, "Please, understand I don't want to but what else are we going to do?"

"A long distance relationship! I told you this."

"And I told you it's not going to work!"

"Then I think we both know what's going to happen now."

"Oliver Queen!" Felicity snaps while he starts walking away from her again, "You know what. Fine. Keep walking. Why wait to break up when we can do it now. It'll make it so much easier!"

"Good, Okay then." Oliver snaps without looking at her, "Have a good summer."

"I will!" She shouts while standing in the middle of the hall, "I will knowing I don't have to deal with your shit!"

"My shit? My shit!" Oliver spits out before turning around and stomping toward while pointing at her, "I'm not the who has family problems every month! I'm been dealing with your shit for months now. I had to deal with all your apartment problems, your family problems, and work problems! What shit have you had to deal with from me?"

"I… I…"

"That's what I thought." He sighs while shaking his head and laughing, "I've tried to make this work this whole time. Something always stops us and it's always your shit. And this, it just another problem of yours."

"I never asked you to get involved with my problems! That was you." She declares while shoving him lightly, "So maybe it's good we call it quits. Now you don't have to deal with me anymore."

"Yeah. I guess it is."

"Great."

"Amazing."

With those bitter words said the two storm away from each other. Oliver's hands are clenched and his mouth is jammed shut. Felicity's arms are folded as she walks away with her eyes getting watery. She didn't mean for this to get out of hand, it kills her that this is how it happened. He's unbelievably mad at everything, she didn't have any faith in them. All he knows is he wasn't the one who wanted to end things, she was. She didn't want to break up but she just didn't know how this would work out. They walk away wanting nothing more than to turn back around and change that whole conversation.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Thinking. Why are you talking to me now? Do you want something?"

"I just wanted you to know Thea thinks we should take a break and fix things." Roy sighs while leaning on the sliding doors to the balcony, "She wants to date the right way."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Felicity mumbles while looking out to the city, she's sitting on a chair curled up in a blanket. Roy found his sister on the porch just sitting there so he decided to check up on her. Everyone heard they broke up, actually, the school heard. Apparently, it was a mess from what students are saying. Roy hasn't really talked to Felicity since Donna moved out but looking at her now maybe they need to. Things have just been falling apart this last couple of weeks. Roy then goes to sit next to her in another chair when he speaks up again.

"Did you hear Lyla and Diggle are taking a break too?"

"Yeah. She told me last night." Felicity whispers while adding, "Sara finally broke up with Bruce."

"What's happening to all of us?"

"We all got a reality check."

"It's fucked up."

"I know. It is what it is."

"I'm still mad at you for what you did."

"I know."

"I don't want to be." Roy looks at her before looking down to his hands and saying honestly, "But I am. I don't want us to fall apart like everything else our little group so I'm going to try and forgive you. I just feel like we need each other now more than ever."

The group has never hurt this badly before when someone had a problem everyone was there for them. Right now, though, everyone has a problem and no one to support them. Which is why Roy wants to at least try to be there for her like she is for him. Lyla and Diggle are broken up, Tommy and Sara are fighting with Laurel, Thea and Roy are on a break trying to work things out. Felicity and Oliver had a messy breakup. Tommy and his father are arguing, Felicity and Donna aren't on speaking, even Oliver and his father are having problems. Things between everyone is a mess and Roy knows the least he can do is give his sister some slack.

"Thanks." She looks at him with a small smile, "It means a lot to me. I didn't want her to leave."

"I know." He nods while repeating her words, "But it is what it is."

"... A reality check."