Farkle Meets the New Year

Chapter 1

I especially want to thank sand1128, zombeeegurl, imaginarybird, Carolyn, Courtney and Kayla. Thank you all for the support,

This idea came to me after a recent rewatch of Girl Meets the New Year. Thought it would be fun if Riley got to turn the tables on Farkle. In this story Farkle and Smackle have been broken up for nearly 3 years. They haven't seen or spoken to one another at all. He broke up with her so she wouldn't be tied down. He wanted her to follow her dreams. Those dreams led her to Stanford, University in California. Farkle was in Princeton, New Jersey. Smackle has been given the opportunity to study in Australia. Will she take the position or will Farkle be able to make her change her mind? Will he be able to admit his feelings to her? Takes place from Thursday, December 29 to Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Note-the Clique Six is all 21 with Lucas being 22. Josh Matthews is 24. They are all Juniors in college and Josh followed in Cory's footsteps and is working as a middle school history teacher.

Thursday, December 29, 2022, Topanga's Bakery and Coffee House

Riley and Maya were just closing the coffee house for the night, waiting for Lucas and Josh to come by. They were also waiting on Zay and Farkle. They were all on winter break from their respective schools and were meeting to plan their annual New Year's Eve party. As Riley was locking the door she sees Lucas and Josh come down the steps so she holds the door open for them. She is greeted with a hug from her uncle and a kiss from Lucas. "Hey guys, you two are the first ones here. Help yourself to something to drink and eat," Riley said with a smile. She gets her own drink and snack and joins Lucas in their usual spot on the couch with Josh and Maya sitting to their right. "So, niece, how's the party planning going?" Josh asks. Before Riley can answer Maya chimes in with, "Oh Boing, you know Riles and Huckleberry have everything under control. Riley's had everything planned for weeks!"

"No, Peaches! We don't have everything planned. We've got the food planned, we're ordering pizzas. We just need to know what everyone wants. Someone needs to bring drinks and we need some junk food! It's New Year's Eve after all! Do we want to play games, watch movies or what? Nope, it's not all planned out at all."

Lucas smiles at Riley and says, "Babe, clam down. Isn't that why we're here to get it all taken care of?" Maya gets up and walks over behind Riley and puts a hand on her shoulder, "Honey, calm down, don't panic. Maya the party planner to the rescue!" Just then there is a knock on the door. Since she's up, Maya unlocks it as she sees Zay and Farkle waiting on the other side. "It's about time you were getting here!" Maya said. She greets both with a hug and invites them in. Hugs and handshakes were shared and Farkle and Zay go to help themselves to coffee and a pastry. Farkle sits next to Riley on the couch, putting her between him and Lucas and Zay sits in his usual seat on Lucas' left. After catching the boys up on what plans had been made so far, the group go over what is left to be done and they each volunteer to bring the remaining items on Riley's list.

Farkle is the one to bring up where the party is being held, "Are we moving the party to Josh and Lucas' apartment this year since your parents and Auggie are still in Philly for the holidays?"

"No, I've been staying at mom and dad's since they've been gone and we have their permission to have the party there as usual," Riley says.

Lucas turns noticing the smile on Zay's face and asks, "what are you smiling about?" "I just bet you've had Josh on edge the last few days," Zay says. Lucas stands and pulls Zay to the side and asks, "what are you talking about, Zay?" "Oh, come on, you and Riley may not be under the same roof, but you're in the same building and if I'm not mistaken, your fire escape leads right up to the one outside of her bay window, doesn't it? Zay says. "Can you please be quiet, Josh has no idea! I've been sneaking out my window every night to the bay window and I make sure I sneak back in every morning, bright and early. It's the only way Riley and I can spend any time alone since she's been staying at her parent's apartment. Josh is either sleeping on our couch or the one in the Matthew's apartment trying to keep me from sneaking in and out the door. He hasn't realized that the fire escape goes right up to her window. Now you know a good Riley and Lucas story but you need to keep it to yourself or I'm going to tell them all that you've been dating our former classmate, Sarah. Lucas was serious and Zay knew it. He and Sarah had run into each other at the coffee shop a few months ago, and had been dating ever since. They weren't quite ready to go public, just yet. The only person Zay would let Lucas tell was Riley. Lucas and Zay take their seats and rejoin the conversation.

Josh noticing how quiet Farkle has been says, "So, Dr. Turtleneck, is your old girlfriend going to join us for the party this year? I noticed she has been missing the last couple of years."

Farkle gets a strange look on his face and ignores Josh's question. He gets up and heads to the restroom as Lucas gets up and follows him.

Riley and Maya give Josh a dirty look and Maya says, "Good job, Joshua!"

Riley punches her uncle in the arm and tells him, "we don't talk about Smackle around him! They didn't exactly part on the best of terms and they haven't spoken to each other in nearly three years." Josh laughs and asks, "why not?"

Zay is the one to answer him, "Man, Farkle let her go so she would go to California instead of choosing him over her dreams. When they got into schools on opposite sides of the country, the writing was on the wall. Long distance never works out. It would suck if they had stayed together, she hasn't been back to New York since she left. They are both so busy in school that they hardly have any free time and all of that traveling cross country. They are better off." Riley knowing more than the rest of them just shakes her head in agreement.

Lucas is waiting outside the door of the men's room when Farkle finally decides to come out. "Hey, buddy!" Lucas says while slapping Farkle on the back.

Farkle just looks and Lucas and says, "hey." Sensing that Farkle has more to say, Lucas puts an arm around Farkle's shoulders and guides him into the kitchen of the bakery so they are out of earshot of the others.

"Spill it!" Lucas says.

"I have nothing to say. I just want to go now, I'm tired. It's been a long day, I'm going to go tell the others I'm leaving." Farkle mumbled.

"No! You're going to tell me what's going on with you. I know you still love Smackle, but there is something else going on with you. You may be the genius, but I know you, so spill it." Lucas told Farkle.

"I found out something about Isadora and I just don't know what to do with it, ok. I'm second guessing every decision I have made since I broke up with her." Farkle said. "I can't get her out of my head, or my heart. I've tried texting or emailing her a million times, but can never manage to hit the send button and now it may be too late!"

"Farkle, what do you mean, too late?" Lucas asked, confused. He had never seen his friend like this.

"I've said too much, I gotta go!" Farkle said as he turned to leave. Lucas grabbed his arm, but Farkle moved before Lucas could catch him. He ran through the bakery said a quick good bye to everyone and headed out the door and up the stairs before Lucas could catch him. Lucas turned to look at his friends not sure what to say. Riley moved towards Lucas and grabbed his hand asking what was going on with Farkle. He just looked at her and told her to ask him later.

Josh was the first to break the silence, "Well that was awkward! I didn't mean to upset him, I'm sorry guys." Maya rubbed his arm to comfort him and told him it was ok. "Well, I think I'm going to call it a night. Maya, are you ready to go? I'll walk you to the subway".

"Yea, I'm ready. Just let me tell Riley, good bye. I'll be right back." Maya walked into the kitchen where Riley was washing up what dishes they had dirtied. "Riles, do you know what's going on with Farkle? I'm really worried about him."

"I may have an idea, but I really want to talk to him before I say anything. Is that ok, Peaches?" Riley asked. Maya told her that it was and hugged her good night. She walked back to the front of the shop where Josh, Lucas and Zay were talking about football. As soon as Josh saw her he helped her with her coat. Riley came from the kitchen just in time to say good bye to her uncle and was left standing there in an awkward silence with Lucas and Zay.

Zay turned to Riley and Lucas and asked what was going on with Farkle. Lucas looked at Riley, she nodded her head, letting him know that they should probably tell Zay what was going on with their friend as he and Farkle were just as close as he and Lucas were. "He's second guessing things in his life and he misses Smackle. He regrets some of the decisions he's made where she's concerned and I think he just misses her in general. That's why he left the room at the mention of her name," Lucas explained. Zay, satisfied with that explanation said good night and left the bakery.

Riley locked the door after Zay left and turned to Lucas, "What exactly did he say to you Lucas? Did he say anything about Smackle? What do you know?" "Riley, calm down. I can only answer one question at a time, and all I can tell you is that he said he found out something about Smackle but wouldn't say what it was," Lucas told her.

"Lucas, we need to help Farkle. He still loves her and wants to be with her. He never stopped wanting that." Riley was pleading with Lucas.

Lucas agreed with her and added, "Smackle is the same way. Every time she calls and you put her on speaker all I can here is the sadness in her voice. If he had never broken things off with her, they'd still be together and happy. I think Smackle would have done just as well at Princeton as she has at Stanford, don't you? This situation has just been so difficult for both. Still can't believe they haven't spoken in three years. I think it's easier if they pretend like nothing's wrong."

They needed to find a way to help Farkle and Smackle. "Riley, do you have Smackle's cell number?" Lucas asked her.

"Of course, I do, why?" Riley questioned.

"I need you to find out what's going on with her that Farkle won't talk about." Lucas said. "I know she's in the Hampton's with her family until New Year's Eve, but maybe you can get her to talk to you." "Why don't we get out of here and head home and I'll meet you in the bay window in an hour." Riley agrees so they finish cleaning up the bakery and head to their building. Lucas enters his and Josh's apartment on the first floor and Riley takes the elevator to her parent's apartment on the second floor. Once inside she decides to call Smackle.

(Smackle in bold)

Hello.

Hi, Izzy, it's me Riley. I was just calling to check in on you and to make sure you're still going to be here for New Year's Eve.

Hello, Riley. How are you?

I'm fine Smackle, how are you doing?

I'm doing well. Enjoying the Hamptons and looking forward to getting back to the city for your New Year's Eve party? Is there a particular reason why you are calling me?

Well, I was just wondering if there was something going on with you. Lucas and Farkle were having a talk tonight and Lucas mentioned that Farkle was upset about something he found out about you. Is there something we should know, Izzy?

What exactly did Farkle say? I haven't spoken to him in nearly three years, Riley. I don't know what he is talking about. My classes and research are going well and I am happier with school than I ever thought I would be. I don't know where he would get the idea that something is amiss with me.

Well, everyone was meeting at Topanga's to finalize plans for the party and my uncle Josh was asking if you were going to make it this year. Farkle got visibly upset and left the room. Lucas followed him and tried talking to him and all he said was that he was tired and wanted to go, so Lucas pushed him a bit and he said and I quote, "I found out something about Isadora and I just don't know what to do with it." Do you know what he means by this?

Yes, I may have an idea as to what Farkle was referring to. I am not sure how he would know about it though, I have only told a few of my professors and my parents and sister.

Izzy, you know you can tell me. I am always here for you. I can't wait until you are back in the city for a couple of weeks. We have so much to catch up on and Maya and I are planning a girl's day for the three of us.

There is a bit of silence on the line. Riley hears Izzy sniffle.

Izzy, are you crying?

Oh Bubbles! I am so very happy that you and Maya are planning a special day for us. I miss the two of you so much and would like nothing more than to spend the day with you girls. But I am only going to be in the city for a few days before I must leave again and then I will be gone for a whole year.

Smackle what do you mean, why are you only going to be here for a few days? I thought you didn't have to go back to California for a few weeks. What's going on? Tell me now, Izzy!

Well, Farkle may have found out about my plans for next semester. I won't be at Stanford. I will be in Sydney, Australia. Some of my research has gotten a lot of attention from the scientific community in different parts the world. I have received a scholarship to study abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney for the next year. I leave January 3rd and won't return until the following year. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you. It all happened so quickly and I just wanted to enjoy the time with my family and what little time I will have with all of you. Can you forgive me?

Oh, Smackle, I'm so proud of you! You have worked so hard to get where you are and of course I forgive you. I can't believe you'll be gone a whole year though! We all will miss you so much…even Farkle, I'm sure.

Thank you, Riley. I don't know about Farkle. I just need to do this. I have found that even California isn't far enough away to forget about him. Listen, my mother is calling for me. I must go, but will see you on a couple of days. Tell everyone that I can't wait to see them! Bye, Bubbles!

Bye Izzy! See you in a few days.

After Riley finished talking to Smackle, she got ready for bed and made sure the door was locked and turned off the lights as she headed back to her room. As she sat on the bed Lucas came through the bay window. Riley went over to him and gave him a hug and asked, "Is uncle Josh asleep?"

As he sat on the window seat, he laughed, "Oh yeah. He was asleep on the couch, snoring away. He didn't even hear me open and close the front door. He sleeps like a log."

Riley laughs and grabs hold of Lucas' hand, "yea, he'd kill you if he knew you snuck up here every night."

Lucas squeezes her hand, kisses her forehead and says, "Riley we're not doing anything wrong. We're just sleeping in the same bed, no funny business. It's the only time we get a moment to ourselves. I think after the party we need to have a serious date night, just you and me. What do you think?"

Riley lays her head on his shoulder and says, "that would be wonderful. We don't have to tell anyone where we're going and just make it a whole day together, can't we?" Lucas smiles and shakes his head yes. These are the moments that he cherishes the most with Riley, just the two of them talking and just being together.

"So, did you talk to Smackle?" he asks.

"Yeah and you're not going to believe what's going on with her," Riley answers.

"So, Farkle was right, there is something going on with her." Lucas said.

"Yea and it's not good, Lucas, she's leaving for a whole year. We haven't hardly seen her at all in the last 3 years and the moment we think she'll be here for a while she tells me she's leaving on the 3rd of January for Sydney, Australia." Riley was in tears by this time and Lucas couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"What do you mean leaving to Australia, for a year?" he asked.

Riley explained the whole situation to Lucas as they held each other in the bay window. It dawned on Lucas that this is what Farkle had found out about Smackle that was making him question everything. he asked Riley exactly what Smackle said about leaving.

"Well, I told her that we were very proud of her and that we would all miss her, even Farkle. She said she would miss all of us, but she doubted that Farkle would miss her, then she said, 'I just need to do this. I have found that even California isn't far enough away to forget about him.' Lucas, Izzy still loves Farkle and she thinks leaving the country is the solution to forgetting about him. How is that going to work? They haven't spoken a word to each other in nearly three years, and she still loves him. What do we do?" Riley was pleading and crying for her friend.

"Calm down, babe. I had a little chat with Farkle after he ran off and I know he still loves her, too. I told you what he told me, but he also said that he can't get her out of his head or his heart. He said that he has tried to text and email her a million times and can't bring himself to hit the send button. He knows he hurt her and wants to talk to her about it but now that he knows she's leaving, he thinks it's too late. They love each other Riley, and as their friends, we should help them. I have a plan if you're willing." He told her what his plan was and she smiled at him agreeing that it was the best way to handle the situation.

Riley was yawning and he was exhausted himself. They decided it was time to call it a night and went to bed. Riley fell asleep as Lucas held her. He gave thanks for the woman in his arms and sent up a prayer for Farkle and Smackle. He wanted them to find their way back to each other and for them to have the happiness he found with Riley. If their plan worked, they would turn the tables on Farkle and give him and Isadora the chance to work thru their feelings. It was time that they finally faced each other once and for all.