Hi! This is my newest story and I'm really excited about it. Now this chapter isn't the best but it had to happen. Charlie is just a friend! And this is a Rucas story, but please be patient. I don't own any characters or the show, this is just my imagination. Tell me what you think, but please be nice. Enjoy!

~be_you532

I sat down in the hole, it was lunch time. I was all alone. Two tears escaped, Zay and Smakle weren't here. My newest friends had already left. One with the cowboy, the other with the scientist. They may not have been in the group for a while, but it still hurt.

Another tear rolled down my face, this one for Farkle. Someone who used to love me, but failed me. He made a promise to always be there, yet wasn't anywhere in sight. He never looked down on us as stupid; he didn't care about brains when it came to our friendship.

The fourth tear was from my heart, something that Lucas seemed to own. From the minute I fell for him on the subway station he was always there to catch me. But now my prince wasn't here to protect me, I had to battle the dragon myself.

A river of tears traveled down my chin. Maya. "I'm sorry Riles." I could still see her turning her back on me, and walking away with a few other girls from the art club. It was only week one. Only week one and our friendship seemed as if it was a distant memory. I hugged my knees and buried my face. I was living a nightmare. I wanted to blame myself, how did I let this happen?

I didn't hear anyone approach me, but when I felt a hand on my back I jumped. I looked up to see the three seniors. The brown haired girl, Nikki, was leaning down next to me rubbing my back.

"They left?" I bit my lip and closed my eyes tight. My breath was shaky as I choked on air. I couldn't answer without bursting into tears so I nodded my head.

"I'm so sorry." She gathered me into a hug, the other two sitting down next to me.

"It's all my fault." My voice was faint.

Thors deep voice replied, "It's not your fault at all. They left you, you stayed strong."

"Thanks."

"Come on sweetie, let's go and clean you up." The blond, Francesca, took my hand and the two girls led me to the bathroom. I sat up on the counter as they ran a paper towel under water and handed it to me.

"How do I deal with this?" I asked, while wiping my eyes.

"Well think, who do you know well enough from middle school that you could hang with during lunch and classes?" Nikki asked.

"I don't know." No one came to mind, no one could replace any of them

"You know Thor's little cousin is in your grade." Francesca mentioned right before the bell rang. "Meet us after school and we'll introduce you." I nodded and headed off to my next class.

The day went by slow, I hid in the library during study hall knowing very well that Maya wouldn't be there, Lucas and Zay would be at football additions or whatever they're called.

As for Smakle and Farkle they didn't have a study because 'it's a waste of precious class time.'

I was feeling better; no more tears escaped my eyes. If anything I was mad at them, they chose to walk away.

At the end of the day I walked to Nikki's locker like she instructed me to, there was a note that had 'Riley' written on the front of it. I opened the letter and it told me to stay here, that Thor's cousin would meet me.

I watched people walk by for three minutes before I heard my name. "Riley?"

"Oh, hi Charlie." I smiled sweetly; he was nice and deserved my respect.

"Um, my cousin told me to meet you here."

My eyes open wide, "Your Thor's cousin?"

"Yeah, he said you could use a friend. And Riley, I know that last year didn't work out and I'm not saying to go out with me again but I think we could be great friends."

"You know Charlie that actually sounds really nice." I liked the idea of being friends with him, just friends. I needed a friend right now. I walked over to Charlie and gave him a hug, "Thank you."

"Hey, what are friends for?" He smiled. We walked to the bakery, sharing our summers and laughing about middle school memories. The little bell rang when Charlie opened the door, letting me step inside first. I gave him a smile for a thank you.

"Hey guys, over here." Charlie and I made our way to where the seniors were sitting.

"I see you got my note," Nikki said. "Do I have to introduce you two or have you done that?"

"Didn't need too, we're already friends." I replied sitting in a chair and pulling my feet up, Charlie sat across from me and did the same. I took a look around, "The bakery seems so different sitting over here. It's liked its changed."

"The bakery hasn't changed a bit, but you on the other hand have." Francesca replied and stacked her books up. "You know Riley I think you'll do just fine." My cheeks redden as I smiled widely.

"We have to go, but we'll see you tomorrow." With that they left us to do our homework.

"We'll be just fine." I repeated to Charlie, he smiled and nodded.

"We will, I personally think that it's going to be a great year."

"Me too. Hey Charlie?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you still like me?" I had to ask and get it out of the way; I didn't want a repeat of last year.

"As a friend, I think that could have been the reason why we were bad as a couple. We were meant to be friends." I smiled. I could tell he was generally honest. Something was lifted off of my chest, relief. It was going to be nice to have someone to talk to in this time of need.

I hope you enjoyed, I have great ideas so keep reading!

~be_you532