Friendship

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart"

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Just another regular day...at least it is for me. Nothing exciting ever happens to me. I sleep, wake up, go to school, go to work, eat, and sleep. Yup that's my regular routine...very regular routine. Maybe, just maybe, today will be different.

"Riley!"

I know that voice...oh, how I know that voice. Slowly turning..."Hi, Lucas."

"I'm glad you're still here. I need your help."

"Okay. What do you need?"

"I have a date tonight and I'm wondering if you can come with me?"

Another one? Really? This is the third time this week and it's only Thursday. Did I mention that my routine also includes chaperoning my best friend on his dates? Not like he needs a chaperone since he's over six feet tall and also happens to be a football quarterback, what he needs is a buffer for his dates in case the girl turned out to be a stalker or crazy. I should say no. I definitely will say no. "Sure, Lucas."

"Great, your the best! Have I told you how happy I am that you're my best buddy?"

Yeah, you tell me everyday. And everyday my heart breaks some more. But you don't notice. "Yes, you have. So, who is it this time?"

"Her name is Camille and she's a sophomore. She wants to major in arts or something."

Something...yeah, that's nice. "Okay. I guess I will meet you at the usual place?"

"Actually, I'm thinking of checking out this new place called Salinas at Chelsea."

"Why? What's wrong with Topanga's?"

"Nothing. But Camille is different. She seem's cooler than any girl I've met so far and I want to impress her on our first date."

Why don't you just get a knife and stab my heart with it? "So why bring me with you? That's not going to impress her."

"You know what Riley? You're right. Okay, change of plan, I won't bring you with me."

What?! No! "Are you sure? What if she turns out to be one of those shallow girls or the clingy ones? Maybe I should go."

"It's okay Riles. I got this. I'm pretty sure Camille is not like that, actually I think she's the one. Thank you. You really are the best. I don't know what I will do without you. I'll talk to you later. I still need to see Farkle. Bye, babe."

And just like that he left. I am such an idiot! 9 years and I'm still hoping that Lucas will see me more than the responsible, bubbly and goody two shoes Riley Matthews. But no, I'm nothing but his dependable, reliable and always there best friend.

Everyone had moved on, Farkle who went to MIT for two years is now back in New York and will be going to NYU to study Scientific Computing (not sure what for-the guy is a genius) and also been dating girls...yes girls! The guy outgrew his dorkness and is now a hunky nerd. Which apparently is a major attraction to a lot of girls in university. And Maya, my BFFL, who is also studying here at NYU just found out that she will get an opportunity to intern at the Museum of Modern Art this summer.

Yup, everyone had moved on except me. Dear old Riley! Just another day in Riley town. A sleepy, lifeless and boring town.