Back to Black

Summary: Maya's studying to be a nurse and Lucas a veterinarian, they have a two year old daughter, and they're only twenty-two. Sound perfect, right? Not when Lucas enlists to fight in a war halfway around the world. When tragedy strikes close to home, who will emerge from the destruction whole? Lucaya and Riarkle fic. AU.

IMPORTANT READ PLEASE

This is a made up war. In 2018, the United States declared war on Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan among others because of increased terrorist activity. By 2020, China had gotten involved in the war on the side of the terrorists. France, Canada, and other European countries sided with the Americans. Private First Class Lucas Friar enlisted in the war in 2020 when China officially entered the war.

And, *gasp* I actually planned this story out! I normally don't. I can still fit in suggestions though.

This fic was inspired by Amy Houston's song "Back to Black." If you have never heard her you have to!

Maya's POV (January 1st, 2022)

I hated winters. Cold, dark, and depressing, especially in New York. One day, I was going to move to a sunny beach town in Florida or even Paris when Lucas came home. Riley and Farkle and our children would be there too.

A girl can dream.

As I slaved over my English essay, I was slightly glad that I was studying to be a nurse, with a two year old with a heart defect, which was what originally influenced my major. And Lucas only made twenty-five grand a year. Pediatric nursing paid pretty great, but it wasn't the money. I wanted to help kids.

I got married to Lucas right out of high school, believing that I'd get a job at Topanga's or something after that and make a living, but two months after getting married I kept throwing up and low and behold I was pregnant. I conceived Isabelle Payten Friar nine months later on October 19th.

She had Lucas's soft nature and loved to talk, despite her prominent stutter and difficulty pronunciations sounds like L's and Sh's. She had big, round hazel eyes. wispy blonde hair, and freckles.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Isabelle screeched, waddling over to where I sat. "Doggy went pee-pee!"

"Puddles!" I lectured when I found him, looking guilty. He had peed all over the floor in the bathroom. After letting him out and giving Isabelle a doll to play with, I decided to write Lucas a letter while I could breathe.

Dear Lucas,

I got a dog to keep Izzy and I company. His name is Puddles. He loves to run and he's got curly, white fur. You'll love him.

A dog is all I can talk about? I demanded myself. I thought about news he would care about. Izzy for sure.

Izzy is getting much better at talking, especially about her soon-to-be-cousin. That's right, Riley's pregnant! She's due in February with a girl. How is it over there?

I wasn't sure that I wanted to know.

Are you safe? I hope so.

You better be.

I'm sure that the weather sure is a lot warmer.

Yup. Dogs and the flippin' weather. What a great conversationalist I was.

I want you to come home, I thought. But I couldn't write that.

I'm okay. Miss you.

Love,

- Maya XoXo

A/N: Future chapters will be longer. Please tell me what you thought! Criticism is accepted, but no flames. Suggestions are always welcome, no matter what they are. Thanks guys. :3

Stay Gold y'all,

- Alee XxX