Scene 1 - school interior -
Mr Matthews is sitting on the edge of his desk after school; the bell has rung. The class and the group of friends are dispersing; none are talking.
Farkle ducks out the back door blowing past Maya which seems to spark concern or interest, she follows after him. Riley stays sitting staring at Lucas' empty seat.
Riley: he's coming back, isn't he dad?
Corey: I don't know, he was excused from attendance because of a family emergency. That's all I know. I guess it depends on how serious an emergency it was.
Riley: he hasn't posted any messages or emailed any of us; we're nervous for him. I'm nervous for him.
Corey: this might be hard for you to hear sweetheart...
Riley: ahh, then don't tell me... (covers her ears)
Corey: (he grabs her hands moves them) this is one of those hard things that you need to be aware of, just in case
Riley: nope! there are no hard things, only soft and fluffy things, pony, bunny, kitteny things, marshmallow things and rainbows, confetti and sparkles!
Corey: when he comes back, he might not feel as able to talk to you as you want.
Riley: I know.
Corey: if you look at things closely sometimes you realize things, important things.
Riley: like what?
Corey: like his feelings for you won't automatically transform into feelings for Maya just cause you made a decision.
Riley: wait, how did you know about that?
Corey: your parents are Corey and Topanga; what are you new?!
Riley: and what about the other things?
Corey: sometimes up close, confetti is just garbage. And it's one big, hard to clean mess.
Riley: so what are you saying... Dad?
Corey: grab yourself a dust pan. Be ready for the mess when it arrives.