Riley Matthews was a ray of sunshine and always found a reason to smile. She was happy and she was filled with hope that everything will always turn out ok. But the key word is 'was'.
Riley hasn't been happy for years. All her smiles are no longer genuine but fake. All her laughs don't have joy in them anymore, all were forced. Her hope has been demolished.The saddest part of it all, is that no one noticed how depressed Riley had become, not even her best friends noticed. A small part of Riley died inside everyday until there was only sadness, depression, pain, and insecurities.
It started when Lucas and Maya got voted for best couple. Everyone in the class agreed that 'fire' was better than 'summer rain' . That was when Riley noticed the flirting between her sister and the guy that she loved. Riley felt like someone was squeezing her heart. Then, there was the time they when to Texas and when the close friends found out about Maya's feelings. Riley, being the selfless person she is, stepped back so Maya got a chance at happiness. Riley lied through her teeth and said she loved Lucas as a brother, even though the words tasted bitter when she said them.. Then, there was New Year's. Farkle blurted Riley's feelings to the whole class.
But, her parents had a part in Riley's self-destruction. During the whole love triangle, Riley's parents were comforting Maya more than their actually daughter. Riley was happy that her parents welcomed Maya with open arms but she wasn't happy that her parents seemed to care about Maya more than her. Cory doesn't talk to Riley has much as he used to. Her mother commented on how Maya was a fierce warrior but only told Riley, "nice top". Riley felt like Maya was replacing her.
Also, there was something that Riley didn't tell anyone. The cyberbully was started to send text messages again but this time the message were much worst than before.
"Did you honestly think someone like Lucas would date someone like you"
"Your parents love your best friend more than they love you"
"You will never be good enough for anyone"
"You think people actually care and like you? They just feel sorry for you"
"You're a worthless, talentless, annoying,ugly, piece of trash"
"Why don't you just kill yourself already? Nobody will miss you. I bet they won't notice you're gone"
Riley, being insecure, believed every word the bully texted. She thought nobody noticed how depressed she's gotten because they didn't care. She believed she wasn't good enough and that it was her fault. Every night, Riley cries herself to sleep thinking how unloved she felt.
Today was Riley's birthday and nobody remembered. They were to busying celebrating the fact that Maya won a art contest. Topanga and Cory kept saying how proud they were of Maya. Riley realized she couldn't remember the last time they said that they were proud of her. They boys were over too and so was the entire class. Maya and Lucas were doing their playful banter and Zay of course had to say something. He was one of many who thought Maya and Lucas should be together.
Riley just smiled and pretended it was a normal day in Rileytown but in reality , Rileytown was torn down.
Farkle was talking to Smackle somewhere.
"Excuse me, may I have your attention please," Topanga said. The room fell silent and everyone was facing Mrs. Mathews. "Thank you for coming. I like to just say that this party is to celebrate my daughter and show how much my husband and I love her and how proud we are of her,"
Riley felt a flicker of hope that they didn't forget her after all. She felt a real smile starting to form but quickly it turn into frown when her mother continued her speech.
"Maya, we are so proud of you and we love you so much. You're like a new daughter to me" Topanga finished and gave Maya a tight hug.
Riley felt her eyes stinging with tears and a lump growing in her throat. She wiped her tears away before anyone can see it, shallowed, and force a smile like she always did.
"Riley take a photo of me, your mother, and Maya," Cory said. Riley took the picture of her parents kissing both of Maya's cheeks. They look like a real family. Riley felt nauseous and ask if she could go home early. Her parents just saved her off and turned their focus on Maya.
When she got home, she ran to her room and threw herself on her bed. She let out heartbreaking sobs. It took her almost an how to ease up on the sobs. Then, she got a new text message
"Did everyone forget Miss dancing sunshine? Of course they did, you're not worth remembering. I still suggest you do us all a favor and kill yourself"
That was the last straw. That was when Riley Matthews broke. She thought she should kill herself and she knew where she wanted to end her life. But before Riley left, she wrote letters for every person important to her, saying goodbye and sorry for what she was about to do.
Riley Matthews soon found herself at Manhattan Bridge, ready to jump off. She thought back to her friends and family. She thought of the good memories but soon they were clouded by the bad. Riley closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then, she jumped. She could feel the wind moving past her and for once she felt free. And for the first time in a long time, Riley Matthews smiled a real and genuine smile just before she hit the cold water below the Manhattan Bridge. That was the day an angel broke and also a day where a broken angel went back home
A/N- I orginally published this in Wattpad before moving in to here. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.