Title: twenty times he saw her cry

Rating: T (language and possibly themes later on)

Summary: Throughout their years of friendship, Farkle Minkus has seen Maya Hart cry twenty times


Time 2: April 22nd, 2010

She had been missing that day. Her desk had remained empty, cubby vacant. Her boisterous personality that usually echoed off the walls was gone, leaving everyone else slumped in their seats instead of running around the room. Their teacher herself had been surprised when she had made it five minutes into class without any interruption. She didn't say anything when she noticed who was missing, but her raised eyebrow indicated that she knew.

Farkle and Riley had exchanged glances, both wondering where their best friend was. Silently, they agreed that as soon as school let out that they'd go find her. It wasn't like her to miss school, even they both knew she passionately disliked the place, except for when they got to use the paints. She always came, because this was where they were.

As soon as the school day had come to an end, the two friends made their way to the park a block away. They knew Maya liked to wander around with a pad of paper and a pencil, drawing anything from people to plants. They wandered down the winding paths, walking past the pond, the benches and food stands.

They sat down on a bench, frowns creeping onto their faces. They sat in silence, contemplating where the blond could be.

"Riley!" a melodious voice called out, followed by the clicking of heels against the pavement. "Riley, honey. Where are you?"

"I'm here mom!" Riley responded, standing up, wiping off dust from her skirt. Farkle rose, standing next to his friend as he fidgeted with his blue turtleneck. Topanga Matthews strode into view, cheeks red from the cool breeze.

"Riley, did you forget that today is Auggie's first birthday? You were supposed to wait for me after school."

Cheeks flushing, Riley shook her head. "Farkle and I were looking for Maya. Sorry, I forgot."

"It's okay sweetheart, but we need to go now. I'm sure you and Farkle can talk about this later. I bet Maya's just sick."

Reluctantly, Riley nodded, following her mother out of the park. As they turned the corner, she glanced back at her friend who was now standing alone. "Promise you'll tell me if you find her?"

Farkle nodded. " I promise."

"You'll be okay alone, right?"

"My dad will be here soon. I'll look for Maya until he comes. Have fun celebrating Auggie's birthday," he waved as Riley's brown hair swished behind the girl, who was now gone from view. Once he was sure Riley was gone, Farkle stealthily crept towards the weeping willow that stood at the edge of the large pond. He made his way through the branches, pushing them away from his face. He dropped to his knees, and crawled under the low hanging appendages of the tree. He stood up as he arrived at the small clearing. He spotted a blonde haired girl sitting there, her knees pulled up to her chest. He situated himself next to her.

"Hey Maya," he murmured. "We missed you at school today. Riley was freaking out. She didn't know where you were."

She sniffled, raising her head. She stared at Farkle for a few moments, then nodded. "I couldn't, not today. It's-"

"I know," was all Farkle replied with as he adjusted his arm, wrapping it around her as she laid her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence, just listening to each other breathe.

The silence was broken by Maya. "Why, Farkle? Why would he ever do that?"

"I don't know, Maya. I don't know." Farkle felt bad that his friend had gone through so much this early in life. She already believed people would continue to leave her this early in life, thanks to her father. He had left her and her mother three years ago to this day. When he entered their classroom, he hadn't expected to see her. He remembered what today was, while Riley evidently forgot. He knew Riley meant well, but she was still adjusting to a new brother, and was a little forgetful.

He held Maya as her shoulders shook with sobs, tears falling from her azure eyes. He let her cry, knowing she needed to let it out.

As he sat there, Farkle thought about how much Maya must trust him, to tell him the story of her father. He knew it was a sensitive subject, but she had felt that he was worthy enough to know.

And from then on, he knew that he'd always love this girl. He didn't know if he'd continue to love her in the same way, but he always would.

That was the second time Farkle saw Maya cry.


an: thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. sorry it took so long to write- i've been busy.

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~R5 is my life