Like Father's Best Friend, Like Daughter's Best Friend

by 16thfiction

In the midst of a difficult situation and a relationship with her mom that's quickly weakening, Maya finds help in Riley and the Matthews, despite their urges to work things out with her mom. (Originally published/finished in December, yet is currently being edited/finished. Stay tuned!)

2. Chapter 1

Published: December 11th, 2014

Edited: April 26th, 2015

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"Maya Hart, you're 10 minutes late."

Mrs. Wilhert, the 7th grade science teacher at John Quincy Adams Middle School, elevated her eyebrows into a critical expression as she glowered at Maya, who had just walked into class way too long after the bell had rung.

"Take a seat back there, please," Mrs. Wilhert nodded to the back of the class as she focused on marking Maya as tardy. "Do not interrupt for the rest of the class or you're in detention."

As her cheeks started flushing in humiliation, Maya avoided any eye contact with her peers as she swiftly slipped through the rows of desks and into an empty seat. A few interested students glanced over their shoulders at her, expecting her to glare back at them. Instead, the look in Maya's eyes as she noticed their attention seemed despairing and oddly panicked, like she was trying to swallow a fear that racked her insides.

Fortunately, Maya and Riley didn't share the same class in third period. Otherwise, her desk would have become a mailbox, overflowing with notes from Riley that questioned why she was so late to class.

But unfortunately, Riley would have every class with her in the afternoon periods.

Sighing heavily with a distressed wince, Maya strained her head over the back of her desk and gazed at the ceiling, dreading every second that would tick by today. What the heck was going on with her?

The rank stench from the stain on her shirt-still wet after she had desperately tried to wipe it out-was starting to contract the muscles in her throat, making her feel nauseous. Gosh, if she had to get out of class...

However, the idea of leaving was far-fetched with the threat of detention locking the door. Maya's stomach lurched as she thought of being unable to leave. What if she just told Mrs. Wilhert it was an emergency? Would she care?

Swallowing to ease the feeling in her throat, Maya began gnawing her fingernails, something that she usually only did as a kid-or when she was anxious.

Likely, this was going to be Maya's worst school day ever.