As her son settled into bed, Lizzie made herself a fresh cup of tea and sat in a chair by the window. Looking out at the bright moon, she loses herself to thoughts and memories once again.

"My heart is breaking for Lucas. I know how much Riley means to him. I've seen the changes she's helped bring about. As mothers, do I worried about how Lucas would handle the move to NY. It wasn't easy for any of us. But between his troubles at school and his dad getting transferred, we took everything as an opportunity to start anew. It's not easy watching your child self-destruct. Dozens of visits to the principal, handful of suspensions and then finally expulsion. I had plenty of people tell me that my son was an "unfeeling monster".

Oh, how wrong they were. Lucas has always felt things too deeply. Most of his fights were because he was defending someone.

Nothing annoys my boy more than a bully. It's hard to get mad at him for that but I had to. He needed to learn that there are consequences for every action. He needed to learn how to diffuse a situation with something other than his fists.

Every day when he came home from school, here in NY, I had to hold back my tears as I listened to him talk about meeting new people... meeting Riley. Her effect on him was instantaneous. I would ask him about her so I could see his eyes light up and to see a smile on his face.

My heart hurts for my son. He could be losing his first girlfriend, his first love, his anchor and it hurts for me because I'm afraid that I'm going to lose him. After getting my son back... I'm afraid that the Lucas that thrived with Riley is going to wither without her sunshine & that Texas Lucas will reappear and grow roots. After all, they have been through, all the growing and changing he has done... I can't help but wonder am I about to lose my son all over again?"

Lucas pulls the blanket tight across his shoulders, rolls over and stares at the wall. He knows sleep is going to be in short supply tonight. He can't help but think back on their story.

"Hi, I'm Riley. We were just talking about you." "I'm Lucas. I love it"

"Glad you're back. Me too" "You're better than that"

"Not too bad city girl"

"I've never told this to anybody before…. I want to be a veterinarian."

"My moment will be my moment"

"Bonjour -être un jourmoietvousserezParis à ensemble"

"I am home"

"What are you to me? ...to me, you're a princess"

"Even though this just happened, there are some moments you know you're gonna remember forever. This is one of them."

"Those are just words, Riley. Words don't change people"

"Of their own free will, at the right point of time"

"I really like you, Riley"

"We should break up"

"You better represent the Knicks"

"Friends talk & real friends listen. People who care about you are supposed to trust you with stuff."

"Are you, worth it? Tell me and I'll believe you. I want to believe you. Are you worth it? Yes"

"I think a lot of you"

"Would you call me Mad Dog? Would you call me Princess Dancing Sunshine?"

"You are a complete ray of sunshine"

"Riley & I kinda have an unofficial thing going. You let him see your notebook?"

"I just naturally assumed we were going together."

"Something's happening to Riley. Why wouldn't you tell me about this?Did you really think there was anything you could put in this window to keep me from helping you?"

"Be the hero I know you are"

"Riley, I kinda like you to watch"

"I never would have survived NY without you. You're really important to me"

"You are really important to me too, Lucas. We've always been really good at talking to each other. But we've never been too good at holding hands. And then we tried being a couple, and we couldn't even talk to each other. I don't want that. I want to know you're always there to talk to. You're my brother, Lucas. And I'm your sister." Lucas rubs his chest as the memories from Texas take over

"That's what you think we are?"

"I loveyouLucas. And now I know how."

"Brother and sister. Riley and I are brother and sister now. What does that even mean?"

"The only thing I know is that I wanna be able to talk to you. And that maybe this is the best way to do that. That's what you want? You know what I don't want? I don't wanna go out for a while, break up, and not like each other anymore. Isn't that what happens next, isn't that what people do? I don't understand that, Lucas. I always want you around. Maybe the best way to do that is to be like brother and sister."

"Riley, what are we?I told you what we are. What if that's not what I think we are? Well, then, you better start thinking of us like that." Lucas shakes his head No at the thought.

"Isn't it amazing how comfortable we are with each other? NO! I don't feel comfortable at all.
This is the kind of thing we could never do, Lucas, when we were just "Hi, hey, howdy, hi". Now you know what we are. You're my brother. Be my brother, give me advice, feel good about it, and nothing will ever be uncomfortable at all. Okay, lets, try. What do you need advice on —the Charlie Gardner of it
all.What does a first date mean in the language ofboy? I want to break your code. What does he want? Tell me! What!?Yeah. Charlie Gardner, I'm not uncomfortable at all. Where's your dad? Why isn't he kicking me out?! I'M IN YOUR DAUGHTER'S ROOM!"

"Riley has one brother in her life, and it isn't you. Riley's my sister. I'm her ONLY brother. And her only brother's telling you, whatever happens, don't hurt my sister."

"A coincidence is just the universe's way of saying, "Hi." Neither one of us believes in coincidences…we must have faith that fate knows what it's doing

"He'slikea creepy creep creep"

"Library or Campfire?"

"Riley still loves Lucas." Even the memory of that moment is enough to make his heart race. Knowing that she returned his feelings made him feel 10 feet tall.

"Is that my boot? Can I have it back?"

"I don't want this to be the end of us."

"I feel the same way about you since I fell into your lap"

"I'd recognize you anywhere" I can find her in any crowd, anywhere. My heart goes into its Riley rhythm when she is near.

"My favorite thing in this world is when you talk to me.

It is?

It's okay for you to talk to whoever you want, Riley, you know why? Because... I am a secure Western hero.

Yes. Yes, you are.

But the important talks... the ones that we're going to think about and always remember. Can those just be between you and me?

Well, I don't know, Lucas. How could that happen?

Well, I was thinking that if we were...togethera little more... that you would only talk to other people a little bit, and you would talk to me... a lot.

That's what you were thinking?

Yeah. I think about it all the time.

So, if there was some dance or something, maybe we could go together?

Yeah. Without even asking each other.

And if you went out and got a sandwich or something, maybe you would think to get me one, too?

And a drink. And cake. So, you've been thinking about this, too?

Yeah. Yeah, I think about it all the time. So, this is our moment?

Mmm-hmm. I promised you... that my moment would be my moment. This is it. Ah, I got you this. It's a jellybean.

What does it mean?

We put these jellybeans on a scale... when I was trying to think about all of the things that I like about you, and I was trying to decide what I needed to do. It means you, Riley. I choose you, and I really want you to choose me.

I do. I always did. I have something for you, too.

You do?

We have this one little life... and for a lot of it, we just blow around in the wind. But if we're lucky... and we believe that life knows what's best for us... sometimes we land on the right someone to talk to. I'm glad I fell into your lap.

So am I."

Making her giggle when she hugged me and I squeaked like her bear used to. The twinkle in her eyes when she told me from that point forward I was her new bear. Finding the collage of pictures under her pillow made my heart race but not nearly as much as when she said that dreamed of us as a couple.

I carried her to health class over my shoulder but desperately wanted to keep walking. Wanted to find some place where we could hide away…just the two of us. I love our friends but it seems like they are always there. It is nearly impossible to find time for just the two of us."

It never failed to amaze Lucas that doing ordinary, everyday things meant so much more when they did them together. He reminds himself of his mother's words…no matter where she is, she will always be his best friend. He knows that he needs to honor Riley's wishes and pretend like nothing is changing as difficult as it may be. As he rolls over onto his back he cracks a small grin when he thinks "If the yearbook committee could see me now…I'm far from OK with this." Lucas' thoughts quiet as sleep finally claims him.

Sitting in history class surrounded by his equally as sad friends, Lucas shows the first crack in his resolve. "I'm not ready for this Riley" Truth be told…He doesn't think he'd ever be ready to say goodbye. And it would never just be a goodbye. Goodbye on its own doesn't convey enough but thank you doesn't seem like enough either. Can 2 simple words convey everything he's feeling? How do you thank someone for not only believing in you but for helping you restore your ability to believe in yourself? How does he explain that he now sees diamonds where he once saw coal?

The rest of the school day passes in a blur. Before he knows it, the group is sitting in Topanga's. He felt disconnected from the whole scene. Feels like he is watching a Hallmark movie. He keeps waiting for her parents to walk in and say that there was a misunderstanding. That her mom was the head of the New London, Connecticut office not the new London office. He knows he's grasping at straws but he so desperately wants this to not happen. He's sitting next to Zay listening to Zay tell her that he will take care of him. That he will make sure that he never forgets her. "I will never forget her" How do you forget the one who became the center of your world? After a few moments, he has had enough. He's tired of listening to their friends, he wants needs to spend a few minutes with her. Just her. As he gets close to the door, she looks up at him and rises to her feet when he tilts his head asking her to follow him.

They sit on the stairs and Lucas is certain that she can hear his heart breaking. He knows that he must be strong for her. He knows that she has no say in the matter. She goes where her parents go. What he wouldn't give to be able to ask her to stay…to ask her if she wants to stay together and try the long-distance thing. In the end, he knows that he can't ask for anything. He knows that he must let fate dictate their future.

He disconnects himself from the situation. It's the only way he can get through it without breaking down. He wants to wrap her in his arms and kiss her senseless but knows it will only make things worse. She is always embarrassed by displays of affection when their friends are near. It's just one more thing he's going to miss about her.

As they sit there quietly, her head on his shoulder, Lucas begins to fight himself. Just as he's ready to open up and tell her everything, they are interrupted and the moment it lost. He watches as they walk up the stairs, his heart in shattered pieces at his feet, knowing that she was moving with his heart firmly in her soft little hands.

He walks back into Topanga's and Zay knows that Lucas is on the brink.

"Hey, buddy." Zay remarks quietly

"Hey" Lucas responds woodenly

"While you were outside with Little Miss Sugar Cube, you got a text message," Zay explains as he hands Lucas his phone.

"I need to talk to you. Please come to the house. Auggie."

Anxiously, Lucas heads for the door, telling Zay that he will call him later.

Lucas peers around Auggie's bedroom door and asks "You wanted to talk to me Aug?"

Auggie smiles and points to the tiny chair… Lucas smiles as he folds himself in half so he can sit in the chair.

Auggie clears his throat and begins "The last time you sat in that chair I begged you not to hurt my sister... and you didn't. I was starting to worry because it was taking you so long..."

"Auggie…" Lucas interrupts the feeling of déjà vu growing stronger.

"Was I done?" He asks with an impish grin.

"Now, I might not fully understand or agree with the why but I know you did what you did for her. So today, I want to say Thank You. As Riley's ONLY brother, thank you for not hurting her. You may speak now"

"I couldn't let her be hurt Auggie... I lov- care for your sister A LOT" Lucas explains with a shy smile.

"You can say you love her, I get it- just because I've been married forever doesn't make me blind to Amor..."

Lucas laughs "You're right again sir, I do love her. Now I need to ask a favor of you."

"Anything Lucas"

"Take care of your sister for me. Make sure she stays Princess Dancing Sunshine. Don't let her get too far into Rileytown. If you need me, you call me... any time of the night or day. You call me... ok?" Auggie stands up on his bed and gestures for Lucas to stand up. Auggie grabs his face (a la Riley in First Date) "I promise Lucas. I will take care of her for you. Promise me you won't forget us?" Auggie asks as he hugs Lucas tightly.

"How can I forget my first love and her amazing little brother?" Lucas replies as his eyes fill.

"We are pretty unforgettable, aren't we? I know we won't forget you and maybe someday, WE will be brothers"

"I'd like that Auggie. I've always wanted a brother"

"Take care of Farkle for me too? He's like our brother... though I have to admit, he never made Riley as giggly as you did."

Lucas laughs and rests his head on top of Auggie's... "You let me know if anyone starts making her giggly ok?"

Auggie sighs wistfully and agrees to let him know but he knows that they have not seen the last of Lucas Friar. He knows that as much as he knows that he is Auggie Doggie Matthews- Morgenstern.

"Mom!" Lizzie hears her son yell frantically from his room. Grabbing her phone just in case it's needed she runs up the stairs and throws his door open "Lucas!"

Her heart starts to beat faster as he turns to her with a megawatt smile on his face. He drops his cell phone on his bed and wraps his arms around his mom's shoulders.

"She's staying mom. They are staying." Lucas lets out a huge sigh of relief.

"She is? How did you find out?" Lizzie herself is now all smiles.

"Farkle just called me. He said that there is a house full of people at Riley's and every time she tries to call me someone else interrupts. She asked him to call me to let me know and to ask me to be waiting in her window at 10. I'm going to run to the florist and then I'll be home to shower before going there."

"Do you want me to drive you to the florist?"

"I'm good. I want to walk and clear my head."

"Ok son. I'm so happy for you" and forme she tacks on in her head.

"Thanks, mom. You were right."

"Me? Right? Quick someone call Ripley's…my teenage son said I was right?!" Lizzie chides with a smile.

"Ha-Ha. Very funny mom. You said that I needed to let fate run its course. That no matter what, I had to make sure Riley knew that she would always be my best friend. Thank you." Lucas gives his mother one final squeeze, grabs his phone & wallet on his way out of the room.

Lizzie looks to the heavens and offers up a simple prayer of thanks.

10pm

Lucas is sitting in the window when Riley enters her bedroom… unsure of what to say, he falls back on their standard greeting.

"Hi" he starts with a smile as he gets up and walks over to her.

"Hey" she whispers with her trademark grin.

"Hi" he whispers as he wraps his arms around her. His heart is light as she settles into his embrace.

"Sorry I couldn't tell you myself. This place has been a madhouse. I know we promised that all the important talks would be between us."

"Doesn't matter to me who told me. I'm just happy you're staying." He leans his head on hers and sighs.

"I'm staying. You're stuck with me Friar…. unless you don't want to be"

Lucas lifts her head so he can look in her eyes "Riley Elizabeth Matthews! What are you talking about? Of course, I want to be with you. Why would you question that?"

"You didn't seem broken-hearted about breaking up with me. You didn't even say that we could try long distance." She mumbles.

"Riley. Of course, I was broken-hearted but there was nothing I could do. All I want is for you to be happy. You weren't leaving by choice. We weren't breaking up because of a lack of feelings. You were moving to another country! I didn't mention long distance because I didn't think that would be fair to say to you. Your whole world was going to be changing. Why should you be tied down? Honestly? I think we are too young to promise each other forever when we were going to be living in different countries but don't think for one second I wasn't miserable over this whole thing. In fact, go ask Auggie about our conversation."

"You talked to Auggie about this?" Riley asks with a confused smile.

"He called me and asked me to come by. He promised to watch over you for me and to let me know if you got "giggly" over someone new." Lucas tightens his arms around her again.

"Oh." She replies quietly. "Are those flowers in the window for me?"

Lucas walks to the bay window and picks up the bouquet he picked up for her.

"These are for you. 11 lavender roses and one yellow rose."

"The lavender roses signify enchantment and love at first sight. The yellow rose means friendship. The florist told me that "Eleven roses assure the recipient they are truly and deeply loved".We will be friends until the yellow rose dies." He shyly explains.

Riley runs her fingers gently over the yellow rose "Lucas, this is fabric?"

"Yes, it's made of silk. The yellow rose will never die, Riley and neither will our friendship."

Tears silently tracking down her cheeks Riley throws herself into his arms.

"Riles? Will you be my girlfriend again?'

"Yes, Lucas. I never wanted to stop"

"I didn't either Princess. It is still too early in our lives to promise forever but I can promise you that when I picture my future? You are it."

"I see you in my future too, Lucas."

"What do you see?"

"You're a vet. I'm a stay at home mom. We have 4 kids, 2 dogs…" the rest of her words are silenced as he lowers his lips to hers.

"No matter where I am…my home is here surrounded by these arms. Surrounded by this love"

Up Next: Too Close? Lucas talks to someone about his relationship with Riley and her friendship with her best friend