Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from Girl Meets World.


Chapter Three: Mixed Emotions

The next morning came too soon as the halls of John Quincy Adams Middle School buzzed with eager chatter about upcoming weekend plans, including the camping field trip Cory Matthews's class would be taking. Riley was at her locker getting her getting her assignments sorted for the day when Maya tapped her lightly on the shoulder. Though Riley broke out into an amicable smile, the air around them immediately grew heavy.

"Hey Maya," she said.

"Hey Riles," Maya said, offering a warm albeit hesitant smile of her own. "How's it going?"

"Oh you know," Riley said, gesturing to the stack of papers in her hands. "Just getting all my homework together."

An awkward silence settled between them as the two girls dropped their gaze to the floor. Maya nervously bit her lip and Riley fiddled with the papers she was holding. All the while, they wracked their minds for an innocuous topic to bring up. Although both girls knew that the the topic of boys – specifically Lucas – was off limits these days, it seemed like that was all they could ever think to talk about.

"So…" Maya said tentatively. "How was your date with Charlie last night?"

So much for a safe topic, Maya thought mentally kicking herself.

"It was good. I actually had a good time with him last night."

Maya raised a curious eyebrow at her best friend, surprised to see Riley responding genuinely about her date with Charlie. Maya couldn't be fooled and she knew that Riley still had feelings for Lucas.

"Really?" Maya said, suddenly intrigued. "What did you guys do?"

"We just hung out and talked," Riley replied, pausing briefly to replay last night's events in her mind. "It was nice getting to know him. We have a lot more in common than I thought."

Maya's lips pulled into a sincere smile. "That's great. I'm glad you had a good time."

Riley bit her lip as if to stop herself from speaking but after a moment's hesitation she finally blurted, "What about you and Lucas? How was your date last night?"

Maya hardly flinched, already expecting the question to come.

"Actually, there is no me and Lucas anymore," Maya slowly replied.

"I'm sorry, what?" Riley asked, hardly believing what her blonde friend was saying.

Maya took a deep breath as if to prepare herself for a lengthy explanation.

"I broke up with Lucas, Riles."

"But why?" Riley said, still trying to wrap her mind around the meaning of Maya's words. "I thought you liked Lucas."

"I do like Lucas," Maya admitted looking Riley straight in the eye. "The problem is Lucas doesn't like me that way."

"Oh…" was all Riley could manage, unsure of what she could say to console her best friend. "I'm so sorry, Maya."

Maya shrugged and forced a smile. "It's okay. It's not the end of the world."

Riley knew Maya well enough to see past her façade. She noted the way Maya's blue eyes appeared tired and swollen, and guessed that her friend undoubtedly spent last night crying herself to sleep. Riley could see that she was fighting hard to keep from falling apart even though she was deeply heartbroken.

It upset her immensely to see Maya this way; but beyond that, Riley harbored another uncomfortable feeling. Guilt. There was a small part of her that actually felt relieved to hear that Maya and Lucas had broken up. How could she be happy about this? What kind of best friend was she?

Before the two girls could discuss it further, they were suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Farkle and Lucas.

"Good morning, ladies," Farkle cheerfully greeted in spite of the palpable unease that filled the air.

"Hey," the two girls greeted in unison as they both tried to avoid Lucas's gaze.

"So the cafeteria is having a pancake buffet to celebrate Pancake Day," Lucas offered, hoping to dissipate the tension. "Do you guys wanna go and get pancakes before we go to class?"

"That sounds like fun," Riley said brightly, turning to Maya for approval.

"Actually, I think I'm gonna sit this one out," Maya said half-heartedly. "I gotta go and finish that painting for the art exhibit."

"How can you say no to pancakes on Pancake Day?" Farkle exclaimed, hoping to change her mind.

"I know, I know," Maya said apologetically as she raised her hands in defense. "But I'm not even really that hungry. Anyway I better get going. I'll see you guys in class."

Before anyone else could protest, Maya quickly made her exit and accidentally brushed Lucas as she walked by. The slight physical contact sparked a strange surge of emotions in the two teenagers. Maya promptly picked up her pace and Lucas felt the nagging urge to grab her and convince her otherwise. Instead he watched as Maya's petite frame disappeared down the crowded hall, surprised by the disappointment he felt from her absence. All the while, Riley observed the two and wondered sadly if things between her friends would ever go back to normal.


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