Little Cabin on the Prairie
*Riley's POV*
It had been a little over six weeks since Lucas's bus incident, so he was healed and his arm was no longer in a cast. It was now part way through November and Maya and I were just getting out of Dad's history class. Farkle passed us, arms raised, as usual with a broad smile on his face. He was wearing one of his Farkle Nation shirts from the previous year when we'd done the government election.
"So, what are we going to do for the project?" Maya asked. We were doing a project on Sacajawea, and hadn't decided what to do yet. We walked out to the cafeteria and sat down. I could see Lucas getting lunch from Geralyn.
I turned back to Maya. "I don't know, but we have until next Friday, and today's only Thursday, so we have lots of time to figure that out," I told her. I looked over and saw Lucas coming toward us. "Hey, Lucas..." I gushed.
"Hey, Hopalong," Maya greeted.
"Hey," Lucas replied and sat down. Farkle had gone over to get his food and was now making his way over. Farkle laid his tray on the table and sat down.
"Ladies," Farkle said.
"Farkle," Maya and I replied, in sync.
"What, am I, chopped liver?" Lucas asked.
"No, you're Bucky McBoingBoing," Maya told him.
"Fine, hi, Lucas," Farkle said.
"That's better." Lucas said. "Hey, Farkle." The four of us talked for a while before Maya and I headed up to get our food. While we were there, we had a short conversation with Geralyn and then walked back over to the table. When we got there, Lucas had stood up and was talking on his cell phone.
"Who's he talking to?" I asked Farkle.
"His Dad," Farkle told us. There was a moment of silence, well, besides the noise of the cafeteria, until Lucas got off the phone.
"Good news!" Lucas announced. "My dad's oil rig just struck the jackpot and now we're rollin' in the dough!"
"Money! Cabbage! Chedda' Cheese!" Farkle interrupted.
"Anyway," Lucas resumed. "With the money, my Dad bought a cabin near his house in Austin and he invited me to bring a few friends to stay there for the weekend, you guys wanna come?" My heart went up my throat.
"Yeah!" I responded, a little too quickly. "But isn't it a little far?"
"Yeah, a little, but I go back for some weekends anyway and the cabin isn't all that far from my Dad's house, only a few miles."
"Oh, okay," I said, satysfied.
"So, who's in?" Lucas asked, looking at Maya and Farkle.
"Sure, whatever," Maya agreed. She was trying to act cool and uninterested, but I could tell she was excited.
"Yeah, sounds fun!" Farkle said, enthusiastically.
"I'm gonna ask Dad right now," I said, getting up from the table and going over to where Dad was sitting.
"Hey, Riley. What's up?" Dad asked.
"Not much, but I was wondering if I dunno...could...maybe...go to Lucas's new cabin for the weekend?!" I asked. "It's really close to his Dad's house and everything."
"Uhh...no," Dad said.
"Really? No 'let me talk it over with your mother'?" I asked.
"Fine, I'll talk to your mother about it," Dad sighed.
"Yes!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist in the air. I went back over to the table.
"You allowed?" Maya asked.
"Not yet, he needs to 'talk to Mom about it'," I explained.
"Oh," Maya said. "Well, my Mom won't care, if it's free."
"It's definitely free," Lucas confirmed.
"Then I'm in," Maya said.
"I'll ask Dad later," Farkle told us. "But I'm pretty sure I'll be allowed."
"Then I guess it's just you then, Riles," Lucas told me.
"Yep," I said. "I'll get back to you when it's confirmed.
"Cool," Lucas said.
After school, I rushed home with Maya, hoping to have permission. We went up to my room, waiting for Dad to tell Mom about it and have their 'parent talk'. After about 15 minutes of waiting and talking, Dad came up to the room and broke the news.
"Riley," Dad addressed me. I looked over, hopefully. "We've decided that you can go."
"Yay!" I exclaimed, beaming. I turned to Maya, who was also excited. I wasn't sure if she was going to go if I couldn't. After Dad left, I told Maya that I was going to pack right away, so I got my suitcase from my closet and, laying it on the bed, opened it.
It was a few minutes later and Maya was bored of watching me pack, so she climbed out the window. I heard her say hi to Lucas from the fire escape, so I knew he was coming up. Lucas climbed in the window.
"Hey, what're you doing?" he asked.
"Packing, I can go!" I told him.
"Great, can't wait!" Lucas said, in reply. I went back to the closet to get a few more things and when I came out, I had a reason to blush.
"I believe this is yours," Lucas said, holding up my bra.
"Yes, give it!" I shouted running over and trying to grab it from him. Lucas was laughing and holding the garment out of reach. He ran across the room.
"You think it'd fit?" he asked, holding it to his chest. I was blushing super red. I finally grabbed it from him and threw the bra in the suitcase. Zipping it up, I turned to Lucas.
"I win," I said.
"Yeah, whatever," he said. Lucas walked over and kissed me. Sparks flew like ever other time our lips met. "Now I win."
"No, it was a double win," I said, pulling him back in for more.
*Lucas's POV*
The airport was packed. We almost didn't make it in time, because Farkle was late getting on the plane. Maya kept complaining because she wanted to sit by Riley and not Farkle. I had the window seat, Riley was sitting next to me and Farkle wanted to be between his two 'ladies'. So Maya wasn't too pleased.
The plane ride wasn't too long, but, it was long enough for Riley to fall asleep, because part way through the movie we were watching, I realized that she had fallen asleep on my shoulder. Riley looked really content, and I didn't want to wake her, partly because I wanted her there and partly because she looked so darn cute! I think Farkle was jealous because he kept trying to hit on Maya. He attempted to put his arm around her but she just swatted him away. Then he tried to put his head on her shoulder but she flicked his forhead with her finger and pushed him off.
"Hey, Maya," I whispered, careful not to wake Riley. "Does this remind you of something?" I was teasing her about what happened last year after we got our report cards at the end of the school year.
*Maya's POV*
I told him never to bring that up. I blushed, Farkle smirked at me. Lucas had a smug look on his face.
"Oh, really," I remarked. "You bring that up."
Flashback to the Beginning of Last Summer
*Maya's POV*
All four of us had just gotten out of our last day of seventh grade and were going back to Riley's place to celebrate. We hadn't opened our report cards yet, but were going to as soon as we got in. Riley, Farkle, Ranger Rick and I all walked in the door of the apartment.
"Summer!" Riley shouted. Throwing her schoolbag down. Riley always overdramatized everything. I looked at her as if to say, you're so weird, but I love you anyway.
"Report card," Farkle barked, fumbling to open the brown envelope. "Huzzah! 100% average!" I rolled my eyes. I watched as Riley opened hers.
"98!" she announced, clutching the paper to her chest. Texas opened his next. He slid the envelope open all fancy, with his finger and took out the paper inside.
"86!" he called out, hugging Riley. I sighed and slowly ripped open the brown envelope of terror. I slid out my report card, reluctant to look. But when I did, I was surprised.
"Oh my god! 78%!" I yelled, excitedly.
"Awesome!" Riley exclaimed. I didn't know what to do. I waved my arms around. I hadn't had so much adrenaline in my life. Then I did something I never thought I'd do. I took Farkle by the collar of the shirt and kissed him. I don't know what possessed me to do such a thing, but I did it. I dropped Farkle. I saw him faint onto the couch as I ran out the door, embarrassed.
End of Flashback
*Maya's POV*
I still don't know why I did that, or why Lucas brought it up now of all times, but, I know one thing for sure, I do not like Farkle in that way. I guess it was just then excitement I had, and the fact that I didn't know what to do, and that was just, like instinct or something, and a way to express the excitement of having a B+ average. I don't know, but right now, it was really awkward, especially since we hadn't brought it up in like, six months.
*Riley's POV*
The plane landed at the airport in Austin. It was about 6:30 in New York, but since we were now in Texas the time was around 7:30. Lucas's dad was waiting for us as we got off the plane. Lucas ran over to him as we walked over.
"Hey, Pa," Lucas greeted, hugging his father. We all said our hellos and Maya said 'howdy', and before long we were on our way to the cabin. On the way there we drove past Lucas's dad's house. After that, we drove about ten minutes into the woods. When we got to the cabin, Farkle gawked at the beauty of the structure. It was a large log chalet that was two stories tall, with a balcony jutting from the top floor. Outside the front door was a large patio that was attached to an overhang with four tall wooden posts. On the patio were two deck chairs and a table. A lot of windows covered the walls.
The car pulled up next to the cabin and we all got out. Mr. Friar rolled down the window of the car.
"Have fun!" he called and drove back down the road.
"Let's check it out," Lucas suggested, heading towards the cabin. I looked around as we went towards the cabin. There was a pond to my right that had a waterfall pouring into it and the leaves on the trees were bright yellows, reds and oranges. It was really a beautiful scene. Lucas unlocked the door and we all went inside.
"Wow," we all said at the same time. There was an open kitchen and living room area that was seperated only by a small step and a marble counter. In the living room, there were leather couches and chairs, a huge flatscreen TV and a beautiful fireplace. It was like a dream. The wooden staircase lead up to the second floor which had a railed balcony where you could look down at the ground floor.
"Where are the bedrooms?" Maya asked.
"Upstairs, I guess," Lucas said, leading us up the staircase to the second floor. There were four doors at the top. "Riley, you and Maya take those two, Farkle and I will take these, let's see which are bedrooms."
"Okay," I agreed, taking the door farthest from the stairs. I opened the door, finding a closet full of equipment. Everything from life jackets and boat paddles to skis and snowshoes were organized neatly in the small closet.
"I found one!" I heard Farkle call from down the hall.
"I found the bathroom!" Maya called.
"This is the door to the balcony," Lucas said.
"Wait, there's only one bedroom?" I asked, closing the closet.
"What?" I thought you had found the other one," Lucas said.
"No, I found a closet," I said.
"Well, maybe there's another bedroom downstairs," Maya suggested.
"I'll go check," Farkle said, going back down. He walked around and we watched him from the balcony. "Nope, just a front door and a back door."
"Wow," Maya said.
"Okay," I said. "Let's figure this out."
"So there's one bedroom," Lucas stated, wandering in.
"Yeah, keep up!" Maya insulted.
"But there are two beds," Lucas continued as we all followed him in. "Easy enough, girls on one side, guys on the other."
"I call this side!" Maya shouted running over to the bed opposite the window.
"I call this side!" I called, at the same time, running to the other bed.
"Okay?" Farkle questioned, examining our dilemma. "Why do each of you want your sides?"
"Because it's near the window and the view is pretty," I explained.
"Because it's away from the window, which means it'll be darker in the morning and I can sleep in." Maya explained, right after. Farkle stared dumbfounded.
"Easy solution," Lucas said.
"What?" Farkle asked, scared because he couldn't solve a problem.
"I sleep with Riley," Lucas said. My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
*Maya's POV*
"Okay!" I exclaimed, surprised. "You are going to sleep with Riley?!"
"It came out wrong!" Ranger Rick argued. Riley had this embarrased but pleased look on her face. Then Farkle's eyes widened, he ran over to the bed and lay down.
"Maya..." he sighed, wiggling his eyebrows.
"NOT HAPPENING!" I shouted, running out of the room. I heard Riley and Ranger Rick bust into laughter, breaking the awkwardness between them. I went downstairs and called back. "I'm sleeping on the couch!"
"Wouldn't you rather sleep in a warm bed?" I heard Farkle call. More snickers from Riley and Hopalong.
"Not if you're in it!" I called back. I could tell this was amusing for them, but it would be more amusing if I actually gave in and went to bed with Farkle. Then I'd never hear the end of it.
*Lucas's POV*
I don't know why I volunteered to share a bed with Riley. I guess it's because she's my girlfriend and I love her.
Maya still refused to come upstairs. It was really funny. I know Maya doesn't like Farkle in that sense, but the way she's acting, it's almost like she does like him, but is trying to convince herself that she doesn't.
"Maya, come upstairs!" Riley called, for like the fifteenth time.
"No!" Maya argued, again.
"Please?!" Riley shouted down.
"No!" Maya yelled back.
"Riley," I said. Riley turned around. "Do you want to walk out by the lake?"
"Sure," Riley agreed, finally giving up on Maya. We went downstairs and walked toward the front door. Maya was still sitting stubbornly on the couch. Walking out to the lake, Riley took my hand into hers. I gazed up at the sunset, blending with the fall colours of the trees. I looked over at Riley. She smiled at me. "So, why did you offer to sleep with... uh... share a bed with me?"
"Because, 1. it would solve the problem we had and 2. I love you," I told her, smiling back.
"Aww," she said, kissing me and sending a shiver of joy down my spine. We walked out to the short pier that led out into the lake. I sat down on the edge. I took off my shoes and dipped my feet into the cool water. Riley did the same. I looked out at the cascading waterfall, running down into the lake.
"You look cute tonight," I told her.
"Stop, she said, blushing. Riley playfully shoved me, but with enough force to make me lose my balance and fall into the water.
"Hey!" I called, coming up, out of the water.
"Sorry!" Riley called back, offering her hand to help me up. I took it, but instead of getting back up on the pier, I pulled her down with me. "Ahh!" she let out a short squeal before splashing into the water. She came up and got her wet hair out of her face.
"You little!" she scolded, turning to face me. I pulled her closer, putting my arms around her waist. Riley put her arms around my shoulders, and we just floated there in silence for a while, gazing into each other's eyes.
*Maya's POV*
I went outside to see what Riley was doing, but when I looked out, I didn't see her. I walked out to the lake. At first I didn't see them, but I walked out onto the pier and saw Riley and Lucas in the water, making out."
"It's a little cold for swimming, isn't it?" I asked. Riley and Lucas turned to me and blushed bright red. I grinned.
"It was an accident," Riley told me.
"It was an accident that you and Ranger Rick are making out in the lake?" I questioned. Riley blushed again. "I mean, the only thing that would make this more embarassing or 'romantic' as you might put it, is if you were skinny dipping!" I went back to the cabin, to let them be embarassed by themselves, laughing as I walked.
*Riley's POV*
I watched, shocked, as Maya walked away, cackling with delight. I turned to Lucas. By the look on his face, I could tell he was trying to picture the whole, 'skinny dipping' scenario. My face turned hot. I don't need him seeing that, whether it's in his mind or not. I swam back over to the pier and pulled myself up onto it. Lucas followed in silence. We lay on the pier, waiting for our clothes to dry in what little sunlight remained. Lucas tossed off his shirt to keep it from clinging to him. He took my hand and we watched the sun set the rest of the way in a peaceful and somewhat romantic silence.
*Lucas's POV*
Trying to get ready for bed is chaos. Especially when there's only one bathroom and one bedroom. The worst part was that the bedroom door didn't have a lock. I walked in on Maya, twice. Fortunately, she was clothed the first time, and at least had a bra on the second time. She got mad, and Riley wasn't too impressed. Also, it wasn't exactly a good idea to try and make Riley feel better by telling her that I'd much rather walk in on her in her bra.
After the chaotic half hour that was us trying to get ready to go to bed, we finally settled in for the night. We just sat on our beds for a while talking. Well, except for Maya, she sat by the door, still refusing to share the other bed with Farkle. After about ten minutes, Maya went back downstairs on the couch and we all lay down to go to sleep. Well, that is until Farkle broke the silence.
"I wish it was me that walked in on Maya in her bra," he sighed, out of nowhere. Riley and I died laughing.
"What?!" I heard Maya call from downstairs.
"Nothing!" Riley shouted back. After that we all tried to sleep again. I turned toward Riley, she looked so beautiful. She pulled the quilt up over my shoulder. That's my girl, trying to fix everything. I loved having her next to me. It felt so right. I couldn't wait until we were old enough to get married. Then, moments like this would be every night.
*Riley's POV*
After an amazing weekend at the cabin, we had to go back to New York. We all got into Lucas's dad's car to drive to the airport. I wanted to stay, because it was the best weekend ever and, frankly, I liked sleeping with Lucas. But, I also wanted to go home, because I was kind of homesick.
As the plane back to New York took off, I looked back at Austin, Texas. Probably my second favourite place in the world, aside from NYC of course. I lay back in my seat, Lucas's hand atop mine, and waited for what life had to bring me next.