Sorry it took so long to update, I was trying to make the chapter longer. I'm going to try making my chapters a little longer, but that means it might take longer to update! Please be patient! I'm trying my best! Thanks again for all the positive reviews and i hope you guys like this chapter! Have a nice day!

Maya had managed to avoid the person she saw earlier. She couldn't believe it was actually her. Riley. Her best friend in the whole world. Well, back in seventh grade that is. As soon as Maya and Riley had made eye contact, Riley had started to walk directly her way. Maya had felt a surge of panic and disappeared into the principal's office when someone blocked Riley's view of her. Hold it together Hart. You can just pretend that never happened. Maya had asked the secretary where the World History classroom and as soon as she got her response she had marched out, out and away from the school. She was now perched on the curb outside of an empty gas station, drinking a bottle a beer she had bribed a man to buy for her. Even though the road in front of her was empty, she could picture Riley walking across straight towards her, brown hair bouncing, always a spring in her step. Riley had looked different. Her brown hair was cut into a wavy long bob and she had apparently learned how to walk in stilettos, something she could never quite get. Riley walked down the hallway like she owned the place. She probably does. She deserves to. When Maya saw Riley, it was almost as if time had never changed. Time had changed though. Time was why Maya was sitting her alone while Riley was at school, being her loving self. Maya had only taken two sips of beer but she already didn't want it anymore. She smashed the bottle on the street, watching the liquid move in tiny streams. Why is life always so difficult? Maya was about to head back and get another beer when she remembered what Eric had told her earlier. Do it Hart, Take the leap of faith. What have you got to lose anyways? Maya stood up and gripped the straps attached to her bag. I got this. She walked on, pulling her hood tighter around her hair, already preparing herself for the conservation that would meet her as soon as she stepped into her foster home.

XxxxxxxxxX

Her only punishment was going to school for the rest of the month. As soon as she had walked into the house Gemma and Eric sat her down for a "talk". They knew about her previous history of missing school and wanted to change that. Maya had agreed to go to school, but only for her selfish reasons. All she could think about was Riley. I need to see her. I need to know there is still hope. So here she was again, standing by her locker and emptying books into a bag she had never used before. It was already lunch time and she still hadn't seen Maybe she is avoiding me. I wouldn't blame her either. Maya sighed and followed the throng of students toward the lunch room, which was jam packed. Scattered around the large room was both long and small tables, people chatting and lining up to get their hot lunch food. Maya looked around and spotted a small table, parked right next the garbage. It was empty except for a few pieces of the school newspaper thrown precariously on the seats. Maya grabbed a hot lunch from the frazzeled lunch lady and ducked her head until she reached the around, she managed to spot a few familiar faces from seventh grade. She heard a laugh and turned, staring at the back of that person's head as they continued to talk to someone standing in front of them. Huh. I swear I know that person. Maya was just about to stand up and casually walk past those people when she noticed the atmosphere in the room had changed. A few kids had stopped talking and were now facing the doorway, staring at what seemed to be a group of people. Maya turned away from staring at the familiar kid and focused her attention to the group who walked in with such purpose that students moved out of their way. There were two girls leading the pack, flipping their hair and waving at other kids who passed by. A small mixed group of girls and guys followed them and with the jerk of her head, Maya spotted her. Riley. She stood in the center of the group, chatting with a tall muscular boy and a tiny girl. Riley was chuckling, her brown eyes sparkly. Until they landed on Maya, that is. She stopped dead in her tracks. Maya grabbed her bag and shoved past kids rushing to beat Riley, who seemed to have the same idea, to the door. With a flourish and a loud bang, Maya kicked the door open and was about to be home free when she felt a tug on her jacket arm. She froze, slowly turning around, breathing slow to calm her nerves. Her face was blank, her nose scrunched up in confusion. Riley let her hand fall to her side. "Maya. Is... Is it actually you?" Maya bowed her head shamefully but gave a small nod in response. Riley sharply inhaled and started walking out into the hall. "C'mon...Maya."

So what did you guys think? Who do you think that familiar person was that she noticed and where do you think Riley is taking Maya? Please review! I'd love to hear your thoughts!