p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f5f42a2aaa95433484914f7068033911""Look at that ninth-grade woman." Riley said. I turned around to see a girl applying lip gloss to her lips. "She's putting on makeup. We're going to be ninth-grade women someday." Riley told us. My eyes widened. "This thing goes to ninth grade?" I asked. Riley nodded./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f20f8484bbe1bfccf5de9036574f9e1f""Why that?" Riley asked, as she pointed to the girl putting on mascara. "Brings out your eyes." Maya asked. "Why would I want to take out my eyes?" Riley asked. "She's not taking out her eyes." I told her. "And I think she is." Riley said. I looked at the girl to see her using an eye lash curler./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="569381100943a47177743e89dcf3f622""It's an eyelash curler. It doesn't even hurt." The girl said, holding up the eyelash curler for Riley to use. Riley chuckled and took it. "I have eyelashes." Riley said, taking the curler from her. "Watch this." Maya told the girl, as we walked up to her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="56c3f1aa8f76437d1935aca2bda3422a""Ahh!" Riley screamed as the curler made contact. "Anybody else would stop." I told her. "Ahh!" Riley screamed again, as her father walked by. "Open it." Mr. Matthews told her. Riley opened it and stood up straight. "Thanks, daddy." Riley said. "Yeah, okay." Cory said, walking away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a7021358d5cf11f143b9965e680cd455""Ladies." Farkle greeted, walking up to us. "Farkle." We greeted back. "School dance. I'm gonna put you three down for dance numbers one through all of them. We will alternate. You and me, me and you, you and me. When you are not dancing with me, you may not dance with anyone else. You may sit and wait until you dance with me again." Farkle told us. I shook my head. "Yeah, none of this is happening." Maya and I told him in unison./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="19fc72dfaf082614de4ee34f2dccd5c1""Oh." Farkle said, disappointed, "Well, then may I have one dance with each of you?" "Sure." Riley answered. "Ha! That's all I wanted. You just got played by Farkle." Farkle said, walking away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="6e078104d43003f8395aebed7e734ebf""Hey, guys." Lucas greeted, walking by us. "Lucas!" Riley shouted, raising her hand. "Hand." Maya said. "Lucas!" Riley shouted. "Grown-up voice." I reminded. "Lucas, hello." Riley said, walking up to him. "Hey." Lucas greeted./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="464474513c898045207b0a9da4840c46""Hey, hee haw." Maya greeted. "You going to tick tock shake your body time?" I asked. "'Cause, you know, it's not a square-dance, so not gonna be a whole lot of do-si-doin'." Maya finished. "Well, then I'm sure I'll have no idea what to do and you two can make fun of me." Lucas said. My eyes widened./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1aae6b9dd800a3933a5373b22dfa14a5""You're not playing this right!" Maya and I shouted, pointing at him. "Well, that's certainly not my intention. I'll try harder next time." Lucas said. "We will break you!" We shouted in unison. "Well, if that's what makes you happy, then I certainly can't wait for it Madams," Lucas said, tipping an invisible hat at us. Maya and I shuddered. "Ohhhh!" We both shouted, and turned around./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9b1b9ecb3a42418ecac3a830dfeef744""You going to the school dance, Lucas?" Riley asked. "Thought I would. You?" Lucas asked. Maya mimicked a gagging sound. "You hear me?" Maya asked. She did the gagging sound again. "You'll both be there. He'll be the one in the cowboy hat going like this." I said. Maya and I began to do some sort of cowboy dance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="627b3abfaa616b2f7ea967a217aa6bb9"The bell rung, as more people joined. Riley and Lucas walked away. People were clapping in rhythm for me and Maya. We stopped and glared at the people. "It isn't for you!" We shouted at them. They kept clapping. Maya and I looked at each other. "Okay, fine," She said. She and I continued our dance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="06ce86a69984e8f252fa95cfdeb7e3c3"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="778c35c6b6ab3f1f9e0291518663f755""Friar." Cory greeted, as we walked into the class the next day, "Farkle. Hart. Hart. You." The last one he said to Riley. "Dad, I didn't-" Riley began as I sat in my seat. "Ferp!" Cory said, cutting her off. "Okay." Riley said. She walked to her seat next to me and sat down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="cdb8a48c6bf8a24cd98bc5149d8d57b8""Well, guys, I've got your test results on Darwin to give back to you. And, uh, I'm pleased to see some of you have em style="box-sizing: border-box;"evolved/em since the last quiz." Cory said. He looked at us, probably expecting us to laugh or something. "Ha!" Farkle shouted. "Thanks, Farkle." Cory thanked. "Well, you were drowning, sir." Farkle said. "So. Let him drown," I said, earning a glare from Cory./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="43e52045d80549b67e31c86b35f8f30b""Ms. Hart." Cory said, as he began to hand out our tests, "Mr. Friar, nice work." "Thank you, sir." Lucas said, taking the test. "Mr. Farkle." Cory said, handing the test to Farkle. "'A' number seven hundred. Huzzah!" Farkle shouted, and blowed on a noisemaker. "You," Cory said, handing the test to Riley, "Ms. Hart." He walked away to hand out the other tests./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="743220e017bb00496dfebbee02808981"I looked down at my mark, and as always, I got a "A-". I placed my test down, and looked up at Maya. I noticed she was staring at her test. Like she was in some sort of trance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="99671fcb6b6d8981f82f121dc6ff1980""You okay?" Riley asked, noticing Maya's behavior. "He gave me an 'F.'" Maya said, still in her trance. "That's nuts." Riley mumbled, but Maya and I heard her. "Yeah. You're a solid "D" student." I agreed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ed586dc330bab067088f901ebdceaabc""Mr. Friar, I took particular note of your position that evolution does not preclude the existence of how did you put it?" Mr. Matthews asked Lucas, after he handed all of the tests out. "A guiding hand that has your best interest at heart." Lucas read. "Ms. Hart. I also noticed how you put the answer to the question. Please read?" Mr. Matthews asked. I looked down at my paper, and found the question. I read out loud my answer. "A choice made not by us, but. God. Who always knows what is best for us. Even if we don't know it is the best," I read. Mr. Matthews nodded./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="82f9e03896e70e80904abdbd67903ce5"Maya raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Hart?" Mr. Matthews asked. "You failed me." Maya said. "Why don't we talk about this after class." Mr. Matthews suggested. "What's there to talk about? You failed me," Maya said, standing up, "You em style="box-sizing: border-box;"think /emI'm a failure. There's nothing more for you to teach me." She handed him her test. "Oh, come on! Both of you gotta say that? What, you mean I lost you both? I lost two out of three of ya?" Mr. Matthews asked. Maya glanced at Riley and I and began walking to the door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1697c8fbbfc52c5eed9d68c2e8fe4e70""Maya! Cory shouted at her. Maya stopped and turned around. "You do not walk out of here!" Cory shouted. Maya and I made eye contact. I shook my head and mouthed em style="box-sizing: border-box;""No"/em to her. em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I'm sorry"/em Maya mouthed back to me. She took another quick glance at me, and then walked out. Riley and I raised our hands. "Go." He told us. Riley and I ran out of the door, and to Maya's locker, where we found her emptying? it out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="b0442c35086f1ba7ada53cda7ccf327d""Redecorating your locker?" Riley asked. "Nope. Cleaning it out." Maya said, holding up a creepy doll with no head. "You want one? 'Cause it's the last one you're gonna get." Maya said, holding up two cotton candy sticks. Riley and I nodded. Maya sticked the two cotton candy sticks in her locker, and circus music began to play. It stopped, and Maya handed Riley and I the cotton candy./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ae8e64e5aac4f13607e39fe14d6f75f0""Maya, it's just one 'F.'" Riley said. "Yeah. It was just one," I agreed. "It's not about the paper, Riley, Maya. Riley, your dad failed me." Maya said. "Yeah, I know. And I'm not going on the cyclone. I failed him." Riley said. I furrowed my eyebrows. "We'll talk about em style="box-sizing: border-box;"that/em later." I said, making hand gestures and then turned back to Maya, "Can't we just call it even?" -/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d6e6d164dbfd55b927bcfc1bc3e238e6""No. We can just call it I'm leaving." Maya said, walking to the stairs. I turned around and faced her. "Maya, I know you. You'll make a big deal about this, pretend to leave school forever, and you'll be back by gym class," I told her. "No, this time I mean it." Maya said. "All right, Maya. I'll see you tomorrow." Riley said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="aa248b86acc3a47084c2f77af01602bd""No. You won't." Maya told her. "You'll pick me up at 7:00, with Dylan." Riley said. "I won't be there." Maya said. And walked up the stairs. After that, I couldn't see her anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="3dd896fed7645a43f20527ebcf9257a1""Riley. She's gone."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2619895a8b01a127d2edcd474556d25a"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c320cc8258fedd8396ac139f736b4017"I stood by the front door of my family's house. I tapped my foot against the wooden floor boards. I was waiting for Maya. I knew she wasn't going to come to school today, but. I was gonna give it another try. I saw Maya walk down the hallways in her pj's. She noticed me and stopped./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="296f88d069d5a885bb0c9a99f4dc147f""Good morning Maya. Let's go," I said. Maya sighed. "I told you, Dyl. I'm not going back to that place." Maya said. "Maya-" I started. "No, Dylan. Don't. I told you. I'm not going back," Maya said, and disappeared into the hallway./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d87c059a09668142023dbfdd21da17e1"I let out a breath, I didn't know I was holding and walked out the door, to Riley's apartment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="58fb0d69b112a6440d6704dcab2dc88b"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="754150ec72bf2c98cb26011b8bd58bc4""You made your point, okay?" I asked, Maya. I was now in Riley's bedroom windows with her and Maya. "You didn't come to school today and your teacher is really upset with you." Riley continued. I nodded. "He's not my teacher anymore." Maya told us. I rolled my eyes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="60800ecc0ec69849c645361625b5c000""I now attend a prestigious online academy." Maya told us. "Welcome to the Frank Mantucci on da computer school, where youse get out of it what you put into it. And what you need to put into it is 400 dollars. Gimme." A guy on the computer said in a Brooklyn accent. "You paid that?" Riley asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a2a5cf40eb5f3f443b7dbd9e25d454c5""I took the test to see if I qualify for the free trial." Maya replied. "Maya, it's a scam!" I shouted, "They take anybody!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="62977584f276adba4c9cbeb3b2f41566""Congratulations!" The computer guy shouted. "I got in!" Maya said in enthusiasm. "You are the first person to ever fail the Frank Mantucci on da computer school. How'd you do dat?" The computer finished. Riley and I shared a knowing look. We turned back to Maya. "How'd you do dat?" We said in unison, mimicking the guy on the computer./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="553ce0703a5874918877c38de652f068""We asked: "Name?" You didn't put nuttin'." The dude said. "Well, at least you were smart enough not to give them your name." Riley pointed out. I nodded. "It's not that I'm smart enough." Maya told us. "Then what is it?" I asked. "Maybe sometimes I'm not so proud of who I am." Maya replied. I looked down at my palms when she answered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="64f8471a392068eeb8739c45713cf19a"Riley's door opened, revealing Topanga. " How's it going in here?" She asked. "Mom, tell Maya to come back to school regular school." Riley ordered. I nodded. "Hmm. So you two don't like this, huh?" Topanga asked. "Of course not!" Riley and I shouted in unison./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="acd775d375056e096381f84e8b570c1c""Maya always comes to school with us." I stated. "She always picks me up with Dylan at-" Riley started. "Like a tradition?"Topanga asked, cutting her off. "Yeah!" Riley shouted. A moment of realization struck Riley. "Oh." Riley mumbled. "You know, even though you're a mother, that was creepy good." I told Topanga./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c93fd844d6200c7b72e5d218f674212f""So, Maya doesn't show up like she's supposed to and how does that make you feel?" Topanga asked. "Oh" Riley said. " Honey, you have to go to him. He feels bad. You have to go to your father." Topanga told her daughter. "I feel bad. Will he come to me?" Maya asked. "No. He's your teacher." I pointed out. "He doesn't have to." Riley continued. "But he will." Topanga reassured./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="5fa9f1fcc70669c5c4051354c10a274d""What?" Maya asked in disbelief. "He doesn't have to, but he will." Topanga answered. "Why?" Riley asked. "Because he's always there." Topanga replied. The door opened again, revealing Cory. "Always." Cory said. He grabbed Maya by the hand, and lead her out of the room. Riley and I followed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ed790e134796eb704dd092dde146a792"~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="512262949e95209face1da5f0346939e""Read it." Mr. Matthews told Maya. Riley and I were standing in the doorway which lead into the hallways. Maya had her test in her hands. "I don't want to do this, Mr. Matthews." Maya said, trying to stand up. "Sit down." I ordered. "You can't tell me-" Maya began. "I just did." I said, cutting her off. "Thanks." Riley said, as she and I sat down on each side of Maya. "Go ahead." I said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="3535c2f69a617378be3c472cb5499411""Darwin animal studies were thought to be when the travels he took on the boat with the Beatles." Maya read from her test. "Are you kidding me?" Riley and I asked. "Do they have to be here?" Maya asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d7d85203746f427919ab2a43e3fd4a78""What were you trying to do?" Cory asked her. "I tried to write it like I was smart. Like Dylan," Maya said. I looked at her in disbelief. "You are smart, Maya." I told her. "What did you mean to say?" Cory asked. "Darwin studied animals." Maya replied. "What kind?" Cory asked, again. "I don't know." Maya admitted. "She does know." Riley said. "I don't know. You think I don't what I don't know?" Maya asked. "I think you know more than you don't know, but you don't know that!" Riley replied. "You know what?" Maya asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="20ec70e0231a1f29020a36ffd6854efd""What did Darwin study?" Cory asked. "Birds." Maya answered. "There you go." Cory said. "Really? I got that one wrong." Riley admitted. "You want to be smart, Maya? Say what you mean. I understood that perfectly, and you're correct." Cory told her. "That's all I had to say?" Maya asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="3e5d64ef7e3096ec9aeeada44854827d""What was the name of his boat?" Cory asked. "The Beatles." Maya replied. I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Isn't that the band?" I asked. "The beagle. It's a tiny difference, but an important one." Cory said, ignoring my comment, "Because if you know it, Maya, you don't fail." "I want to not fail." Maya told us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="e14c5edd984921886dc6a2ef413d7ecc""What kind of birds did he study?" Cory asked. "I don't know." Maya said, shrugging. "You do." I told her. "Finches." Maya answered. "And what else?" I asked. "Finches and mockingbirds." Maya replied. "Yes." I told her. "How did you two know she knew?" Cory asked. "We know she listens to you." Riley answered. "I listen to you." Maya said. "Then you won't fail. And then neither will I." Cory said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a1a35bc963296007032276766d2f9ae8"Topanga walked in. "How about some Turkey sandwiches?" Topanga asked. "Darwin didn't study turkeys. He studied finches and mockingbirds. His boat was the beagle." Maya said. "And for extra credit?" Cory asked. "Galapagos. The islands he studied were the Galapagos." Maya answered. "Because she listens to me." Cory told Topanga./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1a0e8499c581e4af54342ff4bb792289""Hey, Maya. Watch this." Cory said. He took a red pen and changed Maya's F into an A. "You're giving me an 'A'?" Maya asked in disbelief. "No, I'm giving you a 'C+'. But I want you to see how easily an "F" can become an "A. Nothing to be ashamed of anymore, Maya." Cory told her. I gently smiled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2b452bd54e3fe8ef8c19b60c157a9c5c""My dad doesn't live with-" Maya started. I grabbed her hand and gave it a small squeeze. "It's okay." I told her. "He's got this new family." Maya said. "Maya, you don't have to-" Topanga started. "I do have to. I have to be able to talk to you." Maya said, cutting her off, "If you give me an "F," if you decide I'm not worth working on-" "Maya, take a look around you." I told her, cutting her off. "We're all here for you. Does this look like we think you're not worth working on?" Cory asked. "I just don't want to fail, Mr. Matthews. Thank you." Maya said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c3bd364be84a4ff05740b97ae601af78""I don't want to go to the dance! The dance doesn't matter to me at all! I want to go on the cyclone with you more than anything in the world!" Riley shouted. "You're going to the dance." Cory told her. "Hooray!" iley said, dreamily. "I'm going to chaperone." Cory said. "What's that mean?" Riley asked, raising her hand. "Hand." Maya told her. "What's that mean?" Riley asked, lowering her hand. "Grown-up voice." I told her. "Lucas, hello." Riley said. "What's that mean?" Cory asked. I giggled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="7a069d104047d3895d6127443a952cac"~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="5be2790bec4510194183cf23423ba3b4"I sat on a chair, at the table my friends and I were sitting at. Riley was on the dance floor with Lucas. They were slow-dancing very weirdly. Maya was dancing with Farkle. I already had my dance with Farkle, so. It was Maya's turn. I took out the little diary I had created the other day. I also took out a pencil. I began to write./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c2f2aa72f2a31ca74b35a65348a0586e"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Dear Diary,/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="e0b85c6ee8fa52cecfce6bab51542659"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I almost lost my best friend this week. If Maya didn't talk to Mr. Matthews, I would of lost my big sister. Which would mean, I would have to grow up a little. But I'm not ready for that yet. I'm so grateful I still have Maya. If I didn't it would be the end of my world. Of course, I still have Riley. But Maya is my older sister. She is like the other half of me. Without her I wouldn't know who I am./em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f5f17a34e2dffdb984c5f750a6aa1b82"The music stopped playing, so that was when I put my diary away. I looked up and saw Mr. Matthews. "Well, guys, it looks like the night is winding down. We hope you all enjoyed the dance. But before we go, I notice some fathers have arrived to pick up their daughters. I wonder if we might have one last dance." Cory suggested. The whole room was filled with cheer. "A father-daughter dance." Cory said. I looked down at my shoes, as the soft music began to play./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2e851d4b21401c0a5563aa81a47f0624"I looked up again and saw Cory dancing with Maya. I smiled. Cory glanced at me and offered me his other hand. I stood up and took it. I smiled. Riley also joined us. So we spent the rest of the night dancing, before going home./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c88189f8462c7c3dd95286c50dee04c3"~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="8af5065997adfb6b33d7e634da7e424f"I opened the front door of the Matthews' apartment. "'Sup, goofballs?" I greeted. "Hey, Riley, 7:00." Maya told her. Riley grabbed her bag and walked out the door with Maya and I following./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9bfcff313c2abeaad102f6e99c30cb49""Hey, Dyl. You know I love you right?" Maya asked. "I know. I love you too," I told her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f20f8484bbe1bfccf5de9036574f9e1f""Why that?" Riley asked, as she pointed to the girl putting on mascara. "Brings out your eyes." Maya asked. "Why would I want to take out my eyes?" Riley asked. "She's not taking out her eyes." I told her. "And I think she is." Riley said. I looked at the girl to see her using an eye lash curler./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="569381100943a47177743e89dcf3f622""It's an eyelash curler. It doesn't even hurt." The girl said, holding up the eyelash curler for Riley to use. Riley chuckled and took it. "I have eyelashes." Riley said, taking the curler from her. "Watch this." Maya told the girl, as we walked up to her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="56c3f1aa8f76437d1935aca2bda3422a""Ahh!" Riley screamed as the curler made contact. "Anybody else would stop." I told her. "Ahh!" Riley screamed again, as her father walked by. "Open it." Mr. Matthews told her. Riley opened it and stood up straight. "Thanks, daddy." Riley said. "Yeah, okay." Cory said, walking away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a7021358d5cf11f143b9965e680cd455""Ladies." Farkle greeted, walking up to us. "Farkle." We greeted back. "School dance. I'm gonna put you three down for dance numbers one through all of them. We will alternate. You and me, me and you, you and me. When you are not dancing with me, you may not dance with anyone else. You may sit and wait until you dance with me again." Farkle told us. I shook my head. "Yeah, none of this is happening." Maya and I told him in unison./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="19fc72dfaf082614de4ee34f2dccd5c1""Oh." Farkle said, disappointed, "Well, then may I have one dance with each of you?" "Sure." Riley answered. "Ha! That's all I wanted. You just got played by Farkle." Farkle said, walking away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="6e078104d43003f8395aebed7e734ebf""Hey, guys." Lucas greeted, walking by us. "Lucas!" Riley shouted, raising her hand. "Hand." Maya said. "Lucas!" Riley shouted. "Grown-up voice." I reminded. "Lucas, hello." Riley said, walking up to him. "Hey." Lucas greeted./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="464474513c898045207b0a9da4840c46""Hey, hee haw." Maya greeted. "You going to tick tock shake your body time?" I asked. "'Cause, you know, it's not a square-dance, so not gonna be a whole lot of do-si-doin'." Maya finished. "Well, then I'm sure I'll have no idea what to do and you two can make fun of me." Lucas said. My eyes widened./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1aae6b9dd800a3933a5373b22dfa14a5""You're not playing this right!" Maya and I shouted, pointing at him. "Well, that's certainly not my intention. I'll try harder next time." Lucas said. "We will break you!" We shouted in unison. "Well, if that's what makes you happy, then I certainly can't wait for it Madams," Lucas said, tipping an invisible hat at us. Maya and I shuddered. "Ohhhh!" We both shouted, and turned around./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9b1b9ecb3a42418ecac3a830dfeef744""You going to the school dance, Lucas?" Riley asked. "Thought I would. You?" Lucas asked. Maya mimicked a gagging sound. "You hear me?" Maya asked. She did the gagging sound again. "You'll both be there. He'll be the one in the cowboy hat going like this." I said. Maya and I began to do some sort of cowboy dance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="627b3abfaa616b2f7ea967a217aa6bb9"The bell rung, as more people joined. Riley and Lucas walked away. People were clapping in rhythm for me and Maya. We stopped and glared at the people. "It isn't for you!" We shouted at them. They kept clapping. Maya and I looked at each other. "Okay, fine," She said. She and I continued our dance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="06ce86a69984e8f252fa95cfdeb7e3c3"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="778c35c6b6ab3f1f9e0291518663f755""Friar." Cory greeted, as we walked into the class the next day, "Farkle. Hart. Hart. You." The last one he said to Riley. "Dad, I didn't-" Riley began as I sat in my seat. "Ferp!" Cory said, cutting her off. "Okay." Riley said. She walked to her seat next to me and sat down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="cdb8a48c6bf8a24cd98bc5149d8d57b8""Well, guys, I've got your test results on Darwin to give back to you. And, uh, I'm pleased to see some of you have em style="box-sizing: border-box;"evolved/em since the last quiz." Cory said. He looked at us, probably expecting us to laugh or something. "Ha!" Farkle shouted. "Thanks, Farkle." Cory thanked. "Well, you were drowning, sir." Farkle said. "So. Let him drown," I said, earning a glare from Cory./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="43e52045d80549b67e31c86b35f8f30b""Ms. Hart." Cory said, as he began to hand out our tests, "Mr. Friar, nice work." "Thank you, sir." Lucas said, taking the test. "Mr. Farkle." Cory said, handing the test to Farkle. "'A' number seven hundred. Huzzah!" Farkle shouted, and blowed on a noisemaker. "You," Cory said, handing the test to Riley, "Ms. Hart." He walked away to hand out the other tests./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="743220e017bb00496dfebbee02808981"I looked down at my mark, and as always, I got a "A-". I placed my test down, and looked up at Maya. I noticed she was staring at her test. Like she was in some sort of trance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="99671fcb6b6d8981f82f121dc6ff1980""You okay?" Riley asked, noticing Maya's behavior. "He gave me an 'F.'" Maya said, still in her trance. "That's nuts." Riley mumbled, but Maya and I heard her. "Yeah. You're a solid "D" student." I agreed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ed586dc330bab067088f901ebdceaabc""Mr. Friar, I took particular note of your position that evolution does not preclude the existence of how did you put it?" Mr. Matthews asked Lucas, after he handed all of the tests out. "A guiding hand that has your best interest at heart." Lucas read. "Ms. Hart. I also noticed how you put the answer to the question. Please read?" Mr. Matthews asked. I looked down at my paper, and found the question. I read out loud my answer. "A choice made not by us, but. God. Who always knows what is best for us. Even if we don't know it is the best," I read. Mr. Matthews nodded./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="82f9e03896e70e80904abdbd67903ce5"Maya raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Hart?" Mr. Matthews asked. "You failed me." Maya said. "Why don't we talk about this after class." Mr. Matthews suggested. "What's there to talk about? You failed me," Maya said, standing up, "You em style="box-sizing: border-box;"think /emI'm a failure. There's nothing more for you to teach me." She handed him her test. "Oh, come on! Both of you gotta say that? What, you mean I lost you both? I lost two out of three of ya?" Mr. Matthews asked. Maya glanced at Riley and I and began walking to the door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1697c8fbbfc52c5eed9d68c2e8fe4e70""Maya! Cory shouted at her. Maya stopped and turned around. "You do not walk out of here!" Cory shouted. Maya and I made eye contact. I shook my head and mouthed em style="box-sizing: border-box;""No"/em to her. em style="box-sizing: border-box;""I'm sorry"/em Maya mouthed back to me. She took another quick glance at me, and then walked out. Riley and I raised our hands. "Go." He told us. Riley and I ran out of the door, and to Maya's locker, where we found her emptying? it out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="b0442c35086f1ba7ada53cda7ccf327d""Redecorating your locker?" Riley asked. "Nope. Cleaning it out." Maya said, holding up a creepy doll with no head. "You want one? 'Cause it's the last one you're gonna get." Maya said, holding up two cotton candy sticks. Riley and I nodded. Maya sticked the two cotton candy sticks in her locker, and circus music began to play. It stopped, and Maya handed Riley and I the cotton candy./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ae8e64e5aac4f13607e39fe14d6f75f0""Maya, it's just one 'F.'" Riley said. "Yeah. It was just one," I agreed. "It's not about the paper, Riley, Maya. Riley, your dad failed me." Maya said. "Yeah, I know. And I'm not going on the cyclone. I failed him." Riley said. I furrowed my eyebrows. "We'll talk about em style="box-sizing: border-box;"that/em later." I said, making hand gestures and then turned back to Maya, "Can't we just call it even?" -/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d6e6d164dbfd55b927bcfc1bc3e238e6""No. We can just call it I'm leaving." Maya said, walking to the stairs. I turned around and faced her. "Maya, I know you. You'll make a big deal about this, pretend to leave school forever, and you'll be back by gym class," I told her. "No, this time I mean it." Maya said. "All right, Maya. I'll see you tomorrow." Riley said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="aa248b86acc3a47084c2f77af01602bd""No. You won't." Maya told her. "You'll pick me up at 7:00, with Dylan." Riley said. "I won't be there." Maya said. And walked up the stairs. After that, I couldn't see her anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="3dd896fed7645a43f20527ebcf9257a1""Riley. She's gone."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2619895a8b01a127d2edcd474556d25a"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c320cc8258fedd8396ac139f736b4017"I stood by the front door of my family's house. I tapped my foot against the wooden floor boards. I was waiting for Maya. I knew she wasn't going to come to school today, but. I was gonna give it another try. I saw Maya walk down the hallways in her pj's. She noticed me and stopped./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="296f88d069d5a885bb0c9a99f4dc147f""Good morning Maya. Let's go," I said. Maya sighed. "I told you, Dyl. I'm not going back to that place." Maya said. "Maya-" I started. "No, Dylan. Don't. I told you. I'm not going back," Maya said, and disappeared into the hallway./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d87c059a09668142023dbfdd21da17e1"I let out a breath, I didn't know I was holding and walked out the door, to Riley's apartment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="58fb0d69b112a6440d6704dcab2dc88b"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="754150ec72bf2c98cb26011b8bd58bc4""You made your point, okay?" I asked, Maya. I was now in Riley's bedroom windows with her and Maya. "You didn't come to school today and your teacher is really upset with you." Riley continued. I nodded. "He's not my teacher anymore." Maya told us. I rolled my eyes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="60800ecc0ec69849c645361625b5c000""I now attend a prestigious online academy." Maya told us. "Welcome to the Frank Mantucci on da computer school, where youse get out of it what you put into it. And what you need to put into it is 400 dollars. Gimme." A guy on the computer said in a Brooklyn accent. "You paid that?" Riley asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a2a5cf40eb5f3f443b7dbd9e25d454c5""I took the test to see if I qualify for the free trial." Maya replied. "Maya, it's a scam!" I shouted, "They take anybody!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="62977584f276adba4c9cbeb3b2f41566""Congratulations!" The computer guy shouted. "I got in!" Maya said in enthusiasm. "You are the first person to ever fail the Frank Mantucci on da computer school. How'd you do dat?" The computer finished. Riley and I shared a knowing look. We turned back to Maya. "How'd you do dat?" We said in unison, mimicking the guy on the computer./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="553ce0703a5874918877c38de652f068""We asked: "Name?" You didn't put nuttin'." The dude said. "Well, at least you were smart enough not to give them your name." Riley pointed out. I nodded. "It's not that I'm smart enough." Maya told us. "Then what is it?" I asked. "Maybe sometimes I'm not so proud of who I am." Maya replied. I looked down at my palms when she answered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="64f8471a392068eeb8739c45713cf19a"Riley's door opened, revealing Topanga. " How's it going in here?" She asked. "Mom, tell Maya to come back to school regular school." Riley ordered. I nodded. "Hmm. So you two don't like this, huh?" Topanga asked. "Of course not!" Riley and I shouted in unison./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="acd775d375056e096381f84e8b570c1c""Maya always comes to school with us." I stated. "She always picks me up with Dylan at-" Riley started. "Like a tradition?"Topanga asked, cutting her off. "Yeah!" Riley shouted. A moment of realization struck Riley. "Oh." Riley mumbled. "You know, even though you're a mother, that was creepy good." I told Topanga./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c93fd844d6200c7b72e5d218f674212f""So, Maya doesn't show up like she's supposed to and how does that make you feel?" Topanga asked. "Oh" Riley said. " Honey, you have to go to him. He feels bad. You have to go to your father." Topanga told her daughter. "I feel bad. Will he come to me?" Maya asked. "No. He's your teacher." I pointed out. "He doesn't have to." Riley continued. "But he will." Topanga reassured./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="5fa9f1fcc70669c5c4051354c10a274d""What?" Maya asked in disbelief. "He doesn't have to, but he will." Topanga answered. "Why?" Riley asked. "Because he's always there." Topanga replied. The door opened again, revealing Cory. "Always." Cory said. He grabbed Maya by the hand, and lead her out of the room. Riley and I followed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="ed790e134796eb704dd092dde146a792"~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="512262949e95209face1da5f0346939e""Read it." Mr. Matthews told Maya. Riley and I were standing in the doorway which lead into the hallways. Maya had her test in her hands. "I don't want to do this, Mr. Matthews." Maya said, trying to stand up. "Sit down." I ordered. "You can't tell me-" Maya began. "I just did." I said, cutting her off. "Thanks." Riley said, as she and I sat down on each side of Maya. "Go ahead." I said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="3535c2f69a617378be3c472cb5499411""Darwin animal studies were thought to be when the travels he took on the boat with the Beatles." Maya read from her test. "Are you kidding me?" Riley and I asked. "Do they have to be here?" Maya asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d7d85203746f427919ab2a43e3fd4a78""What were you trying to do?" Cory asked her. "I tried to write it like I was smart. Like Dylan," Maya said. I looked at her in disbelief. "You are smart, Maya." I told her. "What did you mean to say?" Cory asked. "Darwin studied animals." Maya replied. "What kind?" Cory asked, again. "I don't know." Maya admitted. "She does know." Riley said. "I don't know. You think I don't what I don't know?" Maya asked. "I think you know more than you don't know, but you don't know that!" Riley replied. "You know what?" Maya asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="20ec70e0231a1f29020a36ffd6854efd""What did Darwin study?" Cory asked. "Birds." Maya answered. "There you go." Cory said. "Really? I got that one wrong." Riley admitted. "You want to be smart, Maya? Say what you mean. I understood that perfectly, and you're correct." Cory told her. "That's all I had to say?" Maya asked./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="3e5d64ef7e3096ec9aeeada44854827d""What was the name of his boat?" Cory asked. "The Beatles." Maya replied. I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Isn't that the band?" I asked. "The beagle. It's a tiny difference, but an important one." Cory said, ignoring my comment, "Because if you know it, Maya, you don't fail." "I want to not fail." Maya told us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="e14c5edd984921886dc6a2ef413d7ecc""What kind of birds did he study?" Cory asked. "I don't know." Maya said, shrugging. "You do." I told her. "Finches." Maya answered. "And what else?" I asked. "Finches and mockingbirds." Maya replied. "Yes." I told her. "How did you two know she knew?" Cory asked. "We know she listens to you." Riley answered. "I listen to you." Maya said. "Then you won't fail. And then neither will I." Cory said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="a1a35bc963296007032276766d2f9ae8"Topanga walked in. "How about some Turkey sandwiches?" Topanga asked. "Darwin didn't study turkeys. He studied finches and mockingbirds. His boat was the beagle." Maya said. "And for extra credit?" Cory asked. "Galapagos. The islands he studied were the Galapagos." Maya answered. "Because she listens to me." Cory told Topanga./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="1a0e8499c581e4af54342ff4bb792289""Hey, Maya. Watch this." Cory said. He took a red pen and changed Maya's F into an A. "You're giving me an 'A'?" Maya asked in disbelief. "No, I'm giving you a 'C+'. But I want you to see how easily an "F" can become an "A. Nothing to be ashamed of anymore, Maya." Cory told her. I gently smiled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2b452bd54e3fe8ef8c19b60c157a9c5c""My dad doesn't live with-" Maya started. I grabbed her hand and gave it a small squeeze. "It's okay." I told her. "He's got this new family." Maya said. "Maya, you don't have to-" Topanga started. "I do have to. I have to be able to talk to you." Maya said, cutting her off, "If you give me an "F," if you decide I'm not worth working on-" "Maya, take a look around you." I told her, cutting her off. "We're all here for you. Does this look like we think you're not worth working on?" Cory asked. "I just don't want to fail, Mr. Matthews. Thank you." Maya said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c3bd364be84a4ff05740b97ae601af78""I don't want to go to the dance! The dance doesn't matter to me at all! I want to go on the cyclone with you more than anything in the world!" Riley shouted. "You're going to the dance." Cory told her. "Hooray!" iley said, dreamily. "I'm going to chaperone." Cory said. "What's that mean?" Riley asked, raising her hand. "Hand." Maya told her. "What's that mean?" Riley asked, lowering her hand. "Grown-up voice." I told her. "Lucas, hello." Riley said. "What's that mean?" Cory asked. I giggled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="7a069d104047d3895d6127443a952cac"~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="5be2790bec4510194183cf23423ba3b4"I sat on a chair, at the table my friends and I were sitting at. Riley was on the dance floor with Lucas. They were slow-dancing very weirdly. Maya was dancing with Farkle. I already had my dance with Farkle, so. It was Maya's turn. I took out the little diary I had created the other day. I also took out a pencil. I began to write./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c2f2aa72f2a31ca74b35a65348a0586e"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Dear Diary,/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="e0b85c6ee8fa52cecfce6bab51542659"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"I almost lost my best friend this week. If Maya didn't talk to Mr. Matthews, I would of lost my big sister. Which would mean, I would have to grow up a little. But I'm not ready for that yet. I'm so grateful I still have Maya. If I didn't it would be the end of my world. Of course, I still have Riley. But Maya is my older sister. She is like the other half of me. Without her I wouldn't know who I am./em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="f5f17a34e2dffdb984c5f750a6aa1b82"The music stopped playing, so that was when I put my diary away. I looked up and saw Mr. Matthews. "Well, guys, it looks like the night is winding down. We hope you all enjoyed the dance. But before we go, I notice some fathers have arrived to pick up their daughters. I wonder if we might have one last dance." Cory suggested. The whole room was filled with cheer. "A father-daughter dance." Cory said. I looked down at my shoes, as the soft music began to play./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="2e851d4b21401c0a5563aa81a47f0624"I looked up again and saw Cory dancing with Maya. I smiled. Cory glanced at me and offered me his other hand. I stood up and took it. I smiled. Riley also joined us. So we spent the rest of the night dancing, before going home./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="c88189f8462c7c3dd95286c50dee04c3"~~~~~~~~~~~~/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="8af5065997adfb6b33d7e634da7e424f"I opened the front door of the Matthews' apartment. "'Sup, goofballs?" I greeted. "Hey, Riley, 7:00." Maya told her. Riley grabbed her bag and walked out the door with Maya and I following./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="9bfcff313c2abeaad102f6e99c30cb49""Hey, Dyl. You know I love you right?" Maya asked. "I know. I love you too," I told her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" data-p-id="d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e" /p