Hello and happy Tuesday! Thank you to everyone who reads this story and thank you to the three consistent reviews. You guys are the best.

And just wait, big things to come!

daghely: She does, doesn't she…

beatzlc: I know and me too…

violet1429: I know and I think it will.

Enjoy!


I stay neutral during Maya's quest on Lucas as she does everything I tell her to and I could see you Lucas taking this into consideration. This is a good start, but I needed it to move faster because I only had limited time left to make sure this worked out.

Over the course of the month, Maya and Lucas hung out more and when we randomly ran into him at a bar or restaurant, I always gave him time to themselves. I don't think I've ever seen Mays so happy or in love and that, that made me happy.

Lucas and I were still close and found a common ground in keeping our personal and work life separate. Things seem to be like how it was before and strangely, it felt comforting in knowing that nothing could ruin our friendship.

OoOoOoOo

It was four in the afternoon when I finally got off work after a busy morning. I was starving and in desperate need of popcorn so, I made a quick stop at the grocery store, grabbing four boxes of the buttery goodness before heading home.

Standing right outside my door, searching for my keys, I hear the faint sound of music coming from inside of my apartment and am confused. And, maybe a little scared too.

Quickly unlocking the door and quietly making my way inside, I hear Prince coming from my stereo and see a familiar bag sitting on my end table by the door. I feel so much better knowing it's not a stranger and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as the clinking of pots and pan from my kitchen breaks me from my thoughts.

I walk around the wall to see Farkle making chaos in my kitchen and decide to have a little fun. Dropping my bag on the stool, I greet very loudly, "Hi Farkle!"

A high pitch, almost girlish shriek escapes his mouth as he whips his head around and glares at me. I give him a big smile as he walks over to my stereo and turns the music down. "What are you doing here?" Farkle finally asks, looking at me with a blank expression.

"Um, I live here," I reply sarcastically, enjoying messing with him.

He rolls his eyes, goes back to whatever's on the stove and restates, "Thank you captain obvious. What I meant to say was, why are you home already?"

"Anytime," I wink, placing my popcorn in the cabinet. "And, I'm home early because I worked another shift last night. There was an emergency and they needed all hands on deck."

"Oh. What happen?" Farkle wonders curiously.

"Major car accident. Our ER was jammed packed," I share, finally sitting down. "Now the real question is, what are you doing here?"

"Well dear Riley, I thought you could use a home-cooked meal. And, we need to talk," Farkle responds with a serious expression.

"Well dear Farkle, that's very sweet of you. And, what's going on?" I inquire.

"We'll talk later," Farkle waves off, tending to the meal. "And, since I wasn't expecting you home this early, dinner won't be ready for another twenty minutes or so. You can go take a shower and relax. I'll call you when it's ready."

"You sure? I can help if you need it?" I question, feeling like I need to help with something.

"Riley, it's fine. You just got off a double shift and deserve to rest. I got this," Farkle reassures, pushing me out of my own kitchen.

I decide on a shower, needing a release from a hard days' work and once I'm changed into a pair of yoga pants and T-shirt, I see Farkle setting the table. "Perfect timing. Dinners ready," he cheers, scooping food onto a plate.

It smells delicious and I'm beyond lucky to have someone like Farkle my life. I see a spring salad already on table and once I'm seated, a plate of chicken stir-fry with brown rice is set in front of me and I couldn't help but smile even more. Farkle knows me some well.

We talk about random stuff, work, our families and though I'm enjoying having a nice evening with Farkle, I'm anxious about what he wants to talk about. Is it good or bad? Is he in some sort of trouble? Did I forget something important?

All throughout dinner my mind is racing with scenarios as Farkle looks calm and collected. What the hell was going on?

Once we are done eating and the table is cleared, Farkle and I move into my living area and sit on the couch, facing each other as the moment has finally come. I can feel my palms start to sweat and when Farkle takes my glass of wine out of my hand, I know this isn't good. "Riley," he starts off gently, taking my hands in his. "What are you doing? Why are you doing this?"

"What are you talking about Farkle?" I reply, tilting my head in confusion.

"Don't hate me or Isadora, but she told me what you're doing. Why are you leaving?" Farkle pushes with a desperate look in his eyes.

"God, nothing stays a secret these days," I groan, pulling my hands away from Farkle. "And, you know why. I'm not talking about this with you."

"Why?" Farkle demands, a new sense of anger coming forward.

"Because I don't need you to tell me I'm stupid for doing this. That it's the wrong decision and that I'm ruining my life," I scream out, bolting up from my seat.

"Riley, I would never call you stupid. You're brilliant and a doctor for crying out loud," Farkle says in a soothing voice. "And I'm not judging you. I never have and you know that. You're one of my best friends, but what's happening is absurd. You shouldn't have to change your life to make Maya happy. God knows she wouldn't do that for us."

"I know, I know," I cry out, throwing my hands in the air. "I'm weak when it comes to you guys. And Farkle, know that I thought long and hard about this. It wasn't ideal, but when is life ever ideal, right? My change will be a good learning experience for me and everyone's happy."

"But you're not happy Riley! When are you going to realize that?" Farkle shouts. "It's like you enjoy Maya winning everything."

"I don't and you know that," I snap. "But sometimes, it's just easier to throw the towel in instead of fighting. Lucas isn't a piece of meat or prize to show off. He's a human being. And, over the past few months, when he and Maya are together, I've never seen Maya so happy, Farkle. She generally likes him."

"So do you. I told you that the first time I met him and his friend," Farkle reminds me.

"I like him in another way. And besides, our relationship wouldn't have worked out anyways. There are too many factors involved," I tell him as calm as possible.

"Riley," Farkle sighs.

"Farkle, just drop it. Please," I ask him with an exhausted expression.

"Okay, I will. But, one last question. Does Lucas know you're leaving?"

"No," I mumble, looking at my feet.

"Well, good luck," Farkle finishes with a sad smile.

I give a curt nod, but hug him anyways as this whole thing is turning into one big mess.

For The rest the night, we watch movies, eat popcorn and the amazing chocolate mousse cake Farkle made and didn't talk much because even though we knew there was so much more to say, we need to come to terms with what's happened so far. And, it's best to just leave things unsaid.

OoOoOoOo

Every time I see Lucas, Farkle's words keep replaying in my mind, reminding me that I could have this too. But, I couldn't. Not in the way I want.

As The days go by, my decision is like a weight on my shoulder and I know I had to start telling people. My first stop, Sarah.

Right after my rounds, I caught up with her at the nurses' station and we talk all the way to the locker room. "You're leaving too?" Sarah whispers in surprise.

"What do you mean too?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. "Who else is leaving?"

"Me," Sarah replies with a small smile.

"Really? When did you decide that?" I question in shock.

"A while ago," Sarah answers calmly. "It'll be good for us, you know."

"Yeah, I know," I nod. "I'm happy for you. I know you'll do great. Good luck."

"Thanks, you too!" Sarah hugs me as we go our separate ways to our lockers.

OoOoOoOo

I wait a few days before telling Dr. Parker who's sadden by my request but understands. "You did great work here Dr. Matthews. Neurology is going to miss you, but we and I, wish you the best of luck. You're going to be an amazing doctor," Dr. Parker compliments, giving me a handshake.

I thank him for everything and better about my choice, knowing this is going to work out.

When I exit Dr. Parker's office, I see Lucas and decide to tell him now, but with every step I take, my mouth gets dry and my palms start sweat. Lucas looks over his shoulder and gives me a smile as all my thoughts go out the window. 'I'll tell him tomorrow' I say to myself as I put on a fake smile and return the gesture.

We share a quick pleasantries and then go off about our business, our work being a great distraction.

OoOoOoOo

The next day, it's 5 AM and I'm too tired to think as I'm rushing to the ER for an emergency. After spending a good few hours in the operating room and then continuing on with my day, I see Lucas for a second and tell myself we'll talk tomorrow.

But, I chicken out again and just can't find myself to tell him. I mean, I know he deserves to know what happening, but every time we talk, I just can't bring it up.

My time is ticking away as I only have one week left and I kick myself for being so selfish.

Later that night as I'm angrily pacing around my living room, thinking of ways to tell him, my phone rings, breaking the conversation I'm having with myself. I look at my screen to see Maya's name flash across it as I let out a scream before entering.

She tells me about her date with Lucas and that she's actually nervous because she really wants this to work out. I calm her nerves, assuring her that she has nothing to worry about and tells her to have a great time. And that, that's the push I need.

OoOoOoOo

The next morning as I'm on a mission searching for Lucas, I come find out he and Dr. Brody are on a special case. And that, ruins my whole plan.

I try again the next day and learn that he's off for the next two days. This is a sign that the universe hates me and I can't do anything about it.

OoOoOoOo

With our schedules always up in the air, by the time I see Lucas, this is it. My last chance to talk to him. He just finished talking with a patient's family when I make my way over to him, keeping my composure. He gives me a smile that tugs at my heart as I whisper, "Do you have a second, Dr. Friar?"

He nods leisurely, gives me uncertain stare but I just smile and make my way to an on-call room. Once we're alone, Lucas' eyes lock onto mine as he tenderly asks, "Is everything okay, Riley?"

"Yes, everything's fine," I quickly assure him.

"Okay. So, what's up?" he wonders curiously, studying my face.

"A few things actually. How are you and Maya doing? I heard the two of you had a nice date the other night," I start off, needing to hear it from him.

"You brought me in here to talk about Maya?" he retorts with a raised eyebrow.

"Kind of," I shrug my shoulders casually.

"Um, okay," Lucas mumbles. "We're good. She's an amazing woman. Talented. I really like her and yeah, our date was good," Lucas answers as I can see honestly and something else in his eyes.

"That's good. And, if you like her like that much, go for it. Take it to the next level. I know you guys are perfect for one another," I urge him.

"But Riley," Lucas argues, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Lucas, it's okay. It won't be awkward for us. Just, be with Maya and be happy," I move the conversation along, wanting and needing him to understand.

"Riley, what's going on?" Lucas demands in a firm tone.

"I'm leaving Lucas. I care about the both of you and I want you guys to be happy. So, today's my last day," I murmur, feeling the rapid beating of my heart.

"Riley, you don't have to do this," Lucas voices, grabbing my hands.

I feel myself breaking and the affectionate and caring nature of Lucas right now is making this even harder. But, I need to say it before I completely lose it. I take a deep breath, slowly pull my hands out of Lucas' grip and say, "I do. But, know that my decision wasn't all based off of this. I need this. So, take care of Maya and treat her right. Goodbye Lucas."


And, there you go folks. Please, review and let me know what you think.

Thanks and until next time,

Missy xx