Chemistry:

Noun (u) / ˈkɛmɪstri/

The pull you don't deny when your lips touch

"I think I've found a new favourite thinking spot." Maya states as she clinks her beer bottle against mine. After managing to sneak past Ms. Hills we walked to a nearby 711, buying a case and a bag of chips. Maya insisted that I choose where we go, so we end up sitting on the fire escape outside my bedroom window.

"I'm glad you like it." I swing my legs as they hang over the edge, taking a sip of my drink. "It makes me itch for my sketchbook." I hear the longing in her voice and I pass her bag to her. She pulls out the object and I busy myself by watching the people who pass below us. The sky is a startling blue and I lose myself in the point where the horizon meets the trees. Everything is bathed in sunlight. I feel invincible. "It's a lovely view, isn't it?"

"It sure is." Maya replies and when I turn my head I find that she's not looking outwards, but rather at me. I smile coyly as I shake my head, turning back towards the view. The sound of pencil against paper blends in with the traffic below and becomes an urban lullaby. I lie back, throwing an arm over my eyes and scooting back so only my feet are on the edge. I couple moments later I feel Maya join me.

"What about your drawing?" I turn my head and move back slightly, the distance between us being less than what I imagined. "I'll finish it later." She grins at me and her smile rivals the sun. Our current position brings back memories from the party and the words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them, "Are we ever going to talk about what happened that night?"

She turns to me, puzzled, before understanding dawns on her. "Riley-" I cut her off, sitting up "I get it. You don't feel the same. I'm sorry I brought it up. But the least you could do is tell me, you know?" I chew on my bottom lip, looking off into the view, "Instead of pretending it didn't happen and leaving me to try interpret your signals."

She lets out a small laugh, a huff of confusion. "Riley, I'm sorry. I didn't bring it up because I thought that's what you wanted. Are you saying it wasn't just the alcohol that night?" I don't meet her gaze, she takes my hand in hers and continues, "Riles, I don't know what you feel, but I know what I do."

I turn my face towards her as she shifts towards me. "And what is that?" I question, her face inches from mine. She doesn't answer. Instead she places her hand on the base of my neck and pulls my face towards hers.

We are not interrupted this time. My hands place themselves in Maya's hair as her lips move against mine. Every single thought in my head fades. I forget about how we should both be in class right now. I forget that if my parents find out I'll be skinned alive. I forget about the reason we're here in the first place. I forget about all my doubts about Maya. It's all flown out of my mind.

In its' place remains the feeling of her lips, her taste. Her body under my hands, her scent filling up my nostrils. I inhale deeply, absorbing her like a drug. My heart pounds but I don't dare break away, not wanting the moment to end. She smiles, our lips bumping together as she lets out a soft laugh. She looks at me for a moment, eyes sparkling with emotion before leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss onto my lips. "We'd better head back, huh?"


I'm still gleaming with the victory of getting away with something, even a week later. We had managed to get back just before end registration, so as far as the school knew, we were there the entire day. We may have given it away ourselves though; constantly giggling like children who stole biscuits from the cookie jar and didn't get caught. Our friends were rightly confused, but we brushed away their concerns, being as vague as possible.

We decided not to tell everyone about what happened earlier that day. I wonder if Maya wanted this because she was embarrassed. Don't be an idiot Riley. If Maya was ashamed to be seen with you she wouldn't have kissed you. I blush in remembrance. That kiss...

It automatically begins to replay in my head. Her body pressed up against mine, hands in her hair. Her skin, her lips, her scent. Her. "Yo Riley?" Zay snaps his fingers in my face, pulling me back into real time. "Are you listening?" I blush furiously at being caught in the middle of my musings and stutter before Farkle cuts me off, "I'm inviting you guys to a Christmas party at my place."

My eyes widen. In all the time that we have been friends, Farkle has never invited us to the annual Minkus Christmas party. I've heard it's insane, drunk rich business men and plenty of powerful people looking for a good time. "Wow, and here I was thinking you were ashamed of us." Lucas drawls out playfully. Farkle rolls his eyes towards the ceiling, "You know that's not why I've never invited you guys."

"Why haven't you?" questions Smackle, turning her calculated gaze towards Farkle. "It's just a whole bunch of rich snobs showing off their money. I honestly didn't think you'd want to be there." "So why the sudden change of heart?" Maya pipes up from her seat. "My father asked me to bring my friends this year." He shrugs, taking a gulp of his drink, "He apparently has an announcement that he wants us all to be there for."

It is snowing in Manhattan, a startling change from the recent heatwave. We should really start taking better care of this climate change situation. I watch the snow fall outside my window, lacking the desire to get out of bed. The sight is suddenly blocked from view by a petite blonde who waves at me enthusiastically. Her cheeks are flushed and her blonde locks are flowing from underneath a beanie, steadily being covered by snow. She is so adorable.

She tugs the window open, a blast of cold air coming through as she climbs into my room. "Hey there honey." She smiles fondly at the sight of me bundled in blankets. She observes me for a second and sees that I'm not planning on moving anytime soon. She removes her coat and trimmings and climbs in with me. I shift over in the bed as she wraps her arms around me, absorbing my warmth.

I bury my face into her neck and sigh deeply, knowing we can't stay like this too long. Sooner or later we have to get up and meet Smackle at the mall. We're all going dress shopping for the Christmas party, the theme this year being formal. Is it too early to cancel? I lift my head up to look into Maya's eyes. Her eyeline flickers to my lips as she shifts closer. I pull my head forward and attach my lips to hers, moulding into her body.

We spring apart at the knock on the door. A second later the door swings open to reveal my mother. Her eyes glaze over the two of us lying in bed and she smiles warmly. "I made pancakes, if you guys are hungry." "We'll be out in a minute mom." I reply, sending her my best inconspicuous grin. She sends me a puzzled look but shrugs it off, closing the door softly behind her. I let out a silent breath of relief. That was close.


"Do people really find it necessary to spend hours searching for a dress they're going to wear once?" Smackle asks doubtfully, sifting her hand through the waterfall of hanging formalwear. I chuckle, not really understanding it myself. "Well, I don't know about you," Maya replies, grabbing a nearby dress and examining the price-tag, "But for this price, I'm going to be wearing it for the next decade."

I look at the dress in her hands: A red lacy number with mid-sleeves and a halter neckline. "You have to try that on." I insist, already pushing her in the direction of the dressing rooms despite her protests. I can hear Smackles' laughter as I push Maya into a stall. "Put it on. Now." I demand, closing the curtain swiftly, leaving no room for refusal. She groans but the sound of clothes hitting the floor soon follows. I smirk, leaving to find Smackle and continue the quest for dresses.

I stumble into a stall, arms laden with various dresses. "Maya! How are you still in there?" Mumbles sound from her dressing room and I decide to take matters in my own hand. I march up to her dressing room and demand she comes out. She mumbles something about me being bossy, but proceeds to pull the curtain open and step outside the cubicle.

My throat dries up as I take in the figure-hugging dress. I'm not going to make it to the end of my senior year. Smackle peaks her head out of her cubicle and gives Maya a once-over, "You look, by all conventional beauty standards, gorgeous." Maya gives her an awkward smile, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

"You have to get that dress." I manage to stumble out, my eyes shamefully revelling in the sight. She shakes her head, eyes cast to the floor, "There's no way I could afford it." "I'll get it for you." I reply without thought. Her eyes widen and she begins shaking her head again, tossing her blonde locks around, "I can't let you do that."

"I want to," I state, settling my hands on her forearms, "Consider it a best friend thing." "Even best friends have limits Riles." I scrunch up my nose as I smile, "There are no limits to us." She opens her mouth to protest, but I shoot her a look that makes her close it. She retreats back past the curtain, her mouth drawn into a thin line. I return to my own cubicle and begin filtering through my options.

I end up picking a floor-length dress with a white bodice and light pick mermaid skirt. After much pushing from Maya and I, Smackle goes with a black open-backed dress. We head to the counter and purchase our items, wincing slightly at the price. "Oh god, we are wearing these dresses to prom okay?" Smackle states as she grabs her bag, "I can't do this again."


"Alright," I begin, addressing the group of people before me, "I'm sure you are all aware what time of the year it is." Groans sound from around the table. Maya looks around, not knowing the reason for everyone's annoyance. "I am happy to announce this year's secret santa!"

"Is it too late to run?" Lucas whispers, peering past where I stand. "What's going on?" Maya questions. "Every year Riley forces us to pick names out of a special box. You give a gift to the person you get." Farkle answers, looking ready to bolt himself. "What's so bad about that?" Maya asks.

"It goes horribly wrong every year." Smackle replies, lying her head on the table. "It does not!" I frown at their lack of enthusiasm. "Really?" Zay deadpans, "Because I seem to remember Smackle tackling me to the ground quite clearly." He rubs the back of his head at the memory. Smackle snaps her head up, palms slapping onto the table. "You bought me a dildo and a 'How to please your man, in ten easy steps' pamphlet!"

"It was a joke!" He cries, hands automatically moving to shield her face as Maya bursts into laughter. I calm everyone down, pulling the infamous box out of my bag. "It is time." I state, sitting the box on the table with an air of finality. Lucas attempts to make a run for it, but I grab him by the collar and shove him back into his seat.

The box is passed around the table solemnly, each person receiving the box as if it contains a deadly plague. I role my eyes at the dramatics, taking the box myself and pulling out a slim piece of paper. I unfold it, reading the printed name. Isadora Smackle. I keep my face completely neutral, giving nothing away as I pass the box to Maya. Let the games begin.


AN: * hides behind chair *

Okay so I know I'm a day lateeee... but it's cool riight?

I made them make-out tho, so I think that makes up for it

Enjoy!

Q: coffee or energy-drinks?