A/N: "You Don't Own Me" by Grace, featuring G-Eazy, is a great song about women empowerment. Though it appears mainstream, rather than feministic, I think the song is excellent to represent an independent woman's thoughts on being with someone. Btw, this Riley is a little AU, and how I see Riley developing when older, so she is around 18 in this shot.

You don't own me
You don't own me

Riley loved being with Lucas.

However, as time went on, and more events occurred relating to their relationship, Riley questioned the truth.

Was she actually with him?

Sure, they acted like a couple sometimes.

And, yeah, Lucas got jealous when Riley was ever around another guy.

Indeed, Riley liked Lucas, and she was sure he liked her too.

Riley had decided that she was not a piece of property for Lucas to manage.

How was it fair that he was allowed to talk to whoever he wanted, but if she even stepped close to Charlie, Lucas threw a fit?

Woah, let's go
But I'm Gerald and I can always have just what I want

Lucas didn't get it.

No girl had ever shoved his affection away, especially Riley.

He was so used to her bending, in attempt to follow his every command.

What was with the change in attitude?

He was Lucas Friar.

Two best friends fought over him.

He was as strong as a horse, without even trying.

He was the golden boy.

You don't own me
I'm not just one of your many toys
You don't own me
Don't say I can't go with other boys

Riley stood her ground, talking to her friends and classmates freely.

She went out with a new student, Brandon.

He was athletic, the star of the basketball team.

Holding his position near the top of the 11th grade social classes, Brandon had swept the whole school away.

Except for Lucas Friar, that is.

"How could you!?" He bellowed.

"How could I? Lucas we aren't even together."

"Riley we have had this unofficial thing since middle school. Don't let it go now."

"Yeah, you are right, Lucas. We have been unofficial so long that I forgot we ever existed." Riley sharply replied, whipping her bangs to the right and storming off.

Don't tell me what to do
And don't tell me what to say
Please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display

Lucas couldn't believe Riley's behavior.

Riley and Lucas were accompanied by their many friends as they sat in the newest hangout.

He had seen some seniors eye Riley greedily, like a piece of meat.

Slinging his arm over her shoulder, he whispered in her ear.

"Pretend we're together, okay? I don't want you messing with those seniors."

She turned her head in astonishment. Getting out of her seat, she strutted happily over to the group of attractive males and started a conversation.

Deciding to go to a club with them, to talk further and dance, Riley quickly went over to her original table and informed her friends of the plan.

Walking backwards toward the exit, Riley mouthed some words to Lucas.

You don't own me.

Stayin' up until we see the sun
Baddest ever, I swear she do it better than I've ever seen it done
Never borrow, she ain't ever loan
That's when she told me she ain't never ever ever ever gonna be owned

Riley and Lucas had made up shortly after the incident, deciding that their friendship meant too much.

They were currently standing on the dock, close to Lucas' new apartment.

Crouching down, Riley dipped her toes in the sparkling blue water.

She sighed, glancing at the moon briefly before settling her gaze on Lucas' green orbs.

"I'm bored."

"I'm okay. Sitting here with you is enough for me." Lucas muttered.

Riley quirked an eyebrow, standing up again and stripping to her bra and panties prior to jumping in the shallow water; it was as warm as the night air.

Widening his eyes, Lucas did the same, only left in his boxers.

Stepping off the wooden dock, he closed his eyes as his body became immersed in water.

Riley had done this before, with Brandon, the summer before senior year.

They locked lips, engaging in an activity considered to be intimate.

When Lucas arose, bright eyed in remembrance of the night before, he glanced over only to see empty sheets.

I don't tell you what to say
I don't tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That's all I ask of you

Lucas ran into Riley the day after, watching her brown eyes dart to his before she rushed off, holding her coffee tightly as she continued to make her way to her job.

Running after her, he weaved through the massive crowds and pulled on Riley's shoulder once reaching her again.

"What was last night about? You can't just leave like that!"

"I have places to be and things to do Lucas. Did you expect me to drop everything for you?" Riley tilted her head.

"No, but at the least, you could've left me a note! You should apologize for being so rude."

Riley furrowed her thick brows.

"You want an apology? Well you're not going to get one. Have a nice day, Lucas."

With that, she shoved past him, once again speeding down the busy street.

I'm young and I love to be young
I'm free and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please

She bounced to the beat, closing her eyes in ecstasy as she danced.

Feeling no hands around her waist, she relished in the feeling of freedom.

She could settle down when she was ready.

People change people, and she had learned in her Sophomore year that there was no rush.

Lucas may have been her love then, but she knew that they were no CoryandTopanga.

If they were truly meant to be together, the universe would bring them together when she was ready;

and if that never happened,

oh well.

End.