Shawn went home that night feeling extremely upset. He didn't know what to do about his decision. Should he stay with his current job, traveling around America, and be with Katy? Or should he go for his dream and leave for a while, putting their relationship in jeopardy? He would try the long distance thing, but after his failed attempt with Angela, he couldn't allow himself.
Katy and Maya went home angry, not saying a word to each other. They were both lost in thought, trying to come up with a solution to the problem they had. Katy thought that she really liked him, and just as she allowed herself to, he decided to leave them. Maya was thinking about how much work she'd put into this and how much she'd wanted Shawn to be her dad. He'd told her that he was a stayer, that he was like them. But he's not, Maya thought. He's leaving just like my dad. Just like everyone else.
Riley and Auggie, irritated that their parents didn't come to get them, decided to just call it a night. It was practically eight o'clock, an hour and a half after they were exiled, and they were still alone. Auggie just went to bed in his clothes, since he felt so tired that he just dropped. Riley stayed up for a little while, texting Lucas.
That sucks, Lucas was saying about the situation.
Yeah, it does. I feel really bad about Maya, Riley replied.
I do too. Hopefully Shawn will come through and choose them.
He'd better, Riley said. Or else he'll have some bad consequences from me.
I bet he'll choose right. If he's anything like what he says he is, he will.
I hope so. Well, I have to go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay. Goodnight, Riley.
Goodnight.
Riley turned off the light and went to lie in her bed. She was still furious at Shawn, but she wanted to get her mind off of that, so she thought about Lucas. They'd been on a few dates since their first one way back before the summer, and they'd been great. At least she thought they were. They didn't kiss on every date, but that was okay. Riley liked that he was respectful and didn't want to go too fast.
The only thing was that she didn't know what was going on in his head about her. He hadn't asked her on a date in about a month, and she didn't know if she'd done something wrong the last time. Should she have kissed him? Should she ask him on a date?
She was way too nervous to talk about this with him, though. They had gotten close, of course, but Riley didn't think she could talk about that personal of stuff yet. She hadn't even told Maya about her thoughts. She thought she was probably overreacting, but then her mind started coming up with all the worst possible scenarios: maybe he didn't like her like that anymore. Maybe she has bad breath. Maybe she's not a good kisser. Maybe her dad scared him too much.
After their first date, Cory had started acting a little weird around Lucas. It was like he wanted to like him (he was a good kid), but he was scared to like him, because he couldn't approve of any guy for his daughter. So Cory went through stages of icing Lucas out and then getting buddy-buddy with him. That could freak a kid out.
I need to just man up and go talk to him tomorrow, Riley said. Except I'm scared to see what he says! What if this is all in my head and everything's going great for him? Should I tell Maya about this? She could tell me if I'm crazy at least.
No, Riley thought. I have to talk to him. That's what Mom said. She said communication is the most important part in a relationship. If there's no communication, the relationship fails. So I'll talk to him. Tomorrow.
Riley took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to think of anything other than tomorrow. Her stomach was filled with butterflies, and she was really scared. Slowly, however, she fell asleep.
Cory was very stressed out about Shawn. He wanted him to make the right decision- he wanted him to be happy. He was so sick of hearing about all the bad things that happened to Shawn Hunter. For once, just once, he wanted this to work. And just when everything seemed good, it all came crashing down.
Topanga was also very stressed. Not only did she have her pregnancy to worry about, but she also had Shawn and Katy and Maya to worry about. She cared deeply about all of them, and wanted them to be happy together. They were a perfect family in her eyes. But she kept thinking that Shawn should have known to talk to Katy first- that's one of the first things you should know about having a solid relationship with someone. He'd said he wanted one, but he wasn't showing that to Katy.
The stress was really getting to Topanga after Shawn walked out the door. She could feel the anxiety in her mind, and she began to get a headache. She was sitting on the couch and saw Cory walking over to her.
"I can't believe this," Cory said.
"I know," Topanga replied.
"Finally something happens for him. Finally he's happy, and then this happens."
He sat down next to Topanga and sighed. Topanga leaned her head on his chest and sighed as well. Her head started pounding from the stress. She put her hand up to her head and crinkled her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Cory asked.
"I have a headache," Topanga said.
Cory sat her up and Topanga looked at Cory.
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently. Then he turned her around and began massaging her neck and shoulders.
"Oh, thanks, honey," she said.
"We have to help Shawn," Cory said, his mind still focused on him.
Topanga sighed and turned to look at Cory. "We can't get involved, Cory. It's his business what he does, and we're not going to intervene other than talking to them and encouraging them to make the right decision."
"Mmm hmm," Cory murmered, staring into space as he thought intently.
"Cory!" Topanga snapped.
"Huh?" Cory said, quickly looking at Topanga.
"Don't get involved!"
"Oh, you think I'll get involved? Pfft, I won't get involved! Since when have I gotten involved in things that aren't my business?" he scoffed. Topanga gave him a look.
"Alright, I probably will get involved."
"Cory!"
"What?"
"We can't. I know you care about Shawn and you care about Katy and Maya, but you need to let them work it out themselves."
"My meddling worked the first time when we got them together, didn't it?" he asked smugly.
"Cory, you didn't really do anything other than encourage Riley to start scheming," she said, rolling her eyes.
"That's not-" he began. He stopped talking and smiled at Topanga.
"What?" she asked.
"I've got an idea."
"Oh, no."
"Don't worry, you'll love it!"
"I've got an idea," Topanga said.
"What?"
"My idea is that you're not going to meddle, and if you don't, then I'll make you your favorite steak and mashed potatoes," she said, grinning. She knew she got him. There was no way he could resist his favorite food, especially since Topanga refused to tell him her recipe.
Distress took over Cory's face, and he got very frustrated.
"Three strikes and I'm out?" he said, trying to bargain.
"One strike and you're out," Topanga said.
"One strike and I'll still get the mashed potatoes?"
"Nope," Topanga said.
Cory closed his eyes and scowled, "Fine. Deal."
Topanga smiled and pecked his lips.
"Good," she said. She patted his head. "Now what are we going to do tomorrow?"
Cory looked at Topanga and almost spoke, but then stopped himself, afraid to say anything to ruin his chances of steak and mashed potatoes.
"What do you want to do?" he asked carefully.
"Hmm, what do I want to do…" Topanga said, tapping her chin.
"Oh, no," Cory said, facepalming. He couldn't believe he fell for it. Now he was scared to see what she'd say.
"I'm glad you asked," Topanga said with a grin. "Because I have the perfect plan!"
"What?" Cory groaned.
"Well, first, we're going to go shopping," she began.
That's not too bad, Cory thought.
"Then we'll eat some food. I'm not sure what kind of food I'll want, but it might be along the lines of Chinese."
"Hmm, okay," Cory said. The plan wasn't bad so far.
"Then we'll go to the spa," Topanga said, grinning.
"Oh, no," Cory groaned again.
"Oh, yes," Topanga said, smiling deviously.
"How long at the spa?" Cory asked, afraid to hear the answer.
"Just a massage and a facial," Topanga replied. "I won't make you do the pedicure this time," she said, chuckling.
Cory sighed with relief. "Then what?"
"Then we'll come home and maybe watch a good rom-com." She looked up, thinking. "I kind of want to see The Best of Me. I think we'll rent that one."
Cory made a face.
"Can't we do anything fun?" he asked.
"Oh, okay. Fun," Topanga thought again. "I've got it! We can go to the Pottery Barn!"
"Oh, yay!" Cory said sarcastically.
"But we have to have time to watch the movie. I really want to see that. But we can cuddle on the couch," she said, trying to entice him.
"Well, at least there's one thing I won't hate," he said.
Topanga gave him a look. "You asked, buddy."
"I'm just kidding, Topanga," Cory said. "I love you, and I know that no matter what we do, I'll still enjoy it because I'm with you. Plus, you've got a lot going on right now, and this day will do you some good. And at least we'll get to spend some time together. That's good." He looked at her and saw her smiling, lost in her thoughts. "So any chance there'll be time to do anything else?" he asked her, grinning.
Topanga looked up and smiled sweetly at Cory. He leaned in to kiss her and she turned her head away.
"Not a chance, suck up," she said, chuckling to herself.
This was a fun chapter to write. I hope you enjoyed it! This is where a bit of Rucas comes in!
Please review!
