9. "I saved a piece for you."

"Oh thank God," Maya said grabbing the slice chocolate cake that Lucas was holding.

It was Farkle's 16th birthday party, and Maya had forgotten his gift at home like an idiot.

She sang happy birthday to him along with everyone else and then she immediately ran out the door before she could get some cake.

As she rushed back to the party they were having in Riley's building's rooftop, she had managed to almost get run over by a car, fall into a puddle of muddy water, and tripped going up the stairs hitting her knee.

But as she ate the chocolate cake that Lucas had thoughtfully saved her, she almost forgot about the giant bruise forming in her knee and the wet muddy patch on her butt.

"Where's the birthday boy anyways?" Maya asked shoving more cake into her already full mouth.

Lucas was smiling goofily at her, and she almost wanted to make fun of him for it but she also secretly liked that he was smiling at her.

"He's geeking out with his new toy and Riley," said Lucas pointing at the two of them near a secluded part of the rooftop.

Maya watched as Farkle fawned over a brand new telescope, given to him by Riley.

Riley stood close to him as he most likely rambled on about the planets and stars.

Maya could see Riley's dreamy look from where she was standing.

"I think we've lost them to outer space," Maya said feeling strangely light and happy.

"I think they'll be happy there," said Lucas.

"So, that movie you were talking about yesterday is coming out tomorrow. Would you like to go?" said Lucas trying to sound normal despite his nerves.

"Sure, have you asked the others yet? I think Riley was planning to study with Farkle for that test next week," Maya snorted.

"Those nerds."

"Well...We could still go if they're busy," Lucas said carefully.

Maya knew it wasn't a date. Just like when Riley was sick last week and they went out for ice cream near her house and ended up hanging out in her room. Alone. With no one else there. No that wasn't a date. But Maya had no idea what it was. They just talked while Maya painted her nails.

It was nice. And new. And Maya felt nervous and warm the whole night.

And maybe she started painting her nails because she didn't trust herself to not reach out and touch him.

But they were just friends, right?

And they can spend time together.

Maya didn't have to feel guilty anymore because Riley no longer looked at Lucas like he hung the moon and Lucas no longer looks like a sad puppy when he sees Riley.

Maya knows they've both moved on.

But sometimes Maya feel like she can't move on.

Like she'll always have these feeling for Lucas and she'll never be able to get rid of them.

And now that she and Lucas keep spending more time together, it's getting increasingly harder to keep them hidden.

"Well? What do you say?" asks Lucas again while Maya feels like she's having a mental break down.

Is this a date? Maya wants to ask.

But she doesn't. Because she doesn't want to screw up whatever is happening now.

"Yeah...Sure, that'd be cool," Maya says trying to sound calm and not terrified.

"Great, I'll come by tomorrow at 7, we can catch something to eat before we watch it. We can try that new Italian place that opened near Topanga's bakery, Farkle says it's amazing," Lucas says with another goofy smile.

Maya feels herself melt.

Is this a date?

She feels tempted to ask again but she can't ruin whatever this is.

Instead, she shoves the last bit of her cake into her mouth.

"Sounds great, let's go bring the nerds back to earth so we can get this party started," Maya says with her mouth still full and then she grabs his arms so that she can drag them to where Riley is.

Back to safe territory.