~ Farkle's POV ~

After knocking on Riley's window, I climbed right in.

"Farkle?" Riley sat up. Her hair was messy and her cheeks were wet. I glanced at Lucas and he gave me a nod.

I ran over to her and gave her her biggest hug that I had ever given anyone, even Smakle. My mind drifted to Smackle for a moment, missing her while she was on her vacation in Florida before my mind returned to Riley. It took her a second to process what happened before she hugged me back, nestling her head in my neck.

"Riley, can I talk to you about something?" I asked Riley. She solemnly shook her head yes as I signaled for Lucas to leave for a moment. Lucas got up and entered the bathroom. I was confused for a second before he exited with Maya. Together they climbed out the window and sat on the fire escape. It was only me and Riley now.

"Why didn't you tell anyone about this Riley? You know that we are all here for you." I continued to hug her, not letting go until she did so.

"Why didn't you?" she responded.

"What does that mean?" I asked, confused.

"Why didn't you tell us when you were getting bullied Farkle? Same reason. A bully makes you feel like a nothing." She sat up and stared into my eyes. "You should know that. But he didn't bully me for turtlenecks like he did you. You easily changed that. He… I…" She stopped. She shook her head and looked away, trying to hold back the tears.

"He what Riley? What did he bully you about? You can tell me, I promise I won't tell anyone, OK?" I looked at her and reached for her shoulder. Before I could, she stood up and walked to the mirror, staring at herself.

"Because I was perfect. Because I didn't know pain. Because I had wonderful friends that I took for granted. And now, it's all gone." She looked out the window at Lucas and Maya, sitting solemnly in the cold. "Everyone is upset and angry at me." I wanted so bad to stop her, but she needed to vent. She needed to let it out. "I lost everything. I now know what pain feels like. I am no longer happy, I am an ugly girl that no one cares about. I am nothing." The pain on her face made tears form in my eyes. She started bawling, for what I guess was the thousandth time tonight. I looked at my watch. 7:30.

I walked over to her and embraced her. She melted into my hug. "Farkle, I'm so sorry."

"For what Riley," I asked.

"For taking you for granted. For not telling you like a real friend would. For making you feel this way. For bringing back old memories. For…" I interrupted her.

"Riley, stop. You don't need to be sorry for anything. I of all people know what it is like to feel like a nothing. I know how hard it is to tell people about your bully and how hard it is to get out of the muck that they put you in." I pulled her away from me and looked into her eyes. "You are beautiful Riley, not ugly. You are a great friend, with a bunch of friends that love and support you. And most of all, you are not a nothing. You are a difference maker. I never want my quirky and carefree Riley to go away. I know she's still in there." I smiled at her. And to my surprise and pleasure, she smiled back.

(A/N: I am hoping to be able to post another chapter today but no promises. Just a reminder, to all of you creative writers out there, I am always open to ideas. I love being able to share my writing with all of you. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I know that it was filled with emotion, but I love Farkle and Riley's relationship. So, thanks again to everyone that is sticking with this story and to newcomers, welcome! I post almost every day. Keep reading!)