Chapter 11
Disclaimer: Here it is folks, the final chapter! Oh yeah, I also own nothing but what you see here. Now, let's roll on for a big moment or two! And your quote of the day: "Scott Summers sucks!" L1701E's Kid Razor at some point.
Sunday, December 27th 2015 3:33 PM at the Matthews' Home in Philly
Christmas Day on Friday had been a most memorable occasion for everyone at the Matthews' home for many a reason. Such as Mr. Feeny's 'I love you' declaration and Shawn Hunter's news about finally settling somewhere and that being in New York for example. After the evening's good times quieted down, Farkle made a call to Isadora and told her what happened and thankfully she didn't get upset over it as she knew it wasn't his fault. Though she did promise swift retribution on the girl if she ever tried anything again with HER hunk. Which Farkle doubted he'd ever cross her path again since the girl lived in Philly while he lived in New York. Saturday would see Alan witnessing his grandson Auggie's phone call with a girl named Ava, an event that would actually have him asking Topanga if his grandson and this girl was about to be another Cory and Topanga.
The mother, wife, and lawyer had told him she was torn between hoping that didn't happen and hoping it might actually would. Since it would be their story entirely and no one else's. Alan merely told her that he looked forward to seeing how that went for the two kids. An argument between Riley and Farkle would also occur that day about her actual feelings towards Lucas in the girls' bedroom and not bothering to close the door fully since they didn't think anyone would show up while they talked. In the end, Riley told him that if he really cared about and respected her like he claims too, he wouldn't say a single word as it wasn't his place to do so but her's. She also told him in no uncertain terms that if he did utter a single word their friendship would be as good as over if he couldn't respect her wishes.
The thought of that honestly terrified Farkle Minkus more then he cared to admit and conceded to her requests. That and what she mentioned about not being his place to do also made him realize just how true that was. Farkle however honestly did think his best friend didn't know what he really wanted when it came to the girls even if Riley disagreed with the notion since the girl could tell how adamant he was being in regards to wanting friendship with her only. A tiny part of her did have a smidgen of hope however that her genius friend was somehow right however. The rest of Saturday passed onwards without a great deal happening other then getting to visit the Youth Center Frankie and Joey ran.
Seeing Janitor Harley's sister Theresa in action with the kids there also wound up giving one particular person a notion they would consider more about later on in the future. A little forecast watching also told the New York bunch that Sunday would likely be the best time to head on back home before things got nasty out on the road even more. Which brings us to Sunday and more than one person was sad about having to leave as well. Maya had decided she wanted a talk with Josh before they left since the girl wasn't exactly sure when she would see him again in the Big Apple. Knocking on Uncle Boing's door, she didn't have long to wait for him to yell out an invitation. Smiling, she went inside the nicely warm room and quickly saw that he was laid out on his bed while reading a book.
"Hey there Uncle Boing." Called out the girl as she sat down next to him on his bed.
Carefully marking his place, Josh put the book down and gave a certain Gorgeous Ferret his undivided attention. "Hey there yourself, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Asked the teenager in a slight raspy voice that was slowly getting better thanks to his medications.
Maya shrugged and twirled a loose strand of her hair. "Oh, you know, had to come see my future husband before I went back home."
Josh chuckled over that while honestly hating the differences in their ages to an extent as she was just one heck of a girl. "A good reason as any other." Heck, he would have been surprised if she hadn't of come to visit him before leaving!
"That it is, that it is. You know what occurred to me recently though?" Her question had Josh curious on that.
"No, what?"
"Oh, like the fact you didn't get me a ring and profess your undying love for me on Christmas. Or even kiss me for that matter. Which really makes a girl like me wonder if her man has any serious intentions for her."
He went wide eyed over all that as she quirked an eyebrow at him. "In my defense, I was sick! And come on, me kissing you while I'm sick? Seriously not a good idea Ferret."
"But til death do us part and all that right? In sickness and in health?" Seriously now, get with the program Joshy boy!
"I uhh… Well you know… Lack of money to afford that… And wait, why am I even talkin' about that!?" He asked incredulously as he realized what he was doing and making Maya burst into a fit of laughter.
Laughter he honestly liked hearing if he was being honest with himself. Whoa now, falling for her is not what you want to do. Even if a part of him did think it would be nice.
Once her laughter ended, she looked at him seriously and Josh couldn't help but wonder what the girl was thinking while looking so serious. "What's on that mind of yours Art Girl?"
As seriously, that nickname fit her after she had given him that sketch she made while he was in the hospital. Said sketch now proudly having a spot on his wall. Maya couldn't help but smile softly over that name even as it sent a small thrill through her that he had come up with something like that just for her. He seriously makes me so sappy.
A fact that would have to be well hidden so as not to damage her reputation! Then again, where Josh was concerned that might not be such a bad thing. "You being in the hospital scared me. A lot. I honestly haven't been that scared since I was a little girl, only this felt a lot worse. Like… I might never see you again kind of worse."
To say he was surprised by the girl's words was an understatement. Heck he honestly had just thought she had an over the top crush on him but hearing what had just been said was starting to make him think otherwise now. Josh didn't say a word as he moved to sit next to her and wrap an arm around her. A move Maya greatly appreciated as she was starting to feel a little emotional and even leaned into him. "That didn't happen okay? It was thanks to you that I was taken to the hospital in time. Which by the way? That kinda makes you my hero ya know?"
Maya looked up at him in surprise over that one. Never did she ever think anyone would consider her their personal hero and yet her crush did and it was just huge for her. "I never thought someone would say that to me of all people." She told him shakily.
The fact she seemed to honestly believe that bothered Josh and he'd have to have a talk with his niece and her friends about that in regards to the girl next to him. "Well now someone has and I'm gonna think about you like that for a long time to come."
The sincerity in his words made her believe him too. A little idea then popped into her head and it made her start to grin at him, an action that had him wondering what was up. "So… Since I'm your hero and all, doesn't that mean as the hero I get a kiss now?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Whoa! Let's not get ahead of ourselves now! I know I said I would start trying to look at ya differently, but I still have a thing about the age difference." He got a shake of the head and an eye roll from the girl in return.
"Oh please, what's 3 or 4 years when it comes to you and me? I honestly doubt anyone we know would even care since its not like you would hurt me on purpose or anything like that."
"I think that Lucas kid you're friends with would care actually."
A sigh escaped Maya as she knew he had a point there. "He might, but things with him is… Well... Kind of complicated and I don't want complicated. Complicated is confusing and potentially hurtful for not only me in the whole thing."
"Then uncomplicate it as its only as complicated as you allow it to be. Besides, do ya really want to be with me just cause its easier for you? I doubt that would turn out well for either of us and some things worth the complications if its what you really want."
The Blonde Beauty had to admit he had a darn good point but a part of her wanted something that would be easy. But if that happened, she would no doubt be denying herself something that could be great. But until Riley got herself straightened out where the Cowboy is concerned, there wasn't really anything she could do. Unless of course she went and dated other guys but other then Lucas and Josh, there really wasn't any other guy who interested her and Farkle was more like a little brother to her then a romantic interest. And Zay was just too hung up on that Vanessa girl and dating him would probably cause issues between him and Lucas and that's the last thing she wanted to wind up doing. Occasional bout of trouble she liked to cause but that's one bit of trouble she didn't want anything to do with.
Her silence gave Josh the impression he had definitely gotten her to thinking about what he'd said. Which to him was a really good thing in his view as he didn't want her to make a mistake she might regret. Even though a part of life was making mistakes and learning from them but this was one he wouldn't mind helping prevent from happening if at all possible. Yeah, he liked her, heck it was hard not to as she is a pretty great person to know despite how she acts towards him. But actual feelings that went beyond friendship? They didn't seem to be there in his view. Though whether or not he was denying that was another thing entirely.
"And I'm not gonna lie to ya, I like ya, but actual feelings beyond friendship? I'm sorry but they aren't there and it would be nice if they were cause you deserve a good guy to treat ya right like you deserve."
It hurt to hear him say how he felt, but Maya was glad he was at least being honest about how he felt. Heck, it was more then what she'd heard from Lucas at any rate aside from that almost kiss and the physical contact being any sort of indicator about his feelings. "Thanks for bein' honest with me Uncle Boing. It hurts a little but its better then being lead on or kept in the dark."
Josh nodded. "Honesty is the best policy and lying or keeping quiet where you're concerned wouldn't be all that right." Jeez, he's gonna make some girl very happy one day with the way he is.
Maya stood up and took a few steps before turning back to him. "Guess I'll see ya around Uncle Boing."
"Once I'm all rested up and get the chance to be out that way, you definitely will." He promised her with a smile.
Giving a smile of her own, she looked back towards the doorway and took another step. You know… They say you only live once. Thought the artist before impulsively turning back and walking back to Josh.
Something that surprised the older teenager since he thought she was leaving. What happened next surprisd him even more as she laid one heck of a kiss on him! A kiss he unexpectedly found himself returning. Unknown to the two as they started to get into the kiss, one Lucas Friar saw the whole thing happen. The sight was enough to make him feel angry, hurt, and crushed all at once and he left without a single word and didn't stop til he was out of the house. The former Texan would have kept going too if it wasn't for Deanna Feeny stopping him with a single 'Hey' as she'd been leaning up against the wall next to the doorway.
"Oh, hey Kentucky." His greeting wasn't as enthusiastic as it could have been considering what he'd just seen but he didn't think he could be blamed for that.
And it was something Deanna picked up on too pretty quickly. Stepping away from the wall and towards him, she cocked her to the side with a look of concern on her face. "You okay Tex? Cause ya look like ya lost your puppy."
A chuckle escaped from him but he didn't smile. "Its… Nothin'. Just a realization is all."
Somehow, the blue haired wonder doubted that but had the feeling he didn't want to be pushed on the matter. "Oh? Those are always fun to have." Lord knows it helped her mom where her dad was concerned when it came to his ways...
"Heh, tell me about it. But thanks for the concern."
"Anytime, after all you're good people. Not to mention a darn good kisser." Added the girl with a smile and a wiggle of her eyebrows.
Something that honestly made him blush despite his feelings over that kiss between Maya and Riley's uncle! "Aww, so cute when you blush! And just so ya know? I'm glad I caught you before you left as I wanted to give you my number since we seemed to connect pretty nicely." And it'd be kind of a shame in her opinion of that connection was ignored, even if they never actually got together but the phone calls and maybe the occasional trip his way would be nice.
"Ah'd reckon we did connect quite well Kentucky." Replied Lucas while using a little of that Southern twang playfully.
He took the slip of paper from her and stuffed it into his pocket for safe keeping. "Maybe with that number of mine we can keep on doin' that." Said the girl as she stepped up to him and liking the fact he didn't step away.
Though a certain Riley Matthews was watching the whole thing and looking quite put out. Farkle, who was nearby groaned internally as he knew this might get ugly. This might be the 'Boop' incident all over again! And man had that been awfully embarrassing for not only himself, but Riley as well!
"Ah'd be open to that idea." Lucas softly told her and the two met in a kiss and the former Texan native pushed away the stab of guilt he had over it in relation to Maya.
Its obvious where her heart lies, so why should I feel guilty?
The kiss sent Riley's jealousy into overdrive and she marched towards them while the adults and Auggie watched it all with curiousity written all over their faces. Just as she got to them, the two parted with little smiles on their faces. "Hey! Just what do you think you're doing kissing him!? Do you not remember our talk the other day!?" She knows she sure does! Even if she is trying to repress the memory of what else happened during that talk…
Deanna, instead of being annoyed was more amused then anything else. Lucas on the other hand was of the annoyed kind. "Riley! I don't think what Kentucky and I just did is really any of your business." Admonished the teenager as hello! He still remembers what she'd told him in Texas even though he had later shut down the whole brother/sister thing between them.
Well, Auggie did and he pretty much finished it. Riley looked at him in shock over that one. "Of course its my business! Especially if it has to do with my best friend!"
Lucas sighed in slight annoyance. "Look, Maya is a big girl and can handle herself just fine okay? She doesn't need you to look after her."
The brunette would have protested very strongly at that but Deanna chose to cut in next. "Tex is right Bambi. And I don't just mean about Blondie either." A grin then appeared on her face and if Riley wasn't so worked up she probably would have felt a little nervous about it.
"Besides, are you really sure its about her you're worried about? Are you jealous its him I'm kissin' and not you?"
Ol' Huckleberry looked at the blue haired wonder in slight confusion over what she was even talking about. "What!? No! I'm not, I'm not jealous at all! Why would I be? I like boys, not girls!"
"Hey, its okay if you aren't sure about that kind of thing. I mean you're young and still learnin' about yourself so its okay to be confused about certain things. Heck, you probably haven't even had your first kiss yet!" Soothed Deanna as she placed a hand on Riley's shoulder in consolation.
Riley gaped at the girl as Lucas continued to look on in confusion over the whole thing as even looking towards the adults didn't seem to help much! "Yes I have! Lucas was my first kiss! Because I kissed him first!" Exclaimed the brunette unhappily.
Deanna was certainly impressed by that! "Wow, go you with the girl power there!"
She raised her fist up for a fist bump but the other girl clearly had no intention of returning it. She aimed it at Tex but he backed away after getting a glare from Riley. "Sorry Kentucky, but I have no desire to get her anymore worked up then what she already is."
"But I bet its cute to see though! I mean its obvious she's already pretty cute as is." She then gave a wink to Riley who was gaping once again over the action as she just wasn't sure at all if the girl was being serious or not with what she was doing.
Deciding to stir the pot up even more as the former Kentucky native knew the brunette clearly has feelings for her favorite Tex even though she was fighting against her and Tex in supposed honor of Blondie. And sure, it might be true but that girl could clearly fight her own battles and most likely would speak up if she had any issue with her trying something with the guy near her. Not that there hadn't been an opportunity or two for the girl to do so but never did due to a few various reasons. "Hmm… Bambi, I bet you are a great kisser. What would you say Tex?"
"Well I can safely say it was unexpected."
He got a glare for that and backed up with his hands raised up in a defensive gesture. "But it was nice!" Placated the young man.
"Nice! Nice!? Is that all you can say!? Unexpected but nice!?" Ohh she was not happy!
Shawn could be heard muttering to Katy that the boy had done it now and she couldn't help but agree with that. Cory was getting ready to intervene and was about to wish he had too a lot sooner! "I'll show you nice Lucas! And it'll be WAY better then her kiss!"
Riley marched over to Lucas, grabbed his head, and laid one heck of a kiss on him! Something that took both Shawn and Stuart to keep Cory from coming after Lucas even though he wasn't the one to start the kissing! Farkle facepalmed himself as his fear of another 'Boop' incident had been realized. Deanna was honestly surprised the girl had done what she did! Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit! I done fired her all up!
Seconds later the kiss ended and Riley looked towards Deanna with an expression that was awfully cute on the girl in the blue haired wonder's opinion. Deanna couldn't help but whistle in apprecation. "Good Lawd Bambi! Done took my breath away with that!" She knew she was likely laying it on a bit thick but she couldn't help it!
Lucas couldn't even say a single thing as he was just too stunned by the action! Something Deanna noticed too after taking a look at him. "Looks like I'm not the only one who's breath ya took darlin'! Lawd knows I probably could learn a thing or two from ya and I know I'm always willin' to learn right quick if the teacher looks all cute like you do."
She gave a little wink to Riley who definitely wasn't too happy with that! "I'm sorry, but I won't be teaching you anything!" Gosh, this girl was freaking her out!
The blue haired wonder was about to say something to do that when Maya herself made herself known at that point in time. "What are we not teaching exactly? Cause school's not back in just yet ya know."
"Not sure I'd agree with ya there Blondie." Spoke up Deanna with a small smirk, though she couldn't help but wonder what had the girl all flustered like.
Maya wondered what she meant by that but then the sight of ol' Ranger Rick himself caught her interest instead. "Hey Sundance, you okay over there?"
The teenager blinked a few times before shaking his head and looking at the three girls in front of him on at a time. The sight of Maya brought back his funk from moments ago, the sight of Riley was all sorts of confusion thanks to that gosh darned kiss, and the pleased look Deanna had just didn't help with the confusion any. He started to try and say something but nothing would come out, which honestly made Maya a bit concerned about her favorite Huckleberry. Finally, one thing did come out though. "Gah!" And with that, he rushed off and quickly got inside his momma's car, stuffed some ear buds into his ears, and started to play some music from the selection he had on his phone.
Why are girls so darn confusin'!? Thought the young man who was about as lost as a fisherman at sea with no lighthouse to guide him home and no stars to use either.
Deanna was mildly concerned over that and hoped he would be okay after all that had happened. Turning to the two girls still with her, she spoke up in a cheerful voice. "Well! I reckon I'll see y'all again in the future if its a willin' to happen. Hope ya stay real cute like Bambi." And with a wink towards Riley who honestly at that point wanted to stay away from the girl and her intentions towards her, Deanna made her exit back over to her uncle's place.
Though Maya was honestly confused by the whole thing. Was Blue flirting with Riley!? An action that clearly her best friend wasn't responding towards all that well it seemed if that was actually the case.
Shrugging it off, the artist figured it was nothing to really worry about. Placing a hand on her best friend's shoulder and getting an odd reaction from Riley over it til she realized who was touching her. Maya smiled at her to show it was okay. "Come on Honey, let's go home."
And that was a notion Riley could happily get behind! I think… I think that girl like likes me! Never did she ever think something like that would happen to her!
But to home they went, and Riley would have to listen to her dad rant a little over the lengths boys would go too to get a kiss from a girl. Something that would have both her and her mom rolling their eyes over. Other then the thing with Deanna and uncle Josh's trip to the hospital, this truly was a Christmas to remember in the Pretty Brunette's mind and she couldn't wait to see what happened next!
Author's Notes: Here it is my good peoples! I certainly hope this was worth the wait! Thanks a ton to all of you for the reviews, favorites, and follows as it has meant a lot to me! Now there will be more to come, so no worries there. And it might be next week when you guys get to see it as I'm gonna try and have a few chapters wrote out before uploading them for y'alls reading pleasure.
The next story will be a lot longer and I can certainly promise that the next story is gonna be a bit on the explosive side after certain events from this fic come to light! And that's only the start to what I have in mind for Riley and the gang. So see you all soon in what I like to call 'Grabbing Life By The Horns.' R and R and thanks once again for all the great support!