Chapter 24

"And he cuffed you?" Farkle asked, laughing and wiping a tear from his eye.

"Yes Farkle, he did. I don't know why you're laughing so hard, it's really not funny, like at all." Maya answered, punching him in the arm.

"Well the good thing is, you said everything you wanted to say and got it all out of your system, right?" Riley asked, twirling Maya as they walked.

The trio were on their way to the art gallery. Maya had finished her paintings on time to submit them and had invited Riley and Farkle to the show so she could share her art with her friends. Lucas had also been invited but for obvious reasons, he was now off the list.

"Yes Riles I told him everything I wanted to tell him. I feel better and now my only priority is this art show and you guys. I never congratulated you guys on getting together by the way, congrats you two, I'm happy for you guys." She said with a sincere smile.

"Thanks Peaches, I know you are." Riley answered, giving Maya's hand a light squeeze.

"But if you do anything to my girl, I will kill you." She said, turning her head and eyeing Farkle carefully.

This startled Farkle a bit making him tense up. One never really knew with Maya. Of course she wasn't going to kill him but she was serious when she was talking about Riley. Both girls cared about each other and they would do anything to help and protect each other as well.

They made it to the building and Farkle opened the door so they could walk in with Farkle following close behind. This was Maya's turf, she belonged here and her face proved it. She was happy, there was a special glint in her eyes and Riley couldn't help but smile at her best friend and be proud at what she had accomplished. She just wished Lucas was here to share this moment with Maya but sadly, he wasn't. Riley knew her best friend, even though she said she was done with Lucas, she knew deep down that Maya still loved him. She would catch her going through her phone and scrolling through the pictures they had taken together. The little things, Riley noticed.

"Ok people, let's go!" Maya announced, clapping her hands together.

This made Riley jump and shake away all of her thoughts. She pulled Farkle closer and followed Maya as she led the way into the gallery.

"There are refreshments and appetizers over there." Maya said, pointing to a table. "Please don't touch the art. I don't want you to break anything Farkle."

Farkle put his hands up in the air and looked around the room. "That was only one time!"

"Anyway, look around, eat and enjoy each other's company. I'm gonna be talking to all the reps and hopefully, I'll get positive feedback."

"You will Peaches. You're amazing and so is your art." Riley said, pulling Maya into a hug. "Now go get'em my fierce amazon warrior."

Riley watched as Maya left and began talking to everyone. She watched as people got close to her paintings and Maya explained the meaning behind them. She watched as she used her hands to explain the pieces and as she smiled a real geniune smile, the first geniune smile she had seen in days and lastly, she watched and admired as people congratulated her and gave her a light pat on the shoulder. Maya would sometimes turn around and signal that things were going great, giving Riley a thumbs up sign. Her best friend was happy and Riley was happy for her best friend.

"She's doing great Farkle. Look at her, she looks so happy!"

"She does. This is her place ya' know? She blends in easily, she loves it Riley. Her art is everything to her, after you of course." Farkle answered, giving Riley a kiss on the cheek.

"I just wish Lucas was here so they could share this experience together. They've always supported each other and it feels weird that he's not here."

"I know, it's always been the core four and now..." Farkle said, caressing Riley's cheek.

Their moment was cut short when Maya approached them with a smile from ear to ear.

"Done! I got positive feedback and alot of buyers." She said, her eyes lighting up.

They both head out and go back to their apartment. Farkle is spending the night again, but Maya doesn't mind. Riley is happy and that's all she cares about.

On The Roof

"Maya, you gonna be ok up here?" Riley asks, grabbing her blanket and heading to the door.

"Sure, go ahead Riles, I just need some air."

Maya watched as Riley disappeared and she got a bit more comfortable, snuggling into her blanket. She watched the people cross the streets and the way the lights flickered in the buildings. She suddenly heard a noise but didn't mind it, it was probably Riley anyway.

"Riley?" Maya asks curiously.

"Nope, Huckleberry." Lucas responds, with a smirk on his face. Was he crazy? Did he not remember everything he did, everything he caused?

"Lucas what are you doing here?"

"Lucas?" He asks, getting closer and taking a seat next to her.

"That's your name isn't it?" She asks, rather mockingly.

"Well, yeah, but you rarely ever call me by my name. You always call me names remember?"

Of course she remembered, but always didn't always mean forever. She gets up and starts looking around. "You shouldn't be here. I don't want you here."

"I don't want to fight, I just came to congratulate you. Farkle told me you sold your pieces, I'm proud of you Maya."

"Thanks. You can go now."

He does and Maya can't help but be upset. How could he do this? How could he do this to her and then show up one day and act like nothing happened? Letting out a deep breath, she grabbed her blanket and went inside. Sleep. She needed sleep. She had had a long day and Lucas coming made her want to end it. So she went inside and closed her door.

Hey guys, this story is almost over. What would you like to happen next?