So originally, i was going to post this as two (or three) chapters, but since it's the 25th chapter (I'VE DECIDED TO CALL IT THE QUARTER QUELL - in honor of the H.G series) here's a REALLLYYY long one. But be warned. It's boring. Like a hella boring. Lol, enjoy xD

I love when you guys ask me questions. Makes me feel so smart xD

Guest: It's one of their last few moments because something BIG is coming. And nobody will be the same after this. Like ever. As I mentioned in the Christmas chapter, Maya DID try to tell Riley her plan, but Merissa interrupted them, remember? Um, Maybe she decided to keep it a secret after that?

WindyRowboat: Some things are better kept as a secret ;)

DuskWolf713: they wont :) Riley's good at pretending, remember?

Vacation.

"Life is so short. The only person you hurt when you stay angry or hold grudges is you. Forgive everyone, including yourself."
― Tom Giaquinto

The next five weeks to come, Riley's life was a dull mix of homework, too-cold-to-go-out-in weather, and more sadness than ever.

It wasn't the type of sadness where she could sit and cry for hours. This was more like a hollow shell inside her body. She chose to ignore everything around her, getting pissed or angry at the slightest things.

Lucas hadn't told her anything about that day, and that was the most depressing thing of all. Others included her mother drinking every night, her best friend's trip to New York ending sooner than planned, and her father getting married to the woman she hated most in this world.

Why was her life such a mess?

So when February came, the coldest month of the year, it was just her natural instinct to take a half-a-mile walk (note the sarcasm) to the coffee shop to meet Farkle and Lucas.

"I hate coffee, anyways." She muttered as she put her bag down and sat on a large white chair.

"So I've heard." Said Farkle. He ordered one cup of coffee and another of hot chocolate for her.

"Hey guys." Said Lucas's voice from behind them. As he approached them, Riley noticed that Nikki was with him too. While he was out of earshot, she asked Farkle, "Did you invite her?" Farkle shook his head.

"Nikki was free, so I asked her to come along too." Guess that answered her question. As they took their seats, Lucas asked her, "How are you, Riles?"

"Oh you know, just fudging great. After this, I'm riding the rainbow on my pony that can poop skittles. Wanna join me?" she snapped.

"Who got you panties in a twist?" he retorted. Then he muttered, "Not that I wouldn't love doing that—"

She glared at him. Farkle whispered to Nikki, "Don't mind her. She's just having a crappy day."

That was the first time Lucas brought Nikki with him. It didn't stop after that.

During the next two months, all the days blurred together. March and May passed in the blink of eye, and soon it was time for finals.

"Pass the popcorn." Mumbled Lucas, already having taken a huge bite of his donut. They were studying for finals, but Lucas was eating more than actually revising his notes.

"Why do boys do that?" Riley scrunched her nose.

"Do what?"

"Eat and speak at the same time." He chugged some juice and a fistful of popcorn.

"We're good at multitasking." He chuckled. He still hadn't told her anything about that cold day in December, and that just caused a rift in between them. That little gap further widened when Riley saw how close Lucas was getting to Nikki. No matter how much she tried to ignore the facts, her mind still told her she wasn't good enough. She would never be.

So she played along, pretending everything was fine. She still hung out with Lucas, although not as frequently. She was getting good at taking care of Auggie; since Topanga was rarely home these days.

The doorbell rang, and Lucas answered it. It was Nikki.

She smiled. "I think I left my phone here." She went to the living room, and saw Riley. "Oh, hey Riley!" If it was possible, her smile got even bigger.

"Hey, Nikki." Said Riley monotonously. "Ready for finals?"

"Meh. Somewhat. What about you?"

"Same here. 50/50"

Nikki got her phone and left. Riley tapped her pencil nervously on a page of her book. They were sitting on beanbags and balancing their books on their laps.

"I know that look." Said Lucas, sitting down next to her.

She sighed, but didn't say anything. "Riley." He whispered, kissing her hand.

"Don't ask me what's wrong. Because you already know." She said in a small voice.

"She's just a friend." He narrowed his eyes. "Are you jealous?"

She wasn't even going to try and deny it. "Of course I'm jealous, stupid! She spends all her time over here, with you. I can see the chemistry you two have. Gosh, just date her already—"

"Riley." He said in a voice devoid of emotion.

"Hmm?" She looked into his stormy gray eyes.

"Shut up." Was all he said. Not harshly. Not sarcastically either. Just shut up. "Why would I want to date her when I've already got the most beautiful, perfect girl in front of me?"

"You know that's not true."

"Ahaan." He nodded. "It is. You don't have to be pretty, Riley. You're nowhere near to perfect. But you're perfect for me. Understand?"

She didn't. "I'm not."

Lucas rolled his eyes and leaned in. "Come here." He said, before pulling her to him and kissing her.

He smiled into the kiss, and it was a long time before he let her go.

When he did, she laid her head on his shoulder. "Farkle and I are going to Texas after finals, for a week or two. I was going to invite Maya too. You in?"

She smiled for the first time in a long while. "Yeah. I'm down for it."

"I need a break." Said Topanga exhaustedly. "I'm deciding to take Auggie to California for the week. Katy's coming with us too. How long will you be in Texas?"

"Two weeks." Said Riley. "Are you sure, though? I mean, I wouldn't mind staying at home—"

"No." said Topanga. "You deserve it." She was referring to her marks. The report cards had been handed out two days ago, and Riley and her mom were both satisfied with her B+ average. The lowest she had got was a C in physics, which was still better than last year.

"Do you need a drive to the airport?" she asked.

"Nope. Lucas is going to drive us."

The next day, She was packing the last of her two small bags when the doorbell rang. It was Maya. After the usual exchange of hugs and greetings, Maya declared how happy she was to finally visit Texas. Katy was happy too, since she was getting a break from work and everything else, and got to spend a week in California.

Later that day, Lucas came to pick the girls up. "When's your flight?" Maya asked her mom.

"A couple of hours after yours."

Topanga kissed Riley on the cheek. "Have fun, honey. I'll miss you." And wrapped her in a tight hug. "Me too!" said Auggie from behind her. Riley hugged him next.

"Aw, you too, guys." She faced Auggie. "Take care of mom for me, okay?" he nodded and she ruffled his hair.

Farkle and Lucas exchanged seats in the plane so Lucas could sit next to Riley.

During lift-off, Farkle almost ended up crying, which made Maya laugh.

"Maya, don't be rude." Said Riley. She knew how it felt. She took a deep breath and a gasp left her mouth as the plane shuddered. Her hand automatically reached for Lucas's. He smiled.

"It's going to be okay." He said. She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. Her eyes closed and she fell asleep.

Lucas woke her up some time later.

"Riley," he whispered. "You want something to eat?"

She rubbed her eyes, shaking her head. "Are you sure?" he said, handing her a chocolate muffin.

"Maybe a muffin." She mumbled, taking a bite, letting the chocolate- chips melt in her mouth. "I love chocolate."

He chuckled. "I know."

Once the plane landed, they took a taxi from the airport to Lucas's house. The countryside was beautiful, like a large carpet of the brightest shade of green, with the occasional brown dotting. They saw a couple of cows, and lots of horses. Even a crystal- blue lake, which looked like it had just appeared out of a book.

It was late afternoon by the time they reached.

"Lucas!" came an all- too- familiar voice from the backyard. It was Zay, followed by Pappy Joe. Zay hadn't changed, except maybe grown a few inches. He slapped Lucas on the back.

"My, my. You guys have changed!" He hugged Maya and Riley. "You haven't either." Said Maya.

"Farkle, my man! How's New York treating ya?" He slapped him on the back too, and Farkle winced.

"Just fine." He muttered.

Pappy Joe laughed. "Leave the kid alone, Zay." He put his arm on Lucas's shoulder, exchanging words that Riley couldn't make out. Maybe Texas slang or something.

"Come in now," he said to all of them. "Zay will show you to your rooms."

Zay led them up the creaky stairs. "Only two spare. You guys will have to share." He smiled to himself, muttering, "Hey, that rhymed."

"I call dibs to sleep with Riley!" announced Lucas.

Zay smirked, whisper-asking Farkle if they had got together. Farkle nodded.

Maya rolled her eyes. "I don't need to call dibs on my best friend. Riley and I are going to be roommates." She smiled victoriously.

Lucas frowned. "I guess we should let Riley decide." He narrowed his eyes at Maya.

"Fine." Said Maya, crossing her arms.

"Riley!" they both yelled like she was a mile away.

"Yes?" she looked up, linking her arms with Farkle. "I choose Farkle." He laughed.

"No fair." Maya scowled. She turned and faced Lucas. "Flip a coin?"

Instead of answering, he took out a quarter. "Heads or tails?"

"Heads." She said.

With one quick motion, he flipped it up in the air, and landed on the back of his hand.

He grinned triumphantly. Maya's scowl deepened.

Lucas faced Riley and walked closer to her. "Guess I get to spend the night with you."

He showed her the quarter. It was tails.

Guess he won.