Boy was today a big ordeal.

Talk about D-R-A-M-A!

I mean honestly! Not only did I have to deal with Missy's dramatization about how terribly she has it, Charlie may or may not have feelings for me. Lucas definitely has feelings for me, Auggie is in a love – hate relationship with Lucas right now since he's blaming him for why I got hurt. That was a big argument.

It isn't Lucas' fault, and it wasn't Charlie's. Missy chose to act like a child and pout because things weren't going her way. Yes, Lucas broke up with her but she had Charlie. And if she wasn't out to get me then she would have focused on her relationship more thus, they probably wouldn't have broken up. It's all hypothetical of course but, honestly I'm in this situation because of what Missy was planning in her head when she confronted me this morning.

I wouldn't take it back, I would still defend Lucas and I'd probably still punch Missy should she have said that again. My heart was in the right place I just handled it wrong. Now the whole school knows what happened to me, I couldn't help it I just started rambling and it slipped out. I never wanted anyone to find out about the party, and if it were my choice I would have wanted her to confront me away from gossiping mouths. This will be gold for at least 3 weeks – when I can get this cast off.

Well not a cast, a splint. Apparently Dr. Austin is a family friend of Charlotte – Mrs. Gardner – and he stopped by to check on me. He informed me that I don't have a cast, it's a splint. And I technically didn't break anything it was a fracture in my metacarpal at least that's what he informed me of when I said I 'broke my hand'. So in 3 weeks it should be as good as new and I can get this off. He was really nice and wrote me a doctor's note should I choose not to go to school tomorrow. I haven't quite decided, depends on how I'm feeling and according to Aug, I look pretty terrible.

So that's nice.

At least he's honest.

I'd say all in all I'm taking today in great stride. The next thing to do is to answer the phone. I've ignored my grandparents, so they called Auggie and covered for me saying not to come over because I'm sleeping and Lucas was here to help. But right now my parents are calling. Charlotte apparently talked to my minister who somehow informed the pastor who is on the mission trip with my parents and now I'm here. Staring at my phone, I swear my face is ghostly white and I'm terrified. Lucas takes it from my hand and slides the green phone to the right, placing it on speaker he smiles. "Mr. and Mrs. Matthews good evening. Or is it good morning where you are?"

"LUCAS!" Ugh, my mom. She's so scary when she wants to be, "we all know you're a charming young man! Enough with the pleasantries and put my daughter on the phone!"

Lawyer Topanga is out and about, "Hi mom." I breathe out as a wide eyed Lucas passes me my cell, now scarred for life.

"Riley, explain what happened this instant." No argument there. So I tell her everything, and at this point I'm so sick of this story. I've heard it enough, even the modified version that leaves out Bentley. I've lived it, heard it, repeated it and now I'm over it.

At some point in this conversation my father had taken over the phone. "So what I'm hearing is boys caused this?"

Auggie nods and I shake my head as if they can actually see us. Lucas fiddles with his thumbs, that's how he feels. "No, everyone is responsible for their own actions. Missy came to confront me, she didn't need to slap me or spit on me. Just as I didn't need to punch her. It wasn't the right thing to do, but I take responsibility for punching her and that's why I have in school suspension for a week."

I hear my father and mother both sigh, "Riley we're proud that you're taking responsibility for what you did. That's the mature daughter we raised but pumpkin, what did your mom tell you about fighting?"

Laughing to myself, it was all a big joke. "If I'm going to fight do it off campus." Knowing I'd never so much as raise a hand to anyone, it was hilarious. Ever since then when I say I want to 'strangle someone' that I go to school with, that's the remark my mother makes. "I'll remember that for next time."

Our conversation carries on like normal, Auggie talking to them most of the time and him telling my parents how awful I look. I don't know if he's intentionally trying to hurt Lucas or if he's just a 10 year old boy who doesn't know any better. I hope for the latter but he's smart, "take the day off of school tomorrow pumpkin. You won't be punished this time Riley, because I think ISS is about as bad as it gets for you." Am I that much of a nerd? "And I will be having a talk with our good for nothing principal."

"I think Uncle Jon handled that already. He left our place quickly to go get him… again." Instantly giggling, I wish I would have been conscious for that.

Yet another reminder that today has been tiring. "I'm sure he did." Topanga chuckled, "Riles do we need Uncle Shawn or your grandparents to come stay? You can't cook or clean or do laundry."

Emerald orbs widen beside me, stifling my laugh I decline. "It's one hand. I can do things one handed, except write with my left that's… hard. Either way, Uncle Shawn is busy running around the world. Grandma and grandpa have work on the opposite side of town. Besides, Charlotte is around, all of my friends but if it gets overwhelming I promise to call someone. Whether it be grandma or grandpa or Uncle Shawn."

"Alright Riles, get some sleep. AUG! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME! GO TO BED!"

Giving everyone a small 'I love you' and 'good night' he's out of my room fast. Maya and Josh left shortly after Lucas came back with my brother. They didn't say why and I was too sleepy to ask, Smackle and Farkle had to go study… shocker. And D had to go get her brothers, I know now that I've jacked up my hand that she won't want me to watch her brothers. Not because I couldn't handle them, but she's more worried for me.

I know that Xander and Xavier are joking more often than not, but one time I mentioned that I had a small headache and oh my lanta, I don't think you could get better treatment at a hospital. I won't ever admit to feeling ill again. "Night mom, night dad. Thank you for checking on me."

"Of course Riley, you're our daughter. Take tomorrow off, and sleep because you get incredibly sleepy on pain medication and make sure you call and set up the 3 week appointment. Okay?"

"Yes ma'am." I murmur and start to cuddle into the pillow, "I love you mom. Love you dad."

I wonder if that bothers Lucas. Passing a glance in his direction he seems perfectly content staring at me. I'm sure it doesn't, he knows that people have parents and he's probably numb to it by now. Bidding me goodnight, they hang up the phone and I realize I was fretting for nothing.

But for real, my mother is a shark and I'm a baby guppy. I had every right to be scared, not like she'd eat me but she could maim for resorting to physical violence. "Well that went better than you expected." Lucas jokes and takes off his leather jacket while I fight sleep. "Sleepy?" Humming in response, pulling the covers close to my chest, I'm just glad I changed earlier. A dip in the bed I'm aware he's crawling in beside me but it isn't enough for me to open my eye lids. Tucking his arm underneath me, his other snaking around my waist to pull me into his chest.

Apparently he's staying over.

Smiling to myself, snuggling deeper into his embrace and inhaling his cologne. God that will never stop smelling delicious. "Night beautiful girl."

"Night." I yawn and within seconds I'm out like a light bulb. Out like an outhouse. Out like the outfield. Out like side. I'm making stuff up at this point.

I fell asleep.

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"HIGHER!" A loud squeaky noise comes out of my mouth while Lucas pushes me on the swings. Josh wouldn't do it so Lucas said he would. He's really nice. He defends me in front of Josh, and doesn't believe that girls and guys can't be friends. He says we're friends, he said so last year the first time I climbed into his tree house. Giggling, I hold my arms out into a 'T'. "HIGHER!"

"It's not safe Riley! You have to hold on."

Frowning to myself when he pulls me to a complete stop, "Why did you stop?"

"Because you won't hold on." He says and shrugs his shoulders, "It isn't safe if you do that."

Why is he just staring at me? He has pretty eyes, I wish I had green eyes mine are brown. Mommy said that they are still pretty because they look like chocolate but his reminds me of trees. Like his tree house. A smile still on my face, we just sit and blink at one another. I tilt my head to the side like a puppy and he does the same thing.

I think he's doing it to make fun of me, "Why are you looking at me like that Lucas?"

"I just like your eyes."

My mouth opens wide, I was just thinking the same thing about him! "I like your eyes. They remind me of trees, like your tree house! It's funny that you said that because I was just thinking the same thing! I hate my eyes they're so boring. But you said you like them, so does that mean I have to like them?"

My eyebrows are close together and my lips in a tight line. My daddy says that this is my thinking face, Lucas agrees with a grin. "Yes, you have to like them because I like them and you can't say you hate anything about yourself anymore!"

"Okay, but only if you push me high!"

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Lucas' Point of View.

That's it! I'm getting her darker curtains, today! The only reason I'm not in a bad mood is because I needed to be woken up. I have to take Auggie to school and go to school myself, no matter how much I tried to negotiate with Aunt Charlotte I still came up short on skipping school today since I missed yesterday. I hate that I have to leave her.

She slept peacefully last night, only waking her up twice to take her pain medication and though she was trying to bite me since I woke her up from her slumber, I came out both times unscathed. But instead of being mad that she tried to bite me, I for whatever reason thought it was cute that she was aimlessly trying to chomp at me since her eyes were closed. Kissing her temple, I unravel myself from her form, seriously we are all over one another when we are sleeping. Leaving her in the bed. I think this is the second time that I've woken up before her.

Her angelic face looking so much better, bruised? Yes. Scratches? Yes. But it isn't as swollen and red. If I never see Missy again it will be too soon. I still can't believe I let that happen to her, if she knew what I was thinking she'd be so mad. She hates that I am blaming myself, when in actuality if Missy wasn't so mad about what I did then I doubt my girl would be hurting right now. But that's a lot of ifs. Focusing back on my princess, Riley's dark locks splayed out on the pillows behind her. Voluptuous pink lips, slightly parted and the light snores are just her breathing in and out. She's one of those sleepers that makes every other sleeper jealous because she looks good doing that when in reality most people look like zombies.

Hurriedly taking a shower, getting dressed in the same clothes as yesterday. I'm sure no one will notice because I don't have time to change. Placing her phone by her head and sending her a quick message explaining the situation, I lean down and kiss her sweet cheeks. Stepping out of her bedroom, I hear rustling in the kitchen. "Hey Aug, you ready to go bro?"

"Yeah I guess. Is Riley staying home?" He asks while sliding on his backpack.

"Yeah man, she needs to sleep today."

The ride is pretty much silent our mind reeling over what happened yesterday it's still hard to process all of it. But I think the best thing is she doesn't blame me, even though it technically is my fault along with Charlie's. "Lucas I'm not mad at you anymore."

As I pull into the school's parking lot, I can't help but smile. "Thanks man that means a lot. I'll pick you up after school, we'll pick something up for dinner." And with a large smile he's leaving my car, once he's inside the school I drive to mine. As soon as I pull into the parking lot, I'm already hating today. I just want to go take care of my girl. If there weren't extenuating circumstances as to why I have to go to school then I would be with her.

She hasn't texted me back yet. Sauntering into the school, fists in my leather jacket I notice all of our friends at Riley's locker. Which is nothing new, but from their mischievous smiles it seems as if they all know. My girl talked about me. "Morning."

"Morning Lucas." Maya nudges me with her elbow, "You sly man you!" I can't help but roll my eyes, it is almost instinctual when it comes to her, she loves to patronize me. Leaning against Riley's locker it begins again, "Liked her for years?"

"I should have known." Josh fills in, "You were always so mad whenever I was rude to her."

"So was I!" Maya added and smacked the back of his head, "My peaches, your niece and Lucas' girl. You have to be nice now!" He shrugs placing his hands back into his jeans.

I know he loves her, he's just not great at showing it. Darby squeals and gives me a hug, "It's about damn time! You can only stare at her for so long!"

"Lucas?"

Glancing to my left Charlie is standing about 10 feet away. Jerking his head to the right, "I'm assuming you're wanting me to follow?" Which is fine because I needed to talk to him about that phone number anyways, he has yet to give it to me. Rolling his eyes, I tell our friends goodbye and follow him into an empty classroom. "I need the number man."

"How's Riley feeling this morning?"

Narrowing my eyes, "She's still sleep-"Before I finish the sentence my phone vibrates.

Pulling it out, my lips tug upwards.

MyGirl.
Feeling better, I just took more medicine. So, within minutes I'll be knocked out cold lol. I hope you have a good day. Text me when you can!

I'm glad you're feeling better beautiful. Just rest and you bet your ass I'll text you.

"Is that Riley?"

Nodding my head, sliding my phone back in my pocket. "She's feeling better, the medicine makes her sleepy. Anyways, I need the phone number."

Fidgeting with his fingers he looks to the left, "Riley wanted to report him Lucas."

"Charlie give me the number." I grit out and unintentionally clench my fists.

He bores his eyes into mine, "No. You're finally getting a shot with Riley don't screw this up man! And if word gets out then dad will freak out. He's already trying to prove that you're capable of –

"I can handle my own shit Charlie." He has no right to try and control my life, or make my decisions or even guide my choices. "And you called me in here! What do you want?"

"I wanted to see how Riley was. When Riley wants the number to report him then I'll give it to her and her only."

I've got a name now, that's all I need. "Fine don't give me the number. I'll figure it out anyways, and Riley's fine, no thanks to us." Both of us glance towards the ground, a heavy sigh filled with guilt. "Why'd you break up with her Charlie?" I'm afraid to meet his eyes for fear of what I might see and hear, did he seriously think he made a mistake in ignoring this amazing woman? Or was this just because I – inadvertently – challenged him to try and take her from me?

Our distance from one another doesn't go unnoticed, we're a good 8 feet away. Which is probably for the best, I have a hard time controlling my fists sometimes when he's around. Which is why I keep thinking of Riley, she hates violence… which only makes my decision to find the guy who hurt her even more difficult. "I wasn't happy with Missy anymore. It was all so routine." He shrugs with a grin on his lips. "I was sick of her treating Riley the way she was –

"Because of you."

Shaking his head from left to right, is he seriously arguing about this? "Riley had a crush on me that wasn't my fault." He just loves to rub that in doesn't he? Riley's 'crush' didn't last as long as he thinks. "It was my fault that I didn't do anything to stop it. And yesterday was our fault. Riley's a great girl and doesn't deserve to be treated the way she was. Seriously her locker, I heard about what she did. Cleaning it off with a freaking smile! Who does that? Most girls would run off in the other direction, letting the words soak in. She didn't and never has let any words get to her."

He has no idea, "Because she knows who she is. I was her first kiss, I was her first date. She's not a slut as Missy claims her to be. She's smart not dumb like your clever ex has called her, she uses her wit to get out of situations that involve Missy. Riles knows who she is and no one is going to change her perception of herself. I wouldn't want her to change." It's my turn to rant at this point, "Josh told me that even after Riley lost all the weight – she didn't need to lose – that she didn't change her wardrobe to showcase it. She doesn't need anyone's approval. So I'll ask you again, what's the real reason you broke up with Missy? Because it's been almost 4 years since Missy started to pick on her and you didn't care any other time."

Crossing my arms, I meet his stare head on. Riley's already said that she likes me and nothing is going to change that. She made it clear to Charlie that she's going to give me a chance. And I'm so grateful for that, I'll be damned if I ruin it. I'm really going to have to think over this Bentley situation. I should talk to her again, though I hate to dredge up the past but he deserves an ass kicking. "Look Lucas, I don't even know why! Okay? I don't know why, and I told Riley that yesterday so I'm grateful that she didn't say anything but I have no idea. I don't know how I feel about Riley, but I also know that I don't feel for Missy anymore. Especially not after yesterday." Shaking his head as if that will get rid of the memories. Unfortunately, that day will be etched into my mind for a long time. "So I don't have an answer for you."

MyGirl.
Be nice to Charlie today Lucas. I know you're mad at yourself about what happened yesterday and mad at him but, it's neither of yours fault. Charlie didn't say 'choose me or Lucas' but if he did, I'd choose you. So relax.

Internally beaming. Holy shit she makes me so happy.

Wait a second.

How did you know that Charlie and I were even talking?

"Alright whatever you say man. Just when Missy comes back keep an eye on her. I think we can agree to keep them away from one another."

MyGirl.
Oh please, I have eyes everywhere. AKA, all of our friends. Walk away Mr. Friar, for me.

"Later Charlie." Walking out of the room, inhaling deeply. A few people passing by giving me a double take since I'm not hanging on Riley. I wonder how many people knew how I felt.

Anything for you Ms. Matthews.

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Let me know what you think lovelies!

Double Update. This is the first chapter i'm posting tonight.