Author's Note: Hi guys! It's been a while. I'm sorry. I'm just super busy, but I plan on updating again before the end of this month. Sometimes, I get discouraged reading a nasty review. Like, c'mon can you let the story play out? Because all is not what it seems.
The Naked Truth (Guest): Should of known Maya was going to stay the same nasty wh*re this time around too like she was last time around. Changes to the story but Maya is still the same whore we knew the last time around sending out nude pictures. The b*tch is always going to be a nasty trashy wh*re. We should have saw it coming. She was a whore last time around and she is disgusting this time around with no class! Riley needs to get away from her before she becomes trash just like her.
That's a really nasty comment. I wasn't going to entertain it, but I believe you left comments like this before. There's a reason why I put that in the story. Everyone has different past. It's not realistic and human for someone to be picture-perfect. And soon, we'll revisit that time. Judging how Maya is written, you should be able to tell how that affected her. Thanks for reading every single chapter of mines even tho you constantly bash it. I'm enjoying collecting your reviews.
;) Enjoy the chapter, guys.
Chapter XIII: The Bro Code
Josh felt the tears welling in his eyes again as he looked at Riley and Maya. "Really?" He felt betrayed by them. "You know what, dont text me…don't call me…don't FaceTime me—" He turned to Maya for that one. "—and don't f*cking talk to me!" He roared. "Riley, you were pissed at Lucas. Okay fine…but you didn't have to try to bring the guy's spirit and reputation down…and in extension MINE!"
Riley jumped from off the couch and charged towards her brother, standing in front of him. "I didn't say anything! I wouldn't do that, no matter how mad I am at him or you!" She explained. "You're my brother. My twin. That's stupid!" She wanted to burst out crying, because her brother was choosing not to believe her.
Josh shrugged, "I don't care what you got to say."
"JOSH! SERIOUSLY?!" Maya exclaimed as she jumped from off the couch. "How are you mad at me and Riley? We didn't do anything." She argued.
Josh shook his head, "I don't care. I just don't care anymore."
He's lying.
He cared.
He cared a lot.
"Stop the bullsh*t!" Maya yelled. "I'm over this! I tried to tell my side. If you don't believe me, then don't believe me!" She grabbed her purse and headed towards the door.
Before she could grab the knob, the door was pushed open. Lucas stood there, looking at the trio.
Riley sighed, "Lucas, I'm so sorry any of this is happening to you. You weren't even present."
Lucas sighed then closed the door.
The only thing he did was nod his head. It sort of scared the other three in the room, seeing a non-talking Lucas just stroll around. They watched as he grabbed the remote and turned on the TV before letting out a tired sigh then slouching down in the couch.
Maya, who was making her way to exit the apartment, chose to walk over and sit next to Lucas. The next thing she did was something Lucas or anybody would have seen coming. She laid her head on his shoulder. Maya sworn she heard his hitched breaths as if he was holding back a cry. All she wanted him to do was let it out, because holding it in was not a good option.
Silence filled the room.
You could hear a pen drop if it did.
"Alright, you girls can go home now." Welp, silence broken. Thanks, Josh.
Maya lifted her head off Lucas's shoulder. "Stop being a d*ck!" She exclaimed, grabbing her purse again.
"I'm gonna keep being a d*ck whether you like it or not." Josh mumbled to himself, but Riley heard him loud and clear.
"Wow!" Riley disappointedly shook her head. "That's…really odd behavior coming from you."
Josh scoffed, "So, just like yours the other day." He said to his sister before looking at Maya. "Tuesday, was it?"
Riley rolled her eyes. "I'm done!" She exclaimed. "Let's go, Maya."
Her and Maya leave, not before Maya slammed their door shut pretty HARD.
Josh sighed as he continued chopping tomato's on his kitchen cutboard. "I'm sorry, man." He apologized, looking up every five seconds to see if Lucas would pay attention to him. "I…It wasn't like we were talking about you or anything. It was light-hearted." He continued, "…and I don't want you think you can't trust me with anything, bro. I never said anything about Zay or anything like that. I just…" Josh sighed once he realized that Lucas wasn't going to pay him any mind. He looked down at the cutting board. "I just…" He began mumbling. "This sucks and I hate that this is happening…to us of all people. This just…" Josh sighed again.
If this is what hell feels like, then let me freeze to death. Josh thought to himself.
{*} {*} {*}
Zay, Rachel, Missy, and Chris were all getting ready at the girl's place.
"…I'm just shocked. That's all." Missy said as she applied her favorite pink lipstick.
Zay stopped brushing his teeth. "Um, you do know that those texts and pictures are false, right?" He asked with a mouth full of toothpaste.
Rachel nodded her head in agreement as she slowly let the curling iron go through her hair. "Yeah, Missy…I just came back, and I even know all of that is pure bullsh*t."
Missy nodded, "Yeah. I know."
Zay scoffed, "No you don't."
"Hey, asshole, lay off." Missy barked.
Zay rolled his eyes. "So, I'm the asshole for sticking up for my friends and believing them. What does that make you?" Zay asked Missy as she looked at him in disgust. Chris was in Missy's room ironing his clothes, while Rachel stood there curling her hair and grimacing through this tense discussion.
"I don't care what that makes me." Missy responded. "I'm just calling it as it is."
"So what! Lucas and Josh are close." Zay shrugged. "They're brothers. The best of friends. Before we moved to New York, Lucas was my best friend in Texas. Loved the guy. That doesn't mean anything." Zay argued back.
Missy laughed, "How does it feel to be replaced by Josh?"
Zay spit out of the toothpaste and rinsed his mouth before grabbing a towel to properly wipe his mouth. "How does it feel to be a b*tch?" He shot back.
"A b*tch is not what I am." Missy said.
Zay grimaced. "Yikes, Sorry…I meant h*e!"
"Ooooookay Okay!" Rachel exclaimed, grabbing Zay and pulling him out of her room. "You go to Missy's room and finish up."
"Excuse me, but no. He's not allowed in the H*e's room." Missy called out.
Zay shrugged, "It's fine." He gave Rachel a kiss. "I love you."
Rachel's heart fluttered at him saying that. "I…" Could she say it back?
Zay chuckled, "It's fine. I'm gonna finish up at my place. I'll meet you at the party. Don't have too much fun until I get there, alright babe?" He kissed her forehead then walked to the living room.
Rachel sighed and closed her eyes. He just told me that he loves me. That's hot as f*ck! She was mentally swooning over Zay. It may be too fast, but damn I'm a lucky girl!
"Control your boy toy…" Missy quickly told Rachel.
Rachel scoffed, "Control your mouth…"
"Really?" Missy scrunched her face in disgust, "You're taking his side?"
Rachel nodded, "Yeah. Me taking his side is me taking Lucas and Josh's side. So…" She shrugged. "Yeah, I'm on his side. Maybe you should follow suit."
Missy rolled her eyes, "Whatever."
Rachel chuckled, "Yeah…Whatever."
{*****} {*****} {*****}
"HE'S SUCH A F*CKING ASSHOLE!" Maya screamed in her pillow.
"If he wasn't my brother, somebody would be filing a Missing Person's Report right about now." Riley said through her gritted teeth.
Farkle sighed, "Guys, it's not that bad."
Maya chucked the pillow she was holding at Farkle. To her disappointment, it missed. "Are you seriously taking his side, right now? Farkle…Farkle Minkus…the guy who can't stop gushing over Maya and Riley." Maya said.
Farkle laughed, "Those crushing days are beyond over."
"Yeah, we know." Riley added.
Farkle rolled his eyes. "Okay, Smartass." He snapped. "Listen, you guys have to stop trying to use your…lady charm on me to be on your side. It might've worked before, but sadly for you guys it's not gonna work…ever again."
Maya rolled her eyes, "We know. We know. You like d*ck now. So…"
Farkle smiled, "Good. We're finally admitting we all like the same thing here."
Riley gagged. "Oh my g—FARKLE!" She screamed.
Farkle burst into a fit of laughter.
Maya shook her head. "I'll be lucky if I even get any now."
"MAYA!" Riley screamed again before chucking a pillow her best friend's way.
Maya dodged it with ease. "What?" She exclaimed. "I'm being honest. Your brother is pissed at me, and I understand. I feel like if it was the other way around, I would be pissed off at him too witho—"
"No, no, no, no, no, no…" Farkle put his hands out and shook his head. "Don't start blaming yourself. It's not your fault any of this happened. Someone hacked into the servers and got your live video."
Riley's eyebrows twitched. "Hacked?" She asked, interested in what Farkle had to say. "How do you know?"
Farkle shrugged, "I don't know. It seemed obvious from the start."
Maya turned to Riley, "Is that it? Is someone purposefully hacking our personal videos and FaceTime feeds to humiliate us?"
"Yeah, I believe so." Farkle answered, regaining the girls' attention. "But the thing is, there's a lot of people in this school. Does Josh and Lucas have any enemies we should be worried about?" Farkle asked.
Riley shook her head, "Not that I know of."
Maya shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. I mean, maybe…"
Riley and Maya turned their heads to look at each other, both with wide eyes.
"BILLY!" Both exclaimed.
Farkle clapped his hands together. "Great. We know where to start."
{*****} {*****} {*****}
"I honestly don't understand why anyone would do this to them." Zay said then let out a sad sigh. "I just…I hope Luke is alright. I haven't heard from him since. He dipped on us after that whole thing, and I'm scared about what's gonna happen next." He said whole heartedly.
Billy poked his lip out, feigning a sad pout. "Oh well…" He blurted out and shrugged his shoulders.
Zay knitted his eyebrows together. "Oh well?" He mimicked the tall troublesome guy. "Really? That's what you say…Oh well…" He had Billy's voice down to the base. Billy was impressed; that was, however, the least thing Billy was impressed about Zay.
"Babe, you got to ch–" Billy's hand flew to himself after realizing what he said. Zay's knitting of the eyebrows told Billy everything he needed to know about Zay current thought process. The guy was most defiantly confused that one of his friends would call him babe. "—Excuse me, Bro. My bad. Amelia got me talking like her now." He quickly backtracked.
Amelia was a UK foreign exchange student, that took an interest in Billy. Of course, Billy added her to his playlist. He was never looking for anything permanent; he was, however, looking at someone in particular.
Cough Cough* It's you, Zay.
"I just–Listen, I know you two don't get along right now but you gotta see how bad this looks." Zay explained to Billy, who was tying the brand new white-and-black Jordans Amelia gifted him the other day. Zay noticed that the guy wasn't paying attention, causing him to rolls his eyes and let out a sigh. "Nevermind…"
Billy shrugged, "Sorry Zay. I just don't give a f*ck right now if I'm being quite honest."
Zay sighed, "I know. You two need to work it out."
"What is there to work out?" Billy asked Zay. "I don't want anything to do with him."
Zay stood up from the spot on the sofa and folded his arms, while intently glaring at his friend. "You're talking out of your ass now." He exclaimed. "Please tell me you had nothing to do with it—"
Billy smacked his lips. "Here we go..."
"I mean…" Zay began as he watched Billy walk over to the kitchen. "I know I'm not the only one thinks that." Billy cocked his head to the side and pursed his lips together. "The evidence is there!"
Billy laughed, "What evidence?"
That was a good question.
What evidence did they actually have? What case could they make against Billy Ross? Yes, he and Lucas aren't on speaking terms, but that's not factual evidence.
Being a footballer comes with many haters, so anyone could have done it.
Right?
"Um…hello?" Billy waved his hand. "I'm waiting…" Billy said. He had been waiting for what felt like 5 minutes for Zay to answer his question. Turns out, Zay didn't have an appropriate answer. Wouldn't want to risk pissing off Billy, especially if he was going to treat you like he's doing Lucas. "Zay," Billy sighed then approached Zay. He put a hand on the guy's shoulder. "I love ya and I know you love Crybaby Cowboy, but you gotta let this one go." Billy winked, flashed Zay a smile, and gave him two pats on the back before leaving him in the living room.
Zay groaned and threw his face into his hands. "Ugh, this is just horrible. Luke, man…" Zay shook his head. "I feel for ya."
{*****} {*****} {*****}
"…But man, did you see that crazy play? Their coach this year has really done a number on these players. Five years ago, if you would've told me that these beasts would be playing like this, I would've slapped you, John."
"Haha, yeah, Wayne…it's crazy. Flakesville might actually make it to the championships this year. But, the question is: will their star running back be back in action come time?"
Josh rolled his eyes from the spot on the couch. The college sport center was currently airing, and he was playing catch up.
"I don't know, Wayne. But, if Flakesville wasn't that championship, they're gonna need every person available. If you know who makes it to the championship game this year, Flaskeville better come 150%. And that's impossible without Number 8 aka Joshua Matthews."
The TV suddenly turned off.
"Hey! I was watching that!" Josh shouted, turning to his left. "Oh…" Josh groaned.
"Get the f*ck up, J!" Georgia yelled.
Remember her?
She helped Rachel get through to her friends.
Maybe she can help get through to Josh.
"How in the hell did you get in my dorm?" Josh asked out loud.
Georgia rolled her eyes. "It doesn't matter." She was a very feisty one, and the way she spoke hid none of it. "Ew," She groaned in disgust as she grabbed a tray of nachos that somehow made its way into the couch. Also, there were four beer cans on table in front with a half-eaten hotdog on the side. "So, is this what you're doing now?"
Josh lifted himself from the couch, sitting up then suddenly laughing out loud. "What? What am I doing?"
Georgia scrunched her face in disgust. "Being a slob…"
Josh shrugged his shoulders, "I don't care."
"That's very…" Georgia raised the nacho tray to her eye level and scrunched her face even more. "…evident."
Josh cleared his throat and cracked his neck before spreading his arms and legs wide. "I need to stretch." He said then he let his head fall back to back of the couch. "I'm tired."
With one hand, Georgia swept the cans off the table and into a trash bag.
"Don't injure your hand…" Josh said with his eyes closed. "…or anything for that matter. You'll end up like me. Beat down. Brutalized. And not playing football."
Georgia picked up the trash bag full of garbage and walked to the kitchen. "I don't play football, J." She said before throwing the bag into the trash can.
"Oh I'm sorry…" Josh laughed. "I meant Fútbol." He mimicked an Australian accent.
Georgia rolled her eyes, "You know I've only been in America for a year and a half, and I've never met someone so—"
"Disgusting? Repulsive? Childish? Nuisance?" Josh paused then did a big gulp before saying, "Gay?"
"J!" Georgia yelled, running back over to the couch. She hovered over the boy's body, watching him as his eyes remained closed and body remained spread out. "J, sit up straight!" She wasn't in the mood. "J, I'm serious! Sit up!" She yelled again, swatting at his legs this time. This made him lift his head and shift his body so that he was sitting upright.
"Jesus!" Josh groaned.
"Don't use his name in vein." Georgia said through her gritted teeth. "Now listen, don't believe any of what those people are saying out there. You are a f*cking legend!"
Josh scoffed, "Yeah right."
"I'm serious!" Georgia exclaimed, "I've only been here for—"
"—a year and a half, yeah we know we know…" Josh groaned.
Georgia punched Josh in the stomach, resulting in the guy gasping for air. "Don't mimic me, you asshole. I'm here trying to help you—"
"Did I call you or something?" Josh asked with a confused face. "Because, I don't remember doing that. I don't remember asking for your help! I don't remember asking for anybody's help!" He began yelling. This time, he stood up. "So whoever sent you, tell them they can kiss my ass too!" Poor Josh…
Georgia shook her head. "No, this is not the happy caring loving guy that I kno—"
"Sorry Georgia, but like you said yourself…you've only been here for a year and a half. Your opinion is dog sh*t." Josh shot back.
Georgia put her hands on her hips. "My opinion matters just like anybody else's." Her Australian accent was very thick, but her words were clear as day. "I didn't come to Flakesville to get talked down to by guys like you." Georgia's voice rose." "I am a strong woman, and my voice matters. Don't ever think you can talk to me as if I'm your pet!" She got in his face. "Do it again. I dare you." Her voice was strong. It was just the sound Josh needed to listen to.
Josh stood there, trying to show that he wasn't intimidated. However, he really wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.
Georgia wasn't budging though. She stood still, not blinking and staring in the eyes of the hyped looney.
"Sorry." He caved.
Georgia's stern look turned into a more accepting one. "It's fine." She brought him into a hug. "You're okay. Alright. Everything's okay."
Josh nodded, but he didn't say anything. He was fighting back the tears that threatened to escape. Something like this never happened to Josh. In high school, he was the most popular in his class. He never imagined experiencing something like this.
"I just…" Josh sighed. He didn't know what to say. "I don't know. I hate people. I hate humans. I hate everybody."
Georgia pulled away. "Its okay. Let it out." That's all she wanted for him to do.
Josh ran both of his hands through his hair. "I just—UGH!" He was getting annoyed with himself because he could feel the lump in his throat. He could feel his voice cracking as he spoke. He hated crying, but if felt like it was coming. "I'm a f*cking baby. But, I feel like I–" He cleared his throat.
"It's fine." Georgia said in a soft tone.
Josh shook his head. "No, I don't want to cry." He admitted. "I'm not a f*cking wimp! I'm not a sissy! I'm not…" He paused, catching his breath. Suddenly, he started shaking his head again while fighting the tears.
"You're not what, J?" Georgia asked him as she watched him move about the living room.
Josh continued to shake his head. "No…" His voice still breaking. "No, I don't want to do this."
"J—"
"HOW DO I NOT KNOW YOU'RE THE ONE THAT RELEASED THAT AUDIO?!" Josh suddenly reacted, which stunned Georgia. "I mean, you pop up out of nowhere to come be my support. How do I not know you're behind this?" He was really hurt, and it made it hard to trust anybody else.
Georgia knitted her eyebrows. "What? J, Maya sent me." This made Josh's scrunch his eyebrows together in confusion. "She was really worried about you," she continued. "I helped Rachel with a crisis once, and she thought I could help you do the same." It made sense.
Josh shrugged, "I don't need your help."
Georgia shook her head disappointedly. "Asshole…"
"What did you just say?" Josh clearly heard her, but he wanted to see if she was bold enough to repeat it.
One thing that Josh and others kept underestimating about Georgia, she was never scared.
"I SAID ASSHOLE!" She repeated. "I'm not scared of you, J. So this little show that you're putting on, simmer down. I may be a little unfamiliar with the States, but I am familiar with a can of whoop ass. Don't you f*cking dare." Georgia was a feisty one. She glared deep in Josh's eyes. "Try it."
It felt like deja vu.
Didn't this situation just happen minutes prior?
Josh's breath hitched. "I-I-No, no…I didn't mean any of that." He was indeed afraid of this young woman. "I'm sorry." He said softly. "I didn't mean it. I just don't know who to trust. I mean, Maya and Riley said that they didn't do it, but are they lying to me?" He just kept rambling on and on. "And, then there's Riley who was pissed off about Luke? Like, did she do it? It would make sense for h—"
"J!" Georgia felt like she was at her limit. "Why are you blaming your sister and her best friend? The same best friend that has the biggest crush on you. Do you really think they're gonna intentionally do anything to hurt you?" She asked him, and Josh shrugged. "You just…UGH! J, think! They're beating themselves up over this. Why would they do that if they're purposely trying to ruin your life?"
Josh shrugged again, "Well—"
"Well," Georgia mimicked Josh, "stop shrugging before I have you still sitting on bench for another 7 weeks."
Josh's mouth dropped open, "What? But that's passed the championship game!"
Georgia mimicked his mouth drop. "Whaaaat? Duh, did you not think I knew that?" Georgia laughed then rolled her eyes.
Josh rolled his eyes, "You're annoying."
"Look who's talking…" Georgia laughed then shook her head. "You are something else, J."
Josh sighed, "I just–every time I give someone trust, they always backstab me."
"Why does blaming your sister and her best friend make sense?" Georgia exclaimed, "Help me realize this please. For all we know, it could be someone hacking your servers and screen recording your private video then releasing them to the world."
Josh stood there silently.
Georgia smirked, "Cat got your tongue."
"I never thought about that." Josh admitted.
Georgia smacked her forehead and shook her head. "What? You never—" She suddenly stopped talking then grabbed her purse and started heading to the door.
"Wait!" Josh called out. "Where are you going?"
Georgia opened the door then looked back, "To go talk to your better half. You know, your best friend who probably got some sense and thought about this possibility before being quick to play the blame game." She announced before leaving and closing the door.
"YEAH BUT GOOD LUCK TALKING TO HIM! HE HASN'T REALLY SPOKEN TO ANYONE, EVEN ME!" Josh called out to a closed door, hoping she heard it.
He sighed and shook his head.
What the hell? How did I not think of that? He thought to himself then groaned. That was so freaking obvious and I missed that! I'm the worst brother in the whole f*cking world. What the f*ck, man!
{*****} {*****} {*****}
Rachel turned to Maya, who was on her left. "Ready to stunt on these h*es?!"
Maya smirked, "Hell yeah!"
Riley linked her left arm with Rachel and her right arm with Missy. "Remember girls, lets have some fun!"
"You know it!" Missy yelled.
The girls, all linked to each other and sharing the biggest smiles, began walking towards the entrance doors. See, there were about 3 different parties happening within 6 miles from each other. The girls had decided to hit this one first. They planned on going to all three, but if this one was meant for them to party and stay, then that's what they were going to do.
When they got at the doors, Rachel quickly unlinked. "You know what? On second thought, let's just walk in like the bad b*tches we are."
Maya grimaced before nodding, "Yeah I didn't want to say anything but linking arms? Come guys, are we in pre-school?"
The girls laughed.
Suddenly, the door opened.
And who was it?
Zay and Chris.
"Ladies!" Both exclaimed simultaneously.
Rachel bit her lip, while Missy ran her hand through her hair.
As Zay inched closer and closer, Rachel felt her nipples harden at the sight of her man. He was swagged out in a white T with a maroon bomber jacket and black jeans. He looked like the guy she had in her dreams a child.
Him wrapping his arms around her caught her off guard. "You look good." He whispered in her ear. Somehow, she can feel him trailing down her back. "Fine ass…" Ugh, his voice is so sexy. She moaned to herself inside her head. It has that richness but you can also hear a little Texas too.
Well, Zay is from Texas, Rachel.
Just saying.
Rachel was wearing a rose pink plum off-shoulder blouse with short cutout of jeans that were laced on the side, complemented with rose pink boot-heels.
Zay thought she looked incredibly sexy…and cold.
"Now," Zay chuckled a bit as he admired what his lady was wearing. "You know it's too damn cold to be wearing that."
Rachel rolled her eyes, "Way to ruin the mood, Zay." It was all in good fun. "And, it's only 50 degrees out here. I'll be fine."
Maya pat Zay on the shoulder and cleared her throat. "Yeah, I told her." She shook her head but still had a smile on her face. "Didn't work out…" This earned a toddler tongue from Rachel.
"You look nice." Chris complemented Missy, who obviously blushed at his words. She was wearing a long sleeve White Baselayer Mock Top with skinny ankle black jeans and Black Uggs. There was one other thing too, "Wait…are you wearing—"
"—your black biker jacket?" Missy said with a smile. She popped it as if she was posing for a photo shoot. "How do I look?"
Chris licked his lips. "Perfect." He said before bringing her in for a kiss.
"Oh, can you guys please stop shoving it in us forever in friend zone lonely people!" Riley cried out.
The red on Missy's cheek was too adorable.
"Sorry," Chris grimaced at Riley as Missy covered her mouth from the embarrassment.
"Can we enter the damn party?!" Rachel exclaimed. "Why are we standing out here?! Let's go!"
Got some friends…Rollin' wit you…Baby then that's cool…You can leave em…Wit my…
"YAAAAAAAS!" Rachel screamed out to the top of her lungs as she began dancing.
Zay chuckled and pointed to her, "She listens to the Beyoncé Usher version ALL THE TIME!" He had to basically yell with the music being so loud.
Maya tapped Riley, "What fraternity house is this?" She asked.
Riley shrugged, "Who cares? Let's party—"
"—woah woah woah, hold on…" Maya stopped Riley as the two other couples went their separate ways. "We got a job to do." She reminded Riley.
If it wasn't made clear earlier, Maya and Riley were on the pursuit for Billy. With the guide of Farkle, they decided on confronting Billy about releasing the audio of their private chat. The girls thought he'd hit this party first, seeing as he was really close with one the guys in the fraternity. Farkle was at another party, in case Billy dropped by there first. However, there was one thing off about this: they had ZERO proof.
Riley made a pouty face. "Yes, I know but…" She eyed the bar. "Woah, can we—" Maya shook her head, which made Riley roll her eyes. "Fine." She groaned. "What do we do as soon as we see him?"
Maya shrugged, "I don't know but—OOMPH!" Maya began fixing her clothes. "Hey, watch it. There's–oh well…this just got interesting."
Welp.
"Billy!" Riley exclaimed nervously. "Hi!"
Billy smiled at the girls, looking both of them up and down. "Y'all are looking hot tonight." He exclaimed.
Maya sighed, "Yeah, but we got que—"
"Thank you so much, Billy!" Riley cut Maya off.
Billy shrugged, "Yeah anytime…Hey, um…how's Luke?"
The way Billy asked felt very sincere which caught the girls off guard. They were expecting some smirk behind that question, but it wasn't there. The only thing Billy had was a drink in his hand, which could point to the reason why he asked. Sober Billy would keep up the front, when in reality he was worried about his Texas brother.
"Um…um…" Riley stammered, looking at Maya for help.
"He's–he's…" Maya sighed, "Oh what am I kidding, he's hurting. The last time we seen him, he was on a couch and not speaking to anyone. Just sitting there quiet. I sent Georgia to help get him to talk, but…I don't even know if that worked."
Billy nodded, "Yeah." He sighed.
"Yo! What's up, babe?" A familiar voice to Riley yelled.
Billy, Maya, and Riley all turned to owner of the voice with knitted eyebrows simultaneously repeating back, "Babe?!"
Charlie scratched the back of his neck, "Oh sorry…"
Maya turned her confused facial expression to Riley, "Babe?" She mouthed to Riley.
Riley shook her head and mouthed back, "I had no idea."
"You two are kinda moving fast, huh?" Billy asked Riley when Charlie looked away.
Riley shrugged, "No, not really. I think it's the alcohol talking."
"Hey, Riles…" Hearing Charlie saying Riles stung a little with Billy. That was Lucas's name for Riley. "Let's go dance."
Riley turned to Maya, "Can I?"
Maya shooed her towards Charlie, "Go have fun."
"Yes!" Riley exclaimed and kissed Maya on the cheek. "You're the best!"
Maya watched as Charlie dragged Riley away. She instantly started thinking of Josh, hoping that Georgia did God's work with her soon-to-be-boyfriend (maybe?).
Sniffing can be heard coming from Billy. "Wow," He faked another sniff. "They grow up so fast."
Maya laughed, "Shut up Billy."
"Where's Joshypoo?" Billy asked Maya.
Maya rolled her eyes, "Don't call him that."
"Oh no, I wasn't talking about…you know…the gay thing…it was just a name I teased him with last year." Billy explained. "And, I know he isn't…you know…" Billy told Maya.
Maya smiled, "Thanks…" for not being a d*ck. Oh, how bad she wanted to say that.
"Trust me, I'd know…" Billy said before taking another sip of his drink.
Maya nervously laughed, "Ha Ha yeah…good one…" She said before she quickly walked away. "Jeez, what was that?" She asked herself. "That was weird as hell—"
"What's weird as hell?" Someone said from behind her.
Maya knew that voice to well. "Josh…" She muttered under voice before turning around and finding Josh standing there. He was dressed in a Reflective Black tracksuit that was complimented with green stripes on the sides. His green shoes flowed under the lights. "You look nice." She said with a smile.
Josh smiled back. Maya almost fainted at his smile. His smile made you want to do the most foolish thing on the planet, but as long as he was there she was content. It was just so damn perfect.
"You do too." He complimented back. Maya was wearing an all white bodysuit with white-red-black camouflage cargo pants. She had the matches jacket to accompany it. Her hair was in her famous curls. His smile got bigger once he noticed the white Jordan's she was wearing. "My kind of girl…"
Riley wore a matching kind of attire. She had blue in replace of the red with her hair straightened.
Maya folded her arms, "Really?" She wasn't amused.
"What?" Josh asked.
"Typical guys. Y'all can get mad and say stuff then never bring it up as if it didn't hurt." Maya voiced. "Well newsflash Josh, it hurt. You accused me—" Josh cut her short, gently shushing her. "Sorry," she apologized for getting too loud, "But I was really hurt…"
Josh sighed, "I'm sorry."
"Do you mean it?" Maya asked him. "I'm serious. I don't like being talked down to like that. You know this."
Josh nodded his head, "I do. I do." He meant it. If there was anyone other than Riley that got Maya, it was him. "Sometimes, people do and say stupid stuff. And, I had a lot going on in my head." His voice started to quiver. "Um…I just—"
"Come on, let's go in the bathroom." Maya said, cutting him off and pulling him to the hallway.
They walked by a couple of people making out.
"Hey!" One of the guys stopped making out with a girl to get Maya's and Josh's attention. "Aren't you the football player f*cking the other football player?!" The guy laughed, and suddenly a couple of people showed up out of nowhere laughing. Where did these people come from? Maya asked herself. "Well, at least we know he swings both ways n—" Josh pushed the guy up against the wall.
"JOSH!" Maya screamed.
"Swing what?" Josh asked. "Finish the sentence, you asshole. FINISH IT! Cause the only thing that's gonna swing is my hand when I knock your stupid drunk homophobic ass out…"
"Josh," Maya said calmly. She placed a soft hand on his shoulder.
That seemed to do the trick.
"JOSH!" Maya scolded the handsome footballer once they got in the bathroom. "You can't do that!"
"Why not?!" Josh yelled. "So, what? He can get away with saying stuff like that? It's not fair, Maya!"
Maya put her hands out. "No, I'm not saying that. Okay, okay…" She said and rubbed her hands on either side of his arms. "You're a footballer. Any little thing you do, you're off the field. You haven't even returned yet. Don't let that asshole get you benched for the rest of the season." That made sense. "…especially when they're saying that you guys a top contenders to win the championship."
Josh nodded, "You're right. I'm sorry."
"So…" Maya cleared her throat.
"So, what?" Josh asked.
"Now that we're in a closed off location, let's talk." Maya said. "I don't like the awkward tension we are experienc—"
"I don't like it either." Josh spoke in a whisper-like low tone.
Maya watched Josh as he ran a hand through his hair then face. He looks so freaking hot. She thought to herself. Stop it, Maya! Stay focused!
Josh let out a sigh and turned around to face her. "I'm sorry for earlier." He quickly apologized. "I've had time to think, and I just feel bad for the way I treated you…and Riley. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry." His soft whisper tone sent chills through Maya's body; chills she didn't quite understand.
She watched as his eyes moved down to the floor.
"Josh," She spoke then put her soft hand on his cheek. Josh's eyes closed at the feeling of her tough. "You have every right to be upset. People aimed at you and Lucas to humiliate you and tear you down–Look at me!" Maya had a very mother-like tone, and it scared Josh a little bit. Though, he wouldn't admit it to her. "Josh," Maya wasn't going to continue unless he looked at her. And finally, he did. "You have every right to be mad—"
"I know but…" He paused then let out a shaky breath. It was very apparent to Maya that Josh wanted to cry but was holding it all in. "Part of me feels like this is what I deserve–"
"Why?!" Maya was very confused by that statement.
Josh shrugged his shoulders then looked down at the floor again, which didn't last long before Maya put her finger on his chin and lifted his head up.
She gave him a stern look, hoping it would scare him into confessing.
The only thing Josh did was shake his head and look down at the floor…AGAIN.
"Josh, this is the last time I pick your head up from the floor." Maya gritted through her teeth. "Stop it. Tell me. Finish your thoughts. I want to know what's going on in that wonderful brain of yours." She really did, though. That's the difference between Maya and the other girls Josh fooled around with. She cared.
Maya raised Josh's head again, only to see his eyes filled with water.
So that was the reason he didn't look me in the eye, Maya thought to herself. He didn't want to show me that he was about to cry.
"Aww, Josh…" Maya cooed as she brought him in for a hug. "Listen, don't blame yourself. Don't think this is some form of karma, because it isn't. Someone wanted you two embarrassed and unfortunately they got what they wanted. But, we're going to find who did this. Riley and I are on the case, okay?" She explained. Maya didn't expect an answer, seeing as she could feel warm wet drops of tears on the top of naked shoulder. "I love you." Maya froze.
Did she really just say that?
Did I really just say that? She thought to herself.
And the worst part is…5 seconds had gone by and Josh hadn't uttered it back.
Now, she's feeling stupid.
"Iloveyoutoo…" Maya heard Josh mumble.
"Huh?" Maya asked.
Josh sniffed then said, "I love you too."
That made Maya's heart flutter.
The smile on Maya's face resembled the ones from a romance film. The girl finally got the boy to open up and be vulnerable.
Maya did two pats on Josh's back and said, "Anything for our boys…"
{*****} {*****} {*****}
Josh fumbled with the keys, nervously trying to put it in the hole.
"Josh, come on!" Maya laughed.
"I'm trying!" He cried, "I'm trying!"
Click.
It opened.
Josh swung the door open. He and Maya were greeted by a silent Lucas and concerned Georgia sitting on the couch.
"Hey guys," Maya spoke softly. She looked back at Josh and leaned over to whisper, "Rain check…"
Josh winked and nodded his head.
He had been drinking. Hell, he and Maya were letting loose and having fun. It sort of helped him with all of the stress and worrying. He couldn't remember another time like that since high school.
"Um," Georgia grabbed her purse. "It's getting late." She said, ruffling Lucas's hair before grabbing Maya and walking to the door. "I tried everything," she whispered for only Maya to hear. Josh had made his way over to Lucas. "He's not talking. He's not responding. He's not doing anything. He'll blink and look away if I mention you or Riley or Josh. Other than that, I'm not getting an answer." Georgia explained.
Maya sighed, "Yeah…" She looked over at her friend, who still sat motionless on the couch. Josh had gone to the kitchen and was digging through the refrigerator. "I wanted to see if you could do anything before—"
"Before?" Georgia knitted her eyebrows together.
"Before we take him to a therapist…" Maya said.
"I—" Georgia sighed, "Monitor him. I just think–I know I'm not a professional therapist or anything–that he needs…him." She pointed at Josh.
Maya looked from Georgia to Josh back to Georgia then to Lucan then to Georgia again. "How do you know?" Maya asked.
The Australian flipped her hair out of her vision. "That's the closest person to him. The love is too strong." She explained before opening the door. "If there's anyone that can get him to open up, it's your boyfriend."
"Boyfriend?" Maya blushed.
Georgia laughed while holding the knob. "Yes, that's what I said. It's obvious, Maya." She told her. "He loves you. Don't let him get away. He's too precious. But anyways, I have to go—"
"Yeah yeah…" Maya shooed her off.
"Love ya." Georgia told her before leaving.
"…and I thought that this would help get your spirits up, ya know." Josh said to Lucas, who still wasn't talking. He had brought over his leftover burrito from Lucas's favorite Mexican place that he had earlier. It still didn't get him to move or say anything though. "Luke," Josh sighed, "I know this is hard but I'm head for you, man. Anything you need or want. Just like how you were there for me…ARE here for me."
Maya excused herself.
"Today, I blamed Maya and Riley. Well, it's past midnight so it's new day. So, yesterday I blamed the girls." Josh shook his head and scoffed. "Stupid, right? Like, how could I even begin to think that those two would ever do something like this to me…to us?" Josh just kept talking and rambling on as if Lucas was actually speaking back. That was the sad part. "I'm ashamed that it took someone like Georgia to come in here and put the pieces back together in my head. I should've been able to do that myself."
Josh sighed.
He was getting nowhere with Lucas, it felt like.
"And, then apparently everybody thought it was Billy." Josh chuckled, "I don't know. I don't think it was him. Just the way he was acting and how concerned he was. I mean, maybe it was the alcohol involved…" Josh, who was currently seated on the table, looked down at his feet then back up to Lucas. "…but I mean, people say that alcohol makes people tell the truth. So maybe that was his truth. Who knows?" Josh shrugged.
Still, no response.
"Luke," Josh's voice cracked, "C'mon man. I literally feel like I'm going through hell right now. You're the only one that truly gets it. Everybody else is looking in while we're actually in it." Josh blinked the tears from his eyes. "It just…I don't know I feel lost right now. I got Maya. I got Riley. I got…" Josh punched Lucas's shoulder, hoping to the get a response. Nope. "…you."
Josh didn't know what else to do.
He shook his head and stood up. "Night, man." He said before walking towards the hallway.
Before he could get there though, he heard it.
By it, that means IT.
The voice.
"Josh," it belonged to Lucas.
Josh ran back to the couch and kneeled. "Yeah?"
The next thing Lucas did surprised him. "Oh?" Josh said as Lucas's sobbed into his chest. "Yeah, it's alright…let it out. I'm here. I'm always here. We're in this together. Me, you, Riley, and Maya. We got this."
Author's Note: I DO NOT OWN LOVE IN THIS CLUB by Usher.
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I couldn't make Billy all that bad guys. You see that there's still heart to him, I guess. Also, his story sort of fell off when he began acting out but it's gonna pick back up starting next chapter. Did you all catch that "Rain Check?" line when Joshaya came in the door? Hmm...What was that all about? ;) Also, I know Riley seemed like a non-factor, but it was written that way because she's with Charlie. I sorta forgot that and wrote this chapter a whole different way a week ago before having to discard it and start over. Missy was acting like her usual self (rolls eyes), which is sometimes good but bad on its own. Zay and Chris are still sweethearts. Rachel is LIT, lol.
Next chapter, I'll end it on a big dramatic fashion. Some may know. Some don't. Let's spice it up! —Stormai