Hey everyone! I'm back and I just want to thank everyone for all the support and the warm welcome!

I will definitely try to update more often, but don't worry if there's nothing for a while. I'm currently working on 5 stories but I will continue this!

Also, for those of you who don't know, I started another story 'Hard Hits'.

Lastly, Hard hits will probably be up next, then the one shots and then Complicated Web.

madelinescoffee: Aw, thank you so much! It's fun adding Farkle in and he'll be in and out! Yes, I love that Riley and Lucas have their thing and that she's opening up to him. And oh Missy...I'm so glad you liked it!

Guest: You're welcome and just hold tight.

Carlyn858: Thank you so much and omg, that's awesome!

Guest: Thanks! And I know right! I love this side of him and I hope you like it!

Guest: I know, right?! Missy sure is something. Things just changed and we'll have to wait and see!

nmendivil30: Thanks and I'm happy too! So sorry I was gone for so long! They are aren't they?! And that's Missy for you. We'll have to wait and see.

Cayla: I did and I'm sorry for the wait! Hope you like this too!

volleyballer82: Sorry for the wait and I am too! That she is and they've got a journey.

Its Allie: I'm happy you got an account and found the update! Yes, I'll be continuing this and I'll try to be better at updating more often. Thanks and yep, Lucas is now part of their group and you know Lucas and Maya. And you also know Joshaya...lol. That's Farkle for you and I'm glad you agree with him! Missy definitely does and I know right! I'm glad to be back and thank you!

Enjoy!


"Hey, was that the wicked witch from next door?" Maya says in a rush and seconds after their neighbor leaves as she's trying to catch your breath.

"Peaches, are you okay?" Riley asks with concern as her best friend is hunched over and laying her upper body on the counter.

"I'm fine, Honey. I just got into another fight with the boxes in storage. You know I would have been out here the second the she devil step foot in our store," Maya hisses as she stands back up in the proper position and stares out the door. "What did the witch want?"

"I know you would have and I appreciate it. But you should really be careful, My. You could have seriously injured yourself. And you wouldn't get into 'fights' if you stacked and stored the boxes properly," Riley smiles and chides.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. But it wasn't my fault this time. And stop worrying about me and deflecting from the question. Tell me the truth, Riles," Maya presses with care and slight uneasiness as she knows their neighbor can be a real pain.

"She just came over to chat," Riley answer simply and shrugging her shoulders.

"Just a chat my ass. I heard her yelling at you. What did she say?" Maya repeats, her tone firm as she walks over to stand in front of her best friend.

The two lock eyes in a staring contest, neither giving in until Riley doesn't understand why she's protecting their evil neighbor. Well, maybe protecting isn't the right word. Yeah, definitely not the word to use, but on her part, she's trying to ignore the 'threat'. "Fine. Missy came over and told me to stay away from Lucas," Riley finally shares, exhaling a deep breath.

"Why do you need to stay away from Lucas? That's so stupid," Maya snaps.

"Probably because she likes him. Did you not see her hanging all over him at our opening?" Riley points out as she jumps to sit on the counter.

Maya copies the action and replies, "Oh, I saw her. I also saw desperation. Obviously Lucas doesn't like her the way she thinks he does. If he did, I'm sure they would have been together by now. Damn, that girl is crazy. Did she say anything else to you? You seemed tense when I got here."

"Nothing of importance," Riley lies, not wanting to repeat the horrible words that were said.

"Riley," Maya pushes gently as she sees the wall her friend is trying to build.

"Maya, trust me. It's nothing. Just petty stuff," Riley retorts without making a big deal of it, though she knows this could get ugly.

"Okay. But if that bitch comes back over here, we're going to have a problem," Maya seethes with displeasure and focuses on the key point of this whole conversation. "Are you going to listen to her?"

"What?" Riley questions in confusion.

"The wicked witch told you to stay away from Lucas. Are you going to?" Maya repeats, hating that after all the progress Riley has made, she may now be taking two steps back.

"I, uh. I don't know what I'm going to do yet," Riley answers honestly.

"Don't do it. Don't let the devil win. You and Lucas have something special. I see it every time you two are together. I'll even personally go over and have a neighborly chat with her and make her back off," Maya announces with a new wave of determination.

"No!" Riley shouts firmly. "Please don't, Maya. You fighting Missy will only cause more problems. That's why I didn't want to tell you. Don't stoop down to her level. You're better than that. And besides, this isn't your battle to fight. It's between me and Missy."

"You're right. This is your battle. So fight for Lucas. Fight for him and prove you're better than she is in every way. I won't stoop to her level if you finally fight for what's yours," Maya offers, the bantering real and giving her friend the push she needs.

"First off, Lucas is not mine or a piece of possession. Who he chooses is his choice. Secondly, I won't back down for her. It's my turn to live my life. I need to start living my life the way I want. And lastly, you need to promise me you won't do anything. You won't talk to her. You won't tell Josh or Lucas. And you'll support my decision," Riley counters, doing this her way.

"You got yourself a deal and I promise, Maya assures her as the two share a hug to seal the deal and pray that everything will work out.

OoOoOoOo

Over the next two weeks, Lucas' schedule gets rearranged so he's only able to visit a handful at times instead of every day. Of course Riley is disappointed, but also relieved as this is the break she needs to get Missy off her back. Or so she thought.

A week later when she is outside checking a sign she just hung on the inside window. she looks around and almost immediately catches the hateful glance from her neighbor. Pointing her chin up, she ignores Missy's expression and then heads inside with her head held high trying to keep the upper hand in proving she doesn't bother her. But oh, that probably only made her madder.

She sees Lucas a few more times after that, but the memory of Missy's hostility is always in the back of her mind and making her second-guess everything. But as the days turn into weeks and Lucas is his back on his normal schedule, things are calmer and Riley allows herself to relax a little bit. But that little bit made difference. And not in a good way.

OoOoOoOo

It's almost three month after Missy stormed into their art store when the back window and door are smashed and broken and someone completely trashes the store. When Riley arrives the next morning, she is confused when she first notices the cop cars parked outside the store and then her heart breaks when she finally realizes it's because of her store. Running as fast as her legs could carry her, she bumps into multiple people on the street before pushing past the crowded mob standing outside and reaching the front door.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry but you can't enter," one officer calls out to her and gently places a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "Th-this is my art store," Riley stutters out.

"McMitchell, I need the other two to identity this woman," the officer says into his walkie-talkie as within seconds Maya and Josh are standing by the door. "Sir, ma'am, do you know this woman?"

"Yes!" they both reply at the same time.

"She's co-owner," Maya adds in a rush.

"Okay. So, you'd be Miss. Matthews I presume?" The officer questions, looking through his notebook.

"I am," Riley nods and then pulls out her wallet to show her ID.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry about your store. It seems someone or multiple people broke in and ruined the place. There's paint and supplies all over. We have dusted for prints and asked around for surveillance and hopefully we can find the suspects. In the mean time, while we're here taking evidence, I need to get a list of anyone you may suspect and if you noticed any unusual activities in the neighborhood recently. Your coworkers are doing the same and maybe something will come out. Why don't the three of you head out for the time being and I'll call you when you're allowed back," the officer suggest.

"Oh, um. Okay," Riley sighs, her mind going in all different directions. "Thank you, Officer-".

"Beck. Officer Beck, Miss," the officer introduces, extending a hand.

"Thank you, Officer Beck. I appreciate your help," Riley smiles and excepts the handshake before walking over to Maya and Josh.

"I can't believe this. I'm so pissed off right now," Maya hisses under her breath.

"We all are, Maya. Let's get out of here," Josh announces, leading the two girls away from the scene.

"Who would do something like that to our store?" Riley grumbles once the three are seated in the back at the coffee shop and as she's trying to ignore the big red sign flashing in her mind.

"I can name one," Maya grunts.

"Who?" Josh immediately inquires. "Has someone been giving you guys a bad time?"

"No." "Yes." Riley and Maya say at the same time.

"Spill. Now," Josh orders in a sharp tone.

Maya and Riley share a look, Riley silently begging her not to say anything as Maya sadly shakes her head before saying, "Sorry, Honey, but he has to know."

"Know what!" Josh interrupts.

"Damn Matthews, I'm getting there," Maya snaps and then tells him everything. "And a couple months ago, Missy threatened Riley."

"Missy threatened you?" Josh repeats in shock as he focuses on his niece. "Why?"

"Because Lucas was hanging around the store a lot. She told me to stay away from him," Riley retorting a low voice.

"Seriously?" Josh asks, rubbing his forehead in disbelief.

"Yeah. She was yelling at Riley and everything," Maya joins in the conversation.

"Okay, first off, the woman sounds a little weird. She's acting like a high schooler in love and that's just pathetic. Secondly, Maya, just because she yelled and kind of threatened Riley, the matter is over a freaking guy. I wouldn't classify that to the point of trespassing and vandalism. Thirdly, Missy is a grown woman with a business and what those people did was juvenile. And lastly, the cop I was talking to told me these kinds of things are happening all over town. That this hit was random and could happen to anyone. For right now, we have no suspects unless the cops find one," Josh expresses gloomily.

"But what about-," Maya calls out.

"No," Josh stops her. "Let it go, Maya."

"But," Maya pushes.

"Maya, I know you don't like Missy, but we can't blame her until we have proof and evidence. In the meantime, I'll talk to a friend of mine who knows about security systems and you two can get the store back into business. This will all work out," Josh promises the two girls who are wearing different expressions on their faces. One is pouting and wanting to fight fire with fire while the other is quiet and distant.

About two hours later, Josh gets a call that they are able to come back to the store and the three don't waste any time and rush back as fast as possible.

"The store is open for you three to go in, but we still have a team working. Do you have a list for me?" Officer Beck inquires.

"Understood. We'll stay out of their way and we don't. At least not yet. We can't think of anything that stands out," Josh mentions swiftly.

"Don't worry about it. You have our cards and if anything comes to mind, call us anytime," Officer Beck finishes with a nod.

The three enter the store to see the hideous mess and their success from over the past 6 months seems almost invisible.

"Let's walk around and take notes on what needs to be fixed first and the supplies we need immediately," Maya recommends, taking Riley's hand and gently pulling her along.

The day turns into night and once the cops finally leave, the three stand in the center of the store and together draw strength from each other.

"Tomorrow is a new day. We'll take this one step at a time and by next week, we'll be back in business," Josh declares with spirit and willpower.

"I agree. This is just a small bump in the road," Maya adds, with a a small smile.

"It is," Riley agrees along. "Thank you for everything. I love you two," as the three huddle for a group hug and are lucky to have one another.

A few minutes later, Maya is taking Riley home, the drive silent but calm.

"You going to be okay, Honey?" Maya wonders tenderly when she pulls into front of Riley's apartment.

"Yes, I'll be fine, Peaches. Don't worry," Riley responds, leaning over to hug her friend.

"Okay. But if you need me, I'm only a call away," Maya call out to her as she exits the car.

"I know and will. Love you, My. Goodnight," Riley concludes, closing the door and rushing up her steps.

Once inside, the darkness feels like a friend and matches her mood as she quickly changes into pajamas and gets ready for a long night as she knows tonight will be one of those bad nights.

She reads a romantic novel, trying to get her mind elsewhere and when sleep finally comes around, she turns off her light and snuggles into her sheets, the warmness creating comfort to her. She drifts off into nothing, but as her dreams continue, the darkness becomes darker, colder and when the flashing lights become more visible and the sounds more pronounced, the high pitch scream suddenly jolts her awake and sweat is covering her body.

Sitting up to even her breathing and calm down, Riley glances over to the clock to see it's only three in the morning. Knowing sleep is now limited, she starts planning a pro's and com's list in her mind, trying to decide what's best with her situation with Lucas. She doesn't want to back down, but she also doesn't want trouble. Like today's mess. Even if she doesn't know for sure who did it.

Sometime during her 'planning' she must have fallen asleep because she was woken up by the sounds of her alarm. Thinking everything through didn't really help her, but she did come to a small decision that can help for the short term.

Dressed in worn out clothes, she packs her car with trash bags and cleaning supplies and then heads out for a long and tiring day. It's still early when she arrives and she uses this time to take care of business. She reorders a long list of supplies and paint and then makes the hardest call. She calls the postal service and requests that all their orders stay in holding until one of them can pick it up. No deliveries means no Lucas. She knows he will understand in the beginning, but after a while he'll probably stop by to check in and then, that's where she'll have to have her plan b ready.

Thinking she still alone, she drops her head to her desk and starts numbing under her breath about how stupid and cowardly she is. On the other side of the wall, the person shakes their head in objection and has to stop her before it's too late. But right now, the store is their first priority. Quietly backtracking, they head back to the front door and make enough noise to show their presence, but not enough to scare. Seconds later, light footsteps are heard as Riley appears from the back.

"Morning, Riles," the person greets with a smile.

"Good morning, My. Are you ready to get to work?" Riley wonders with a light chuckle.

"Eh, working really isn't my thing," Maya teases.

"I know. But the sooner this place gets back to normal, the sooner we can get our customers back and make money," Riley announces with incentive and tenacity.

"On it!" Maya instantly accepts as they both grab the items they brought from home and get to work.

They make good progress and after a few hours Farkle shows up and offers a hand.

"Riles, My, I'm so sorry for what happened," he murmurs in shock, hugging both of them.

"Thank you, Farkle. And thanks for coming. We can use the extra help, but it doesn't seem as bad as it looks," Riley says as she's moving the mop around the floor.

"I'm glad to hear that and you know I'm always here for you. I'm happy to help so put me to work," he states as he claps his hands together.

"You can take over for me," Maya quickly motions him over and dusts off her clothes. "I need to run out and get more boxes. Do you need anything, Riles?"

"I need stronger cleaner to remove the paint," Riley shouts.

"Okay, got it. I'll be back," Maya waves goodbye and then runs out the door.

She hops into her car and has to make one pit stop before the store. Luckily the office building isn't too far and as she nervously taps her foot on the elevator ride, she feels really out of place with everyone dressed in suits and dresses. And she feels bad for going behind Riley's back, but this is something that needs to be done.

The receptionist gives Maya a once over look as she walks to the counter before putting on a fake smile and asking, "Can I help you, miss?"

"Yes. I need to speak with Joshua Matthews," Maya answers, getting right to the point.

"Do you have an appointment?" the red haired woman probes.

"No, but this is important. Tell him Maya is here. He'll understand," Maya retorts sharply.

"One moment," the woman hisses as she dials the number. The conversation lasts mere seconds and then she adds, "He'll see you now."

"Thank you," Maya nods happily as she prances through the door and then speed walks down the hallway.

Knocking twice and then letting herself in, she sees Josh siting behind his desk, but leaning back in his chair like he's just casually waiting for her.

"Maya," he greets in a friendly tone, but his facial expression tells her he's not happy. "What's so important that you had to come down here? I was going to the store after lunch."

"I'm sorry, but this is about Riley and I couldn't tell you when she's around," Maya explains, her tone harsh and direct as this wasn't the welcome she expected.

"What about Riley. Is she okay?" Josh rambles with concern.

"She's okay. She's also pretending everything is fine," Maya sighs, letting her anger fade as she sits down in a chair in front of the desk.

"What are you talking about?" Josh responds with raised eyebrows.

"She's pretending that the whole Missy situation isn't bothering her, but it is. She's retreating back to the old Riley. Just not as bad," Maya describes, her voice softening at the end.

"How do you know that? Has she talked to you about it?" Josh urges, feeling the seriousness and a shift in all this.

"No, she hasn't said anything to me. You know how she is. Her problems are her own. But I overheard her stopping all deliveries. She's hiding from Lucas and we can't let her do that. He is becoming someone to her. She needs him, even if she doesn't see it yet," Maya shares and unloads everything.

"I, um. We'll figure this out together. You and me. And you're right, we can't let her hide or be scared. But we have to do this the right way," Josh says in a soothing voice as he gets up to walk over to Maya.

"I agree. Thank you," she nods as the two lock eyes for a second before she looks away, embarrassed and confused by the connection she just felt.

Without thinking, Josh softly runs his knuckles down the side of Maya's cheek before taking her chin between his thumb and pointer finger and tilting her face up so he can see her bright blue eyes. "No, thank you," he whispers. "You're an amazing friend and Riley is lucky to have you in her life. I'm lucky to have you in my life too. I'll protect you both, I promise."


And there it is folks! Thanks again for all support and I hope you liked it.

Thanks and until next time,

Missy xx