Chapter 1: Awake
Riley Matthews slowly opened her eyes and saw she was laying on a bed in a hospital room. As Riley slowly moved her head around she said, "Where am I?" A nurse then walked into the room and looked startled as she said, "Oh my gosh! You're awake! Doctor Jacobs, she's awake!" Riley began to slowly sit up as she saw she was attached to many wires as she said, "What's going on?" An older male doctor then stepped into the room as he said, "Well I'll be, it worked. It was a thousand to one gamble, but it looks that procedure of ours worked. Nurse, contact the family." As Riley looked around she said, "What's going on? Why am I in a hospital." The doctor then said, "Now just take it easy Miss Matthews. We don't want to ease you back into being awake too quickly. You've been out for a really long time." Riley looking confused said, "What do you mean? What's going..." Then Riley turned to look at a mirror near her and had a horrified look on her face as she said, "Oh my gosh. I look old now! Did someone put Halloween makeup on me or something?" The doctor then said, "Now Miss Matthews. Most people are definitely not considered old when they're 35." Riley with wide eyes looked direct at the doctor as she began to breath deeply and said, "35? What the heck are you talking about? I'm 15." The doctor then said, "And you were when you got into that terrible accident. But Miss Matthews... I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but... you've been in a coma for 20 years."
Riley was sitting in her bed looking out the window. Suddenly the sounds of footsteps right outside the door could be heard. Riley turned her head and saw her parents: Cory and Topanga walk in. Topanga had tears coming from her eyes as she said, "Oh my gosh. My baby girl. You're finally awake." Topanga ran over to Riley and hugged her, and within seconds: Cory joined in the hug. Riley made a little smile as she hugged her parents back. Eventually Cory and Topanga sat in chairs near Riley. As Riley looked at her parents she said, "Mom, dad... you two look so much older now." Topanga then glanced at Cory as she said, "You said I haven't aged a day in the last twenty years." Then Cory with a goofy annoyed face said, "You had to stir up trouble the minute you woke up didn't you?" Then suddenly a young man stepped into the room and said, "Can I come in now?" Riley looking at the man said, "Oh my gosh. Auggie, is that you!?" With a nod, he said, "Yeah Riley. How's my big sister doing?" Auggie sat near Riley, as Riley gave him a hug and said, "Oh dear Lord, you're so big with muscles and everything. And... is that a tattoo I see hiding under your sleeve."
Then suddenly Riley heard a familiar female voice say, "Can I have my turn to come in now?" Riley suddenly sat up straight and said, "Peaches?" Maya then stepped into the room with a smile on her face as she said, "Hey honey." Maya then ran towards Riley with tears in her eyes and hugged her. The two women hugged each other so tightly, that Maya fell onto the bed next to Riley. Eventually the two let go, but Maya remained on the bed as she said, "I have been waiting for this day forever. I visited you every week for the last twenty years. Ring power compelled me." Maya then held out her hand and pointed to her special ring. Then Riley looked at Maya's hand and saw another ring as she said, "Wait. Why are you wearing two rings now? And why does that second ring look like my grandmother's wedding ring? That was a family heirloom that my grandmother would only give away if... OH MY GOSH! MAYA! DID YOU AND JOSH..." Maya had a big grin on her face as she said, "We sure did. I am now Mrs. Joshua Matthews." Cory then turned his face in slight disgust as he said, "Trust me, I'm still not used to it." Then Maya looked at Cory as she said, "Oh, come on now Cory. If you haven't accepted me as your sister-in-law by now, when are you gonna?" Riley then with amazement said, "I can't believe you actually pulled it off. You actually became my aunt. So how is everyone else? Farkle, Smackle, and Zay? They okay? And what about Lucas?" Maya then looking a little bit lost for words said, "You know... lets not overwhelm you with too much. For now... lets just be happy you're with us again." Riley took a deep breath and nodded as she said, "Okay."
Many days later, Maya and Josh were pushing Riley in a wheelchair into an apartment as Riley said, "Guys, I could've walked." Then Josh said, "Well the doctors said you had to take it easy. Now come on. We've got your bedroom all set out." As Maya and Josh pushed Riley into a bedroom, Riley said, "Really guys. You didn't have to do this. Besides, I would've been fine staying at my parents' place in my own bedroom." Then as Maya and Josh sat down near Riley, Josh said, "Wait. No one told you that your parents moved out of that apartment years ago." Riley looking surprised said, "What? But what happened to all my stuff and..." Maya then said, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you Riley. Look, a lot has changed in twenty years. Auggie was moving to college, and your parents wanted to settle in a smaller apartment. But don't worry, I kept some of your favorite stuff, and have already bought you some new clothes." Then Riley said, "But... what about my old clothes? Did you keep any of those?" Then Maya said, "Riley... you're 35 now. No, I didn't hold onto any of your clothes from when you were fifteen. I sold them at the used clothing store we used to go to." Then Riley said, "But... but I miss my outfits. I..." Then Josh said, "Riley, we honestly didn't know when you'd wake up. Your clothes were collecting dust, and it made more sense to give them to other people instead, so they could be put to better use." Riley sighed and said, "I... I guess that make sense." Then Maya said, "Look... I know this is over-whelming. Just... take it easy tonight and we'll help you start re-building your life tomorrow." Maya and Josh then walked out of the room, as Riley sat by herself looking upset and worried.
Maya walked out of her bedroom in the middle of the night and heard a noise coming from the bathroom. Maya stepped in and saw Riley sitting near the toilet. Maya sat near Riley and said, "Riley, are you okay?" Riley looking pale said, "No. I just wanted a little midnight snack, so I started eating a big bag of chips and a carton of ice cream you had and... ugg, I feel awful now." Maya smirked and said, "Riley, you're not a teenager anymore. You just can't stuff chips and ice cream into yourself non-stop like you used to." Riley looking upset said, "Now I know. Ugg. Maya, how can so much change in twenty years? Everyone has changed, they all look different. Heck, I look different! I just want things to be the way they are. I wanna be in my old bedroom, wear my old clothes, and watch Red Planet Diaries with you like I always did. I just can't take all these changes around me and..." Riley suddenly began to breath in and out deeply and quickly. Maya then put an arm around Riley and said, "It's okay Riley. You're allowed to be frustrated. Look, if it makes you feel better: tomorrow we'll decorate your bedroom here to be a little bit like your old bedroom, we can go vintage clothes shopping, and start catching you up on the last twenty years of Red Planet Diaries and all it's sequel series. Sound good?" Riley then made a little smile as she took a deep breath and then said, "Sounds good."
At a used clothing store, Riley stepped out of a dressing room wearing an outfit similar to what she wore high school as she said, "Wadya think!?" Maya who was sitting in a chair nearby said, "Um... it's nice Riles. But... I don't know if that's the right look for you anymore. You look kinda like a wanna be hipster." Then Riley said, "But Maya, this is the kind of outfit I'm comfortable in. Aren't we always at our best when we're being ourselves?" Then Maya said, "Yeah, but Riley... there's being yourself, and then there's... well..." Riley sighed and said, "There's looking like I'm in denial of my age." Maya sighed and then said, "Look, we can buy a few outfits and save them for Halloween. We can go dressed together as hipsters from the 2010's. Look, how about I show you some cool fashion choices women our age dig in this decade, and you pick out the best from there." Riley took a deep breath and then said, "Okay."
Riley and Maya were walking down a sidewalk together sipping drinks as Riley said, "Mmm. This new flavor is amazing. And you're saying scientists have invented new fruits now?" Maya smirked as she said, "Yeah. And it's really helped fight world hunger." Then Riley turned around a corner and bumped into somebody as she said, "Oh, I'm sorry." Then Riley heard a familiar male voice said, "Oh, it's no..." Then Riley looked up and saw she had bumped into a grown-up Lucas. With wide eyes Riley smiled and yelled, "Lucas!" Riley then hugged Lucas as Lucas looking caught off guard said, "Oh, wow. Riley. Hey." Riley then let go of Lucas and looked at him as she said, "Oh my gosh, you've gotten bigger. And your muscles are huge!" Lucas still looking caught off guard said, "Um... thanks. So... it's really good to see you again." Then Riley grabbed Lucas' hands as she said, "It's just so good to see the face of my one true boyfri..." Then Riley glanced down and saw a ring on Lucas' finger. Riley then took a step back and had a shocked look on her face as she said, "Oh. You're married now." Lucas took a deep breath and said, "Yeah. About ten years now. Look... um... sorry, this is just so sudden for me. Look, I gotta get home to my wife. She's gotta head to work soon and I gotta watch the kids." Riley looking more shocked said, "Oh. You're married with kids. That's nice." Lucas nodded quickly and said, "It is. Um... sorry, I have to cut this so short. I know you're staying at Maya's place, so I'll call you some time. Bye." Then Lucas hurried off.
Riley stood still looking shocked and heart-broken as she said, "How did this happen? How could this happen?" Maya put a hand on Riley's shoulder as she said, "Riley... for the first month, Lucas spent every day visiting you. It wasn't as often after that, but it was still frequent. But... Riley, when I was suffering I had Josh to lean on for comfort. But Lucas... he didn't have anybody. You were just lying there. For all he knew, you'd never wake up. So after five years, Lucas finally started dating again. Met a woman named Sammy. I wish I could say I hated her, but she's actually a real kind women. She and Lucas have really supported one another and been through a lot. I... I know this is hard for you Riley, but..." Riley then covered her eyes as she began to cry and said, "Maya... I just wanna go home." Maya nodded and said, "Okay. But don't worry Riley. We're going to get through this. You will get through this."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Chapter 2: A New Life Begins
Riley was sitting on a couch with her parents: Cory and Topanga looking through a photo album together. As Riley slowly flipped through the pages Topanga said, "Ooo. And here are the pictures from Farkle and Smackle's wedding." With wide eyes, a surprised Riley said, "Wait! Farkle and Smackle are married!?" Topanga glanced at Cory as she said, "Oh yeah. We forgot to tell her that." Then as Riley kept flipping through the album she said, "It's just... it's just so crazy how much has changed. And why is everyone dressed in black for these photos? Oh wait. Let me guess. These are the pictures for Mr. Feeny's funeral." Topanga made a little smile as she said, "Yeah. It was a beautiful funeral though. We're sorry you missed it." Then Cory in a sarcastic voice said, "Eh, don't worry. I'm sure Feeny will crawl out of the grave one Halloween to give us one more life lesson, and you can say goodbye then." The three giggled a bit. Riley then put the book down and took a deep breath. Topanga then put a hand on Riley's hand and said, "You doing okay?" Riley breathed in and out slowly, and then said, "I don't know. It's all still so... weird. But... it is getting a little better with each passing day. I'm starting night classes tomorrow by the way, and thank you both for paying for it." Cory then put a hand on Riley's hand and said, "Don't worry. We're happy to help pay for your education. Just make sure you get that GED." Then Topanga said, "So what are you going to do besides start classes tomorrow?" Riley then said, "Well, I am trying to follow some job leads Maya hooked me up with. So hopefully those go well."
Riley and Maya were sitting across from each other at a restaurant table together, as a frustrated looking Maya said, "How could you get turned down at every job interview you went on!?" Then Riley sounding innocent and a little confused said, "I don't know. I mean, I talked very nice to everybody. I complimented them for how they looked, and even gave each of them a nice fresh apple and a pretty picture I drew." Maya slapped her forehead as she said, "Please tell me you did not draw purple cats for them. Ugg. Riley, in job interviews you can't just be nice. You have to sell yourself. You have to explain why you're a hard-working individual that deserves to have the job." Then Riley said, "But I thought if you just act nice, people will be nice back." Then Maya in a slightly frustrated tone said, "That works when you're still in school Riley. But the working world is competitive. Lots of nice people apply for jobs every day. But you have to prove why you're the best of the best. Ugg. Do you know how many strings I had to pull to get you in those interviews!?"
Riley looking sad said, "I'm sorry Maya. I'm trying. I really am." Maya sighed and said, "I know. Hmm. You know... lets sign you up for one of those first aid and CPR classes. I have one more friend who runs one of the indoor pools in town. Once you have CPR and first aid certification, with just a little extra training, I bet we could get you a job at the pool." Then a male teenage waiter walked up to Riley and Maya and said, "Everything okay with you ladies? I can refill your drinks if you like." Then Riley looked at the teenager waiter and made a smile as she said, "Well you come by as much as you want to fill up my eyes with that handsome face of yours." Maya's eyes widened as she quickly looked at the waiter and said, "We're fine. Thanks. Run along. NOW!" The teenage waiter looking confused walked away, while Maya looked at Riley with a freaked out face said, "What the heck was that!?" Then Riley sounding innocent said, "What? Me and Lucas aren't a couple anymore. So I was just trying to get back in the game with that handsome hunk over there." Maya then leaned in a bit and said, "Riley, you're 35 now. Meaning handsome hunks that happen to be underage waiters are off limits now." Riley sighed and said, "Okay."
In a dressing room area at a clothing store, Riley poked her head out of a dressing room door and saw an older woman who was a store employee walking by. Riley waved to the woman and said, "Excuse me m'am. I think I need some help." The woman walked over to Riley and said, "Can I help you?" Riley then sliding several bathing suits under the door said, "Yeah. I'm trying to buy some swimsuits for my new lifeguard job I just got, but none of these suits seem to fit me. Have the way things are measured been changed in the last few years? Because these suits say they're for women with about a 24 inch waist." The older woman then stepped over to the door and said, "You mind if I measure you? I've been doing this job for a long time now." Riley slowly opened the dressing room door standing in her underwear as she sighed and said, "Okay." The woman quickly used some measuring tape to examine Riley and then said, "Well I'm guessing you haven't gone swimsuit shopping in awhile, since you certainty don't have a 24 inch waist anymore. Don't feel too bad though. It's the common curse of getting older." Riley made a light groan and said, "I'm starting to realize that." The older woman then picked up the several swimsuits that were on the ground and said, " How about I show you around our women's swimsuit section. Maybe you didn't see it, since you clearly were only grabbing bathing suits from the teen girls' section." Riley sighed again and said, "Yeah. Sorry. Old habits die hard."
Riley was wearing a red bikini while walking around an indoor pool with an older man who said, "And that completes your tour. Now the shift today ends in about an hour today, so why don't you just use it to get acquainted with the area and the other staff. You can start doing the real work when you come in tomorrow." Riley nodded and said, "Okay. And thank you so much for this opportunity. I really appreciate it." Riley then began to walk away but then bumped into a blonde teenage girl wearing a red bikini while carrying towels. The girl dropped the towels as Riley said, "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. Here, let me help you pick these up." The girl then said, "Thanks. I'm Joanna by the way. Are you the new lifeguard I heard we were gonna get?" Riley handed Joanna some towels as she said, "Yeah. I'm Riley. And yeah, it's my first day." Joanna then looking at Riley's swimsuit said, "Hey. Cool top. Where did you get that? It looks so much better than mine." Riley then said, "At Staci's. It's one of the stores in the new mall." Then Joanna said, "Oh yeah. Their stuff is more expensive though. I had to settle for buying this outfit at the bargain bin at my local department store." Then Riley said, "Well your top is pretty cute though. And if you're working this job now, why can't you afford to buy a new suit?" Joanna sighed and said, "Eh, saving for college and I wanna buy some birthday presents for my younger brother who is turning ten next week. You got any siblings?"
Riley then said, "Yeah. One younger brother. And actually his birthday is tomorrow. I should get him something too, now that I'm thinking about it." Joanna then said, "Cool. Hey, wanna hang out with me and the other life-guards that are on break right now? We're watching vintage episodes of the original Red Planet Diaries." With a big smile Riley said, "Oh my gosh! I love that show! Me and my best friend watch it every week!" Then Joanna smiled as she said, "Cool. Well lets check in and see if they've started an episode." Joanna then led Riley into a break room, and opened a door where several teenagers were watching a TV together. Joanna waved and said, "Hey guys." One of the teen males said, "Hey Joanna. Who's that with you? Your mom?" Riley suddenly stood in shock as she said, "No, actually, I... I... I have to go." Joanna then looking a bit concerned said, "Riley, you okay?" Riley looking a bit unsettled said, "Um, I just have to finish some paperwork, and I should also think about what I'm gonna get my brother for his birthday. See ya tomorrow." Then Riley quickly walked away with a sad look on her face.
Riley knocked on an apartment door and heard a male voice said, "Just a minute." Then eventually Auggie opened the door wearing a bath robe as he said, "Oh! Hey, Riley. Watcha doing here this evening?" Riley holding a bag out said, "Well you said I could visit you any-time. And I thought the night before your birthday would be a great time to give your present." Auggie dug into the bag and took out a large stuffed toy as he said, "Oh. A Mr. Googly toy. Man, that's a blast to the past. Um... thanks for the throwback gift sis." Then Riley smiling said, "Glad, you like it. I thought we could use it to play one of your favorite games we used to always..." Then the two heard a seductive female voice say, "Auggie, don't you wanna come back to bed to play?" Then suddenly coming from around a corner was a grown up Ava wearing just a towel tied around her body. Ava then seeing Riley said, "Oh, shoot. I didn't know anyone was at the door." Riley's eyes widened greatly as she said, "Ava!?" Ava waved a bit while looking embarrassed as she said, "Hi Riley. Good to see you're awake." Then Riley looking very confused now said, "Auggie, I didn't know you and Ava were... co-habitating? Or are you two now marri..." Then Auggie said, "Oh, we're not. Ava is still in grad-school on the other side of the country. She's just staying over tonight. Um... could you not tell mom and about this? You know how they are with lecturing us about not doing certain things until you're legally married." Riley nodded and said, "Oh, sure. Um... I should get going now. I've got my new job and classes tomorrow." Riley then stepped away as Auggie said, "Okay. Good luck sis." Then Auggie closed the door while Riley looking upset turned her body around and waked away.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Chapter 3: Growing Pains
Riley was walking down a hallway past a long row of apartments as she said, "Okay. That apartment number has to be somewhere down this hall and... ah! There it is." Riley knocked on the door, and then a little girl with long black hair answered it. Riley seeing the girl said, "Hi. Is this the address where Farkle Minkus live..." The girl then immediately jumped at Riley and hugged her legs as she yelled, "Aunt Riley! You're awake!" Riley looking very caught off guard said, "Huh?" Then suddenly from around a corner, an adult Farkle appeared and said, "Rosaline Minkus, that is not how you treat guests!" The little girl Rosalind let go Riley and said, "Sorry dad." Farkle then went up to Riley and hugged her as he said, "Riley. So good to see you finally at our home." Once Farkle ended the hug, a confused looking Riley said, "I am too, but... did she say dad?" Farkle putting his hands on Rosalind's shoulders said, "Oh, I guess Maya didn't tell you. Yes. This is my amazing seven year old pride and joy. Sorry about the energetic attack she gave you. It's just that she's heard so many stories about you, and was with us when visited you in the hospital many times." An excited Rosaline said, "Mom and dad said you love purple cats! Wanna see my purple cat Aunt Riley!" Rosaline then held up a giant purple cat plush toy as a surprised Riley with a smile said, "Wow. That is awesome!"
A few hours later Smackle and Riley were sitting at a table together, while on the other side of the room Rosaline jumped onto Farkle's back as she said, "Take me to the magical land of Rileytown now daddy! Jexica needs to lead her kingdom." Farkle smiled as he said, "Whatever you say sweety!" As Farkle carried Rosaline out of the room, Riley looked at Smackle as she said, "You told her about Rileytown and Jexica?" Smackle smiled a bit as she said, "The stories of you growing up kind of inspired Rosaline. To her: you're her hero. You helped both me and her father out a lot when we were younger. You meant a lot to us, and thus you meant a lot to her too. Now then, can you help me into my wheelchair? It's a bit of a drag when I have to drag myself all the way to the guest room." As Riley helped Smackle out of her chair and into a nearby wheelchair, Riley said, "Smackle, I didn't ask... how long have you been in this wheelchair?" Smackle made a short sigh and said, "About a few weeks after Rosaline was born. And... yeah, it was hard adjusting to being both a mother and a cripple at the same time." Riley looking upset said, "Oh my. Smackle, I am so sorry I didn't get to be there for you. I would've stopped everything to help you feel better and help out with Rosaline and..." Smackle put a hand on Riley's hand and said, "Riley. We turned out okay. It was hard not having one of our best friends there to help us. But we made it through. Now then, lets get you to your guest room." Riley nodded and said, "Thanks. Maya said I would enjoy staying the night with some other friends for once and I can now say she was right." Smackle giggled a bit and said, "Oh, I'm sure Maya and Josh are enjoying a night without you in their place." Then Riley looking confused said, "What do you mean? Were they planning on playing some board games and eating ice cream while I was gone?"
Maya and Josh were naked in bed together as Maya was on top of Josh yelling, "Oh yes Josh! Harder! HARDER! OOOHHHHHHH!" Josh grabbed Maya's butt as he yelled, "Yes Maya! Yes baby!" Then Maya and Josh both yelled, "OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!" Then the two shook a great deal and then Maya fell into Josh's arms. As the two cuddled together, Maya said, "Oh wow. Oh God, I needed that." A smiling Josh said, "Oh yeah. I haven't felt that good in months. Mmm. It sure is nice to have the place to ourselves and be free to scream as loud as we want again." Maya giggled and said, "Yeah. I think we really screwed with Riley that one night she thought there was a bear in this bedroom attacking me." Then Josh looking a little more serious now said, "Maya... we need to talk about... what are we going to do about Riley?" Maya sighed and said, "I... I don't know. I mean... she's making progress. She'll be ready to be self-sufficient one day." Josh then said, "Maya, lets face it. Riley still thinks she's a teenager, and is still in denial of it. And with that stubborn mindset, she's years away from being a self-sufficient woman. Do you really wanna wait that long?" Maya closed her eyes and said, "Josh, she's my best friend. I have to help her." Josh then said, "And she's my family. But in my family, we believe in adults learning to take responsibility for themselves." Maya sighed as a small tear left her face. Josh then put a hand on Maya's cheek and said, "Hey. I don't want to kick Riley out yet. She can stay as long as she needs to. But we need to help her move along with growing up." Maya nodded and said, "Yeah. You're right."
At the indoor swimming pool, Riley and her teen friend Joanna were on break sitting near the pool still wearing their bikinis as Joanna said, "It's just been rough between me and my girlfriend Brittney for the last few weeks. I tried making things up to her by taking her to a romantic restaurant and giving her a teddy bear. But she got all mad at me for not asking where she wanted to go, and she said I don't consider her feelings enough. But does she consider mine ever?" Riley looking upset for Joanna said, "I'm sorry to hear that. I remember when me and my boyfriend Lucas had a stupid fight about which movie we wanted to see one night. The fight was actually after the movie was over and Lucas looked upset, and I told him he should've told me he didn't wanna see a romantic comedy." Joanna then said, "So... did you two break up because of that fight?" Riley then said, "No. We decided to give going to the movies another shot but right before that happened I got hurt and... next thing I knew Lucas was in the arms of another woman." Joanna then put a hand on Riley's hand and held it as she said, "Aww. I'm so sorry girl. Well hey. You deserve better than him." Riley smiled as she looked at Joanna and said, "Thanks." Then from a nearby door, Maya appeared seeing Riley holding Joanna's hand. Maya then from afar said, "Yo Riley! Ready to head out?" Riley turned to look at Maya as she said, "Yeah Maya. Just a sec." Riley then turned to look back at Joanna as she said, "Gotta head home with my friend. Thanks for the talk Joanna." Joanna smiled as she said, "Any time Riley."
A few minutes later Maya was driving a car as Riley sat next to her. Riley looking confused, glanced at Maya and said, "So... everything okay with you?" Maya sighed and said, "Riley... why is that whenever I pick you up at the pool, or at the grocery store, or at your night classes, you're always talking to the teenagers or youngest adults that are present?" Riley then said, "What's wrong with making young friends?" Maya then said, "Nothing Riley. Except if you don't have any friends your own age. Riley, you need to meet some adults that are in or around their 30's." Riley then said, "Well I... I don't know how." Maya sighed and then said, "Riley... I think it's time I introduce you the world of online adult dating."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Chapter 4: To Feel Young Again
Riley sat at a fancy restaurant wearing a long blue dress, as Lucas sat in front of her wearing a tuxedo. As the two were finishing a meal, Lucas said, "Man, that math test today was hard. Glad it's all over with." Riley smiled and said, "Well I knew you'd do fine Lucas. You're amazing at everything." Then Lucas smirked as he said, "Well you're the most amazing girlfriend in the world. Which is why I got you these." Then Lucas took out from under table a bunch of purple flowers with yellow and black dots on them. As Riley looked at the flowers she said, "Oh my gosh! With the dots, these flowers look like..." Lucas smirked and said, "Purple cats. I know." Riley grinned as she jumped out of her seat and then went right up to Lucas and kissed him on the lips. Once their kiss ended, Lucas giggled a bit and said, "Riley, you're crazy girl." Then as Riley heard some music playing she said, "Ooo. They're playing the Dancing Queen. Ooo. And it's the Ren Stevens cover of it. Come on Lucas! Lets dance!" Then Riley pulled Lucas out of his seat, and together the two began to dance to the music. Riley did some goofy dance moves with her arms as Lucas laughed a bit and said, "Riley, you're crazy." Then Riley looked into Lucas' eyes and said, "Maybe. But what I'm really crazy about... is you Lucas." Then Riley wrapped her arms around Lucas and gave him a very long kiss. Then Riley heard Maya's voice say, "Come on Riley! Wake up!"
Riley woke up in bed and saw standing at the doorway of her room was Maya wearing a bath robe. As Riley slowly sat up she said, "Oh, hey Maya. Everything okay?" Maya then said, "Riley, it's past 11am. I was worried why you weren't awake." Riley sighed and said, "Was binge watching more of the shows I missed over the last twenty years." Maya looking frustrated said, "Riley, you can't stay up late every night. You're gonna ruin your sleep cycle. And why were you watching TV all night anyway? You have a week off from classes this week. Isn't there anything else you wanna do with your free time?" Riley looking reluctant said, "Eh... I don't know." Maya sighed and said, "Riley... we've been putting this off for too long. You need to try online dating."
A fully clothed Riley and Maya were sitting in front of a laptop as Maya was doing a lot of clicking. As Riley looked slightly dis-interested she said, "But Maya, I thought meeting people online was dangerous." Maya sighed and said, "When you're underage, yes. But we're adults now." Then Riley said, "But this can still be a little dangerous, right?" Maya sighed again, but then said, "Look. I signed you up for a very special dating service, that does background checks on everybody before they can even post their profile. It cost me a bit to get you on here, so I really need you to give this a try. You need a bigger network of friends than just your family and old high school pals." Riley looked very hesitant, but then sighed and said, "Okay. Lets look through these entries and find me a date."
Riley sat in a lifeguard's chair at the indoor pool while wearing her red bikini. As Riley kept a close eye on what was going on around her, she was also lost in thought. Riley's eyes moved to the side and she there was a teen boy and teen girl holding hands as they walked towards the water. The two teenagers kissed, and as Riley watched she made a little smile. Then as some music played on a nearby radio, Riley turned her head and saw two other teenagers were dancing in the water. Another teen boy then picked up a teen girl and held her up and spun her around for a few seconds. Then the two teenagers giggled a bit and kissed. Riley made a happy sigh as she watched the happy couple. Then Riley saw sitting near the water was another teenage girl sitting near another teenage boy. The boy then sat right behind the girl and began to massage her shoulders. The girl smiled and then she tilted her head back and gave the boy a kiss. Riley continued to watch the happy couples around her as she made a little smile and continued to make happy sighs.
A few hours later, Riley was in the women's locker room standing naked in the shower. From nearby, Riley's young friend Joanna walked into the area wearing just a towel and said, "Oh hey there Riley. You mind if I shower with you?" Riley in a casual voice said, "Yeah. No big." Joanna then took off her towel and began to shower naked next to Riley. As the two washed their hair and bodies Joanna said, "So... doing okay today Riley?" Riley nodded and said, "Yeah. Everyone was behaving pretty good on the pool floor today. Although there was a lot of public display of affection going on all day." Joanna sighed and then said, "Yeah. It's called the summer romance. Me and my girlfriend were really feeling it last summer, but now... we aren't, because... ugg... she broke up with me last night." Riley looking sympathetic said "Oh Joanna. I'm so sorry." As Joanna began to rub soap on her legs she said, "Eh, at least it's the end of a whole bunch of drama. I just wish I could have someone who appreciates me and doesn't mind my fascination with orange dogs." Riley giggled and said, "I hear ya. I seem to freak out people now when I tell them I'm obsessed with purple cats." Joanna giggled and said, "You like purple cats. Aww, that's cute." Riley blushed and said, "Thanks."
A short time later, Riley stepped out of the women's locker room fully clothed. Joanna stepped out too clothed and said, "Okay. I'm gonna empty the trash near the front door. You wanna make sure all the locker rooms are cleared?" Riley nodded and said, "I'm on it." As Joanna walked away she said, "And make sure you check the family bathroom. I think I saw a couple go in there an hour ago, but they never left." Riley nodded and said, "Will do." Riley then walked over to three family bathrooms, and saw two of them were empty. Riley then went over to the third bathroom and saw it was locked. Riley tapped on the door and said, "Anybody in there?" Then Riley heard the sound of a young woman moaning. Then a panicked looking Riley said, "Is anyone in there hurt!?" Then Riley took out a key from her pocket, and used it to quickly unlock and open the bathroom door. But then upon opening the bathroom door, Riley's eyes widened greatly as she saw in the small shower stall of the family bathroom was... Auggie and Ava completely naked, with Ava's body being pushed against the shower wall, while Auggie was holding one of Ava's legs up while pounding his torso against Ava's. For a moment Auggie and Ava didn't notice Riley as Ava said, "Yes Auggie. Harder! Oh yes, give it to me baby!" Then suddenly Auggie turned his head noticing Riley. Auggie immediately grabbed a towel to cover himself up as he said, "Oh, shoot." Ava then noticed Riley next and instantly tried to hide her body behind Auggie's, and with a guilty face but an innocent voice she said, "Oh, hi Riley. We didn't realize this was the the indoor pool you were working at now." Riley began to turn her had away looking embarrassed as she said, "Um... uh... the pool is closing very soon." Then Auggie said, "Oh, sorry. We lost track of the time because um... uh... sorry we were... um... you're not gonna tell mom and dad that me and Ava have been..." Then Riley turned her head and simply said, "Just be out of here in ten minutes, okay!?" Then Riley quickly walked away looking red in the face.
Riley sat at a fancy restaurant wearing a long blue dress, as a man in his 30's sat across from Riley. As the two were finishing a meal, the man said, "And that's how I got into the contracting business. But anyway, sorry if I've been saying too much about myself. So Riley, what do you like?" Riley with a small grin said, "Well Michael, I like purple cats." Riley's date: Michael then said, "Um... I meant, what do you like to do outside of work. Any fun hobbies?" Then Riley said, "Oh, just watching TV and doing whatever and..." Then Riley heard some dance music playing the background. Then Riley jumped up and said, "Ooo. They're playing the Dancing Queen. Ooo. And it's the Ren Stevens cover of it. Hey, lets dance!" Then Michael said, "Um... can we hold off on that for a bit? I was doing heavy lifting all day." Riley looking disappointed said, "Oh." Then as Riley sat down, Michael said, "But hey. I'm up for dancing on another night." Riley sighed and said, "Um... okay."
Riley was standing in the women's locker room showers naked as she was washing her hair. Joanna then stepped into the shower area naked as well, as she said, "Hey Riley. Doing okay?" As Joanna began to wash her own hair next to Riley, an upset Riley said, "No. I'm not okay. I had a blind date of sorts last night, and it went awful. I mean I probably didn't help because maybe I sounded a bit foolish. But the guy I was with... he didn't want to get up to dance, or act silly, and just found my straight-forward wacky responses to wild and free to express myself again. I wanna act more bold, more impulsive, and more reckless without being seen as a weirdo. I wanna feel young again Joanna." Then Joanna stood in front of Riley and put her hands on Riley's shoulders as she said, "I understand Riley. But... maybe I can do something that'll make you feel more bold, impulsive, and reckless." Then Joanna moved her face forward and... she gave Riley a quick kiss on the lips. Riley looked a bit caught off guard for a moment, reaming completely still while starring at Joanna who had an incredibly loving and seductive look in her eyes. But then Riley suddenly grabbed Joanna tight and kissed her on the lips. Riley then began to push Joanna's body into the shower wall, as she picked up one of Joanna's legs with one hand, while using her other hand to begin exploring Joanna's lower region. Joanna then broke the kiss as she began to moan and said, "Oh yes Riley. Right there. Yes! Stick your fingers into me harder. Yes Riley. Harder! Oh yes, give it to me baby! Oohhh! OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!" Then Riley suddenly opened her eyes and yelled, "Ahh!"
Riley suddenly woke up in bed and sat up straight. Riley looked around at her bedroom as she breathed in and out very deeply and quickly. Eventually Riley said to herself, "Just a dream. Just a dream. It was just a dream. I only dreamt all that, which means... that I... that I'm a terrible person. I have the mind of a twisted and terrible person." Then Riley suddenly began to cry, and then hugged her knees as she began to sob loudly.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Chapter 5: Loss and Gains
Riley sat on the edge of a bridge near a slippery road as she looked incredibly upset. Riley closed her eyes as tears went down her cheeks. Suddenly from nearby, Maya appeared running towards her as she yelled, "Riley, no!" Riley then stood on the edge of the bridge, and looked down at a huge river full of many hard rocks sticking out. As Maya came towards Riley, Riley glanced at Maya and yelled, "I can't keep living like this Maya. I can't!" Maya then stopped near Riley and said, "No Riley. You still have people that need you in your life. You can't just leave a suicide note saying you're about to jump off a bridge." Riley looked up as she said, "It wasn't a suicide note per say. I could survive like I did last time." Maya then took a step towards Riley and said, "Riley, it was rainy and dark that night you slipped off this bridge. That was an accident. But if you purposefully jump this time, you could experience something worse than a twenty year coma."
More tears went down Riley's face as she closed her eyes tight and said, "I... I can't keep living like this Maya. I screwed up. I SERIOUSLY SCREWED UP!" Maya then took another step towards Riley and said, "What do you mean?" Riley looked down and said, "At the pool, I... I've been looking at all of the teenagers around me often. At first, I thought I was just admiring them. But now... I've been starting to really check out their bodies, I've been cleaning the locker rooms when many of the teens just happening to be showering so I can see them naked, I've been pleasuring myself to pictures I secretly take of them, and I've been having dreams of being intimate with them, and... oh God, Maya. I'm a monster now. I perverted monster!" Maya then got close enough to Riley to gently grab her hand and said, "You're not a monster Riley. You're my best friend. You're funny, talented, you desire to help others, you're loyal to your friends and family, and..." Then Riley sobbed as she said, "And I have a terrible problem. My mind just can't grow up Maya. I wanna be fifteen again. I should've gone to prom, had chances to experiment a bit as I started college, and lose my freaking virginity before my thirties. It's not fair. I was robbed of twenty years of my life that I'll never get back. I've missed out on so much!"
Then Maya in an upset tone loudly said, "You're not the only one who missed out Riley! You may have lost twenty years of your life, but I lost the lives of my children!" Riley suddenly opened her eyes wide, stepped away from the edge of the bridge, and looked at Maya as she said, "Maya... you and Josh had kids?" Tears began to come from Maya's eyes as she said, "Kind of. You see... me and Josh were trying for years to have kids. And we had one girl on the way. But there were complications on the delivery day, and... I didn't even get to hold her while she was still alive Riley. Me and Josh tried to have more kids though. I got pregnant twice, but each time... I lost my babies Riley. I lost three innocent lives that should've lived a true full life, and I lost the opportunity to be a mother. You may have lost twenty years that you can't get back Riley, but I lost three children I'll never get to see." Tears then appeared in Riley's eyes as she hugged Maya. The two women then both hugged each other tight as they began to cry. As the two remained in their hug, Riley said, "I'm so sorry Maya. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. I'm sorry I've been so difficult to deal with over the last several months. And I'm sorry I had to scare you like I did just now." Then Maya said, "You're in pain Riley. You're hurt and confused. And... I guess I still am too." Then Maya backed away from Riley a bit and held her hands as she said, "We're both broken Riley. But we're gonna fix this. We can both get better, if we work hard enough, and we support each other all the way." Riley nodded as she said, "Okay. Okay."
In a small support group, several adults sat in a circle together which included Riley, Maya, and Smackle. Everyone was listening to Smackle talk from her wheelchair as she said, "I still every day feel like I'm not a good enough mother. My daughter tried running off from me at the park today, and I just felt completely helpless to stop her. I can't protect her as well as I wish I could. And... I can't throw a football around with her like my husband can. I can't pick her up and lift her high off the ground. I feel like the accident is still hurting me. Robbing of so many experiences I should be having with my daughter." Then another adult said, "But think of how strong a role model you are being though Isadora. By showing your daughter how much you accomplish without the use of your legs, you get to show her how strong a woman can be despite her setbacks." Smackle then moved a few tears away from her eyes as she said, "Yeah. I guess go."
Then Riley made a little wave and said, "Well I'm having a decent time working at my new job. It still feels rough, being the only woman in her 30's at my workplace who's way behind the curve. But I'm happy I'm working in a store with other woman my own age now. They're really helping me get ahead quick. But yeah... it's tough being reminded every day you still need help, you're still behind, and you're still a bit challenged. But... I guess it's only made me realize none of us can make it through life alone. We all need our friends and families with us." Then Maya nodded and said, "Yeah. There's a lot of people suffering out there. Including a lot of children without parents. So... me and my husband Josh are starting to talk about adopting some children out there who could use some parents. It's still really scary though. I'm terrified of how effective I can protect an adopted child in this crazy mixed up world, when I couldn't even protect the life of my children before they even got to live in the world. But... I know I won't be alone when me and Josh finally do decide to take this mission on. We'll have each other, and... we'll have our friends." Riley and Maya then held hands as they looked at each other and smiled.
A Christmas tree was set up as Riley, Maya, Josh, Farkle, and Smackle were sitting at a table near it. As the adults were having a snack together, Smackle said, "Mmm. That snack mix is amazing Maya." Then the doorbell rang as Riley said, "I got it." Then from the nearby stairway, Cory and Topanga appeared as Cory said, "No, no Riley. This is me and your mother's new home. I'll get the door." Cory then opened the door and saw Zay and a little boy at the door. Cory smiled as he said, "Welcome to our home Zay. Feel free to make yourself at home and check out me and Topanga's new nook." Zay stepped in as an excited Riley said, "Zay! Good to see ya." Riley quickly hugged Zay, as Zay said, "Hey. Thanks for inviting me and Zay Junior to the party. He usually stays with his mom around Christmas, so I'm really glad he gets a chance to experience a Christmas with me and my best friends for once." Then Farkle stood up and gave Zay a quick hug as he said, "Good to see ya man. Oh, and hey Z.J. Rosaline is playing with her new toys in the other room if you wanna join her."
Then the doorbell rang as Topanga said, "I got it this time." Then Topanga opened the door to see Lucas with a woman and two children. Topanga smiling said, "Hey Lucas." Lucas and Topanga hugged as Lucas said, "Hey Mrs. Matthews. Thank you for inviting us." Riley then slowly walked towards Lucas as she said, "Hey there." Lucas made a little smile as he said, "Hey. So uh, Riley. This is my wife Olivia, and our daughters Hannah and Emma." Then Maya stepped towards Lucas and said, "Hey Ranger Rick. See you added some junior rangers to your herd since I last saw ya." Lucas smiled as he said, "Good to see you too Maya." Lucas' wife Olivia then pulled Riley aside and said, "So you're Riley. I know this is kind of awkward for us, but... Lucas always spoke highly of you. And he told me that you showed him what a kind loving person truly looks like, and that you inspired him to be a better man. So... as strange as this... I wanted to thank you for helping shape him into becoming the good man I married." Riley made a little smile as she said, "You're welcome."
Then suddenly there was another knock on the door. Cory opened it, and then Ava stepped in wearing an elf costume as she said, "Hey there kids! Who's ready to get presents from Santa?" A confused looking Cory said, "Wait. Ava, where's Auggie?" Ava with an innocent look said, "I don't where Auggie is. But get the kids in the room, because I think Santa may be coming down the chimney any second... Um... I SAID, I THINK SANTA MAY BE COMING DOWN THE CHIMNEY ANY SECOND!" Ava then walked over to the fireplace and said, "Auggie, what's taking you so long!" Then suddenly two hands stuck out from the fireplace along with Auggie's head. Auggie who was wearing a Santa suit then yelled, "I'm stuck!" Then Ava pulled on Auggie's hands as she said, "Ugg. I can't get you out." Then Cory and Topanga both grabbed Auggie's hands as Cory said, "We got you son." Then Cory and Topanga pulled Auggie from out of the chimney. Once Auggie was out, Topanga said, "That was a pretty dumb move Auggie."
Then Auggie looking upset said, "No, no, no." Then a concerned looking Riley said, "What's wrong Auggie?" As Auggie stood up and said, "I wasn't supposed to get stuck and still look like a helpless kid in front of my parents. The plan was for me to come down the chimney, and then me and Ava would give gifts to the little ones and play with them for awhile to show how good the two of us can be with kids." Then Topanga smiling said, "Well you don't have to prove that right now Auggie. It's not like that's gonna happen any time soon since you and Ava aren't married yet." Suddenly Auggie and Ava looked at each other with scared faces, and then looked at everybody else. Cory suddenly looked concerned, as a wide eyed Topanga stopped smiling as she said, "Oh my God." Ava then held Auggie's hand as she said, "Everyone. Me and Auggie have an announcement. We... are going to have a baby. I am three months pregnant. Yes, it wasn't planned. Yes, we weren't ready. But this is still something that we are happy for." Everyone was silent for a moment. But then a smiling Riley broke the silence and said, "Well why wouldn't you be? Congratulations you two." Riley then ran over and hugged both Auggie and Ava.
Several other guests began to also come close to Auggie and Ava. Then Topanga held a hand up and said, "But Ava, you're still in grad school. With a baby coming in half a year, there's no way you'll be able to find time to finish all you've been working towards." Then Riley stood up and said, "Then I'll help Ava find the time. Once she has the baby, I'll help Ava and Auggie take care of their child." Ava touched Riley's hand as she said, "You will?" A surprised looking Auggie said, "You mean it sis?" Riley nodded and said, "I might've missed out on many opportunities growing up, but I can make sure Ava doesn't. And... maybe being a little more responsible will help me finally grow up properly myself." Tears appeared in Ava's eyes as she said, "Riley. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me." Ava then hugged Riley, and soon Auggie hugged the two as well. Then Cory stepped towards the three looking serious. Cory then looked right at Auggie in the eye and said, "Son... you've got a family that is gonna stick by your no matter what. Just make sure you do the same too." Then Cory hugged the three as well.
Then nearby Maya had just picked up her phone as she was talking to someone while saying, "Seriously? Oh my gosh. Well... I'll get back to you with an answer by tomorrow." Then Maya pulled Josh aside and said, "Josh, that was the adoption agency. And they said... they're ready. They have two children they want us to meet. It's still not 100% certain, but... it looks like these could be the ones. So... you ready for this journey?" Josh held Maya's hand and said, "As long as you're with me, I'm ready for any journey." Then Maya smiled and loudly said to everyone, "Guys! The adoption agency has two kids ready for us to meet. It looks like me and Josh are about to become parents too!" Riley and Farkle instantly ran over to Maya and hugged her, while Zay and Lucas gave Josh a high five. Soon everyone engaged in a large group hug, as their wonderful Christmas evening continued.
THE END
Chapter 6: Riley's First Time
5:00pm
Riley was in a small work break room opening up a locker. Suddenly another woman her age walked up to Riley and said, "Hey Riley. Long day, huh?" Riley made a little smile as she said, "Yes, it was Megan. But at least we have the weekend to look forward to." Then Riley's friend Megan began to open up her own locker as she said, "So, got any plans tonight? I was thinking of spending the whole evening at the bar down the street." Riley turned her head and said, "Na, I don't drink." Then Megan said, "Neither do I. But this place makes the best fruit smoothies. Plus they have games and trivia contests on Friday night, which helps attract all the sober people since they'll all be more likely to win the games and trivia." Then as Riley prepared to leave she said, "Well I have to watch my brother's kid again tonight. It's part of the gig of being a live-in nanny." Megan sighed and said, "Again, Riley? Well if you are able to change your plans, you know where to find me." Riley began to walk out of the room as she said, "I'll keep that in mind."
6:00pm
Riley was laying on her stomach on the floor as she was playing with a little infant girl. As Riley held out a little toy she said, "Hey Abby. I got your favorite toy. Here, watch it shake." Then Riley shook the toy causing little baby Abby to laugh. Then suddenly Riley heard an older male voice say, "Riley, what are you still doing here?" Then Riley saw her grandparents Alan and Amy step into the room. The two sat down on the floor as Alan said, "Riley, we told you. We're here for a week to spend time with our first great granddaughter. You can spend a little time off the clock for once." Riley sat up as she made a little smile and said, "But I still wanna help out. Besides, you two are getting kinda..." Amy smiled as she picked up Aubrey and said, "Old? That just means we're more wise. Besides, we raised four high maintenance kids over forty years. Spending a week helping out with this little angel will be nothing. Isn't that right little Aubrey? You're not gonna try to marry a moose like your Uncle Eric did? You better not."
Then Alan sat closer to Riley and said, "Come on Riley. Go out. Have some fun. Go to a party or something." Then Riley said, "But Grandpa, I'm not a teenager anymore. I have to learn to be more adult. You know, be more responsible." Then Amy said, "Riley, you need to be responsible in the sense that you shouldn't do something dangerous, and you should be true to your job and true to your family. But when the work day is over and your family is doing fine for the moment, adults in their 30's are allowed to party. You are allowed to let loose and have fun." Then Alan said, "In fact, since being a responsible adults is very time-consuming, making the most of the short periods of time you can enjoy yourself is even more important."
Then suddenly from a door nearby, Auggie and Ava walked in smiling and giggling. As everyone saw the two walk in, Amy said, "There you two are. So Ava, how did your dissertation go?" A smiling Ava said, "Amazing. Everyone loved it. But we're smiling because we have bigger news. Because just a half hour ago... I asked Auggie to marry me... and he said yes!" A smiling Amy said, "Congratulations!" Then Alan smirked as he looked at Auggie and said, "So your soon to be wife proposed to you. Well I guess like father, like son." Then a confused Riley said, "But I thought you two said you didn't need a piece of paper to remain committed to one another." Then Auggie said, "Ava did, but I wanted to respect her wishes."
Then Ava said, "Well I've honestly always been afraid of complete and total commitment after how painful it was when my own parents got divorced. But... I finally decided I wanted Auggie to know, and the entire world to know for that matter, that Auggie is my everything. And so is Aubrey. And I also wanted Aubrey to grow up having a stable family. I want her to know both me and Auggie will always be there for her on a united front to help her at meeting the world." Then Auggie held Ava's hand as he said, "And I will do everything in my power to make sure my wife and a daughter are never without a loving and caring husband and father." Ava smiled as she kissed Auggie while everyone else cheered. Then Riley stood up and said, "Well we should have a party. I'll buy some food and set up some decorations, and..." Then Alan said, "Or you can go have some fun with some friends." Then Ava said, "Yeah, we'll have a party another time Riley." Then Amy said, "Come on Riley. It's Friday night. Don't you have any friends you can hang out with?" Then Riley said, "Well..."
7:00pm
Riley stepped into a bar looking around while seeming a bit nervous. Riley then went over to the main bar where drinks were being made. Suddenly from nearby, Megan appeared and with a happy face said, "Riley!? Oh my gosh, you came!" Then Megan immediately hugged Riley, and then said, "This is awesome! You're here!" Then Riley looking a little out of sorts said, "Well my grandparents were in town, so they're watching my niece now. So, anyone else from work here?" Then Megan said, "Not tonight. And I was getting tired of playing darts and cards with strangers. Hey, I'll buy you a drink. Pick any smoothie here. They're all amazing. My treat." Then Riley looking up at a menu said, "Well... how about that strawberry banana one." A smiling Megan said, "Sounds good."
8:00pm
Riley threw a dart a dart-board and got a bullseye. As Megan stood near her, she yelled, "Ohhh! How do you keep doing that Riley?" A smiling but confused Riley said, "I don't know. I just... do it." Then Megan said, "Then you are indeed a natural. Okay, I lost the bet. I owe you another drink then. Come on. You should try the chocolate banana smoothie." Then Megan grabbed Riley's hand and yanked her towards the bar as Riley said, "Whoa!"
9:00pm
Riley and Megan sat at the bar, when music came on. Megan jumped up and said, "Oh my gosh! I love this song!" Then an excited Riley said, "You do? It's my favorite too." Then Megan held out a hand and said, "Wanna dance then?" Riley smiled and said, "Sure." Riley and Megan then got on the dance floor together and began to hold each other's hands as they danced to the music with one another. As the two began to dance with one another Riley said, "You're a real good dancer Megan." Megan smirked as she said, "And so are you Riley. Of course with a hot body in shape like yours, I had no doubt." Then Riley blushed as she said, "You think I'm hot?" Then Megan paused as she said, "Oh, sorry. Was it too weird that I said that?" Riley then made a smile as she said, "No, actually."
10:00pm
Riley and Megan walked into an apartment as Megan said, "Sorry you got all of that drink spilled on your clothes." Riley giggling said, "Hey, if you're gonna get messy, at least do it when you're playing a fun game. But oh God, my clothes are pretty sticky though." Then Megan said, "Well there's my washing machine over there. How about we just dump our clothes in there. It should take just an hour and a half to wash and dry. Go ahead and take your outfit off. I'll get you a bath robe." Riley smiled as she said, "Thanks." Megan then walked out of the room as Riley took all of her clothes off. Standing in just her underwear now, Riley dumped her clothes in the nearby washing machine. Then Megan walked back into the room in just her own underwear as she said, "Here's a bath robe but I only have one so..." Megan then paused as she found herself starring at Riley's scantily clad body. Riley noticed Megan's eyes were starring at her breasts, and then Megan realized Riley realized where she was starring. Megan's face turned red as she said, "Sorry." Riley blushed as she said, "It's okay."
The two women then stood still as they starred at the others' body, quickly becoming less embarrassed as they realized they were equally focused on the others' form. Megan then looked into Riley's eyes and said, "You're thinking the same thing I'm thinking aren't I?" Riley nervously nodded and said, "Yeah." Then Megan stepped towards Riley and said, "You wanna... stay the night... with me... in my bed?" Riley paused for a brief moment and then said, "Yes." Then Megan took Riley's hand and led her into the nearby bedroom. Riley looked at the bedroom as she said, "Real nice room you got here? So how much do you pay in rent, or do you..." Then suddenly Megan moved quickly and kissed Riley right on the lips. Riley kissed Megan back as the two wrapped their arms around each other. Riley then broke the kiss briefly to say, "Your lip-stick smells amazing. What flavor is it?" Megan grinned as she said, "You talk too much." Then Megan gently pushed Riley down on her bed, and then got on top of her. Megan quickly turned off the lights, while a glow from outdoor lamps still allowed for the two women to see each other.
Megan began to make light kisses on Riley's neck, causing Riley to purr and giggle a bit. Megan then reached her hands around Riley and un-hooked her bra, and gently pulled it away from Riley's body. Riley then reached around Megan's back trying to un-hook Megan's bra. However Riley found herself unable to undo the hook and she said, "What is this hook made of? I can't un-attach it." Megan giggled as she put her own hands behind her, un-hooked her bra, and took it off. Then Megan smiled and said, "Just relax now Riley." Then Megan pulled a blanket over the two, and then moved her head down as she began to kiss Riley's stomach. Then as Riley felt Megan pull her panties down and then felt Megan's head right between the top of her legs, Riley said, "Oh my gosh. Is that your tongue? It's... Ohhhh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Then Riley's mouth just hung open as her eyes widened as she began to breath in and out deeply. Then Riley finally spoke again as she said, "Oh God, is this what it feels like? Is this what it's meant to feel like!? Then as Megan's head began to move a bit more under the blanket, Riley closed her eyes as she said, "Oh my God! Ohhhh! OOOOHHHHHH!" Then Riley suddenly grabbed a pillow and held it over her face as she screamed moans of loud pleasure into it.
9:00am
Riley opened her eyes as a beam of sunshine came threw a nearby window. Riley looked down and saw she was naked with only a blanket covering her. Then Riley turned her head and saw sleeping on her side looking comfortable and naked was Megan. Riley then looked up at the ceiling as she had a wide eyed look of confusion on her face. Then Riley slowly got up and, and very slowly and quietly tried to get out of the bed. As Riley put her underwear back on, suddenly Megan slowly opened her eyes and said, "Hey beautiful. Trying to sneak out on me?" Riley looking at Megan now, finished putting her underwear on as she said, "What? No. I was um... uh..." Then Megan smirked as she said, "Cause the way you were getting up all quiet kinda looks like it." Then Riley said, "Sorry. Um... this is just a little confusing. I've never done... um... girl on girl before. Before last night I had never kissed a girl before, let alone have sex with them. I actually never had sex before tonight, and... oh God, I sound like an idiot. You know what? I just realized, we threw our clothes in the washing machine last night, but never actually started the wash. I'm gonna do that right now. Why don't you just sleep in a bit?" Then Riley quickly stepped out of the room as Megan laid on her side and watched Riley step out.
10:00am
Riley sat in Megan's kitchen wearing a large t-shirt, starring at a blank wall near her while eating a bowl of ice cream. Then Megan stepped into the kitchen wearing a bath robe. She quietly sat next to Riley and looked at her ice cream. Then Megan looked right at Riley and said, "So you like ice cream the morning after sex, huh? I usually just have coffee. So... how is it?" Riley then looking slightly nervous said, "Confused. I mean... good. I mean... I'm feeling confused right now." With a look of sympathy Megan said, "I can tell." Then Riley parted some hair away from her eyes and said, "Was I good last night? I mean we did go at it for hours, and I know I made you erupt so to speak three times, but you were somehow able to make me get there five times, so..." Megan smiled as she said, "You were good Riley. You were really good." Riley made a little sigh and then said, "Good... I guess. Um... I'm sorry if I'm making this too weird. I've never had a one night stand before. I mean you kinda already got that when I told you I never had sex before." Megan nodded and said, "Yeah. That was... kind of a bomb-shell when you dropped it. But... if it helps... I'm really honored to be your first." Riley and Megan then sat silently for a moment.
Then Riley broke the silence as she said, "I just feel so weird honestly." Then Megan said, "Yeah. I guess being a virgin into your 30's, and then finally losing it must feel strange." Then Riley said, "No. I mean yes. Oh God, yes, it's weird. I thought I'd feel more different. But I don't. And yet, I totally do. But that's not what I was saying. I... Megan... what do you wanna have when you're older? I mean, do you want kids one day or do you wanna get married?" Then Megan said, "Honestly... I'm not looking for marriage. I'm pretty happy being single. But... maybe I'll adopt a kid one day or something. I don't know. It could be nice." Then Riley said, "Well... my brother and his girlfriend announced they were getting married yesterday, with one of the reasons being that they wanna stay committed to each other for the sake of their daughter, and so that neither of them has to deal with that lifestyle alone. And... honestly, I want what they have one day. I want kids one day, but I wanna be married to someone who will be there with me so I don't have to be a parent alone." Then Megan said, "Well... it sounds like you know what you want." Then Riley looking really surprised said, "Actually... yeah. I do. For the first time in my life... I think I finally know what I want."
Then Megan smiled as she said, "Well then... I'm glad then you did get something good from this experience. And I think I did too. So here's my confession. I actually haven't had sex in the last five years, because I had thought I had lost my attraction towards it. But after what I experienced with you, I now realize the only thing I lost my attraction to was men." Then Riley with wide eyes said, "Wait a second. Do you mean..." Megan smirked as she said, "Yeah. Last night you may have lost your virginity, period. But last night I lost my lesbian virginity." Riley looking very surprised with a wide eyed face said, "Wow." Then two sat silent again for a moment. Then Megan said, "How about you? Your needle only swinging one way now, or..." Then Riley looked at her ice cream as she said, "I... I'm not too sure. But... I think I do wanna get married to a man one day. You know, kids should have a mother and father in their life." Then Megan looked down as she said, "Oh." Then Riley trying to sound sympathetic said, "But I mean, it's not like you didn't turn me off from girls. I guess to answer your question... it's sort of like ice cream. Even though we all have a favorite flavor, we still try other flavors from time to time. Chocolate may be my favorite, but I have no regrets of trying vanilla. And even when I'm enjoying chocolate a lot, I'll still never forget how good vanilla tasted." Megan smirked as she said, "Well... I'll never forget how good you tasted. So... it looks like we still have 45 minutes until the dryer is done with our clothes. Here, let me try some of that ice cream you got." Then Megan grabbed a spoon and tasted the ice cream as she said, "Mmm. This is actually good to try in the morning." Riley smiled as she said, "I know." Then the morning continued as Riley and Megan continued to eat more ice cream.
THE END
Chapter 7: New Changes
Riley and Maya were sitting at a kitchen table together as Riley looked at the refrigerator and said, "Wow. Pictures from your new kids on the frig already. Someone has got this adopted mom thing down already." Maya sighed and said, "Well... they're really just from one of the kids." Then suddenly Josh came in through the front door giving a young boy a piggy-back ride while smiling as he yelled, "We ate fifteen ice cream cones at the football game and we still want more! Right Jacob!?" Then the little boy Jacob yelled, "Woo hoo!" Then Josh said, "Come on son. Lets get you to your room before we both have a serious sugar crash!" Then Josh quickly took Jacob out of the room as Riley giggled and said, "I've never seen Josh so happy. How's the other kid doing? Hannah, right?" Maya sighed and said, "Well..." Then a young girl walked into the room going to get a drink from the refrigerator. Maya seeing her said, "Hey Hannah. Vintage clothing store is still open for another couple of hours. We can get there in five minutes in my rocking red electric car. Wanna get some new summer clothes?" The young girl Hannah looking disgusted said, "No. I hate your car, and I hate the clothes you get me." Hannah then walked out of the room as a surprised looking Riley said, "What brought that on?" Maya leaned her head on her right hand as she said, "I don't know. Both Hannah and Jacob seemed cool with us when we first adopted them. And while Jacob has been on cloud nine since he got here, Hannah... has just been a moody mess. And I don't know what to do." Then Riley said, "Mmm. Well maybe, you just need some help..."
In a small living room, Riley was holding baby Aubrey in one arm while sitting at a table working on math work-sheets were Rosaline (Farkle and Smackle's daughter), and ZJ (Zay's son). Then there was a knock on the door, Riley glanced out the window, and then opened the door while still holding Aubrey in one hand. Zay then stepped in as he said, "Hey Riley. How were the kids today?" A smiling Riley said, "A handful. But it was still nice to take care of kids for once that could talk." Then ZJ ran over to Zay and said, "Hey dad. I made this cool picture with Riley today." Zay smiled as he said, "Cool. Well hey, take your time finishing up what you're doing. I'm not in a rush to bounce out." Then as ZJ went back to the table, Zay noticed what he was doing and said, "Hmm. You've got them doing math worksheets during the summer." Riley smirked as she said, "Eh. It doesn't hurt to stay ahead." Zay smiled as he said, "No, no. It's all good. My boy needs a little tutoring. His mom sure doesn't take the time to do that with him." Riley looking concerned said, "Yeah. ZJ was telling me that too. Everything okay between you and his mom?" Zay sighed and said, "I wish it was. I'm honestly concerned about him staying with her every other week, but I got nothing concrete I can accuse her of. Ugg. Let me tell you something Riley. Whatever you do, don't get married to someone you've known for less than three months. I don't know what I was thinking."
Then Riley put a hand on Zay's shoulder and said, "Hey. You're doing your best now. That's what matters." Zay sighed and said, "Thanks. Sorry for unloading everything on you. Between work and raising ZJ, I don't talk to other adults enough nowadays." Then Riley said, "Well I'm always here if you need an adult face to chat with." Zay with a sly smile said, "How about Saturday night at my place. ZJ will be with his mom, and I can use the company." Riley looking caught off guard said, "Oh, I meant... not what you meant, but..." Then Zay looking embarrassed said, "Oh. Sorry. But I mean... if you want to..." Then Riley said, "Um, I'm kinda busy raising my niece here but..." Then Zay said, "Well if you change your mind..." Then Riley said, "Well... I... I'll think about it." Then Zay said, "Cool. Um... ZJ! TIME TO GO!" Then ZJ ran over to Zay, Zay quickly waved at Riley, and then the father and son left. Riley then stood frozen, still holding baby Aubrey in one arm looking confused and uncertain.
The doorbell rang to Maya's apartment. Maya ran over to the door and yelled, "Coming!" Then Maya opened the door and with wide eyes said, "Shawn?" A smiling Shawn stood at the door as he said, "Hey there kiddo. Hope you don't mind I showed up unannounced." Maya and Shawn then gave each other a hug as a smiling Maya said, "Oh no, it's great to see you." Then as Maya and Shawn sat on the nearby couch together, Shawn said, "Good. So... you mind telling me why Riley had to tell me you were having some parenting issues before you did?" Maya sighed and said, "That little princess is still interfering with my life. Well... sorry Shawn. I guess I just wanted to deal with this myself. I'm a parent now, and it's my responsibility to deal with my kids." Then Shawn said, "Hey, I get that and respect that Maya. But you keep family and friends in your life for a reason. We all still gotta help each other out."
Maya then looking frustrated as she said, "It... it just drives me crazy. I'm doing everything I can for Hannah. I'm always there for her when she gets home from school or camp. We sit together as a family for dinner so I can hear about how she's doing. I try to drive her to places that I think she'll like. I'm trying to give her the perfect mother/daughter relationship, and she just shoots hate at me with every attempt I make." Then a sympathetic looking Shawn said, "Well... you do have to give her time. She's bounced around a lot of different foster homes like you told me. Trust me, I know first-hand, jumping between different homes while growing up can definitely take a toll on you." Then Maya ran her fingers through her hair briefly as she said, "It's just... I know this wouldn't have happened if Jacob and Hannah were my biological children. If me and Josh could've been there for them from the beginning, if we had the genetic connection parents and kids had, if I could've gotten to know Hannah since she was a baby... I know it's stupid to say stuff like this, but Shawn, I feel like I missed out on so much not getting to actually be a normal biological parent to my two kids."
Shawn then looking sympathetic said, "No, I get it Maya. For most of my life, I felt like I had missed out on a lot too. But you can't keep regretting what you lost. Instead, you have to be grateful for what you've gained. I mean, being completely honest Maya... I wish I had met you sooner in my life. I wish I could've started being your father when you were kid. But coming from somebody who thought he would never get to be a father, just getting the couple of years I did get raising you is something I am overjoyed to have had. Now I know you wish things went different for you Maya. I know it's weird starting a connection with your kids when they're already half way through their childhood. But you gotta be grateful for the time you have now, and start building a connection with the way things are. Don't live in the past, or worse: a what if past. Be thankful for what you got now." A few tears appeared in Maya's eyes as she said, "That was pretty good. You sure you didn't steal any of that from Riley's dad because that was honestly a legit good life lesson." Then Shawn smirked as he said, "Well you spend enough time with the guy, his wisdom will rub off on you." Then Maya took a deep breath and said, "Well you're right. Although even though you said not to live in the past, that is causing me to wonder something..."
Riley was sitting at an outdoor cafe with her friend Megan. As Riley was stirring a drink she said, "I was so totally caught off guard. He was asking me out, and I totally turned him down." Megan looking interested said, "Well you say you two have been friends a long time." Then Riley covered her face as she said, "Yeah, but just friends. It would be so weird if we tried to be something different." Then Megan said, "Well you could just give it a try and see how you feel. You gave me a try and you saw how it felt." As Megan made a big grin while saying her last sentence, she winked at Riley causing Riley to blush a bit as she said, "Well... Zay's going through a lot right now with his ex-wife, and I'm going through a lot with still trying to re-build my life. I'm still playing catch up in terms of being a responsible adult, and Zay's got his own crazy responsibilities and..." Then Megan interrupted Riley and said, "Then maybe you two can help each other with your issues. Because trust me, we all got issues. I mean I got some issues. So many, many issues I'm still sorting through. But that doesn't stop me from living life." Riley sighed and said, "Yeah. I guess you got a point." Then Megan leaned in and made a sly smile as she said, "And hey. If things don't work out with this Zay guy, you can always come by my place to give this little spark between us a second go." Riley blushed again as she turned her head smiling a bit while still looking at Megan.
Hannah was sitting in a bedroom looking at a book, when Maya stepped in. As Maya sat near Hannah, a frustrated looking Hannah said, "What is it?" Maya then looking guilty said, "I have to confess... I'm an idiot. You never wanna ride in my car, and I never asked why you didn't like it." Then Hannah said, "I don't like your car because it's a stupid car." Then Maya said, "No, you don't like it because it's a red car. I called the adoption agency. Apparently you almost got killed by a red car once, and your last foster care provider said you had a deep hatred towards them. So, this weekend I will be trading my red car in for any vehicle within my price range that has a color you prefer." Then Hannah looking a little more at ease said, "Well... thanks. But I don't hate red cars because one almost killed me. It almost killed me right before I was gonna find my mom." A confused looking Maya said, "What do you mean?" Hannah then said, "The whole thing happened when I was crossing the street trying to get into the adoption agency offices. I wanted to find out who my real mom was. But after I got hurt, I moved to another foster home and was too far away from the adoption agency. But I don't care what you or anybody else says. I'm gonna find my real mom." Hannah then pointed to a locket she was wearing as she said, "This locket was hers. She wouldn't have given something so beautiful to me when I was a baby if she didn't love me. She must still care for me, and I'm gonna find her, and you can't stop me."
Maya then looking sympathetic said, "Hannah... I don't know what happened to your real mother. And if you find out what happened to her, you may not like what you find." Then a frustrated looking Hannah said, "I don't care what I find. I just wanna know what happened, so I can forgive her." Maya paused for a moment, and then made a little smile as she said, "You know... I was left by one of my parents too when I was young. And when I tracked them down in an attempt to hear out what happened, I wasn't willing to forgive them. But if you are... then you might actually be a better person than me. Tell you what. I don't know how yet, but I am going to help you find your biological mother. We will find out what happened. But until then, I am going to take care of you, provide for you, and love you no matter what happens. Because I don't need to be your biological mother to love you with every fiber of my being. And just so you know: there is nothing that is gonna change that. Okay?" Hannah made a little nod and said, "Okay." Maya then stood up and said, "Okay. Well I'll let you keep reading your book." Then Maya began to walk out of the room. Then Hannah stood up and said, "Maya." Maya turned to look back at Hannah as she said, "Yes?" Then Hannah ran towards Maya and hugged her as she said, "Thanks." Maya then hugged Hannah back as she said, "You're welcome."
Riley knocked on a door looking nervous. Then Zay opened the door looking surprised as he said, "Riley?" Riley looking a little awkward smiled as she said, "Hey Zay. Could you still use some company on a Saturday night?" Zay looking surprised said, "Yeah. Sure. But what changed your mind?" Riley then said, "Well... I decided as weird as this might be... I'd rather try something weird with a good friend than with anyone else." Zay smiled as he said, "Hey. I'm all down with weird. Come on in then." Riley looking nervous but excited stepped in as she said, "Sounds like a good idea."
THE END
Chapter 8: The Assault
Riley and Zay were both sitting on a couch together watching a movie as they were both laughing. As the movie continued, Zay said, "This was a real fun choice of a flick. Thanks for bringing it over Riley." Riley smiled and said, "Thanks." Then Riley and Zay both looked into each other's eyes, slowly moved their faces towards one another, and then briefly kissed. The two then moved their faces apart, now both looking a bit turned off. Zay then said, "You feeling any spark here?" Riley turned her head and said, "Nope." Then Riley and Zay scooted a bit apart as Zay said, "Hey, it's cool." Then Riley looking guilty now said, "Sorry. I mean I was curious to see what this would be like, but..." Then Zay said, "Hey. I thought I felt something too, but I'm glad we're both being chill about this. I mean, the kiss was nice for a second though. I mean I haven't kissed anyone in over five years, and for you it's been over twenty." Riley then parted some hair away form her eyes as she said, "Well..." Zay looking surprised said, "Oh my gosh. Were you seeing someone Riley? I didn't know you had already jumped back in the game. Was he anyone I know?" Then Riley looking a bit embarrassed said, "Well... it wasn't a he." Then Zay turned his head back and forth and smirked as he said, "Oh my gosh. Lucas was right." Riley looking confused and caught off guard said, "What do you mean Lucas was right?"
Zay smirked as he said, "Back when we were teens... well... now look, Lucas loved you in high school. But... he sometimes was wondering how much you liked him. I mean you barely held his hand, we can all count the number of times you kissed him on ironically one hand. So Lucas figured that maybe, just maybe, you were more into girls and just didn't realize it." Riley chuckled a bit and then playfully covered her face as she said, "Oh my gosh. How is it my friends knew me better than I knew myself growing up?" Then Zay smiled and said, "Hey, don't feel bad. But at least this is another common interest we have now. So... this girl you were with... how long were you together?" Riley then leaned back and sighed as she said, "Just one night. It was an amazing night, but... I totally turned her down saying I was more interested in men, and how confused I was that night... or am I just confused now?" Then Zay looking sympathetic said, "Hey. I know it must be weird. It must be crazy when your real identity comes to the surface. But just be honest with yourself, and also be honest with all your friends. We'll support you all the way girl." Riley looked right at Zay as she smiled and said, "Thanks Zay."
Awhile later as evening began, Riley was driving her car down the road. As heavy rain began to fall, Riley said, "Ooo. Better not go too fast." Then suddenly a car from behind Riley sped up right behind her and began to honk loudly. Riley looking a bit nervous tried to remain calm as she said, "It's okay. It's better to drive slow when there's heavy rain. Just gotta remain calm." Then suddenly the car behind Riley began to turn it's high beams on and off quickly. Riley suddenly squinted her eyes as she slowed down and said, "Ah. I can barely see." Then suddenly the other car swerved around Riley and got right near her as a loud male voice yelled, "Learn to drive bitch!" Then suddenly several glass bottles were thrown in Riley's direction hitting the side of her car, breaking her side window, and hitting Riley. Riley swerved to the side as she yelled, "Ahhhhh!"
Riley then sat in her broken car on the side of the road breathing heavily with her eyes closed. Then suddenly a car pulled up behind Riley. Riley barely looking outside curled up into a ball in her seat as she yelled, "Ah! Don't hurt me!" Then suddenly Megan appeared running towards Riley as she said "Riley? I thought that was you. I saw what happened. Did you get that jerk's license plate number? I couldn't see it in the rain." Riley seeing Megan began to breath less heavily as she said, "No. He moved too fast. I... oh my God. It was all so fast. I knew he wanted me to drive faster but it was dark and raining hard. I wasn't that far below the speed limit, I swear. But when he threw that glass at me, I... oh God, I thought I was gonna get hurt and fall into another coma again or worse, and..." Riley then began to break down and cry, as Megan hugged Riley and said, "Hey. You're safe. You got no cuts on your body, just your car and your jacket it looks like. You're gonna be okay. Now just breath a bit while I call the police."
Megan opened the door to her apartment, as she held Riley's hand leading her in. As Riley sat down in the kitchen she said, "Are you sure this place is safe? How many security cameras are around the building?" Megan sat facing Riley as she said, "This is a safe place. Don't worry. That guy won't be coming after you. He was just a jerk that would've attacked anybody driving safe tonight." Then a worried looking Riley said, "But we can't be sure. Neither of us got a good look at him. And since we couldn't get a good look at his car, the police can literally do nothing. There's a maniac attacking people on the road, and no one is doing anything!" Then Megan touched Riley's hands and said, "Whoa, whoa. Now look. We did get the color of his car. That was something. And the police did say they would try to get some extra cops to patrol that area for awhile. Meaning there's a higher chance now that they will get him."
Riley breathed deeply for a moment and said, "But.. how can you be so calm Megan? I mean what has happened to the world since I got out of my coma. Has humanity just become more evil?" Megan sighed and said, "No. That's part of the harshness of just being an adult. When you're a kid and even a teenager, somehow your parents can protect you from many harms. But when you're adult... you realize how rough the planet really is when your safety net is gone. Trust me, I know. I've been where you are." Riley looking a bit curious with caution in her voice said, "Megan... have you been attacked before?" Megan looked down and then with hesitation in her voice said, "Yeah. But... in a more intense manner. I... um... when I was in my late teens... I was raped... more than once." Riley looking horrified cover her mouth and said, "Oh my God."
Tears appeared in Megan's eyes as she nodded and said, "Yeah. I mean the guys I was with kind of convinced me I wanted it but... they were bigger, older, and stronger than me. They basically forced me into thinking I wanted it. But... when I asked for help later, no one wanted to help me either." Riley then looking sympathetic said, "Megan, I... I don't know what to say. Have you talked to anyone else about this?" Megan turned her head and said, "Yes and no. I mean literally yes. I've talked to therapists and other people. But they just assumed I was being a drama queen, over-exaggerating, or just making it up. I think they said those things because they either believed it, or... maybe they just wanted to be in denial of how bad things were, because to accept the reality of how harsh a world is... can be kind of depressing." Riley looked down as she said, "Yeah. It is." Then Megan touched Riley's hand as she said, "But it isn't. Sure there are dark corners. Actually there are a lot of dark corners. Actually there are many huge dark corners. But they're not the main part of what makes life amazing. There's still amazing stuff out there like nature, good music, situation comedy TV shows, kind friends, supportive family members, and there's people you fall in love with."
Riley then looked into Megan's eyes and said, "Megan. You've been through all that pain, and yet you can still be that positive?" Megan sighed and said, "Oh, it's still a challenge. I still have mornings where I don't wanna get up. And sometimes painful memories of the past make me ball up and cry when I'm alone. And trust me, I still haven't told you about all of the hard stuff I've been through. I mean at one point I got... well, I'll tell you about that some other time. But if I just freeze up all day long and don't live my life, then I let the people in my past who hurt me win. But I have learned, you can't do it alone. If you can't find anyone who can help you, just keep looking high and low until you find someone who is willing to support you. And Riley... I just want you to know that... I will always here here to support you." Then Riley gently squeezed Megan's hand as she said, "Megan... I wanna be here to support you too." Then Riley and Megan looked into each other's eyes, moved their faces closer, and then had a deep passionate long kiss. Eventually the two moved their faces away as Megan said, "Riley... are you sure you want this? I thought you said that you wanted..." Riley nodded and said, "I did. But... I've realized I am a broken and messed up person who is still trying to figure out what she really wants. But... if you're still willing and don't mind the fact that I'm really broken and messed up..." Megan smiled as she said, "I don't mind as long as you don't mind that I'm still broken and messed up. But maybe in all of our brokenness and messed-up-ness... we can help each other heal." Riley smiled and then she moved her face forward again. Riley and Megan then had a deep kiss that went for a very long time.
THE END
Chapter 9: A New Family Begins
Riley lay naked on a bed with only a blanket covering her while she closed her eyes and said, "Ooo. Oh yes. Ohhh! OOOOOOHHHHHHHH!" Riley made an "o" shape with her mouth as she let out a loud moan. Then a naked Megan appeared from under the blanket smiling. Then as the two women laid on their sides, Megan spooned herself behind Riley and wrapped her arms around her nude form. Riley smiled as she moved a hand behind herself and gently touched the side of Megan's head. Riley and Megan then kissed one another for a long moment. Then once their kiss was over, a smiling Riley said, "Mmm. That was wonderful." Then Megan said, "I know. I think we both came like... what was it... nine times each?" Riley giggled and said, "I think it was like twelve, but we've been doing it all day, I totally lost count." Megan nestled her head next to Riley's and then put her mouth near Riley's ear as she whispered, "I love you so much Riley." Riley closed her eyes and grinned as she said, "I love you with all my heart Megan. I've never been so happy." Then as Megan gently used one hand to rub Riley's arm she said, "I am so glad you finally moved in with me." Riley with a smile said, "Well with my sister in law finally staying home with Aubrey, it seemed like the right time." Then Megan kissed Riley's shoulder and said, "We are going to have such an amazing future together."
Then Riley turned her body around to now face Megan as she said, "Megan... what is our future gonna look like? I mean long term?" Then with a smile Megan said, "Well I'm hoping more of this in bed every Saturday for as long as you'll let me." Riley smirked and said, "Okay. Fair enough. But... is this gonna be a forever thing? I mean do you wanna get married, like with a ceremony one day? And more importantly, do you want kids?" Megan suddenly had a look of worry on her face as she said, "Oh. I mean... I don't know." Then Riley said, "Well I mean... I told you I wanna have kids. And you seemed open to the idea of adopting one yourself one day." Then Megan sat up while covering herself with a blanket as she said, "Yeah, but that was before this all got so real." Then Riley sat up and scooted close to Megan as she said, "Well what we're experiencing is real. And we can't just live in the now. We have also have to live with a future in mind as well. Like do you want us to have a wedding with our families one day?" Then Megan stood up and began to put her underwear on as she stubbornly said, "Riley, do you really wanna start planning out a future wedding with our families, when you haven't even introduced me to yours?" Then Megan walked out of the room as Riley sat looking upset.
Maya sat in a chair in a vintage clothing store, as her adopted daughter: Hannah stepped out of a changing booth with a new dress on. Hannah excitedly looked at Maya as she said, "I love it! Do you think it looks good on me though?" Maya then stood up and looked into Hannah's happy face as she said, "Wow Hannah. You look amazing. Wow. So this is what it likes to feel like a parent making their kid happy." Then Hannah picked up a large pile of clothes as she said, "I want all of these!" Maya chuckled and said, "I'm not buying you that many clothes though. But remember Hannah. Only buy these outfits if they feel like they represent the real you. You don't have to buy new types of clothes in an attempt to re-define yourself." Hannah then said, "No Maya. I like these." Then Maya said, "Well you can pick two more outfits from this pile and that's it." Then Maya heard her phone ring. Maya looked at her phone screen and said, "Oh my gosh. Um, Hannah. Go change, okay." Hannah then went into the changing booth, but sneakily stuck her head out as she listened to Maya answer the phone. As Maya was on the phone she said, "So you have an address for Hannah's mom? Look, I know this is a long shot but I promised her I'd do whatever I could to... Okay. Just text me the address and I'll check it out. If the woman at this place is indeed Hannah's mom, then I'll introduce her to Hannah. Thanks." Then Maya hung up the phone as Hannah's eyes greatly widened.
Megan was sitting in the kitchen eating some ice cream while wearing a bath robe. Riley then stepped into the kitchen wearing a matching bath robe as she said, "Hey. Can I have some of that?" Megan took out a bowl as she said, "Help yourself." Riley looking a bit upset then grabbed a spoon as she said, "Megan... I'm sorry I haven't introduced you to my family yet. You deserve to meet them. It's just, my parents have really tried to instill into me the importance of the traditional family, and really expected me to get married to a man one day and I just don't know how they'd react to you. But you're part of my life now, and my family needs to recognize that." Megan then sighed and said, "Riley... thank you. That means a lot. But you don't need to introduce me to your family until you're actually comfortable with it. And really, I just said that rude remark because you wanting talk about our future scared me." Then Riley said, "What? You mean the part about us maybe getting married one day?" Megan turned her head and said, "No. The part about us having kids."
Then Riley said, "Well if you're scared about artificial insemination, I'll go through with it if you want. Or if you wanna adopt, my best friend Maya who you still have to meet adopted two kids recently, and she could give us a lot of advice on how to deal with it." Then Megan said, "It's not how we get a kid that scares me Riley. It's just having a kid. You see... I don't think I should have kids because I'd be a terrible mom." Then Riley said, "Don't say that Megan. You've been so kind, understanding, and supportive to me. You'd be a great mom Megan because you're a great person." Then Megan tilted her head down as she said, "Riley, you're too naive. I'm a terrible person." Then Riley said, "Megan, why do you think you'd be a terrible mom?" Then Megan with an greatly upset tone looked at Riley with tears in her eyes and said, "Because I was a mom Riley. I was pregnant years ago but then at a low moment I got rid of... oh God." Then Megan got up and ran out of the room sobbing, leaving Riley looking very shocked.
Megan stepped out of the bathroom at the vintage clothing store as she said, "Okay Hannah. I'm ready to head home and... Hannah. Where'd you go?" Then Maya noticed her phone was laying on a table. Maya picked up the phone as she said, "Hannah. I told you not to leave my phone alone and..." Then Maya looked at her phone and saw an address listed on the screen. With wide eyes Maya said, "Oh no. She went to find her birth mother on her own." Then Maya ran out of the clothing store as quick as she could.
Megan was sitting on her bed sobbing as Riley slowly stepped into the room and gently sat next to Megan's side. As Megan continued to cry she said, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner Riley. But... I didn't want you to see me as the terrible person I knew I was. I thought if I could do nothing but show kindness and love to you, that would make up for the terrible things I've done. But no matter what I do, the fact that I got rid of..." Riley then put an arm around Megan and held her close as she said, "Megan, I don't see you as a terrible person. Because a terrible person wouldn't be crying like this over losing a child." Megan then looked into Riley's eyes as she said, "Oh God Riley. I don't think I could go through starting to bring a kid into my life again. What if I make a seriously bad choice again?" Then Riley touched Megan's cheek as she said, "Well you're not gonna go through it alone this time. I'll be by your side. Every single step of the way forever." Then Megan made a little smile as she touched Riley's cheek and said, "Well... I might need some time to prepare myself to the idea but... that actually does sound pretty nice." Then Riley smiled and then kissed Megan right on the lips. The two women then wrapped their arms around each other as they laid down and remained close with one another in bed for the rest of the day.
Hannah stood in front of an abandoned house with boarded up windows. Hannah had a devastated look on her face as tears began to appear in her eyes. From nearby, Maya ran up to Hannah out of breath. Maya then stopped right near Hannah as she got on her knees and caught her breath. Maya then looked at Hannah and said, "Hannah. Never run off from me like that again!" Hannah then looked at Maya as she said, "I'm sorry Maya. It's just... I over-heard you on the phone and... I just wanted to see if my mom really lives here." Maya then looked at the abandoned house as she said, "Well it looks like no one's here anymore. My contact said it was a long shot anyway. We don't know your mom's name but going off that one picture you had of her and the address that appeared on your adoption paperwork, the detective believed a woman that matched your mom's physical description did move here from the home you were born in. But... either the info was wrong or your mom moved out of here years ago." Then as more tears appeared in Hannah's eyes as she said, "Then... can we figure out where she moved to from here?" Maya turned her head and said, "No. This was a long shot to begin with. Plus I already put that picture of your mom through every image search known to man and found nothing. I'm sorry Hannah." Hannah then fell to the ground and began crying as she said, "I... I just wanted to find the rest of my family." Maya then hugged Hannah and held her close and said, "I know Hannah. I know this hurts. I can't promise you'll ever find your mom one day, but please know you are loved." Then as Hannah looked at Maya she made a tiny smile as she said, "Actually... I think might've found a mom finally."
Riley stood in an auditorium in front of about a hundred people wearing a graduation cap and gown as she spoke into a microphone and said, "I think there was a lot of doubt when I came out of my twenty year coma in terms of how self-sufficient I could become. I was 35 years old and without a high school degree or any job experience. But thanks to my family, friends, my GED classes, and the fantastic leaders of this trade school, I've finally made a name for myself. And so hopefully you'll all make a name for yourselves too and become super successful business moguls but not forget your humble beginnings of those long winter night classes we took in those basements with no good heating. Oh, and I promise Jim that I'll buy you a new coat. Thanks for lending me your extra one that one night!" Everyone in the room then applauded as several people threw graduation caps into the air.
Riley then stepped off the stage and walked over to where Cory and Topanga were standing, while Auggie and Ava (who was holding young Aubrey) stood near them. Riley then looked at her parents as she said, "I know it's not the college graduation ceremony you guys were hoping for. But my boss promised me this trade school diploma will automatically get me a promotion to a full time job with benefits. And... I like what I'm doing now." Cory then said, "Riley... a lot of things don't go the way we planned. But I'm glad you're happy." Then from nearby Megan walked over to Riley as she said, "Hey. Great speech babe." Then Cory and Topanga confusingly looked at Megan as she went up to Riley. Riley then held Megan's hand as she said, "Well speaking of things that didn't got the way we planned. Mom, dad, Auggie, Ava... this is Megan. My girlfriend. Megan, this is my family." Riley then saw everyone in her family had a look of slight shock in their faces and so then said, "I know this isn't where anyone saw my life going. But Megan... makes me happy. She really cares for me, and I care for her and..." Cory then let out a hand and with a smile said, "Megan. It's nice to meet you." With a look of both surprise and happiness Megan shook Cory's hand as she said, "It's nice to meet you too Mr. Matthews." Then Riley made a surprised smile too as Megan shook Auggie and Ava's hands as well, followed by Topanga who also gave Megan a hug. Then Riley looked at Megan as she said, "Well... I think things are gonna work out."
THE END
Chapter 10: Mom?
Riley stood in her bathroom naked as she stepped into the shower and turned it on. Riley closed her eyes as she began to feel the hot water go down her body. Suddenly Megan sneaked into the bathroom quietly, took off all her clothes, and got into the shower with Riley. Megan then squeezed Riley's butt with her two hands quickly as she said, "Hey beautiful." A scared Riley jumped and crossed her arms as she put her hands on her shoulders. Riley immediately calmed down when saw it was Megan and said, "Megan. I told you it scares me when you do that." Megan then put her hands behind her back as she said, "I know. But then I remember doing it really turns me on so I repeat." Megan then wrapped her arms around Riley's stomach as she rested her head on Riley's left shoulder and said, "Thank you for not being mad at me for getting my new job in California. I was a little worried you'd be upset about us having to do a long distance relationship." Riley then said, "Megan, we've been through this before. We love each other, but we can't stop the other from following their dreams. I'm glad you got a job in the Hollywood film industry. Plus, the job won't take you away from all year long. You have a gift Megan that needs to be shared with the world."
Megan then moved her arms up around Riley's still crossed arms as she said, "Well I can't begin to tell you how much that means to me. But the thing is Riley... you're my greatest dream. And I don't want to spend months apart from you. So I've already decided. I'll do my job Mondays through Fridays every week, and take a plane home to spend every weekend with you." A surprised looking Riley then said, "But Megan. I can't ask you come here every weekend just to cuddle with your girlfriend." Megan then moved her hands near Riley's face, both were clasped together, as Megan said, "I know. But I won't be flying on a plane every week just to see my girlfriend. Instead, I'll be flying home to see... my wife." Megan then opened up her hands to show she was holding a diamond ring. Riley's mouth opened up and then she moved her hands to her mouth to cover it as her eyes widened in amazement. Megan then nestled her head against Riley's and said, "Riley Matthews... will you marry me?"
Riley then turned her body around so she was looking right at Megan and said, "Yes Megan Zimmerman. Yes, I will!" Riley and Megan then wrapped their arms around each other and kissed for a long solid minute. Once their kiss ended, Riley then took the diamond ring from Megan and put it on her ring finger. As Riley looked at it she said, "It's beautiful. Wow. I... I'm sorry I didn't get you one or..." Megan then suddenly held up another ring as she said, "I already got one for myself. Wanted to make sure we definitely had a matching pair." A confused looking Riley then said, "What the? Megan, where were you hiding that? You're naked." Megan smirked as she said, "Between my butt cheeks. You can hide a lot there if you just clench them the right way." Riley giggled as she said, "Oh my gosh. You know for the rest of our lives, people are gonna ask about how you proposed to me, and I'm never gonna be able to tell them the truth." Megan giggled too as she and Riley embraced the other and began to kiss again.
Maya walked into her apartment as she said, "Hannah, you home? Hannah, where are you?" Maya then heard the sounds of crying from the nearby bathroom. Maya then stepped into the bathroom and saw Hannah sitting on the floor in just her underwear crying. Maya then got on the floor looking worried as she said, "Hannah, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Hannah then pointed to some torn clothing on the floor near her as she had tears in her eyes while saying, "I… I just wanted to play outside a bit in my new dress for a bit, but I… I tore it while climbing a tree. I tried fixing it but I ripped it even more. I ruined my new expensive dress and… and now I'm not good enough to wear any clothes!" Hannah began to sob, as Maya held Hannah close and said, "Shhh. It's okay Hannah. You're feeling bad because you know I spent a lot of money on that dress. And well… you should feel bad for doing that. But not this bad. You're not a horrible monster that tried to hurt anybody. You're just a girl who made a mistake; but just know I still love you. Now come on. Let's get some clothes on you and see what we can do about this dress."
Riley and Megan sat in the kitchen full clothed as they looked into each other's eyes, while a happy Riley said, "So this is happening? We're really doing this?" Megan nodded and said, "Yeah. We are." Then Riley touched Megan's hands as she said, "I've wanted this so much, but… we do have to make sure we want the same things. So… do you still want kids?" Megan took a deep breath, nodded, and then said, "Yes. It's been hard to get to this point, but… I do." Then Riley said, "And we're both willing to stay home with them. I will since you have the higher paying job, but if your new job falls apart, would you be willing to make the shift?" Megan nodded and said, "Yes. I don't ever expect you to do anything alone Riley. I don't know for sure now what either of us will do. If one of us will cook more, or if one of us will stay home more with our kids. I don't know. But I'm willing to take on any role it takes to make this family work. Are you?" Riley nodded and said, "Yes. I'm willing to make it work for the kindest and sweetest person I've ever known. I respect you and love you so much Megan." Riley and Megan then both leaned in and kissed one another. Riley then took a deep breath and said, "Well… it's a good thing you're about to meet my best friend Maya for the first time today. She can be the first to hear the good news." Megan smiled as she said, "Looking forward to meeting her."
Maya was using some tools to stitch up and repair Hannah's new dress, while Hannah sat next to Maya while wearing an over-sized t-shirt. As Hannah watched Maya work she said, "Wow. You're really good at fixing shirts. Did you take a class on how to do this?" Maya while working said, "Eh, just learned a lot from watching my mom fix my clothes when I was a kid. Growing up it was just me and her, and we didn't have a lot of money. So we had to improvise." Hannah then said, "Wow. I… I guess it was hard for you then… not having a money, I mean." Maya nodded and said, "Yeah. It's tough having little. Which is why I promised myself that if I ever had more one day, I'd share all I could with someone else." Hannah then innocently asked, "Like me?" Megan simply made a warm smile as she handed Hannah the fully repaired dress. Hannah took off her over-sized t-shirt and then put her new dress on. Hannah stood up with a big smile on her face. Then Hannah jumped into Maya's arms and hugged her as she said, "I love it. Thank you mom!" Maya suddenly had a surprised look on her face as she said, "Did you say mom?" Hannah then glanced over at a framed picture of her birth mother as she said, "Well… I'll always have a special place in my heart for my birth mother, but… is it okay if I call you mom from now on?" Maya then hugged Hannah tightly as tears appeared in her eyes as she said, "Yes Hannah. That's totally okay."
Riley and Megan were walking into an apartment building as Megan said, "So Riley, why has it taken us so long to meet your best friend Maya?" Then Riley said, "Well I wanted to give her some space since we only started dating around the time she had just taken in her two new adopted kids. Plus… Maya is like a sister to me. You've met my family, but I didn't want you to meet Maya until I was 100% sure this was real." Then Megan said, "Well any friend of yours Riley is a friend of mine." Then Riley said, "Yeah. Plus we could probably ask her some advice on how to go about the adoption process." Megan nodded and said, "That sounds nice. I've lost my own children already, so I'd definitely love to get any help possible at gaining some new ones."
In the apartment, Maya was cooking some food as Hannah stood near her. Hannah then said, "When is Aunt Riley and her girlfriend gonna get here?" Maya then said, "Any second now." Then the two heard the door-bell ring. Maya then said, "Shoot. Chicken just finished. Hannah sweety, get the door for me." Hannah nodded and said, "Okay." Then Hannah rushed over to the door and opened it to see Riley and Megan. Then Hannah made eye contact with Megan and gasped. Megan then looked into Hannah's eyes with shock as she said, "Oh God. Are you… Hannah?" Hannah then looked at Megan with shock as she said, "Mom?"
TO BE CONTINUED…
Chapter 11: The End
In the apartment, Maya was cooking some food as Hannah stood near her. Hannah then said, "When is Aunt Riley and her girlfriend gonna get here?" Maya then said, "Any second now." Then the two heard the door-bell ring. Maya then said, "Shoot. Chicken just finished. Hannah sweety, get the door for me." Hannah nodded and said, "Okay." Then Hannah rushed over to the door and opened it to see Riley and Megan. Then Hannah made eye contact with Megan and gasped. Megan then looked into Hannah's eyes with shock as she said, "Oh God. Are you… Hannah?" Hannah then looked at Megan with shock as she said, "Mom?" Riley stood now shocked as she said, "Megan... is this..." Then Maya appeared around the corner as she said, "Sorry about not greeting you. Had to get the chicken out of the oven. I'm Maya, and... wait... are you..."
All of the women stood in shock as they tried to process what to do next. Suddenly tears appeared in Hannah's eyes as she looked up at Megan and said, "Mom..." Tears then appeared in Megan's eyes as she got on her knees and said, "Hannah. Oh my God. I... I am so sorry." Then suddenly Hannah's face became one of anger as she yelled, "Sorry!? Sorry for abandoning me and ruining my life!? I HATE YOU!" Then suddenly Hannah ran away to her room, causing Megan to break down and begin crying. Maya who looked very caught off guard said, "Um... I'll talk to her." Maya then chased after Hannah as Megan began to ball up in a corner as Riley put her arms around her.
Hannah sat on her bed fondling the locket she had around her neck. Maya then calmly walked in and sat near Hannah as she softly said, "Hey. Wanna talk about what happened?" Hannah then looked up and in a frustrated tone said, "Like how I totally screwed up my reunion with my birth mother?" Maya with still a soft voice said, "Well since you brought it up... you wanna explain why you said those things you said? Especially when you had already proclaimed how you would be ready to forgive her if you ever met her." Then Hannah said, "Yeah. But... that was all back when I didn't think it would happen. But when I saw her there... I... I just got angry. And now I feel like I'm worse than her." Maya then put an arm around Hannah and said, "No, you're not a worse person. You've had a lot of feelings about your birth mother. Sad ones, angry ones, confusing ones. And you never had a chance to share them with her till now." Hannah sighed and said, "I mean... I wanna forgive her but... a part of me is still mad that she gave me up so long ago." Maya nodded and said, "And you should never like that it happened to you. It's terrible. But... she did say she is sorry. And by some strange stroke of fate, your birth mother is dating my best friend. Which means there must be something redeemable about her. So maybe we should find out what it is." Hannah nodded and said, "Yeah. But first um... maybe we should get my brother and Josh over here. They probably should be part of this too." Maya nodded and said, "Oh yeah. I totally agree."
Riley and Megan sat together in Maya's living room silent, as Megan looked down at the floor. Megan then without looking at Riley said, "So... don't you have any questions for me?" Riley took a deep breath and said, "Megan... you only have to tell me if..." Megan then interrupted Riley and said, "I had an abortion Riley. A year before I had Hannah and Jacob, I was pregnant and I had an abortion. And it killed me inside, I was a nervous wreck, I felt wicked all over. So when I was pregnant again, I promised I would let my babies be born but... I knew I couldn't be a good mother to them Riley. Because how can someone so cruel be a good mother? How can someone so despicable be..." Then Riley suddenly interrupted Megan and hugged her tightly. Tears appeared in Megan's eyes as she said, "Riley... how can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious if I finally told you all the details." Riley made a warm smile as she said, "I could never be angry with you. Because only someone who had seen the light and was truly sorry, would feel devastated over what they did." Megan then looked into Riley's eyes as she said, "I was devastated over what I did Riley. It's saddened me for years." Then Riley put her forehead against Megan's gently as she said, "But you don't have to be sad any longer."
Then Riley moved her head away and motioned to the nearby doorway. Megan turned her head and saw her two children: Hannah and Jacob walk in. Jacob who looked the most caught off guard said, "Mom?" Tears appeared in Megan's eyes as she nodded her head and said, "Yeah." Then Jacob ran towards Megan and yelled, "I knew you were out there!" Then Jacob and Megan immediately hugged one another as the two held onto each other tight for a solid thirty seconds. Then Hannah slowly walked towards the two. Megan then looked into Hannah's eyes and put her hands on the sides of Hannah's face as she said, "Oh my gosh. My beautiful little girl." Then Megan, Hannah, and Jacob all hugged one another.
Some time later in the living room, Riley and Maya sat on one side of the room while Megan sat talking with Hannah and Jacob. As Riley and Maya watched the three, Riley said, "So... now that the tension has been lifted, now... we have a really awkward situation on our hands." Then Maya said, "I know. Me and Hannah were just starting to feel like a mother and daughter, and now..." Riley then put a hand on Maya's hand and said, "And that won't change. Me and Megan still have to sort some things out. I don't know if she or even I am ready to be a full-time parent yet. Plus, I would never want to take Hannah or Jacob away from you and Josh." Then Maya said, "And I don't wanna take away Megan's opportunity to see her kids grow up." Then Riley said, "Well maybe when me and Megan are ready... we could share in that opportunity." Maya then made a little smile as she said, "What? You mean like share the job of being parents to them?" Riley nodded and said, "Sure. I wouldn't mind helping you raise two rambunctious kids." Suddenly Megan walked over to Riley and Maya, and looked directly at Maya as she said, "Maya... thank you for raising my two kids. I can tell you have done so much for them, and... I don't want me being in their lives now to ruin your relationship with them." Then Maya smiled and said, "Well it doesn't have to. Me and Riley were just talking about a joint custody arrangement I'd be happy to explore. I mean I don't see any harm in Hannah and Jacob having one dad and three moms." A surprised Megan said, "You mean it?" Maya nodded as she smiled and said, "I'd trust Riley with my kids, and because she trusts you, so do I. So... wanna talk on the world of parenting with me co-mom?" Maya then held out a hand of friendship, and then Megan shook Maya's hand as she said, "Sounds like a good plan to me."
THE END