Maya's POV

Since this trip began I can't shake this sense of dread that has been following me around. I know that this trip is going to be full of endings and beginnings-and I'm scared of change. I notice Lucas by the fire, my gut tells me to walk away, that I'm not ready to let him go yet-but my best friend behind me in the bay window gives my feet the push they need to face this Lucas love triangle once and for all.

"Look, I know you'd lose your mind over me in front of the firelight but, is it cool if I sit down?"

He gives me that smile that makes me question everything, "You can take your chances." I take a seat next to him on the cold stone slab in front of the warm fireplace, "You know that Riley was just talking to that guy right?" I have to convince him that Riley does truly like him. If anything in this past year has been true, it's definitely that Riley has feelings for Lucas. As much as she wants to give me and Lucas a chance, a part of me always knew that it was unfair to her for me to take her guy like that. I don't want anything to come in between the friendship I have with Riley, even if it's the love that I feel for Lucas.

He responds sullenly, "I know. I saw."

"She's got that big, clunky boot on okay? She'd probably have trouble falling asleep anyways, so all she did was stay up and talk to some guy." I try to sound convincing, but in the back of my mind I wonder if Riley feels the way she says she does for Lucas, then why not wake him up and talk to him all night? Why some random guy?

"Would you stop saying that?"

"Why? Why does it bother you that she talked to someone?" I already know. It bothers me all the time to see Lucas talking to Riley. I know the feeling of heartbreak to see the person you love connecting with someone else. I guess that must be what Lucas is feeling right now-and that thought? Breaks my heart too.

Lucas turns to face me more directly, I try not to get lost in his eyes like I usually do and tune into what he's trying to say. "Do you remember when we all first met? In the subway?" I nod my head in recognition. "And then I came into your school, and Riley and I tried to be boyfriend and girlfriend but we weren't ready for that?"

I remember it all, but just because they weren't ready doesn't mean their feelings weren't real.

He goes on, "So then, you and I tried, and you poured a smoothie on my head?"

The memories flood through me and even as I recall how I didn't want to pour a smoothie on his head, I feel happiness. Our first date. "Best date ever." I smile.

But he persists, "Why did you pour a smoothie on my head?"

I can see the expectant look on his face and I contemplate whether I should give him the truthful answer. The only reason I poured a smoothie on his head was to spare myself the heartache. The heartache that would eventually come when he chooses Riley. I'm no one to Huckleberry, I'm just a sparring partner-his comedic relief. I could never be someone who he goes on romantic dates with, someone who makes his cowboy heart skip several beats.

"Maya?" He presses.

I get up to walk away from him, I'm not ready for change. I don't want to lose him, but I can't have him. As I pass in front of him to disappear into the hallway, Lucas grabs my wrist. He stands, so now I have to look up at him. Look up into those green eyes that have time and time again seen the good in me. The parts that aren't broken.

"No Maya, you can't walk away from me this time. Why did you pour a smoothie on my head?"

"Because I love you."

The words come out before I can stop them. I can see the look of confusion on Lucas' face, "You poured a smoothie on my head because you love me? How does that even make sense Maya?"

I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I let go, I've already said it so I might as well tell him the rest. "Because I know I'm not good enough for you. I know I'm broken. I know I can never be as good as Riley. I tried, remember?" The tears are streaming down my face now, Lucas places his thumbs on my cheeks in an attempt to wipe them away but I flinch back, away from his touch.

"No, Lucas. You need to be with Riley. I poured that smoothie on your head to save myself the heartache of you choosing her," I chuckle to myself, "but, it's obvious that it all hurts the same no matter how much I tease you, or try to push you away."

Lucas takes a step towards me to close some of the distance I've put in between us, "Maya you don't have to push me away. And even if you tried you couldn't, I'm not going anywhere."

I look down at my feet, "Don't lie to me Huckleberry, it's only a matter of time before you realize I'm wrong for you."

"That's just the thing Maya, you're right for me. You make me better, you push me to accept all parts of myself, and I was hoping that I do the same for you." I can feel his hands graze the skin under my chin to lift my head up. Once again I'm lost in those green eyes. He cups my face, "I love you Maya. As much as I care about Riley, you're the one that gets to me. You may tease me, annoy me, but you also give me these stupid insane amount of butterflies."

I let out a soft giggle, "I make your little cowboy heart go clippity-clop?"

He smiles at my remark, "Yes, yes you do."

I can see Lucas' eyes flicker to my lips as mine flicker down to his. He looks back up at me for permission, I give a subtle nod in response. I close my eyes and feel his body heat close in on me, soon I can feel his soft breath tickling my lips and the anticipation is killing me, I bring my hand to the nape of his neck and collide my lips with his. The kiss is soft and filled with all the emotions we've been bottling up since Texas-since our first almost kiss.

Lucas pulls away and I open my eyes to see his still closed, like he's taking it all in-savouring the taste of my lips. I can't help but smile, this boy who I love-loves me back. He sees something in me that I could never see in myself. He sees the good.

"You know you don't have to remember the way my lips taste, you can just kiss me again."

His eyes flutter open, and his lips curve into a challenging smirk, "I don't think you're ready for me to kiss you again."

"Try me Ranger Rick."

This time his lips crash onto mine, our lips dancing together in harmony. This kiss is more passionate, more hungry. His tongue glides across my bottom lip asking for access, which I grant. This kiss makes me feel dizzy, it makes me swell with love-and lust. I put my hand on his chest and slightly push away. I'm definitely not ready to feel lust like that with this boy. I would drown in it. We're both drawing in quick breaths to try and replace the ones we lost in that mind-blowing kiss.

"I told you." He utters breathlessly.

"I love you."

He smiles and places a tender kiss on my forehead. "I love you."

I feel the guilt rise in my stomach, is this an ending or a beginning?

A/N: Let me know what y'all think, I don't know whether to continue this or let it be a one shot?