Riley laid sprawled on her bed staring at the ceiling in deep thought. It's almost the new year. She'd just turned 19 and was living with Maya and Ari in their apartment complex.
Contrary to what other's may believe, Riley actually decided to take a year off from college and take on the world as she saw fit. I mean why would her father go out of his way to prepare them for the world if they weren't going to explore it. So she didn't go to college after graduation.
Riley sighed as she reminisced of all the places she was able to visit so far. Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida. All these places she's took pictures of with the camera Shawn gave her and of course she gave Maya those pictures to paint for her art classes. Sometimes Maya could even come along too but only when she wasn't busy with school and painting. She even started making music a little and while Maya loves art she's actually majoring Psychology in college. She's found a way to include the hobbies she loves into something helpful for not only herself but for others too through Art Therapy and Riley couldn't be more proud of her Peaches.
"Hey Babe, what are you doing?" Riley was cut from her thoughts as her girlfriend entered their bedroom and joined her on the bed. She smiled as Ari sat and cuddled with her before the two shared a quick kiss.
"Oh you know, I was just thinking about the year before it ends." Riley sighed.
Ari and Riley started dating Junior year of High School. They had AP Lit, Pre Calc and Lunch together. However they never really spoke to each other much, in fact Maya's the one that introduced them to one another since she shared Art with Ari. The two were top of the class and favorited by the teacher so instead of being rivals they turned out to be great friends. Most importantly Riley needed to meet this oh so talented, beautiful artist with crazy wild black hair and piercing hazel eyes, that Maya constantly talked on and on about, because she needed to make sure this mysterious person was worthy of her best friend.
"Oh that reminds me!" Riley burst up suddenly making Ari jump in the process and reached over to her top drawer and pulled it out to take out a Keychain.
"This," She said holding out the souvenir towards her girlfriend. "Is for you" Riley smiled cheekily as she watched her girlfriend's face light up brightly with happiness.
"Aww Baby!" She gladly took the keychain, tackled Riley and smothered her with kisses all around her face.
It was a Keychain from Disney when Riley went on a roadtrip to Florida two weeks before Christmas. Knowing that Ari loves to collect Keychains she couldn't just not get her one. Riley giggled from the showered kisses.
"I figured you'd want your favorite Disney Princess, it was bit hard to find Mulan and those keychains were offly pricey for just a little thing." Riley explained when her girlfriend finally ceased her kisses and stared at the Keychain like it was the best thing she'd gotten in the world.
"Well I love it. Thank you" Ari gave her one more long loving kiss and nipped on Riley's bottom lip before pulling away with a wink. Not wanting to end it there, Riley went back for another just as hard and soon the two were in their own world. Ari straddled Riley, tongues battling for dominance until a sudden buzzing on the bed interrupted them. Both turned their heads to the phone, Riley huffed in annoyance.
"Don't look at me. That's your phone, Sweetheart." Ari chuckled at the brunettes irritation. Riley stretched a hand over and grabbed her phone to answer.
"What!!" She answered annoyed. Ari's lips quickly found themselves on Riley's neck and she gasped loudly at the sudden sensation.
"Riley? You ok?" Said the voice over the phone. Fuck. Ari's right hand slid it's way under her shirt massaging her breast and the other hand toying with the hem of her pants.
"F-Farkle h-hey," Riley tried swatting Ari away but she wouldn't budge. "I'm fine. Why are y-... ah" Her eyes fluttered closed when her girlfriend moved from her neck to her nipple and gingerly sucked on it.
"Riley are you sure you're-"
"Y-yes I'm okay. W-why did you c-call." Riley's hand clenched the sheets below her and her back began to arch when Ari's hand slipped under her pants and started rubbing against the wet spot of her panties.
"I've been out here for 4 minutes and nobody's come to the door." Farkle's teeth chattering was evident and Riley immediately felt bad. No doubt it was cold as hell outside. She gave Ari a pointed look to tell her to stop so she could get her friend out of the cold before he got sick. The black haired girl finally let up and sighed before rolling over and letting Riley free. She rushed to get up, leaving a room in a hurry towards the front door.
"Finally! Damn I thought my balls would freeze off." Farkle rushed inside and relished in the warmth of the apartment before taking a look at Riley and smirking cheshire cat like.
"Oh so that's why you took so long." He crossed his arms and smiled knowingly. Riley looked at him confused before realization. Farkle opened up his phone's camera and showed her the small red spot on the side of her neck that was on the verge of turning purple. Her face flushed red in embarrassment wondering when did Ari manage to do that.
"What's going on, Minkus?" Ari greeted him before heading into the kitchen to make tea.
"Nothing much, however it seems I interrupted something." He laughed and she joined him.
"Yeah ya did! You're killing me man." She shouted from the kitchen.
"Sorry." He said dryly not really feeling sorry at all and took a seat on the couch. "So where's Maya?" He asked openly knowing one of them would have an answer.
"Who the fuck was at the door." As if on cue, Maya walked in the living room, rubbing her eyes and yawning loudly.
"Maya you were here the whole time and didn't answer the door for Farkle?!" Riley looked at the blonde incredulously.
"I was busy and I didn't want to get up!" She retorted running a hand through her messy mane.
"Oh Farkle's here?" A male voice spoke as he approached Maya's side, placing a soft kiss on her head.
"Wow. Good to know that both my closest dearest friends were too occupied with sexual activities that they left me outside in the cold to catch hypothermia or frostbite." Farkle rolled his eyes not in least bit surprised at all.
"Oh relax, Farks. It's not even snowing outside a little breeze wouldn't have killed you." Maya laughed.
"You don't know how much damage a little breeze can do thank you very much!" He replied matter of factly.
Ari came from the kitchen, tea in hand and took a seat on the couch opposite of Farkle. Riley joining her and sitting on her lap. "Well howdy-do, Lucas" She said tipping an imaginary cowboy hat. "How long you been here?" Ari asked as she took a sip.
"And can you please put a shirt on. We all know you've got muscles and a 6 pack" Farkle added in. Lucas smiled innocently and Maya shrugged. "I don't mind." She said ogling the him.
"I been here all day basically." Lucas answered Ari's earlier question. "Actually what time is it?"
"It's literally 7:45 P.M. Remember we all planned to go to Zay's house for the New Years Eve party and then go to Times Square later to watch the ball drop?" Farkle spoke again reminding everyone in the room who clearly forgot.
"Oh that's right!" Lucas said as it all came back to him.
"I came here to make sure you guys were getting ready. The party starts at 8." Farkle interjected. Everyone's face looked stunned.
"And as I predicted, you guys wouldn't be ready in time. So better chop chop. I'll be on the couch watching Jeopardy" Farkle said casually kicking his feet up on the small coffee table and turning on the TV.
Lucas took the time to get his clothes on and grab his keys. "I'm gonna go home and change, I'll see you later." And kissed Maya before heading out.
"And I'm gonna shower" She stated while closing the front door after him. "Farkle I'm riding with you by the way." He looked at her confused.
"Why?"
She then pointed to the brunette and black haired couple on the couch cuddled up and watching Jeopardy.
"Because I don't feel like driving and those two can get handsy in the car no matter who's behind the wheel. I don't want to be around for that." Maya finalized in a whisper before walking off. Farkle looked at them and realized she had a point as Riley had a subtle hand fiddling with the bottom of Ari's shirt. He shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Sooo are you two not going to get ready or..." Farkle trailed off waiting for an answer but they were just in their own little bubble. Ari whispering things in the brunettes ear making her giggle or her face flush red. He remembered the day Riley announced that they were together. Everyone's reactions were different and nothing but hilarious. Lucas choked on his drink, Zay cried histerically since he thought he had a vibe going on with Ari, Mrs. Matthews dropped her glass on the floor, Auggie and Ava stopped doing there homework and looked at Riley slack jawed.
The only people that really knew was Him, Maya, Smackle and even Mr. Matthews. Riley came out to them end of sophmore year. Not to mention Her and Lucas dating after the whole triangle, texas mess and what not. After finally getting the guy she was pinning over for years she just didn't know what to do anymore. They were in high school, things were more serious and while she did really like Lucas, being with him wasn't exactly what she expected. Lucas was her first in everything and while she will always remember that and be glad that it was him, she realized over time that maybe she was a little ahead of herself. She started getting distant and it got to the point where they had to end things. They were on good terms though a bit awkward at first, things went back to normal just a few weeks afterwards. Thus they ended before finals freshman year.
Maya and Lucas didn't end up dating till December of senior year. The two had their fair share of mini relationships throughout high school but it was inevitable. Riley developed a liking for Ari the more time they spent together and when she started feeling things she didn't understand, especially towards girls, she had to go to her father. She always went to him. Ari and Riley's relationship was inevitable too.
Farkle smiled in thought. We really grew up. It was so weird to think about. When they were younger they had all these ideas and plans for the future. He wanted to take over the world, Lucas wanted to be a vet, Riley was going to be her all around happy and smart self, Maya thought she wouldn't ever graduate. But look at them now, all on completely different paths. Honestly who would've thought.
"How bout we go and shower. we don't want to miss this party." He heard Ari whisper in Riley's ear and watched as the two got up without saying a word. He was fine chilling in the living room by himself, him and his Jeopardy, anyway.
During commercial break Farkle looked around the living room walls looking at the picture frames hanging in a unique spot. It's not like he hasn't been to the apartment 130 times, who's counting really, but looking at them everytime he was there always put a smile on his face.
"Alright Farkle, let's go!" Maya popped out of her bedroom wearing black leggings, a jeans jacket over one of Lucas' hoodies he'd given her, mens uggs and a Carhartt beanie. She pulled out her coat from the rack and grabbed her keys from the coffee table.
"All set?" He said standing up and shutting the TV off.
"Yep, Vamonos!"
Zay's house party was really a small get together with close friends. It didn't mean that they all weren't capable of trashing the place though. He lives on campus so he pulled a few strings, talked with some guys who knew a guy and was able to host a little party in a building a few blocks away from Times Square. It was pretty convenient since everyone planned to go there in the end anyway.
Pop music was blasting in different corners, some people were already almost about to get blackout drunk. Food was set up on the table and others were dining. It was really a chill get together.
"Zay I gotta say this is hella impressive." Lucas looked around, taking a sip of his drink. The room was decorated in blue, gold and silver. Chairs and tables around filled with the guests.
"I know I know, I do what I do" Zay smirked proudly.
"No New Years kiss for you this year?" Lucas questioned. Zay sighed shaking his head.
"Nah... Vanessa and I been on and off for too long. I think the long distance is finally getting to her. To be honest it is for me too. So we broke up for real this time."
"Damn, sorry to hear that buddy."
"Its aight. I'm just chillin' now anyway." Zay reassured finishing his drink in the process, Lucas nodded understandingly.
"Guys you gotta come see this! Yogi is doing a keg stand!" Darby said to the two.
"What?!" They shouted incredulously.
Yogi was in fact doing a keg stand and like a pro too. Everybody was cheering him on and watching in disbelief save for Maya who watched horrified at the fact that he might beat her record. Suddenly Yogi stopped and got down. There was a silence.
"I AM THE KING!" He exclaimed loudly and proudly before belching a loud burp. Everyone erupted in a loud roar as they said Yogi's name in triumph. "IN YOUR FACE MAYA!"
"You better watch yourself Yogurt!-" She tried to lunge toward him but Lucas quickly caught her.
"Easy there, Tiger" He stood behind her wrapping his arms around her small body.
"Hey guys its 10:45 should we start heading to Times Square now?" Dave spoke when everyone quieted down.
"Well what are y'all waitin' for let's go!" Yogi shouted completely trashed and buzzed. Everyone cheered once again, getting their coats on and heading towards the door. Yogi promptly fainted as everyone left.
"Woah! Yogi!" Riley exclaimed. Catching him before he hit the ground.
"Lil dude could beat my score but can't even stand" Maya snorted.
"Maya!" Riley said incredulously while Darby came and took Yogi from her. Maya shrugged her shoulders.
"What? You remember the last time I did a fucking keg stand, I actually was mobile throughout the party."
"Yeah except you threw up all over my car and in the bathroom and-"
"Huckleberry shut up! They do not need to know that! you're ruining my streetcred!" Maya seethed at him when he walked up behind her holding her coat. He chuckled and helped her put it on. Riley rolled her eyes.
"Isaiah would you like me to stay and help clean up?" Smackle offered. Zay waved her off.
"Nah no sweat, it'll get done by itself." She raised a confused eyebrow.
"Don't worry about it, there's a few people that owe me so I'll just have them clean it up." He reassured, she nodded understandably.
"Everybody ready to go?" Farkle asked taking in Smackle's hand with his own.
"Ready." Ari replied coming from the bathroom. Everyone left the building, got in their cars and headed to Times Square.
"Damn it's crowded." Zay says as the group try to shimmy through the tight spaces of the people at Times Square.
"Yeah no kidding" Maya scoffed as she pushed through unbothered by the insults, curses and 'watch it'
"I think right here should be good." Farkle and Smackle came to a final stop once they felt they were close enough to the ball, the rest stopped behind them.
"It's so bright and noisy" Smackle stated.
"And it reeks of weed and cigarettes." Ari's nose scrunched up disgusted
"I thought you weren't supposed to do that here. Isn't it illegal?" Riley questioned
"You really think that stops people from doing it?" Maya looks at her with an arched eyebrow. Riley nods in agreement.
"Fair point."
"So Smackle, how do you feel! Since it's your first time being at Times Square on new years!" Zay asks loudly trying to talk over the noise.
"I don't know... Claustrophobic." She says bluntly. They laugh.
"Yeah, you'll get used to it" Lucas chuckles reassuring her.
"Stop hitting on me" Smackle remarks.
"Seriously Lucas, I'm right here." Maya adds jokingly. He looks at the two incredulously.
"OH! I almost forgot!" Riley said suddenly. She rummages through her bag and takes out some new years eve party hats, glasses, party poppers and noise makers.
"I brought these for when the clock his 12! We can't ring in the new year without these!" She said excitedly as she handed them out to her friends. "We have to take a selfie"
"I look ridiculous." Zay frowned wearing a glittery silver hat and new year glasses.
"Well I for one look great." Farkle smiled goofily in his 2020 glasses. Zay rolled his eyes. Riley took out her phone and telling everyone to say 'cheese' and snapped 6 different photos of them doing wacky faces.
"It's 11:30 guys, 30 more minutes until the new year. Any last words?" Lucas asks.
"I just want to say I'm happy that I'm here with y'all, bringing in the New Year with the same people that will always have my back." Zay starts it off. Everyone aws and they group hug.
"Thanks for letting me spend New Years with you guys in Times Square... even though it smells like smoke, it's claustrophobic, noisy, and-" Smackle was cut off as Farkle put his hand over her mouth and chuckled.
"We get it honey" they all laughed as well and Smackle smiled.
"I mean... I guess I'm glad I can bring in the new years with you guys." Maya rolled her eyes jokingly, they shared a laugh again.
"And I," Ari stated as she turned towards Riley, "am so so happy to be with you for another year." Riley's cheeks flushed a cherry red as she watched Ari get down one knee.
"Ari?" Riley looked at her excited and nervous. Everyone watching the two in hushed tones waiting to see what'll happen next.
"From the moment Maya introduced us up until now, you've made my life worth something. I never thought I could love someone so much as I do you. This is an end to an old chapter and a start to a new one. I promise to always be by your side, I promise to never stop loving you." Riley's hands covered her mouth at a loss for words. Her eyes began to tear, she couldn't hold the smile forming on her face.
Ari's mouth wavered as she began to tear up too. "Don't get your hopes up, I'm not asking you to marry me." She said sarcastically, the two chuckled. "Not yet anyway."
"We're both young and we've got a long way to go but I'm willing to make a promise. A promise that solidifies the bond between us. With this promise ring, I vow to honor that bond forever. I love you, Riley. Happy New Year." Ari pulled out a small box that was in her pocket. She took out the ring and gently held out Riley's right hand, sliding the ring up her pinky.
Riley waited patiently as Ari put the ring on before she pulled up girlfriend up and kissed her deeply. She didn't bother to look at the ring. She just knew she wanted to kiss Ari right then and there. She blocked out everyone else around them, only thinking about the girl in front of her. The girl she knows she loves. The girl she met junior year.
Maya's head leaned on Lucas' shoulder, tears streaming down her face while he watched them with a warm smile. Zay cried silently, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his coat every so often. Farkle and Smackle smiled, holding hands and giving each other a soft squeeze, silently telling each other that they love each other too. Riley and Ari pulled away and rested their foreheads against one another.
"Welp!" Maya spoke with a sniffle, raising her head from Lucas' shoulder. "Anybody else want to go?"
"You won." Smackle said abruptly, directing the comment towards Ari. The two laughed and both gave Smackle a hug.
"I just want to say that I deserve a Grammy for getting you two together. An award for New York's best wing woman." Maya smirked, putting her hand on Riley's shoulder. Riley shrugged it off and The countdown started. Everyone cheering, excited as they watched the numbers go down ready for what comes next.
59... 58... 57... 56...
"What's that ticking noise?" Smackle saidasked looking around confused.
"It's the countdown Smackle. Look up." Lucas laughed as pointed up at the building displaying the big numbers that were quickly going down.
35... 34... 33... 32...
"Hm... sounds like a ticking time bomb... fascinating..." she watched in awe.
"Smackle!" Farkle said incredulously.
"I think we'd be better off not knowing what the ticking sounds like when we're in a big ass crowd. Izzy" Zay chucked.
"My apologies. And what did I say about calling me that Isaiah!" She glared at him, though there was no true annoyance behind it. He just smiled and winked at her. Smackle grabbed Farkle's arm.
"Stop hitting on me in front of my beau" she joked, Farkle rolled his eyes.
19... 18... 17... 16...
"Almost time!" Riley clapped her hands excitedly.
13... 12... 11...
10!
Everyonestarted screaming the countdown once ten appeared.
9!
8!
"It's really loud!" Smackle tried to say but the shouting greatly overpowered her voice.
7!
6!
"Just keep counting Smackle!" Lucas shouted back.
5!
4!
3!
2!
1!
!POW!
"Guys?..." Riley rasped, trying to speak before she fell to the ground.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Lucas put his finger below Maya's chin, lifted up her head and kissed her. Zay obnoxiously blew the party horn in their faces. Smackle pecked Farkle on the lips, before taking out her own party blower too.
"Happy New Year, Ril- RILEY?!" Ari shouted in panic. She dropped to ground where Riley laid bleeding.
"OH MY GOODNESS!" Maya quickly knelt down in front of her best friend. Eyes looking at her frantically darting back and forth from the bleeding wound to her face. Her bottom lip started to quiver, tears began to form again.
"Y-you have to stop the bleeding!how did this happen!YOUHAVETOSTOPTHEBLEEDING!" Maya yelled.
"Baby, stay with me c'mon please." Ari held Riley, tapping her cheek to get her responsive. Lucas, Farkle, Smackle and Zay watched the girls, frozen in place, alarmed look on all their faces.
"L-Lucas pick up Riley we have to get to the hospital!" Maya demanded, he wasted to no time, moving out of his shocked stupor.
"Guys, it's too crowded. H-how will we get through." Zay looked around worriedly.
"PUSH THEM I DON'T! WE NEED TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!" Maya cried out. Lucas lifted Riley and began walking through the crowd as fast as he could, the others following quickly behind.
"M-Maya... I can't lose her... I- I- I c-can't-" Ari shook as she trudged slowly. Her knees felt weak as she thought of how things took a turn so fast.
"Stop, Arielle,She's going to be okay alright? She's going to be okay." Maya finalized. The black haired girl nodded her head, wiped a few tears and continued on walking.
Getting to their cars was a bitch already, but leaving Times Square was a whole thing on its own. They prayed that they made the hospital in time.
So here they are are now in the waiting area. Ari sat in the chair with her leg bouncing up and down, her nails scratching along her thighs, she was anxious to say the least. Her breathing was uneven as she tried and failed to keep calm. Maya paced back and forth, wringing her hands and she waited. Her face red from crying so much. Zay sat in the chair next to Lucas, his head rested in the palm of his hands. His best friend watched as the blonde wouldn't stop moving around. Farkle wasn't fairing any better, he broke down the minute they reached the hospital and was taking a walk around the hospital by himself. Smackle sat next to Ari, not wanting to speak, but tried to be supportive by rubbing her back. Farkle had just finished his second lap around and met up with the group again. Just then a door opened and out came a nurse. Everyone looked up towards him.
"She's okay right?" He barely took two steps before Maya rushed up to him. She looked at him confident in her best friend, she knows her peaches has to be okay.
"Why aren't you saying anything..."
"Ms. Matthews lost too much blood." He stated.
Silence.
no...
"Oh my gosh." Ari cried out in tears.
Riley...
Who in there right mind gets promise rings so young? Two people in love! That's who!
I had this story written a whole entire year ago, haha here it is now. I put this off for too long and finally decided to get back on top of it.
I was debating on how I wanted to end this. I might make this a two-shot instead :3
Ciao.