AN

Words cannot even begin to describe how sorry and I for taking so long. Depression can hit hard and when it does, I feel like I lose the will to write. My brain becomes fog and incapable of making a complete thought. This chapter is dedicated to every single person who has read this story and left a review. Recently, one nice review was all it took to make me fall in love with writing again. Knowing that at least one person can feel something from my work, or even enjoy it, keeps me going. You know the drill. Y'all need a snack. If you make to to the end, we'll chat again. (Please make it to the end)

Chapter 13

Josh didn't want to break their kiss. He didn't want to pull away and let the weight of reality crush him.

No.

He wanted to pull Maya closer and trail his lips down her neck while laying her back on the bed. He wanted to rip away the remaining barriers of clothing between them and slip into euphoric bliss.

For the briefest of moments, his fingers twitched, toying with the edges of the smooth material resting below her hips.

But he couldn't let himself give in.

This wasn't what he came here to do.

Maya grinded her hips against him.

It was a test. Lord help him.

She knew exactly how to push his buttons and she was using it against him. Maya's voice echoed in his head, "So you're here for me to suck your dick?"

As much as it pained him to pull away, he finally let his lips drift away from hers.

"Maya…" his voice was raspy and strained.

Maya pressed her hips against him again, this time allowing her bare chest to graze his.

Josh closed his eyes and let out a pained sigh.

Maya leaned in to kiss his lips again, but he pulled away. Instead, he reached for his abandoned cutoff lying limply on the bed. Her eyebrows knitted together as he grabbed the shirt and slid it on over her head.

"Josh?"

"You said you needed time. That you needed space to figure things out. Well this isn't exactly space is it?" Josh's voice was soft as he gently slid her off of his lap and stood up.

Maya bit her lip and nodded from her perch on the bed.

Josh ran a hand through his freshly tousled hair and glanced around the room. His eyes found one of the many shirts Maya swiped from him over the years and pulled it on. He stood in the center of the room for a moment before moving to stand next to the bed.

"I'm sorry. " He reached out and let his hand caress her soft cheek as he spoke.

"For what?" Maya's voice came out as a hoarse whisper.

Josh let his fingers tangle in her hair as his thumb continued for caress her cheek. "For whatever happened at that stupid party. For whatever is causing your pain. For leaving you like this. But I can't keep doing this with you. It's not what you need and I refuse to cause you any more pain."

Maya's eyes narrowed to firey slits. "You can't tell me-" She opened her mouth to speak, but Josh cut her off with an annoyed look.

"Stop it."

The fire in her eyes raged, Josh rolled his eyes in response.

"You're trying to pick a fight and you know it."

Maya's eyes fell to stare at her hands in her lap. Josh watched her fiddle with her hands. For the briefest of moments, a slip of emotion flashed in her eyes. What was that? She almost looked...rejected?

She quickly pushed the feeling away, her stone wall returning.

"So what is this? You're telling me goodbye?"

Josh laughed lightly, "Never. I'm telling you goodnight."

He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight Maya..." He had to stop himself as words threatened to escape, three little words that would change everything.

Frozen in fear, his lips lingered for a few moments longer than they should. He closed his eyes and willed the words away from his mind. Maybe Maya was right, maybe they needed a little space from each other? He pulled away from her before his lips could find a mind of their own and slip down to hers again. Wordlessly, he turned and walked towards the door.

"Josh…" Maya called out as he reached the door.

He turned to look at her but didn't leave his spot in the doorway. He gently shook his head at her, "Sleep tight Kitten."

Before she could reply he slipped out of the room.

Maya remained frozen on the bed.

Josh slid into his house using the back door, hoping to go unnoticed by his parents. The coast seemed to be clear. He rolled his eyes at the muffled music coming from his sister's room. Did she have to be so damn dramatic? He darted through the living room and bolted for the stairs.

"Oh thank god!" Topanga's relieved voice stopped him in his tracks. She sprung up from the couch.

"So she's still at it?" Josh nodded his head up the stairs.

Topanga closed her eyes and massaged her temples. "Yes. It's been hours of the same song. Over and over and over again. She won't talk to anyone."

"And that's a bad thing?"

"Joshua…" Topanga opened her eyes again and studied his appearance. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"How about we make a little deal. You get the music to stop and I'll overlook the fact that you're wearing a different shirt than what you left in?"

"Deal."

Before she could change her mind, he sprinted up the stairs.

Riley laid face-down on her bed, arms and legs sprawled out in each direction. "I dreamed a dream" from Le Mis blasted through her wireless speaker, the perfect soundtrack for her life right now.

She let out a muffled sigh as her soul continued to deflate. She wanted to scream, cry and hide in fear all at the same time.

She was defeated. Missy won. Again.

Missy figured out a way to get her slimy hands in her life and ruin it. The musical was gone. The entire theater season was gone. And to top things off, Peter was back at school. Riley couldn't begin to imagine how Missy managed that one. Well then again, maybe she could.

Missy's father acted as Peter's attorney after the incident...Riley shuttered at the memory...but her mom was better. Topanga never lost a case before. How did she not see this coming? As much as Riley didn't want to resent her mother, should couldn't help but feel hurt by her decision not to tell her about Peter's appeal. But then again, she understood her mom's logic. Topanga would do anything to prevent the ones she loved from feeling pain. Riley could relate, she was her mother's daughter after all.

Riley's door flew open, but she didn't bothering moving.

Without a word, Josh stomped into her room, grabbed the speaker from the bedside table, and left, shutting the door behind him.

Josh turned the speaker off as he jogged back down the stairs and tossed the it onto the couch. "You're welcome. I'm going to bed."

Topanga stood by the front windows, peeking out through the curtains. "Wait!" She turned to her son, as he attempted to sneak out of the room.

Josh groaned from the stairs. So much for a clean escape.

"Whaaat?"

"How was she? What was she doing? Is she still crying? Is she upset with me? Did she say anything?"

"I don't know. She didn't say anything." Josh slyly climbed up one stair as he spoke.

"Well did you talk to her?"

"No. Our deal didn't included talking." Another stair.

"What are you doing by the window?" He slid up two more stairs this time.

Topanga turned back to the window, moving the curtains to glance out again. Josh used this as an opportunity to climb the remaining stairs.

"What is it with teenage boys and running at night? Should I be worried…Josh?" Topanga turned to look at her son again, but found she was talking to herself.

Riley continued to lay flat on her bed, her face resting in the pile of purple pillows. She knew it was useless to mope, but it didn't stop her. Not today.

A gentle knock on her door echoed through the silent room. She knew after Josh stole her speaker, it was only a matter of time until her parents would try to talk to her.

"Riley? Honey can I come in?"

Riley let out a muffled noise that sounded like a cross between a moan and a grunt. Topanga took that as a good sign and opened the door.

Her heart broke at the sight of her daughter. Maybe she should consider lifting the the house ban on Maya? This was all terrible timing after all, but then again, what kind of message would she be sending as a parent. Riley, and Josh for that matter, still needed to learn from their mistakes. Although she wasn't sure how much her son was actually suffering from the grounding.

"Riley, I know you're upset with me right now." Topanga gingerly sat down on the bed.

Finally, Riley pushed herself up into a sitting position. "I'm not upset with you Mom. I'm upset with life right now. Everything feels like it's falling apart."

Topanga nodded, "I know you feel that way right now. And I feel terrible about everything. I should have told you sooner about the appeal. I'm so sorry Riley, I promise you, I am doing everything in my power to fix this, but…" Her voice trailed off slightly.

Riley shook her head, "Mom no."

"I'm just saying, with everything that's happened, if you want to switch schools it's not too late into the semester and you might even be able to join a new drama department."

Riley's voice was firmer this time.

"No. I'm not switching schools."

It was an idea her parents came up with last year. A way to start over after the incident. They applied on her behalf to a private boarding school in the city, Einstein Academy. Her near perfect attendance and GPA were more than enough for acceptance. They even offered her a scholarship, Riley would bet as a result of her father being friends with the dean. But she refused to go. Even when Farkle vowed to make the switch with her, she wouldn't do it. She couldn't do it. Switching schools meant she'd be leaving Maya. She needed Maya and she needed Josh. She knew her parents would bring it up again now that Peter was back. Her father already mentioned the idea on the drive home from school, although she couldn't help but think he had an ulterior motive.

Topanga nodded. "Okay, but I just want you to know it's always an option. I'm sure Maya would understand."

Riley couldn't stand it anymore.

"I'M NOT SWITCHING SCHOOLS."

Her powerful theater trained voice filled the room. She ran her hands frutrasingly through her hair.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled."

Topanga shook her head. "It's okay. You're going through alot right now. I won't bring it up again. And I'm really sorry about what happened to the musical. I know how much it meant to you. I talked to your father and we can dip into your college savings if…"

Riley help up her hand. "Mom stop. I don't want you and dad to do that."

"But honey…"

"No." She shook her head, "That's exactly what Missy's parents would do, they pay her way out of everything and I'm not going to let you do that."

Topanga gave her a smile and pulled her daughter into a hug. "You're a good kid Riley. I'm sure everything is going to work out."

Riley leaned her head onto her mom's shoulder. "Thanks."

"In the meantime," Topanga glanced at her with a small smile, "Do you have any idea why a certain football player is running past our house every ten minutes?"

Riley's breath caught in her throat and her heart fluttered. No...it couldn't be...it's probably just Zay trying to see if Maya is here.

She shrugged her shoulders. "It depends on which one."

"Hm..I guess you're right. I'll let you get back to what you were doing." Topanga stood from the bed and walked to the door.

"Oh one more thing…" She turned around with a sly smile. "Could you do me a huge favor and go get the mail?"

"What? Why? It's dark out." Riley gave her mom a confused look and followed her out of the room.

"Topanga, why is there a boy running by our house?" Her father asked as they entered the living room. Riley's heart began to race and she clumsily sprinted to the front door, knocking into an armchair on the way.

"Riley, be cool…" Topanga called after her before turning to her husband, "Come on Cory, don't worry about it."

"Wait a minute! She's not going out there!" Cory wildly pointed at Riley, who was smoothing out her hair by the door.

Riley ignored his protests and opened the front door.

Lucas felt like an idiot. He turned around at the end of the block and started running in the opposite direction...again. This was such a dumb idea. She was going to think he was some kind of stalker. He convinced himself this would be the last time he ran past her house. He wouldn't slow down either. He would just run past and go straight home. As he approached the street corner closest to her house, he almost tripped over his own feet. There was a figure in the driveway, walking towards the street. He could barely make out a silhouette with long hair. Great. It must be Mrs. Matthews. She was probably there to tell him to go home. He considered turning at the corner and running a block down instead, but his feet rebelled against him. As he ran closer his already elevated heart rate began to rise.

That wasn't Mrs. Matthews.

He was only one house away now. She turned to look at him, her eyes lighting up the night. Lucas slowed his pace as he approached her and pulled his headphones out of his ears.

Riley gave him a bright smile as he came to a stop in front of her.

"Hi." Lucas suddenly became very aware of how out of breath he sounded. This was so dumb. Why did he think this was a good idea again? Oh yeah. He wanted to check on her. She still didn't have a phone and this seemed like a good option at the time. Why was he suddenly so nervous?

"Hi." Her angelic voice caused goosebumps to run down his arms.

"Hi."

She let out a small laugh and his nerves seemed to melt away. "You already said that."

"Right," His hand reached up to rub the back of his neck. "I was just on a run, uh my dad wants me to get faster…"

"Are you?" Her eyes seemed to twinkle with delight.

He shrugged his shoulders, a grin played on his lips. "I guess we'll find out."

His hands darted out and found her hips.

"Looks like it's working city girl." He lifted her into the air and spun around.

"Lucas stop!" Her laugh tickled the night air.

She grasped at his shoulders to steady herself. He placed her back on the ground and her hands slid down to his bare biceps. Lucas closed his eyes at the soothing coolness of her touch. Leaving one hand on her hips, he brought his other hand up to cup her jaw. His thumb gently stroked her cheek. Her eyes were a little puffy, he could tell she had been crying.

"How are you feeling...after today?" His voice was soft and comforting.

Riley let out a shaky breath, her fingers began to play with the edges of his sleeves. "I'm okay."

"Riley…"

Her eyes wouldn't meet his. Instead they remained locked on the logo on the chest of his shirt. She studied the faded logo. It looked like a red medieval shield with crossing swords.

"I'm fine."

"We need to talk about what happened."

"I won't get to perform this year. It's not a big deal."

"Look at me Beautiful," Lucas tilted her head up to look at him. "You know that's not what I'm talking about. Who is Peter Roark?"

Riley bit her lip and racked her brain for a response. She couldn't tell him what happened. Not yet.

With every second she remained silent, Lucas's heart raced faster. He could feel the lethal fog thrashing at the back of his mind. He had to fight it. He couldn't risk losing control now. The hand on her hip slipped to her lower back and moved in small circles. He had to focus on the angel in front of him. He needed to feel the cooling calmness she gave him.

Riley felt his hand gently rub her lower back. His soft caress had a way of making her body relax, as if he was trying to make sure she knew she was safe.

"He's nobody. Just one of Missy's jocks." The softness of her voice surprised her.

"What did he do to you? What did she make him do?" His voice matched the softness of her own, urging her to continue.

Riley shook her head. "I'm...I'm…" her voice stuttered and shook. She closed her eyes briefly and started her sentence again. "I'm not ready to talk about it."

Wisps of the lethal fog drifted through his thoughts. He could end this right now. He could go find that bastard and send him to the hospital in seconds. That fucking prick hurt her, Lucas was sure of it. One good punch and he'd have the son of a bitch's face against the curb.

No. He had to keep his control.

Coach was right. He couldn't get kicked out of school. He'd lose everything. Riley included. He closed his eyes and took a breath. Focus on Riley. His head fell forward to rest against hers.

"I promise I won't let him near you ever again." He opened his eyes again looked into her rich dark chocolate eyes.

"You don't have to do that."

Lucas moved to close the distance between them, bringing his lips down to hers. At the last second, he felt her body tense and her head turn away. Not wanting to make the same mistake he did that morning, Lucas pulled back, not letting their lips meet. His hand fell from her cheek as she step out of his grasp.

"Um…" Riley cleared her throat as the awkwardness swelled around them.

"I'm sorry, Riley…" Lucas instinctively rubbed the back of his neck again, "I told you if I kissed you once, I wouldn't be able to stop…" he winced at his lame attempt at a joke. "I won't do it aga.."

Riley shook her head to cut him off. "No, it's not that, it's just…" she glanced towards the house. Lucas's eyes followed hers and saw a figure watching from the window.

"My dad is watching us."

Lucas's eyes almost bulged out of his head. "Oh! Uh. Right," He cleared his throat, "okay then."

She gave him an encouraging smile, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Lucas nodded. "Goodnight Beautiful."

"Goodnight Cowboy."

The next morning went by uneventfully, something Riley was grateful for. With Josh's blessing, Riley did a sunshine yoga session during the morning football practice. She knew he only agreed to it because he felt sorry for her. So, she offered to practice on the baseball field instead. She didn't want to embarrass him, but he didn't want her wandering the school grounds alone. Instead, she perched herself a few yards away from the bleachers lining the football practice field. She needed some time to meditate. She needed to think of a way to save the drama department. She took a deep breath and felt her tense muscles relax with her stretch.

While Riley found her time of mediation useful and relaxing, Lucas found it to be very distracting. His eyes kept drifting to watch her during drills and in between plays. He couldn't help it. Her tight, brightly colored leggings were much more enticing than sweaty jocks. Did he mention how tight they were?

"Damn Josh, you didn't tell us your sister was into...you know, kinky stuff." Beau, a brave lineman, laughed.

Immature murmurs and whispers rustled around the huddle.

Lucas's blood boiled and he gripped the football tighter.

Before he could act, Josh was already ripping off his helmet. He grabbed Beau by his face mask and jerked his head forward.

"It's called meditation you dumbfuck. One more fucking word and I'll break your fucking neck."

Zay quickly intervened, keeping one eye on Lucas as he did. He was getting really tired of babysitting his hot-tempered friends.

"Josh enough!" Zay moved between the two football players and shoved Josh away.

A tense silence fell over the huddle. Johnny, the defensive back, smirked, breaking the silence.

"Nah, you're asking the wrong guy Beau. Friar is the one tapping that ass."

Blind rage coursed through Lucas's body as Texas Lucas took over. However, Texas Lucas was sharp-witted. He knew how to handle harmless guys like Beau and Johnny.

His voice was venomous and smooth as the next words flowed from his lips.

"Yeah, It's no wonder why she doesn't have an interest in any of you, didn't you hear?" He reached down to grab at his pants in a vulgar gesture, "Everything's bigger in Texas."

The entire team broke out into a loud commotion.

"Oh shit!"

"Dude, you just got owned!"

"Friar for the kill!"

"Josh you're gonna let that fly?"

Lucas felt his mind calm again and smirked, hoping to disguise the disgust he felt for himself. Zay simultaneously face-palmed with one hand, while blindly reaching out the other to hold Josh back. Josh pushed him off and slammed his helmet back onto his head. He glared at Lucas as he pushed himself past him.

Coach Thompson's booming voice echoed across the field. "Everyone shut up and run a play. I don't want to hear another word."

"Rebel 30 on one, let's go!" Lucas clapped his hands together and followed Josh onto the line of scrimmage.

The team lined up to run the play. On Lucas's call, the center hiked the ball.

In the distance, Riley slid from a wide warrior pose into a split, stretching her arms high above her head.

Lucas dropped the football.

Coach Thompson's sharp whistle jolted him back to reality. "That's it! I told you guys if one more person messed up there'd be consequences. Sprints. Now. Matthews…"

Josh was already jogging towards the bleachers. "I know, I know. I'll get her out of here."

He took off his helmet as he reached his sister. "Riles, I'm sorry but you need to leave."

Riley gracefully slid out of her split, taking Josh's outstretched hand to pull herself up into a standing position.

"Coach is kicking me out again, isn't he?"

Josh nodded. "Yeah, I'm sorry. Come on, I'll walk you back inside."

"That won't be necessary."

Josh snapped his head around to look at Maya as she approached them.

He turned back to Riley, "Go straight to Dad's room okay? No sneaking off to the theater."

"Sir, yes sir!" Maya sarcastically saluted at him, "Anything else?"

Josh slid his helmet back on as he began walking backwards towards the field, "Yeah, call me 'Sir' more often. It's hot."

Riley stuck her tongue out, making a sound of disgust.

The team groaned as they collapsed along the sideline. Coach wasn't exaggerating when he said there'd be consequences. Lucas's legs were dead. By the time he was able to sneak a glance at Riley again, she already was walking into the school, arm in arm with Maya.

That seemed to be the theme for the day. Maya escorted Riley to each of her classes, with Zay, Josh or Lucas trailing not far behind. After grabbing lunch to-go from the cafeteria, the boys found themselves silently walking in the same direction. Each one glancing at the other out of the corner of their eye.

Josh cleared his throat, finally ending the awkward silence. "Where do you two think you're going?"

Lucas shifted his gaze to Zay, "Where are you going?"

Zay narrowed his eyes at Josh, "Nowhere. Where are you going?"

Lucas rolled his eyes. "Okay enough," he held up his hands, "clearly we're all going to the same place."

Zay and Josh nodded in agreement as they continued walking.

"I haven't seen him around today, have either of you?" Lucas asked

Zay, shook his head while Josh answered. "No. He's in ISS."

Lucas gave him a confused look, "What's ISS?"

"In school suspension. It means he does all of his classes away from everyone else," Zay guestered with his thumb, "It's on the other side of the school."

"It's probably how he got allowed back into school. Fucking prick. Just because he has a few state wrestling titles the school let him back in." Josh added.

Lucas remained quiet. He knew how much preferential treatment a school would give a decent athlete. He experienced it himself.

They reached the auditorium and opened the doors. A beautiful piano melody greeted them. Lucas's froze at the sound of perfection, jaw dropped.

Josh nudged him forward with a playful smirk. "Yeah, she's good. Come on."

Riley was sitting center stage, at a beautiful new grand piano. Her finger's flawlessly danced across the keys as her song moved on. Maya sat next to her, straddling the piano bench while drawing in her sketchbook. Occasionally, her voice softly sang in harmony with Riley's sporadic singing.

Riley smiled at the boys, but didn't stop playing. Maya glanced up from her drawing and smirked.

"You know Huckleberry. I heard a funny thing about you today."

Riley continued to play the piano, while Josh groaned and flung himself down to lounge in a seat in the front row. His legs were so tired from morning football practice he didn't know how he would survive the rest of the day. Lucas and Zay followed suit, sitting down on either side of him.

"Oh yeah?" Lucas raised his eyebrows at her, not knowing where this conversation was going.

"MmmHmm." Maya answered without looking up. "The whole school is abuzz, well at least the girls are...maybe some boys too, I don't judge."

Lucas narrowed his eyes at her, surely she wasn't about to announce his secret to Riley. He thought they agreed he'd tell her when the time was right.

"What are you talking about?"

"Apparently, you have a dick the size of Texas."

Riley's hands slipped on the keys, causing a loud offbeat noise. "MAYA!"

Maya sniggered to herself, while Lucas's face turned beet red. His head immediately turned to Zay.

"Dude!"

Zay was trying not to laugh, but shook his head. "I didn't say anything."

"I've got eyes and ears everywhere hop-along." Maya warned from the stage.

Riley was mortified. Leave it to Maya to say something completely inappropriate like that. Sure, Riley heard the rumors too. Hushed whispers and giggles filled the halls this morning, fresh will tales from some comment during football practice. But she tried not to pay attention to it. People were always taking things out of context.

Josh rubbed his face with his hands. "No offense Bro, but I've heard way too much about your junk today."

"None taken." Lucas sighed.

Correction. Riley thought, leave it to Maya and my Brother to say something inappropriate.

"Anyway," Josh turned his attention to Riley. "Riles, did you eat anything for lunch?"

Zay bit his lip desperately trying to hide his laugh, but not succeeding, "No, how could she? Lucas just got here."

Maya let out a loud laugh, while Riley hid her face in her hands.

Lucas sunk down in his chair. If it wasn't directed at himself and Riley, he would have laughed too.

Zay was still laughing at his own joke, "Hey I'm not the one who brought up his junk first."

"That. Is. My. Little. Sister." Josh growled through gritted teeth and pointed at the door.

"Get out."

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Zay held up his hands, still laughing. He stood up and jerked his head towards the door. "Hey, Sugar, come with me. I want to talk to you."

Riley noticed Maya let out a frustrated sigh, even though she quickly tried to cover it up.

"You can't hide from this forever." Riley whispered.

"I know. I know." Maya muttered as she ripped the page out of her sketch book and placed it on the piano next to Riley. She quickly grabbed her bag and climbed off the stage.

Josh's eyes followed the pair as they walked out of the auditorium.

A soft nudge brought him back to reality.

"You okay?" Lucas nodded towards Josh's hands.

Josh looked down and noticed he was tightly gripping the arm rest with white knuckles.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I'm going to go back to the cafeteria. Do some surveillance on bitch-face. I wanna find out what she's planning." He stood up and flung his bag over his shoulder.

"Riley, you gonna be okay if I leave?"

Riley nodded from the piano.

Josh eyed Lucas as he walked towards the door, "No funny business."

Lucas rolled his eyes in response. He waited until he heard the door close behind Josh, before climbing the stairs to the stage.

"May I?" He gestured to the bench Riley was sitting on.

"Of course." Riley smiled.

The air shifted as he sat down next to her. Suddenly, it seemed to tingle, as if charged by electricity. Riley focused on the keys in front of her, which proved to be much more difficult now. Her mind kept thinking back to Maya's comment about Lucas. Her cheeks burned as she tried not to look at him. Stop it Riley. You're being creepy! Stop thinking about his…

Lucas could see the pink tint in her cheeks and grinned.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"Nothing!" Riley's voice squeaked and she internally cringed. Her fingers picked up the pace as she continued her melody.

"Alright then." Lucas scooted closer to her, the edges of their thighs brushed against each other. He motioned to the piano, "I had no idea you could play the piano."

"I love it." Riley couldn't hide her smile, "This was a surprise from Mr. Carter. He was able to buy a new grand piano before the budget got taken away. The old one...uh…" Riley trailed off for a moment, "...well the old one got destroyed last year."

"Is that why you didn't get to perform last Year?"

Riley shrugged her shoulders. "Partly."

Her melody shifted form lighthearted to slow and sorrowful.

Lucas sat quietly for a moment, listening to her play.

"Seriously Riley, this is amazing. You're so talented."

She playfully raised her eyebrows at him. "So, are you saying I have mad musician skills?"

Her melody gradually increased to a beautiful dramatic bridge. Her fingers moved so quickly across the keys, he couldn't keep track anymore.

"Okay, now you're just showing off." Lucas grinned and resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her. He didn't want her to stop playing.

Unable to resist her any longer, he gently reached out and brushed a few curls out of her face. Riley smiled and continued to play. Lucas glanced at the spot where sheet music should be sitting. Instead, he saw Maya's drawing.

It was a portrait of an angel.

The drawing was of Riley's profile as she sat at the piano. It was so perfect and life-like, he could almost see tiny movement in her hair, as if her portrait were actually playing the piano.

Lucas studied the drawing, his eyes falling to Maya's scribbled signature in the lower corner. He squinted his eyes as he noticed a few words next to it.

Keep it Huckleberry.

He shook his head and looked back at the real angel next to him.

"I could listen to you play forever."

"Nah," Riley shook her head. "I'm sure you'd get bored eventually."

"You could sit on a stage, playing chopsticks on repeat, and I'm sure you'd still sell out a concert."

Riley's fingers slipped from the keys again. Her face lit up in a megawatt smile.

"That's it!"

She leapt up from the piano and began pacing across the stage.

"What?" Lucas spun around on the bench and watched her pacing become frantic.

"We can have the drama club put it on...and the orchestra class can play…not just music, all of the arts...dancing..."

"Riley?"

She couldn't hear him. Her thoughts were flying at a mile a minute, faster than that, a mile a second! It was perfect. The drama club will put on the show and anyone could perform. If they sold enough tickets, maybe they could raise enough money to at least do one small play.

Riley stopped her pacing.

"Lucas you're a genius!"

"I am?"

Without warning, Riley darted across the stage, cupped his jaw with her small hands and kissed him. Lucas was shocked by her suddenness, but instantly responded. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her down to sit on his lap. He could feel her grin against his lips as his hand moved up to tangle in her hair. He pulled away slightly to catch his breath, letting his forehead rest against hers. Her fingertips grazed along his jaw as he spoke.

"Uh, not that I'm complaining, but why am I a genius?"

Riley pecked his lips again.

"Because you figured it out! We can do a fundraiser show and use the money from the tickets for the theater budget."

"We?" Lucas echoed.

Riley playfully rolled her eyes. "No not you, the drama club. Unless you have a burning desire to sing and dance?"

Lucas let his hands run up and down her sides as he spoke. "I'm afraid not. But I'll definitely watch you."

Riley sprung up, taking his hand and pulling him with her.

"Woah, where are we going?"

Riley tugged on his hand, "Come on I have to go find Maya. And Farkle!"

Lucas quickly snatched the drawing from the piano, before letting Riley pull him down the stairs and out of the auditorium.

AN

Fun fact, the songs Riley plays on the piano are Honeymoon Avenue by Ariana Grande, and the dramatic show off one, is Remember When It Rained by Josh Groban. I highly recommend listening to them.

Fun Fact Deux, I forgot to mention this before, but one of my favorite memes is "moon moon" therefore, it is has been sneakily included in the last few chapters. Can anyone figure out how?

Well, we all saw that one coming right? I've been planning Riley's concert for so long, I'm so excited for you guys to be in the loop now. BTW now that you're in the loop, it was killing me for all of you to think Josh and Maya slept together again that easily. Girl please, it's way more complicated than that! What did you think of our glimpse at Texas Lucas? I wanted to do more than just rage and anger, he completely changes Lucas's personality. What did you think? Fav parts? Please let me know! I love reading reviews so much! Lastly, I'm thinking about making a playlist somehow, maybe on youtube, for the songs in the chapters and mainly for the songs from the concert. What do you guys think? Follow up: I'm also thinking about making a twitter account so I can better update everyone on my stories and share ideas and stuff, thoughts?

I've rambled enough now. As always, please read, review, follow, favorite do ALL THE THINGS!

Lilly.

(Congrats on making it this far lovely reader)

Super massive quadruple fun fact: I planned this story to have sequels (don't worry we still have a long way to go in this one) all the way through the college years.

Fun fact a-bomb: I've also been writing a completely different GMW story, I'm saving it for maybe after this one, but I think you guys might like it. *moon walks into deliriousness*