Alright, let's have a little chat. I understand that some of you were disappointed in the last chapter. Which is fine, I wasn't expecting it TBH and I think some of you missed a lot of details that would have changed how you felt, but then again, maybe that's my fault.
Bottom line: There is no need to be mean to each other in the reviews. Do not call each other names and do not start ship wars. Be upset with me if you must, I still love to know and if you have an account I am more than happy to talk about the chapter with you! Please, don't hate on another reader just because they don't feel the same way as you do. Instead, I encourage you to rationally and logically have a conversation with them...maybe you'll be able to see the other person's POV :)
Disclaimer: I came up with the idea chapter a long time ago. I do not want any of the angry shippers thinking they had an influence. This chapter was always going to happen. Thank you so much for the kind reviews, I loved all of them and you guys are what keeps me going! This chapter is a treat for the people who really love my writing and this story. SO GET Y'ALL SNACKS BECAUSE THIS CHAPTER IS A BEAST. 64 PAGES. AND YES I REALIZE I AM VIRTUAL YELLING. Seriously, get comfy, I takes me about an hour to read through the chapter and it's really important...
Chapter 15
Josh paced back and forth in his room. Hours had passed since Riley told him what he did. He almost didn't believe her. He thought she was lying, but her instant face of regret told him she'd revealed a secret that wasn't hers to share. Riley felt terrible for revealing Maya's secret, but a part of her believed Josh was lying about not remembering.
He sure as hell wasn't lying.
Suddenly, Maya's anger towards him after the party made sense. He was such an idiot. Josh more than anyone, knew how much those words meant to Maya...and what did he do? I used them exactly the way her father would use them, drunk.
The difference being, he actually meant it. Deep down, he knew he always loved her. Over the years, he tried to convince himself he loved her in the same way he loved his little sister, but that line had been crossed a long time ago. He couldn't push away his feelings any longer and why should he? It's not like things could get any worse.
Although, he wasn't sure which was worse, telling Maya he loved her and her not believing it, or telling Maya he loved her and her running away.
It was all starting to make sense now. Maya wasn't confused about how she felt, she was scared. Riley aside, everyone she's ever loved leaves. And I practically did the same thing.
Shit.
Realization pulled at his heart. His lungs burned as crushing weight pushed on his chest. He was practically forcing Maya into Zay's arms. He knew even before she locked eyes with him in the art room that she needed him. She never had to say it, he always knew when she needed him...but he let his stupid jealousy blind him. The green-eyed monster had been controlling him for weeks. He wasn't thinking straight, if he had been, he sure as hell wouldn't have asked out Victoria.
Josh shook his head to himself, Zay's been pining for Maya since he moved here and she's never acted this way around him before. She was running. She had to be. Zay was her safety net. She didn't really have feelings for him, so she wouldn't get hurt if he left.
But maybe...maybe he was wrong? Maybe all this was just in his head? Maybe he was overthinking everything.
He thought back to the last time they were alone together. It was the night he went to her house. He decided then he just needed some kind of sign that she felt more for him… But maybe Maya was the one now who needed a sign he cared about her...that he wasn't like her loser father.
Rage filled his mind and without thinking he slammed his fist into the wall.
His hand burned in pain, his knuckles screamed at his stupidity, but he didn't care.
What the hell was he thinking? Maya needed him now more than ever.
And you locked her out, dumbass!
He had to find a way to tell Maya how he felt. The more he thought about it, the more obvious her running became. Zay had been complaining all week about how busy she was with Riley's show, but maybe this was her way of hiding? Josh had never been banned from Riley's rehearsals before. Usually she welcomed him, he was her most honest critic after all. So maybe Riley wasn't the one who banned him?
A loud grumble from his stomach and a throb in his head pulled him from his thoughts. Josh looked to the window and squinted his tired eyes at the bright sunlight pouring in.
He had spent the whole night pacing.
With a groan, he ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep now, he slipped on a shirt and trudged out of his room.
In a daze, he stumbled through the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he stared at its contents for a moment, before letting it shut.
He jumped when his eyes were met with mesmerizing icy blue. Maya was silently sitting on the counter, picking at a blueberry muffin. He wondered what she was doing up so early, but his eyes trailed down to her Chubby's baseball tee and his question was answered.
Topanga's voiced filled the kitchen from the living room, "Joshua? Honey is that you?"
"Yeah Ma. Just woke up." He glanced in the direction of his mom's voice. He hadn't seen his mom since the game. He came home and went straight to his room.
Topanga's finite voice rang out again, "Break up with her."
His eyes snapped back to Maya's.
"Okay."
Her artic blue eyes softened for a moment as they lost themselves in the waves of his ocean eyes. Maya could tell by the bags under his eyes that he didn't sleep well...if at all.
Josh's voice dropped to a raspy whisper, "Kitten…"
Abruptly, Maya jumped from the counter and wordlessly offered him the barely eaten muffin.
Josh took it and watched her hurry out the door to her shift at Chubby's. He looked down at the muffin and sighed. This was going to be a lot harder than he thought.
"Good morning Josh." Riley happily greeted as she skipped into the kitchen.
"Morning."
"Oh! Where'd you get that?" Riley tried to sneak a piece off of the muffin, but he slapped her hand away.
"Get your own."
Riley stuck her tongue out at him.
He gave her an annoyed look, but broke the muffin in half and gave her part of it anyway.
"See, I knew you loved me." Riley grinned through a mouthful of muffin. "Will you give me a ride to the school?"
Josh plopped a piece of the muffin into his mouth, "What for?"
"Tech practice. Then rehearsal."
"Is anyone else going to be there?"
"Well Farkle...the rest of the cast will come and go for the most part."
Josh narrowed his eyes at her. "What about Mr. Carter?"
Riley shrugged, "He'll be there later this afternoon."
He chewed on the muffin for a moment, and considered his words.
"Is it alright if I watch? I don't like you being there alone. Mom and Dad wouldn't either."
"Did Maya already leave for work?"
"Yeah"
Riley smiled at him, "Okay. You can watch, but just this once."
The tech practice went well. At least as far as Josh could tell. He wasn't really sure, but Riley and Farkle seamed pretty pleased with themselves. He tuned them out, occasionally catching a few words here and there. Something about the pool and ponchos? He spent an hour relaxing in the front row until Riley asked for his help with the pipe contraption they were working on.
He heaved himself from the velvet chair. His body felt like dead weight, the sleep deprivation was taking its toll.
"What do you need Riles?"
His long legs stretched as he climbed the stage stairs, the increased blood flow helped his mind wake up.
"We can't get this pipe to stay together."
"So you need your bigger and stronger brother to do it?"
Riley rolled her eyes at him. "Just fix it please."
Josh climbed onto the ladder they were using and observed the situation.
"What are you guys trying to do?"
"That's a surprise. Just tighten those bolts for us."
Josh did as they asked and climbed back down. "There you go. Should be perfect."
"Thanks."
He let his tired body fall back into his seat. Just as his heavy eyelids drifted closed, Riley's soft voice called out for him again. Her panicked tone caused his eyes to snap open.
He jumped to his feet, "What's wrong?"
He noticed the auditorium doors fling open and a group of girls in athletic wear saunter in. Josh quickly realized it was not the cheerleaders like Riley feared. It was the volleyball team. They were filling into the auditorium to run laps. Teams would sometimes use the incline of the rows and steep stairs for conditioning.
"I got it Riley."
He lazily jogged to the door where the girls were warming up.
"Joshy!"
Crap.
Victoria. He forgot she was captain of the volleyball team.
"Hey Vic…"
She threw her arms around him in a tight hug, but he gently eased her away.
She giggled at him, "What are you doing here?"
Josh pointed towards the stage, "I'm helping Riley with her show."
"Aw! That's so sweet of you!" Victoria's hand traced his bicep.
"Yeah," He took a step away from her, "Listen this show is really important, do you ladies mind finding another place to run? I'd really hate for anything to happen to the theater days before the show."
Victoria nodded enthusiastically, "Oh Totally! We can go somewhere else. No problem."
Josh gave her a grin, "Thanks Vic."
The team began to file back out, Victoria turned to follow them, but Josh stopped her.
"Actually, can we talk for a sec?"
"Sure," She turned to the team, "Go on, I'll catch up"
He waited for the girls to leave before speaking again. "Listen…"
Victoria held up her hand to stop him. "You're breaking up with me aren't you?"
Josh winced. "Uh...yeah…"
Victoria let out a loud sigh of relief, "Finally!"
"Wait, what?"
She giggled at his confused look. "Honestly, I don't know why you put up with me this long. Don't tell anyone, but Missy forced me to act all clingy and annoying. She was convinced you were trying to spy on her. So she said if I didn't annoy you to hell and back, she'd kick me out of her homecoming group...and well she has a limo…"
Josh covered his face with one hand and laughed. "Oh my god."
Victoria gave him a cheeky grin. "I mean, you were totally just trying to spy on her. I understand why. You'd do anything for Riley, it's obvious." She gestured to the stage to prove her point, "and I totally don't blame you. Missy is a witch."
"A witch with a limo apparently." Josh mumbled.
Victoria laughed, "Pretty much."
"I'm sorry for, you know...using you."
She waved him off, "It's okay. I knew you weren't really interested all along and to be honest, I kinda have a thing for Jake's brother. I was hoping you'd make him jealous."
Josh laughed at the irony. "Well did it work?"
She shook her head, "No. But that's okay. These things never really work do they? So are you and Maya like official yet?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "I'm not sure."
"Well, she's lucky to have a guy like you care so much for her. Look I should get back to the team, but on the brightside, you dodged a major bullet. Missy wanted me to make a huge scene in the cafeteria this week for our weekiversary."
Josh winced, "Really?"
Victoria nodded as she moved for the door, "Oh yeah."
"Hey since my secret's out, do you have any idea what she's planning?"
Victoria shook her head, "No, I don't. I'm sorry, but if I find anything out I'll let you know. Riley is a sweetheart and Missy doesn't rule this school as much as she thinks."
"Thanks." Josh grabbed the door for her.
"Tell Riley good luck with the show for me! The whole volleyball team will be there!" She called over her shoulder as she jogged away.
Josh eyed Riley as he made his way back to the front row.
"What?"
She grinned at him and sat down at the piano. "Me? Oh I was just watching that whole thing…"
"Shuuuut upppp" He groaned at her.
Josh fell into his seat and let his head fall into his hand. Riley began playing a smooth melody on the piano. It was soft and calming. His eyelids drooped and he finally drifted into a light sleep.
"Alright everyone listen up!"
Josh clapped his hands once as the football team gathered around him. "Great practice today. Obviously, today is our bye-week. Which means we're cutting practice short for a little team bonding."
It was finally Friday night. The night of Riley's concert. Her nerves about the show had been growing all week, especially after word about her show began to spread. The whole school was buzzing with excitement, and with the nature of any small town, the excitement caught on quickly. The local newspaper got wind of the story and did a feature piece about the show and the injustice towards the drama department's budget. Hesitantly, Riley agreed to let the reporter observe one rehearsal for the article. The reporter gave the show a rave review, calling it a must-see for the Cold Springs community.
Josh wasn't sure if the article did anything for Riley's nerves. If anything, it made them even worse, but she stuck to her matra: it didn't matter if people didn't like the show, as long as they showed up. Her mind was set on raising enough money to fund the drama department.
Lucas stood next to Josh as his co-captain and addressed the team, "As most of you have heard, tonight the drama department is putting on a fundraiser concert…"
The team groaned in response.
"I don't want to hear it. Our school shows up every Friday night to support us on the field, so we're going to do the same for them."
"Do we have to?" Johnny whined on behalf of the team.
Josh glared at him as Lucas answered.
"Yes. I expect everyone to be there. 7 o'clock in the auditorium. Tickets are five dollars. If you need help getting tickets, you come to me or Josh and we'll work something out."
Josh grinned as he added, "Trust me guys, I've seen some of the show. It's going to be sweet. Now everyone clean up, don't look like a slob and be at the theater no later than 6:45. Huddle up." The team huddled together and ended practice with their team chant.
Josh, Zay and Lucas walked side by side as they made their way back to the locker room.
"So…" Zay cleared his throat, "You broke up with Victoria?"
The tension between them had been escalating all week.
Josh shrugged his shoulders and smirked to himself. "Yeah. I guess you could say that."
Even though they broke up on Saturday, Josh asked Victoria if she would be up for putting on a little show for Missy. They waited until the end of the week and made a huge scene in the cafeteria. He hoped their dramatic act would give Missy a false sense of satisfaction.
Zay rolled his eyes. Typical Josh. Using girls until he got what he wanted from them.
Josh eyed Zay's reaction. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Zay stopped walking. "Nothing. Did you use her just like you used Maya? How long until you find some other quick fuck?"
Lucas watched Josh's hands ball into fists and quickly jumped between his friends.
Well this is a first, He thought. For once it wasn't someone holding him back.
"Stop. You're both being ridiculous." He pushed them further apart, just in case.
Zay shoved Lucas off. "Man whatever."
He stormed away as Lucas called after him, "Hey! Don't blow off tonight. You owe it to Riley to show up."
"I'll be there." Zay snapped without looking back.
Lucas turned back to Josh.
"Dude. Either make a move on Maya or let her go. It's not fair to him."
Josh nodded. "I know. Hurry up and get ready. We have a pit stop to make."
Riley held her stomach as she paced back and forth in the wings. She could hear the chatter of the audience grow louder with every step she took. Her heart was beating so fast her lungs burned as if she were sprinting for her life. Ringing filled her ears. The clamour of the packed house just beyond the curtain grew distant and fuzzy. She gasped for air. Her hand flew to clutch at her neck.
She couldn't breathe.
Riley choked out a raspy gasp that sounded somewhat like "Maya!"
Maya's eyes snapped up from her clipboard and she rushed to Riley's side.
"Riley! Breathe. You're okay."
She gently held onto Riley's shaking shoulders and breathed deeply, encouraging her to do the same.
"Everything is okay. You're okay."
After a minute of breathing, Riley finally calmed herself.
"Good. Just keep breathing." Maya soothed, "You peeked out of the curtain didn't you."
Riley nodded, "There's not one empty seat."
Maya rubbed her shoulders again. "That's a good thing Riles."
She didn't have the heart to tell her best friend, that not only was the show a sell out, they were now turning people away at the door, but still encouraging them to make a donation of course.
"The whole football team is here. Right in the front row."
Maya mentally rolled her eyes. Nice job Huckleberry. Didn't he know that would only freak her out?
"Don't worry about them. Focus on Lucas if you have to. You got this. You know you can do this."
Riley weakly nodded. "Once we start I'll feel better."
"Exactly. Now I want you to go to the dressing room. Meditate and do your vocal warm up okay?"
"But-"
Maya cut her off with a push towards girl's dressing room.
"I'm the stage manager. Do what I say."
Riley huffed. "I think all of this power is going to your head."
"Go!" Maya pointed to the open door.
She waited until Riley was out of sight before slipping on her headset.
"Ten minutes to curtain."
Lucas glanced around the filled theater. It seemed like the whole town was there, minus Missy and her cheerleaders. He looked at the bouquet of red roses resting next to his feet. Josh dragged him out of the locker room after practice and to the local florist. He said something about a theater tradition to bring flowers. Lucas hoped the red roses would be enough. He noticed Josh picked out one bouquet of sunflowers and one smaller bouquet of white funny-looking round flowers that he didn't recognize. Rose were supposed to be romantic right? Lucas didn't know. He'd never bought flowers for a girl before.
"How much longer until this thing starts?" One of the football team's linemen groaned from behind him.
"Soon." Josh snapped from Lucas's left without looking up from his program.
"Can I see that?" Zay asked from Lucas's other side.
Josh handed the program across Lucas. He already knew what Zay was looking for. Maya wasn't listed as a performer, just as the stage manager.
Finally the house lights dimmed. The audience's chatter fell silent as the curtain ruffled before gliding open. Smooth clicks echoed the theater as Riley gracefully took center stage. A single spotlight followed her as she moved.
"Good evening and welcome! We are so honored to have you here with us tonight. Art is a form of expression and tonight we want to express our gratitude to our school and community for supporting local arts. The performances you will see tonight are just a fraction of the talent in our school and with your support we can continue to express our passions and share our talent with the world. Tonight, we invite you into our theater to celebrate the arts in what we like to call, A Night of Joy."
Riley's soft chocolate eyes caught Lucas's. She flashed him a nervous smile, then moved to sit at the baby grand piano.
The spot light followed her to the piano, leaving the rest of the stage in darkness. Riley's gentle playful melody cut through the silence.
Lucas could feel the football players around him become antsy and bored. Riley's voice rang through the air and he knew the team wouldn't be bored for long.
"Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive…"
A single violin joined Riley's voice emerging out of the darkness and into its own spotlight. The violinist continued with the melody for a moment until Riley's voice returned.
"...and the world I'll turn it inside out - yeah
And floating around in ecstasy…"
Brass horns and trumpets joined the stage, their melodies harmonizing as one.
"...So don't stop me now…"
Suddenly the house lights came up. Members of the choir and chorus ran down the aisles from the back of the theater. Drums thudded and the tempo increased.
"'Cause I'm having a good time having a good time."
The audience cheered. More singers flooded the brightly lit stage. Lucas's eyes were glued on Riley. She was glowing with excitement. Her fingers moved flawlessly across the keys.
"I'm a shooting star leaping through the sky
Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity
I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva
I'm gonna go go go
There's no stopping me
I'm burnin' through the sky yeah
Two hundred degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm trav'ling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man out of you"
Maya skipped onto the stage next to Riley, carelessly bouncing along and dancing to the beat.
"Don't stop me now I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball
Don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time just give me a call
Don't stop me now ('Cause I'm having a good time)
Don't stop me now (Yes I'm havin' a good time)
I don't want to stop at all…"
An electric guitar whaled in a solo, causing the audience to cheer louder, this time jumping to their feet and clapping along.
The voices of the singers surrounded the audience and the base rattled the room, creating a unique sound better than any movie theater surround sound. It was almost as if the audience had become part of the show.
Riley's voice filled the room again, leading the chorus.
"Don't stop me don't stop me…"
Lucas laughed at Maya's role of Riley's hype-man, leaning into Riley's mic to add colorful,
"I like it, I like it."
Or
"Have a good time, good time."
The music crescendoed as the opening number came to a close. The surround sound choir harmonized the long lasting lines.
"I don't want to stop at all... "
Their final note soared through the air and brought the audience to a roaring applause. Even the football team whooped and hollered in the front rows.
"Way to go Riley!" Josh bellowed into cupped hands.
Zay brought his fingers to his lips and whistled sharply.
Lucas's eyes were still locked on Riley. He knew he was grinning like an idiot, but he didn't care.
The choir members in the rows climbed the steps to join the other performers on the stage to take a small bow. Riley cued the orchestra and the upbeat song resumed again. She stood while still flawlessly playing the piano and spoke into her mic.
"Thank you so much! We have a packed show for you tonight and this is just the beginning."
The audience continued to clap until the curtain drifted closed again. The moment it closed, the girls from the dance team filed onto the stage in front of it and their music began to play through the speakers.
The show flew by. Riley wasn't kidding. The performances were packed, one almost immediately after another. A few musical numbers later, and one especially hilarious act with two freshman boys in drag lip-syncing a song about sisters, Riley was finally taking the stage again.
The stage lights behind her shined in a soft halo of purple. The audience greeted her with polite applause. Lucas was surprised when she took center stage in front of a single microphone instead of the piano.
Josh elbowed him, "Get ready."
The music started and Lucas understood what Josh meant. He was not prepared for the voice that came out of her mouth.
"Listen
To the song here in my heart
A melody I start but can't complete…"
If Lucas closed his eyes, he didn't think he'd recognize her.
Riley's voice was strong and soulful, not the sweet and gentle voice he'd grown so accustomed to. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and his mouth fell open.
She was a goddess.
"Listen
To the sound from deep within
It's only beginning to find release…"
Josh smirked and elbowed him again. "Beyonce should watch out."
Lucas's heart grew lighter with every word she sang. It was like he was floating. No one else on earth existed.
"Oh, the time has come for my dreams to be heard
They will not be pushed aside and turned
Into your own, all 'cause you won't listen.."
Riley's eyes closed as she sang. Her heart poured into the song, wrapping each word in powerful emotion. The air in the theater turned electric, as if she were giving the audience a direct line to her heart.
"Listen
I am alone at a crossroads
I'm not at home in my own home
And I tried and tried to say what's on my mind
You should have known"
Lucas focused on her words. His heart swelled with pride. It didn't matter that the show wasn't even over yet, she did it. Her song said it all. Missy wouldn't win. She tried to control the school and Riley's life, but not anymore.
"Oh, now I'm done believin' you
You don't what I'm feelin'
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you gave to me
And now I've gotta find my own"
Riley's voice grew even stronger as her song continued. The lights behind her flashed and she flung her arms out to the side with the beat.
"Oh, now I'm done believin' you
You don't know what I'm feelin'
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you think you gave to me
But now I gotta find my own…"
The audience cheered as Riley held onto the final note, her voice rising with perfect vibrato,
"...My own"
Josh and Lucas were the first to jump to their feet. The rest of the crowd quickly followed, giving her a complete standing ovation.
The team clapped Josh on the back as the applause grew louder. Josh glanced over at Zay, who was whistling and sniffling.
"Dude, are you crying?"
"Shut up."
Lucas was oblivious to his friends' exchange. He couldn't focus on anything but Riley's dazzling smile. His heart couldn't take it anymore. It screamed at him to rush the stage and pull her into his arms, but his feet stayed put. This was her moment and she deserved every single second of it.
Riley gave a polite bow and glided off the stage to the wings.
She was immediately crushed by the weight of Farkle and Maya throwing their arms around her.
"Riles! That was beyond amazing!" Maya squealed.
"Pure perfection." Farkle added.
Riley didn't know where the tears came from, but suddenly her cheeks were wet. "I did it! I actually did it!" Her voice was filled with disbelief.
"I always knew you would." Maya squeezed her tighter.
Breaking free from their arms, Riley freed her hand enough to wipe her tears away.
She let out a shaky laugh, "Okay, I have to go get changed for the finale. Farkle, I believe you're next!"
Farkle playfully wiped his brow. "Honey. I don't know how I can follow that!"
Maya's ears perked up at the last lines of the current performance.
"Well…" She shoved Riley towards the dressing room and turned back to Farkle, "You're going to have to." She pushed the button on her headset, "And...standby for curtain."
"Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation
Darkness wakes and stirs imagination…"
Riley listened to Farkle's muffled voice from the dressing room and observed her new outfit in mirror. Turning to the side, she bit her lip. She knew she shouldn't have let Maya talk her into wearing this. She reached for her black trench coat, when Maya burst into the room.
"Riles. You have to get out here. It's an emergency."
Riley dropped her jacket and sprinted to the wings. Great. This is it. Missy found a way to ruin the show…
Farkle was still on stage, he seemed to be fine. Riley looked around for the issue.
"What's wrong?"
Maya rolled her eyes and held back the edge of the curtain, "He's killing the crowd! Look! They're yawning."
Riley peeked out and noticed a lot of chatter in the audience and definite laughter from some of the front rows.
"Slowly, gently night unfurls it's splendor
Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender..."
She winced. She didn't want to tell anyone what they could or couldn't perform, but Farkle's rendition of Music Of the Night from Phantom of the Opera wasn't exactly the most upbeat choice.
"Dare you trust the music of the night…"
His melancholy song droned on.
Or the shortest choice.. Riley thought.
Maya's frantic whisper brought her back, "Riley. We have to do something to get the crowd back! We have to wake them up!"
Riley bit her lip and thought for a moment. Light lightning an idea struck her and she didn't think twice. She knew she didn't have very long, but it was all they got.
"Stay here."
Stealthily, she sprinted from the side stage door into the theater and snuck along the wall to the sound booth across from the stage.
"Hold the next act. I think Riley's calling an audible." Maya snapped into her headset.
The sound tech laughed in her ear, "Oh yeah she is."
Riley appeared next to Maya again as if she never left, but still slightly out of breath.
"What…"
Riley ignored Maya's question and pulled the headset off of her head.
"Remember that Tina Turner routine we did in the fifth grade talent show?" Her nimble fingers clipped on Maya's belt pack and mic for her.
Maya stared at her. "Yeah...how could I forget. You made us practice all summer."
Riley tossed the stage manager headset into Farkle's hands as he exited the stage.
"Good, because we're doing it now." She shoved Maya onto the stage.
"Wait, WHAT?"
Lucas tried to stifle his yawn. The team around him was growing restless. He couldn't blame them. Farkle's song just kept going and going. He'd never heard this song before, and he didn't care to ever heard it again. Farkle's singing wasn't bad, it was just that boring song. The god awful never ending song.
The music grew louder, causing the dozing audience to jolt, but unfortunately, Farkle's act wasn't over yet. He whipped his black cape, in what Lucas hopped was his grand finale.
It wasn't.
Lucas's mind slowly slipped away from Farkle's number and into a fantasy about Riley's long legs. When she first took the stage, he thought she must be trying to kill him. Her flouncy black skirt stopped mid-thigh and hitched slightly higher with every swish of her hips. He imagined the short skirt bunching around her hips as she straddled his lap…
Farkle's low baritone notes rattled the image from his mind.
He took a dramatic bow. The audience was too dazed to begin applause immediately, but after an awkward beat, a few polite claps grew into a quiet applause. Farkle left the stage with a pleased smile on his face.
Suddenly, the jarring sound of brass instruments shocked the audience awake.
Josh groaned and covered his face with his hands, "Oh god. Not this."
Lucas gave him a confused look, "Wha…"
Before he could get the word out, Riley and Maya stumbled onto the stage. Riley immediately began singing,
"When I was a little girl
I had a rag doll
Only doll I've ever owned"
Lucas was taken aback by Riley's new outfit, a skin tight black leather leggings clung her legs like a second skin. Her long legs were covered by tall thigh-high black boots. A simple black tank top hugged her hips and accentuated her chest. He couldn't look away.
Maya's honey-like voice took over,
"Now I love you just the way I loved that rag doll
But only now my love has grown…"
Lucas glanced at Josh, "Dude, I didn't know Maya could sing."
Josh smirked, "Oh she can sing."
Riley voice belted out again,
"And it gets stronger, in every way.."
Maya sang with her,
"...And it gets higher, day by day"
The audience was back on their side again, subtly swaying along to their contagious rhythm.
"And do I love you my oh my
Yeah river deep mountain high
If I lost you would I cry..."
Riley knew she was dead. Maya was going to kill her after tonight. They shimmied and twirled in unison as they sang. Neither one had a clue how they remembered the routine from the fifth grade.
"Oh how I love you baby, baby, baby, baby…"
As they turned their backs to the audience and shook their hips, Riley was hit with the realization of just how provocative their dance moves were. As fifth graders they were cute, but now? They were down right seductive.
Lucas's throat tightened as he watched Riley's backside. Josh's hand tried to block his vision, but Texas Lucas easily shoved it away. He gripped the armrests tightly as his eyes zoned in on Riley's mesmerizing movements. The team around him whistled and cat-called at the girls. For the second time that night, Lucas fought the urge to storm the stage.
"I love you baby like a flower loves the spring
And I love you baby just like Robin loves to sing…"
Their song quickly escalated into a diva-off. Each riffing off notes longer and more dramatic with every line.
"And I love you baby like a school boy loves his pet
And I love you baby, river deep mountain high"
Their voices melded together perfectly. Maya's sweet honey harmonized with Riley's powerful soul. The irony of their voices opposed to their personalities make Lucas laugh.
"Oh baby... "
Maya fanned herself in a melodramatic fashion as Riley belted out a long soulful run, before perfectly hitting the chorus and strutting in unison around the stage.
"Do I love you my oh my, oh baby
River deep, mountain high
If I lost you would I cry…"
Riley and Maya grinned at each other as they tried to play their ultra-diva characters.
"Oh how I love you baby, baby, baby, baby"
Their song came to an end with one final run in perfect harmony. They ended with a hip bump and cheeky high five.
The audience roared. The football players jumped to their feet with more cat-calls,
"Damn Caps, you wanna share some of that ass." Johnny teased from behind Lucas.
Josh and Lucas both turned to glare at him.
Riley's chest heaved. The lights were blinding, but she didn't need to see to know the audience loved it.
Maya squeezed her hand and mumbled through her smile, "I'm going to kill you."
"Oh please, you loved it." Riley mumbled back.
Maya glared past Riley to Farkle waiting in the wings, but he was too busy laughing to pull the curtain. Instead, she yanked on Riley's hand, forcing a quick bow before sauntering off stage.
When Riley reached the wing, Maya was already putting her headset on and cueing the next act.
Riley grinned at her, "Tell me you didn't love that."
Maya gave her a playful eye roll, "Okay I kinda loved it."
Farkle grabbed Riley's hand and pulled her away. "Come on! We have to get the finale ready!"
There were two more numbers left until the finale and Maya was starting to worry. Riley and Farkle still weren't ready. She paced in the wing. The next act took the stage.
Okay, they have one number left.
Maya hurried to Riley and Farkle's side. They were still fiddling with those damn pipes.
"Riley I need a status update."
"We need more time," Riley's voice was frantic, "ask Maddie if she can improv."
"It's like the line got cut somewhere!" Farkle whisper-yelled as he worked on the pipes.
"Maddie can't improv she getting changed for the finale."
Riley stood up, "Go find the issue Farkle. Maya and I will stall." She turned to Maya, "Peaches, can we do the number you pulled?"
The air was sucked from her chest. She pulled her song for a reason. She couldn't do it. Especially not with him sitting in the front row. She shook her head. She knew Josh was already onto her, and she didn't think she was ready to give in.
"Riley I can't..."
"Yes you can. You already nailed Tina. We'll do it just like we practiced. Okay?"
"Tina was just a character….this...this is all me...he'll…"
Riley cut her off by pulling her into a tight hug.
"It will be okay Peaches. I'll be next to you, no matter what. You'll be okay."
Maya let out a shaky breath and nodded. She pushed the button on her headset, "Maya to pit. Get ready we're doing my number next."
"But you pulled it…"The pit answered in her ear.
"I know. Just do it."
Riley took her hand, "Come on. You can do this."
Maya ripped the headset off.
The curtain opened and Riley took the stage again. The football team wolf-whistled again. Lucas could see the pink flush set in her cheeks. She sat down at the piano as Maya took center stage.
Josh furrowed his brow. This wasn't in the program. Something must be wrong. He noticed Maya's hands slightly shaking as she held the microphone.
She looked back and nodded at Riley, who began playing.
The haunting yet calming melody soothed his ears. Familier calm washed over him. He realized this was the song Riley played during the rehearsal he watched. The one that lulled him to sleep. He didn't know it was supposed to be Maya's.
The orchestra pit joined Riley's melody. Maya took a breath and began to sing,
"Everybody needs inspiration
Everybody needs a song
A beautiful melody
When the night's so long.."
Josh's eyes glazed over and he was transported back in time.
He could never forget the night of their first kiss. The memory was permanently burned into his heart. It was the summer before 9th grade for him, 8th for her. The summer when his crush on Maya grew stronger. Ever since he returned from football camp she seemed like a different person to him, gorgeous and dangerous at the same time. Their flirty repertoire started that fateful day she strutted into the diner and had been growing all summer. He knew they were starting to walk a fine line. That night, his parents left him home alone, they were driving Riley to some theater class in the city. He was watching a UFC fight in the living room when a crashing sound came from Riley's room. He sprinted up the stairs and flung open the door to find Maya in a heap on the floor.
He knelt on the ground next to her and saw she was crying. "Maya?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I just had to get out." Tears continued to fall from her eyes.
"Maya, what happened? Are you hurt?" Josh quickly glanced over her body, looking for any injuries.
She shook her head. "He's left us again. He said he was back for good this time. He said he wasn't going to leave."
He knew she must be talking about her dad. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug.
"Shhh...it's okay. You're gonna be okay."
She sobbed into his chest, soaking the front of his shirt. His heart broke. He was used to seeing her be strong and fierce, not broken.
"I don't know what I did wrong... Why doesn't he want me... Why am I not good enough for him..." Maya choked the words out in between sobs.
Josh didn't know what to do. He decided she needed to calm down before she made herself sick.
Tentatively he stroked her hair, "You did nothing wrong. He's a deadbeat Maya, he doesn't deserve you." That seemed to help. He continued to hold her, stroking her hair until her sobs turned into silent tears.
"Why doesn't he love me?"
If his heart wasn't broken before, it was definitely shattered into a million pieces now.
"Who cares if he loves you? You have so many other people who love you, you don't need him."
Maya shook her head. "I don't even know what love is."
He kissed her.
It was soft and gentle. Warmth trickled through his body as his lips touched hers. Maya leaned closer into him, reveling in the peaceful feeling his lips brought to her. She felt safe. She felt home.
They didn't say anything to each other after that. Josh held her in his arms on the floor against the bay window until she fell asleep. Her eyes were puffy, and her hair was tangled in knots, but he didn't care. All he could focus on was the soft purring sound of her breathing, just like a kitten.
"Yeah, when my world is falling apart
When there's no light to break up the dark
That's when I, I
I look at you"
That was the first of many kisses for them. The crush Josh felt for his little sister's best friend gradually developed into a deep-seated feeling. His heart raced whenever she was around, hoping for a quick moment alone for another stolen kiss. As her mother mended her broken heart with a new boyfriend every week, Maya's sleepovers at the Matthews's became much more frequent. Josh always knew exactly when her mom had started seeing a new loser, because those were the nights Maya came to him. She would wait until Riley was asleep and then sneak into his room. Some nights she would talk about what new guy her mom brought home and how much she hated him. Josh would always hold her close and listen. Some nights she would come to him with tears in her eyes, because something reminded her of her father. He would whisper sweet nothings in her ear and they would make far-fetched grandiose plans to run away together to Paris. Some nights, they would spend the entire night whispering nonsense, just making each other laugh. Josh would tease her lips with a kiss in between her fits of giggles. And some nights, she wouldn't say a word. She would just climb into his bed and bury herself in his arms. Josh knew he couldn't let his parents find out about his feelings for her, and he especially couldn't let them find out about their nights together or they'd watch him like a hawk. He knew they probably weren't fooling Riley for very long, but she never brought it up. Not until recently.
"When the waves
Are flooding the shore and I can't
Find my way home anymore
That's when I, I
I look at you…"
He would also never forget their first time together.
At the end of the last school year, Maya showed up in his room in the middle of the night with tears glistening in her eyes. Her end of the year art show had taken place that evening. He went with his family and marveled at her work. He couldn't hide his small smirk as he observed each of her paintings. He felt like he had a behind the scenes perspective for each one. Her artwork invited her peers into a small peek at her mind and emotions, but just a fraction compared to what he already knew about her. Which is exactly how he knew to look past her plastered on smile. Her icy blue eyes would glance at the door every few seconds, waiting for someone to show up.
But they never did.
She climbed into his bed that night and laid her head on his chest. He could barely hear her soft sniffles.
"She didn't come."
Josh wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him.
"I'm so sorry Maya."
Maya propped herself up to look into his eyes.
"Do you remember when my dad left and you kissed me?"
Josh knitted his eyebrows in confusion. "Of course I do."
She bit her lip for a moment. Her voice came out in a raspy whisper, "Why did you kiss me?"
Josh gently stroked her hair as he answered, "Because you said you didn't know what love was."
Her fingers trembled and she glanced down at his chest.
Her voice was so soft he almost didn't hear it.
"And what if I needed a reminder?"
His hand cupped her cheek and brought her lips to his. Maya's lips moved hungirly against his, desperately seeking the electrifying tingles to warm her heart. As their kiss grew deeper, her heart slowly began to beat again and they slipped into euphoric bliss together for the first time.
She snuggled herself into his chest as the morning sun threaten to rise. His arms wrapped tightly around her and pulled her bare body against his. She knew she only had a matter of minutes until she had to sneak back into Riley's room, but she couldn't will herself to leave the safe embrace of his arms. Instead, she let herself have a few more peaceful moments in their sweet escape. She knew the minute she left his arms, reality would rear its ugly face again, a bitter reminder of the curse she would never be able to break. What she had with Josh couldn't be real. She refused to let herself believe it was, because the moment she did, he would leave her. Just like everyone always did.
"You appear just like a dream to me
Just like Kaleidoscope colors that
Cover me, all I need
Every breath that I breathe
Don't you know you're beautiful..."
Josh found himself back in the present moment. Maya's eyes gleamed with tears threatening to fall. To the audience, it looked like an act she was putting on to fit the song, but Josh knew better. She couldn't hide from him anymore.
He had to talk to her. He had to see her. He'd never felt the desire to hold her in his arms more than he did right now. He wanted her, and not just her body. Her heart.
"You appear
just like a dream
to me…"
As her last note rang out, Zay's heart broke into a million pieces. Her eyes never left Josh's during the performance. Not even once. The lyrics to her song stabbed him like a knife in the chest. Over and over again. The sharp pains burned his lungs. A dull ache settled over his entire body.
She was in love with Josh.
There was no denying it. And as much as the realization hurt, he couldn't do a damn thing about it. Maya deserved to experience love, but it was her own fault if she thought his love wasn't enough. She can let herself get hurt when Josh breaks her heart. Zay didn't care anymore. He'd wait until she needed him to pick up the pieces Josh made. Maybe then she'd realize what she needed all along.
But that did nothing to ease the pain his heart felt.
Maya took a small bow as the audience clapped, then gestured to Riley at the piano. Riley took a polite bow as the audience increased their applause.
Maya's face burned under Josh's steady stare. Her stomach fluttered with nervous butterflies. His face said it all.
He was a man on a mission.
The curtain drifted closed, finally freeing her from the depths of Josh's ocean blue eyes. The stage bustled around her in a mad dash to set up the finale.
Numb. You have to stay numb. Just a little longer.
Riley pulled her into a hug.
"That was beautiful Maya."
"Thanks Riles." Maya mumbled into her shoulder.
Riley squeezed her tighter for a moment before pulling her to Farkle's side.
"What's the status?"
"I got everything working. Maddie is doing improv in front of the curtain while we move the splash pool into place."
Riley pulled on her trench coat and started buttoning it.
Maya quickly reached out and tied her belt for her. "Perfect, I'll start passing out the ponchos to the splash zone. You look hot by the way. I'm surprised Huckleberry hasn't snuck backstage to have his way with you."
Riley rolled her eyes and brushed her off. "Ponchos. Go. Now. Please."
Maya stuck her tongue out and left to pass out the ponchos.
The minute she slipped out of the stage door into the theater, she could feel his eyes on her, watching her like a hawk. Her pulse quickened as she moved closer to him. She could practically hear her heart beating over Maddie's loud hip-hop music. She tried to avoid his eyes when she finally reached him, but he was having none of it.
His hand reached out and gently held her arm, preventing her from rushing past him.
"Maya…"
She shook her head at him. "I have to pass these out."
It was his turn to shake his head. Gently, he pulled her closer to him.
"Look at me Maya."
She couldn't help herself. As much as she tried, her eyes drifted to his.
"Josh, please. I can't do this right now." She pleaded with him.
Josh leaned forward, bringing his lips to her ear. His velvet whisper sent chills down her spine.
"Don't run from this. Please Maya...don't run from me."
Maya shrugged out of his grasp and quickly moved on down the row.
Lucas took his poncho from her while eyeing Josh.
"Everything okay?" He mouthed.
Movement on his other side stole his attention.
Maya attempted to hand Zay a poncho, but he shoved it back into her hands. Instead, he stood up and angrily stormed out of the theater. Maya look stunned for a moment before moving on as if nothing happened.
Lucas turned back to Josh, who never answered him.
Maddie's dance routine ended and she quickly darted backstage for the finale. Riley entered in her place.
"Sadly, our show has come to an end. We hope you've enjoyed it. Art can be made in many different ways. Some on paper, or canvas or through song and dance. But there's one thing all art shares, the ability to make you feel something. Whether it's tears and sadness, or joy and love. We are so happy to share our passion for the arts with you. Lastly, we'd like to leave you with one little reminder, when your heart is full of joy or love, there's nothing that can take that feeling away from you. Not even the darkest of clouds can touch the sun in your heart. And sometimes, when your heart is so filled with love, you just have to sing in the rain."
The curtain opened and Riley took her place onstage, gracefully stepping into the shallow splash pool taking up the entire stage. The choir members and dancers all stood in the shallow water in black trench coats, holding matching black umbrellas.
Artificial thunder rumbled through the theater. Strobe lights flashed like bolts of lightning. The audience members in the front rows quickly slipped on their ponchos as they understood what was about to happen.
Water rained down onto the performers from the hidden pipe contraption Riley and Farkle spent so many hours building.
Thunder crashed again and was met with loud drums and bass. The choir started the song as they came to life with their dancing, complimenting each choreographed step by swinging the umbrellas.
Riley twirled her umbrella as she started to sing,
"You have my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
May be in magazines
But you'll still be my star…"
Riley danced in perfect unison with the skilled dance team. The audience was awestruck at the performance. Dancers splashed through the water, causing the light to capture each individual droplet.
"Baby, 'cause in the dark
You can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
'Cause I…"
Water sprayed across the front row, causing the immersive mash-up of Rihanna's Umbrella with Singing in the Rain to fill the theater.
Farkle's voice joined Riley's in contrast, but still in harmony as he lead the male singers and dancers through the chorus,
"I'm singin' in the rain (We'll shine together)
Just singin' in the rain (We'll be forever)
What a glorious feeling (Be a friend)
And I'm happy again (Stick it out 'til the end)..."
The male dancers splashed their way to the front,
"...I'm laughing at clouds (More than ever)
So dark, up above (We'll share each other)
I'm singin', singin' in the rain (Umbrella)..."
Riley moved to dance center stage with Farkle. Their voices mixing as one with the choir,
"You can stand under my umbrella (Ella, ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella (Ella, ella, eh eh eh eh eh eh)"
The dancers circled around them, intricately moving their umbrellas and rhythmically splashing the water with their footwork. Riley and Farkle sang together,
"These fancy things
Will never come in between
You're part of my entity
Here for infinity
When the world has took its part
When the world has dealt its cards
If the hand is hard
Together we'll mend your heart
'Cause I…"
Farkle led the chorus again,
"I'm singin' in the rain (We'll shine together)
Just singin' in the rain (We'll be forever)
What a glorious feeling (Be a friend)
And I'm happy again (Stick it out 'til the end).."
Lucas swore he saw an evil glint in Riley's eye as she danced to the front and knelt down alongside the other girls.
"I'm laughing at clouds (More than ever)
So dark, up above (We'll share each other)"
The female dancers splashed their hand through the water with the words. Riley purposefully splashed the water at Lucas.
"I'm singin', singin' in the rain"
Lucas laughed and wiped the water from his now drenched face. Riley linked her arm with Farkle's as they playfully kicked stomped through the water to the beat.
"It's rainin', rainin' (I'm singin' in the rain)
Ooh, baby it's rainin', rainin' (Just singin' in the rain)
Baby, come here to me (What a glorious feeling)
Come here to me (And I'm happy again)
It's rainin', rainin' (I'm laughing at clouds)
Ooh, baby it's rainin', rainin' (So dark, up above)
Baby, come here to me (The sun's in my heart)
And I'm ready for love…"
Lucas beamed with pride. Riley was a theatrical genius. Every little splash and every movement of the umbrellas were perfectly choreographed to the music.
"My umbrella, my umbrella
My umbrella, my umbrella."
The cast raised their umbrellas high above their heads on the final beat. Thunder roared and the strobe lights flashed on final time, leaving the stage in chilling darkness. The audience's applause rivaled the loud thunder and shook the theater.
The stage lights softly faded on to gently illuminate the stage. The cast stood in a line to take one final collective bow. The audience rose to their feet as their applause grew louder.
The cast took another bow before motioning to the orchestra pit and joining the applause. Riley smiled down at the pit as she clapped, eternally grateful for their hard work. Before she could realize what they were doing, Farkle led the rest of the cast in taking a step backwards. He lifted his arms to Riley as a gracious and well deserved curtain call.
The audience roared with cheers and more applause. Riley's face burned at the attention. The football team was cat-calling her again. She could hear her brother's deep voice over the applause.
"Yeah Riley! That's my sister!"
The house lights drifted up, allowing her to make out the faces in the crowd. Her eyes fell on her parents, both of their faces were glowing with pride. She could see her mom brushing tears from her eyes.
Next her eyes found Lucas's in the front row. Her heart fluttered at his smug grin. He gave her a quick wink that caused her cheeks to flush. The water splashed around her as Maya skipped onto the stage and pulled her into a tight bear hug.
The curtain glided shut for the final time and muffled the on-going applause. The house lights came to their full brightness and the audience died down as they exited the theater, some lingering to meet with the cast.
Maya jumped up and down, causing the water to spray in all directions.
"You did it Riles! You did it! You did it! You did it!" She repeated herself as she squeezed Riley tighter.
Riley corrected her, "No. We did it Peaches. You, Farkle, everyone."
Riley's mind moved like a hurricane, spiraling in a storm of emotions.
Pride. Joy. Exhaustion.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins and caused her body to tremble.
Maya gave her one last squeeze before turning to Farkle.
"Come on, let's get this thing drained before we make a hole in the stage."
"This stage is structurally sound thank you very much Miss Hart." Mr. Carter announced and handed them each a towel. "Riley, words cannot describe how proud I am."
Riley grinned at him. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. What's the final number?"
Mr. Carter have her a knowing look. "If you must know, our original drama budget was two thousand dollars…"
Riley winced.
"...and tonight, from tickets and donations, you raised six thousand dollars."
Riley's jaw dropped. Six thousand dollars? How was that even possible?
Mr. Carter continued, "Additionally, thanks to your efforts and hard work, we received a sponsorship donation for two thousand dollars, bringing you to a grand total…"
"Eight thousand dollars?" Riley squeaked.
The stage swayed under her feet and her vision blurred for a moment.
"Breathe Miss Matthews. Breathe." Mr. Carter chuckled.
Riley took a few calming breaths. "Who is the sponsor?"
"I'm not too sure. I have the check here, let's see.." Mr. Carter pushed his glasses up on his nose and pulled the check from his pocket to inspect.
"It's from a company called F.F.R. Inc. Address...Austin, Texas."
Riley's mouth fell open.
Lucas?
She could tell by his truck and the way his family dressed that they clearly had money, but surely he wouldn't have that kind of allowance laying around?
Mr. Carter squeezed her shoulders. "Go. See your family. I know they're waiting for you."
Riley nodded, still in shock.
"Maya?" her voice quivered.
"Go on Riles. I need to get the dressing rooms cleaned up." Maya answered.
Riley gave her a knowing look. She can't hide from her brother forever.
She peeled off her drenched coat and dried herself off before walking into the auditorium.
Josh was the first person to greet her. The moment she stepped into the theater, he rushed towards her and lifted her into the air as he bear hugged her.
"That was amazing Sis. I'm so proud."
"As are we!" Her mom added.
Josh put Riley down, only for her to be pulled into her parents arms.
Topanga stoked her hair and kissed the top of her head, "You did good kid."
"No boys." Cory grumbled.
Topanga elbowed him in the side.
"I mean good job sweetie. We are proud of you."
"So proud…" Topanga continued for him, "That we are lifting the final days of your grounding."
Riley's face lit up as Topanga handed her her iPhone.
"What about me?" Josh whined.
Topanga rolled her eyes. "You didn't do anything, but here..."
She handed him his phone, which he cradled like a baby.
"My precious!"
Topanga's jumped as her own phone vibrated loudly, "I'm sorry honey. It's been going off all night. I have to take this."
Cory looked at her questioningly, "Is it?"
She nodded as she answered the phone and rushed out of the theater.
"So Daddy, since I'm not grounded anymore, can I go to the cast party at Chubby's?"
Cory nodded. "I suppose so. Text me when you get there and when you leave. Don't stay out too late." He warned her and gave her one more hug before following after Topanga.
Josh watched him leaved and turned back to Riley.
"Where's Maya?"
Riley sighed, "I think she's in the girl's dressing room. You'll have to wait her out. You can't go in."
Josh nodded and reached down by his seat, grabbing the two bouquets of flowers. He handed her the sunflowers.
"I really am proud of you Sis."
Riley took the sunflowers and smiled. "Thanks Bro."
"Maya told me last year you're supposed to bring flowers. I was going to get you roses since they're your favorite, but I think someone already did…"
Josh trailed off and nodded his head over her shoulder. .
Riley looked over her shoulder at Lucas, waiting with a sheepish grin and an armful of red roses. Her heart did a somersault and before it was right side up again, her feet started moving. She sprinted the short distance between them and jumped into his arms, her long legs wrapping around his waist.
Lucas chuckled deeply in her ear as he caught her. His arms wrapped around her, while still holding the roses. The sunflowers in her hand tickled his neck as her arms tightened around him.
"Hey Beautiful." He murmured against her ear.
His nose nuzzled against her cheek.
Riley buried her face into the crook of his neck. Warm butterflies fluttered around her soul. His woodsy smell invaded her senses and sent warm tingles through her body. The warmth tickled her mind and made it feel fuzzy. She moved to unwrap her legs from him, but his large hand quickly gripped at the back of her thigh, holding her in place.
"Not yet." She barely heard him whisper.
The feeling of his large hand on her thigh melted her muscles. Heat surged through her body and she suddenly became very aware of the intimacy of her position. How did this even happen? How did I get up here? More importantly, how do I get down?
Riley could feel heat rushing to her cheeks.
Lucas felt her body tense up for a second and he knew the moment was over. Her mind had taken over. Gently, he unwrapped her legs from his waist and slowly placed her on the ground. He forced himself to look anywhere but her chest as the hem of her tank top dipped lower.
Riley discretely pulled her shirt up, hoping no one noticed.
Lucas distracted himself by letting his hand cup her cheek.
"You are amazing, Riley."
Riley blushed. "Thank you. Actually, I owe you a huge thanks."
Lucas smirked. He could think of a few ways for her to thank him.
"Oh yeah? What for?"
"For believing in me. For supporting me. For bringing the football team. For the check...actually, wait no. Not for bringing the team. That was a little nerve racking."
Lucas furrowed his brow at her. "What?"
Riley shrugged her shoulders sheepishly. "Well, you know, having them all in the front…"
He shook his head at her, "No.. Riley, what check?"
Riley's face fell for a moment and she took a small step back, causing his hand to fall from her cheek.
"Um, you know...the check donated for two-thousand dollars...from, from Texas…"
Lucas opened his mouth to explain who the check must be from, but a warm bubbly voice answered for him.
"Miss Riley Matthews, you are just absolutely a shining star."
Mrs. Friar greeted Riley with a dazzling smile and a soft hug.
"Aw thank you so much, Mrs. Friar."
Lucas's mom gave her a stern, but playful look, "Now Riley. I hear Mrs. Friar and I look over my shoulder for my mother in-law. You call me Laura."
Lucas grinned at Riley's blush and gave his mom a half hug.
"Hi Momma."
"Hi Lukey"
Riley bit her lip to hide her smirk.
"Lukey?" She playfully mouthed at him.
He almost rolled his eyes, but he saw his father's stern look and decided against it.
Mr. Friar gave Riley a curt nod. "As usual, my wife is right. You have a special talent Miss Matthews."
Riley gave him a nervous smile. Maybe Lucas's dad wasn't as tough as he portrayed...
"Thank you..." She wasn't sure if she should call him Sir, she remembered Lucas doing it before, "...Sir…" she added as an afterthought and mentally winced at her awkwardness.
Laura playfully slapped her husband's sturdy chest.
"Come on now Jay. Admit it, as soon as you heard Queen she won you over."
Lucas's father cracked a small grin, Riley didn't think was possible. Friar men definitely have charm.
"Okay fine. Yes, you're song selection was impressive. Although I could have done without that phantom kid…"
Riley giggled, "Thank you. As for that number, Farkle has an affinity for Phantom of the Opera."
"Farkle?"
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that. Riley mentally groaned.
"Farkle Minkus. It's his name Sir." Lucas answered for her.
"Minkus…" His father echoed. "I know that name. Any relation to Minkus Technology industry?"
"Um, yes." Riley answered. "That's his family's business."
"Hmm...Well they make a fine drone op heat-seeking warhead."
Riley glanced at Lucas, "Uh…"
Laura slapped her husbands chest again. "Can you just be normal for once? Anyway, Riley you put on a wonderful show. Did you come up with all of this by yourself?"
Lucas grinned and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Yeah she did."
Riley blushed again, "Well I had a lot of help from my friends."
Laura gave her another warm smile. "It was amazing. Lucas talked you up all week and after that article in the paper we knew we couldn't miss it and you did not disappoint."
"Again, thank you so much Laura. And thank you for your family's gracious donation. That is far too kind of you."
Laura shook her head, "Nonsense. Our ranch likes to give back to the community and lord knows we spend enough on football. The arts need some love too and it's about time we contributed. Tell me Riley, have you ever considered pageants? You can win some good money, you're so pretty and talented, the judges would eat you up."
"Okay, that's enough…" Lucas jumped in, "Mom she doesn't need to be recruited into your pageant world."
"Alright alright. Don't stay out too late Hon."
Laura gave her son a kiss on the cheek, "Again well done Riley. The show was spectacular." She flashed her a smile while linking her arm with her husband's.
Mr. Friar gave Riley another curt nod as they turned to walk away. His strong hand firmly grasped onto Lucas's shoulder as he past by.
Lucas felt his father's firm grip and tried not to wince under the pressure. The lines in his father's face stood out against his stern expression. Mr. Friar turned his head away from Riley and lowered his voice so she wouldn't hear him.
"Don't get her pregnant."
Lucas clenched his jaw and replied through gritted teeth, "Yes Sir."
Riley eyed Lucas's tense face as his father walked away.
"You okay?"
Just the sound of her voice was enough to calm him. He grinned and held out the roses.
"For you. The show really was amazing Riley."
Riley took the flowers and snuck a quick sniff. Her eyes closed in bliss at their sweet aroma. Lucas bit his lip to keep himself from pouncing on her.
"Thank you Lucas. They're beautiful."
"You're beautiful."
Riley rolled her eyes as his cheesiness. "So, Lukey...the cast is having a little post-show celebration at Chubby's...um if you wanted to come with me…"
Lucas laughed and took a dangerous step towards her.
"One condition…"
His hands found her hips and he let his head drop down, his lips almost within perfect kissing distance.
Riley nudged closer to him, her lips barely touching his as she spoke, "And that is?"
Lucas's fingers danced to her lower back, pulling her hips into his.
"Never call me Lukey again."
"Deal."
Without missing a beat, Lucas crashed his lips against hers. His hands rested on the curve of her back and he forced himself not to let them drift lower. His tongue brushed against her lips, but Riley gently pulled away.
He could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. She bit her lip and Lucas's couldn't help himself from giving her another quick peck.
Riley giggled nervously. "Um, I should go get my stuff out of the dressing room."
Lucas nodded and took a reluctant step back. "Can I come with you?"
She laced her fingers with his and nodded. He brought her hand to his lips and gave it a soft kiss before motioning to the backstage door,
"Lead the way Beautiful."
As Riley led him backstage, a thought struck him. "Hey, uh Riley...do you have your car back yet?"
Riley gave him a confused look. "Why do you ask?"
Lucas gave her a sheepish grin, "Uh well my ride kinda stormed off without me."
Riley's eyes drifted past Lucas to her brother, sitting on the floor just outside of the girl's dressing room. A mischievous sparkle twinkled in her eyes. She was definitely scheming.
"As a matter of fact, yes. I do have my car back. Just give me a second."
She took a step towards the dressing room door, but Lucas gently tugged on her hand, bringing her into his chest. He placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"You're up to something aren't you?"
"Maybe...I'll explain later." She handed Lucas her flowers, "Will you hold these for me?"
He nodded as she slipped into the dressing room, shutting the door behind her.
Josh groaned from his spot on the floor.
"You two are disgusting."
Lucas laughed and offered him a hand to stand up, but Josh waved it off.
"Thanks, but I think I'll be here for awhile."
"Waiting on Maya?"
Josh nodded. "Yeah."
The door opened, causing Josh to perk up...only to slouch back down when he saw it was Maddie.
"So…" Lucas sat next to him. "As a third party with absolutely no personal interest in the matter…What's going on between you and Maya?"
Josh groaned. "Are we really doing this right now?"
Lucas grinned, "Oh yeah, we're doing this. Tell me right now. Are you and Maya just friends with benefits or is there something else going on?"
"Peaches…"
Riley entered the dressing room and glanced around for her best friend. A few girls were still gathering up their things.
"Riles…" she echoed.
It took her a minute but Riley finally spotted Maya sitting on the floor near the door with her back against the wall.
"You can't hide in here forever."
Maya shrugged her shoulders. "You don't know that. Maybe I like it in here."
"Maya. You can't hide forever." Riley repeated.
"He's waiting outside the door isn't he?"
Riley nodded and Maya let out a low sigh, uncrossing her arms and letting her hands run through her hair.
"I don't know what to do."
Riley moved to sit next to her and pulled her into a light hug.
"Maya why are you running from this? Why won't you just admit your feelings?"
Maya bit her lip. "I can't."
"Yes you can."
"You don't understand….I'm scared…." Her voice trembled as she spoke, "if...if I admit how I feel he'll leave. Everyone leaves."
"Maya that's not true and you know it."
"I don't want to lose him. I already thought I did when he locked me out. I don't want to get too attached."
Riley rubbed her shoulders, "You have to give it a chance Peaches. Give him a chance."
Maya nodded. "I know."
Riley gave her a reassuring smile. "You can do this. Everything is going to be fine."
"Thanks Riles. I just need a few minutes...before…"
Riley spotted her car keys on the counter and gave Maya a sly grin before jumping up and snatching them away.
Maya gasped at her, "Riley Matthews!"
"I hate to do this to you Peaches, but times up. No more hiding." Riley quickly grabbed her bag and moved to the door. "You're going to be fine."
Maya chewed on her thumb and whispered, "What if he really loves me and he doesn't leave me?"
Riley smiled softly, she could see glimmers of hope flash in her eyes.
"Then it will be beautiful Maya."
Maya closed her eyes as Riley left the room.
"Or it will be terrifying." She whispered to herself.
Josh watched Lucas jump to his feet as Riley reappeared. She took Lucas's hand and glanced down at him with a soft smile.
"There are two more girls left. Then you can go in."
Josh nodded at her and felt his pulse quicken. "How is she?"
"Scared."
"Well that makes two of us."
Lucas reached out for the second time and offered Josh a hand to stand. This time, Josh took it.
"Thanks man. Take care of my sister okay?"
Riley rolled her eyes as Lucas grinned. "Always. Now go get your girl Cap."
Josh watched them walk away, hand in hand and hoped maybe someday, that would be him and Maya. He waited outside of the door for at least ten more minutes. He started to wonder if Maya was holding the last girls captive when the door opened again.
Okay. One down. One to go. Come on Kitten.
Minutes felt like hours as he waited for the last girl to leave the room. Finally the door cracked open and the last girl left the theater, flashing him a small smile as she walked by.
"She's all yours."
Josh took a deep breath before turning the knob and opening the door. There she stood, leaning against the counter with a sly smirk on her face.
"This is the girl's dressing room you know. You're not supposed to be in here."
Josh rolled his eyes at her tough mask. Her last form of defense. He let his eyes trace over her, trying to read her, but her exposed hips distracted him. She must have changed into more comfortable clothes after the show. She was wearing a short black halter crop top with loose black sweatpants that hung low on her hips. He shut the door behind him and took a step towards her, gently holding out the flowers.
"These are for you."
Maya felt her walls crack as she took the flowers. White Peonies. Her fingers fiddled with the soft blossoms.
"Thank you. They're my…"
"Favorite. I know..." Josh took a few more steps closer until he was standing directly in front of her. "...You think the round bulbs are funny. They make you laugh."
"Josh…" she sighed, but he shook his head at her.
"Shh...Maya. Can I talk first?" His hand gently traced her cheek and he let his fingers run through her blonde curls.
She nodded.
"I'm sorry Maya. God I'm so sorry. I know what happened that night after the party…"
"Riley." Maya growled and glared in the distanced.
He shook his head. "Don't blame her. She has nothing to do with this. Look at me Kitten…." He tilted her chin up forcing her eyes to meet his.
Her heart began to race. Usually she would force herself to be numb, but not anymore.
"I know how much those words mean to you. I never should have said them to you like that. I'm not that guy. I'm not like your father Maya. I don't care if I have to swear off alcohol for the rest of my life. I will not let you believe any part of me would treat you like he did."
He could see her walls crumbling at his words. Her icy blue eyes were turning soft as hints of warmth crept in.
"And I know you think you don't know what love is, but I do. Maybe it's because your dad left... maybe it's because you've never felt that love...but it's given you the greatest capacity for love that I have ever seen."
Maya's chest heaved as the weight of his words hit her.
"And if I were able to receive just the tiniest fraction of that love. I would die a happy man."
He tentatively reached out and took her small in in his.
"Say it again."
Josh knitted his eyebrows together, "What...you didn't understand?"
"No. I understand. Say it again. Say it 50 times. Say it in French."
He couldn't hide his smirk and he shook his head to himself. "You heard me the first time."
Maya took a deep breath, her voice quivered as she spoke, "You locked me out..."
Josh trailed his thumb over her knuckles. "I'm an idiot Maya. I got jealous and I'm sorry. I should have been there for you. It was a mistake and so was Victoria. I thought...I thought…"
"...You thought if you used Victoria you could prove to yourself you didn't have feelings for me." Maya finished.
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Speaking from experience? Huh?"
Maya shrugged in response.
"I'm so sorry Maya. I know it was stupid, but I was so jealous. God it's been killing me. I saw Zay kiss you and I just couldn't take it. I never thought about what would happen if you...well...started having feelings for him...I just lost it. But if I'm wrong...If he's the one you want. I'm not going to hold you back. I would never hold you back Maya. Just say the word and I'll let you go, but only if you tell me to. Until then, I swear to you. I will never leave you."
Her body trembled as she tried to form words. She had to do this.
Josh could feel her shaking under his touch. He took a breath to steady himself. His body tensed as he braced for her words. His heart twinged with the possible anticipation of her smashing it into a million little pieces.
Finally she found her voice in a raspy whisper.
"I love you Josh. It's you that I love."
Josh let out a sigh of relief and let his forehead drop to rest against hers. His heart swelled with pride. He closed his eyes as warm sparks fluttered from his chest, causing his veins to pulse with newfound energy.
"I love you too. And I'd never want you not to be in my life."
He licked his lips as he watched the iciness fade from her eyes. She tried to hide her smile, but her cheeks wouldn't listen. He craned his head lower and finally closed the distance between them. Electric waves shocked through their bodies as they gave into the feeling. She grinned against his lips as a small giggle shook her shoulders. He let his hands run down her sides and drift to the back of her thighs. Easily, he lifted her to sit on the counter relieving their height difference. Maya wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling his hips into hers.
Her heart felt like it was going to explode. Her body was on fire, but she couldn't get enough of his warmth. She felt light and airy as if she were alive for the very first time. Finally she was home.
Josh slid his hands to the small of her back, holding her tightly against him. He pulled away just slightly to catch his breath, while tickling her jaw with kisses. He felt her fingertips slip up the front of his shirt and toy with the waistband of his jeans.
He moved to find her lips again, but she playfully pulled away.
"So...Boing. Boyfriend and girlfriend right now?"
He chuckled at her frisky tone, "Just kiss me."
Maya did as he asked and mischievously nibbled on his bottom lip. He groaned and threaded a hand into her hair.
A loud knock on the door vaguely registered to his ears, but he ignored it, deciding to focus on the faint sound of her moans instead.
The door shook with another loud knock.
Breaking their kiss, Maya held her finger to his lips.
"Just a minute!" She hollered at the closed door.
"Miss Hart? Are you finished picking up?" Mr. Carter's bubbly voice called through the door.
Josh shook his head at her smirk and let his lips drift to kiss the base of her neck.
"Just about."
"Okay, I'll be back in five minutes." His voice faded as he walked away from the door.
Josh laughed into the crooked of her neck, "I think we should take this somewhere else."
The deep rumble of his voice vibrated against her skin. Maya let her hands run through his hair.
"I know a place."
His eyes met hers in a firm gaze.
"I love you."
Maya smirked, "I know."
He raised his eyebrows at her and lightly laughed, "Oh you do huh?"
"And I love you."
Maya smiled as Josh pulled her closer to him. Her old quilted comforter partially covering their bodies tangled in her bed.
"Come here Kitten."
His strong arms wrapped around her waist and he nuzzled his face into her neck. He left open mouth kisses against her cool skin as he made his way up to the small nook behind her ear. His teeth gently nipped at the spot.
Maya placed her palms against his bare chest and let them skim up his abs, savoring each and every one of them.
"No more hickeys. I'm going to look like I got into a fight with my curling iron."
She felt his smug grin against her neck.
"I'll just have to start leaving them where no one but me can see…"
His head dropped to her chest, but she caught his chin in her hand, and brought it up to her lips. He smiled when her eyes found his. Her icy blue eyes had an electric glow about them and flashed as they caught the moonlight.
His hand ran down her side to rest on the curve of her hip.
"You are so beautiful…"
His lips gently pecked hers.
"And amazing…"
Another peck.
"And sexy..."
Maya grinned into the darkness and dodged her head before he could kiss her again.
"And hungry." She purred at him.
Josh sprawl himself on his back.
"I can't move. You wore me out."
Maya rolled her eyes at him, "I guess I'll just have to fend for myself then…"
She grabbed his hastily discarded shirt and slid it on over her head before climbing out of the bed. Josh perked up to watch her silky smooth skin in the moonlight, his shirt just barely covering her backside.
"Hey that's my shirt."
Maya shrugged her shoulders at him, causing the hem of the shirt to sneak up. She flashed him a mischievous grin and tossed her crop top at him.
"You can wear the tiny shirt...or you can wear no shirt..."
She slipped out of the room before he could protest again. Without bothering to turn on the light, she walked through the chilly house and moved to search the barely stocked kitchen for something to eat. She opened the wobbly pantry door and jumped as a loud thump shook the house.
"Josh?" She nervously called out into the darkness.
The sound of the front door opening caused her heart to race. She glanced around the room for some sort of weapon. The front door opened and the living room light clicked on, revealing the intruder.
Maya's heart froze as she saw the thin figure.
"Hi baby girl…"
"Mom?"
Well. That happened. I know that was a lot to take in. I'm dying to see what you guys think. Soo...thoughts? Please please please leave a review! Especially if you have an account, I love replying to reviews, but I can't reply to the guest reviews!
I made a youtube playlist for the mentioned performances, I'm not sure how the link will formatt on ff but it's under the account name/channel LillyBean23 and the playlist is called A Night of Joy. Those are the numbers I used for the show. The opening number is a combination of the first two videos.
Again what did you all think? Review, favorite, follow, do all the things!
Any other joshaya fans want to come for my head on a silver plate still? Oh and don't worry Rucas shippers, your fluff is coming….
Lilly.
youtube dot com slash playlist?list=PLgkXbwVrZ6T8LCMRqSd0svl8D8T5HZXv1