Maya POV
I wake up before Riley, and decide that I need water. My nightmares were bad, but I don't scream. I guess that I just paralyzed in fear, which is so unlike me, even for when I'm sleeping. As soon as my feet, hit the cold floor, I shiver. Why does it have to be so damn cold. I decide that before I get my water, I'll get another blanket. I head over to the linen closet, and open the cupboards. I decide on a wooly olive green blanket, and try to pull it out. In order to get it I have to lift my hands above my head, and stand on my tiptoes. Still, I can't reach sigh, and am about to try again, when soemone wraps their arms around me. At first I get a little paranoid that it's A or something, when the hands start to caress my skin. I turn around to see Josh. He flawlessly reaches up and pulls down the blanket with little to no effort.
He places his hand on my back again, and I shiver He murmurs in my ear, "Are you cold?" And then he quickly changes to a more jokingly tone, "Do you wanna cuddle?"
"Now why would I wanna do that?" I answer keeping the mood just as fun.
"Well I guess I'm gonna have to make you." He picks me up, fast yet so gentle I could cry, and carries me to the couch. I struggle and laugh all the way there. He places me down, and my instincts kick in, and I pull him down with me. I am now laying on my back, with him hovering over me. My brain catches up with my actions, and I scoot over, leaving him more than enough room. He sits down next to me, and I lean on him. He pulls the blanket over us, and I suddenly feel all warm and fuzzy. It's a weird feeling, and one that I'm not really used to yet. The feeling could also be described as lovey dovey, one that I didn't really know until Shawn came into my life, or even when I was introduced to Josh.
Now I know what you're thinking. Love at first sight? It's not real, and trust me I didn't think it was real either, until I met him. I just remember looking down on the floor. I was so nervous at the time. I just kept think whether he would like me or not. When I finally gathered up the courage to make eye contact, something changed. It was almost like this invisible tether was somehow binding us together. That's when I got more confidence, and when i really did start to fall in love with him. Now we haven't said 'I love you' yet, but I know how I feel. It'll happen soon enough, not soon, but soon enough.
Josh and I had always had a very lighthearted, and funny relationship. Even in my darkest hour, he could somehow manage to make me smile. "Hey Maya."
"Mmmhmm" I answer drawing it out.
"I wrote a poem for you."
"Awe can I hear it?" I say turning around to smile at him.
"Yeah sure. Roses are red, Violets are blue. I didn't know perfect existed, till I met you."
"Awe Josh! Back at with the cheesy pick up lines huh?" I smile. We used to do this all the time. That was actually when I first started liking him, actually. I just can't believe we're finally together. He just always knows how to make me smile. Just when we are about to kis, I hear a scream. I jump out of my skin, and Josh catches me.
"It's probably just a nightmare. You should go wake her up."
"Ok." He drapes the blanket around me to keep me warm, as I walk. Thankfully when i do get in Riley's room, it is just a nightmare.
Riley POV
I'm in a perfect white room. There is no furniture, and one of the walls is a full mirror. I look into the mirror, and notice that I am in the same clothes that I was in the day I was raped. I shiver. It's just that whenever I think of that day, I get this bad feeling. It almost feels like I'm not myself anymore. I close my eyes, and blink a few times. I look back into the mirror, and I see Lucas standing, and looking very happy for the weekend we've had. Seeing him being happy automatically lifts my spirits, and I run to him, not caring about A. He wraps his arms around me, and they start to get tighter and tighter. At first I know he is just being caring, but when it starts to get uncomfortable, I know something's wrong. I lift my head from his chest, and look at his face. Except it's not his face. It's A.
I try to back up, but his arms are still holding me. He pulls out a knife, and tries to slit my throat, but I'm a fighter. I finally get far enough away from him to see the rest of the room, and I see Lucas dead on the floor. I scream, and stop trying. His knife starts to break the thin skin on my neck, when I hear something odd. "Riley wake up." Maya says. I finally scream myself awake.
I wake up with a start. I think that all the events of the previous weekend are starting to catch up with me, and to be honest, it's exhausting. It may be because I haven't been sleeping well lately, which is understandable, considering the events of the past few days. I stretch, and drag my feet over the cool floor, so I'm facing the bay window where Maya is, but still in the comfort of my bed. Geez, it really is cold this morning. I look around for a few seconds, not being able to mute out my dream. It was times like these that made me miss my old self. The happy go lucky Riley, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to get her back again. Maybe talking about it will make me feel better?
But when you need them the most, the words never seem to come out right. "A- killed, Lucas." I say, not being able to breathe. In the short two hours of sleep I got, I had the worst nightmare I can remember. Go figures.
"Woah. Calm down. Everything is going to okay. Nothing is going to happen." She soothes for a while. Then she gets down to the real business, "Riley, nothing can happen to Lucas. You're still protecting him, right?" I immediately know what she's talking about.
"Yeah, but it's just really hard." I hate lying to her.
"Yeah but it's best for him. Just know I think you did the right thing. You're still my good influence."
"Yeah, whatever. Let's get ready, I need to look good today."
"What for?"
"I'm gonna cause a scene with Lucas to prove to A that I don't like him anymore."
"But you do."
"You know what Maya? Can you think of anything better because I can't."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry."
"It's fine peaches. I still love you."
I head over to my closet, and have a hard time picking what to wear. After some help from Maya, I decide on a flowy white shirt, black leggings, and a jean jacket. I have to look good, even though I don't feel good. First impressions matter, and even though I've forgotten about it, it is the first day of school. It' doesn't really feel like it though. Everyone has already known their teachers and schedules for weeks. I just can't believe it's finally here.
I complain to Maya about my wardrobe, but she counters with I look fine. I don't want to look fine. I want to pop, and have all of the eyes turn, and be the popular Riley that was happy all the time, but I just don't have the energy. So today, instead of being excited to go to school, I'm excessively nervous. I don't want to confront Lucas, or even see him right now. If my plan fails, then he could have a lot to lose, and if that happens to him, I won't have anything left. This feeling is all too familiar. Last night, in my dream, I stopped trying against A. After I saw Lucas there, something just popped inside. It was as if my brain was screeching at me, 'there goes Lucas, what do you have to live for?'. I know Lucas would be enraged if he knew this was the truth. I need to start valuing myself more. Don't get me wrong, Lucas is my everything, but what would someone like Farkle, Josh or Maya do if they lost two of the most important people to them in one day? I know that if something were to happen to me, I would want Lucas to move on.
Anyway, I guess the only person I am unopposed to seeing right now, besides Maya of course, is Smackle. She only knows as much as we told her, and compared to someone like Lucas, she is on the very outer edge of the circle revolving A. Right now, I am the closest. The only way to get A to leave you lone is to get them to infringe on someone else. I would much rather not be the one A wants the most, but if I could have someone else take my place, I wouldn't do it. Where would I be without my friends? I'll tell you where. Raped and dying in a ditch somewhere.
We are about to leave, when the front door opens, and my mom walks in. "Hey guys, almost ready for school?"
"Yeah, we were just about to leave." Maya replies instantly.
"Did you guys eat breakfast?" She interrogates us.
"Yes." I say too quickly. Maya looks at me and sighs. I guess her lessons in lying haven't exactly worked yet.
"Oh, really?" But before she can stop us, we rush back towards Josh's room. Maya is about to knock on his door, when she realizes I'm his sister. I push past her, and walk in. "Josh, I really don't want Maya and I to take the subway to school, so could you give us a ride?"
"Yeah sure Riley, anything for you guys." I guess I'll just have to figure out about my mom's strange work emergency later.
We wait a few more minutes for Josh, and then we leave. I was hoping we would get to school right on time, so I wouldn't have to talk to Lucas right away, but we get there fifteen minutes early. We all head to our lockers. Maya's and mine are practically next to each other, while Lucas's is a few down and across the hall. Since Lucas and I don't have our first class together, I decide that this is the only time we can make a scene. After I put my books in my locker, I turn around to give Maya a nervous glance, and she give me an empathetic one. Only she could know what this kinda feels like.
I walk over to Lucas locker, and I whisper, "The scene. About you cheating. Sorry but it's the only way it's gonna work. We have to do it right now." He nods, and looks sad, but then he brings on his Texas Lucas face.
"Riley! I can't believe you right now!" He says rather abruptly. A few people turn to look, but not enough.
"Oh you can't believe me? Me? Whatever I do isn't good enough for you! That's why you have to go to that whore! I'm sure a lot of people would be happy to be with me!" I say a little louder, hopefully grasping the attention of a few more people. Now the whole entire hallway is focused on us, including Missy's little group. I inwardly snarl, she's probably throwing a party.
"I told you; I'm sorry, she doesn't mean anything! And to be honest, you know what I'm done!" He snarls. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Josh walk onto the scene, and straight towards Maya. They hold hands faster than you can snap your fingers. I also take a notice to Missy, smiling brighter than the top of the chrysler building.
Missy just keeps racing through my mind, and I try to take all of my frustration and anger out on Lucas right now. "Fine, so why don't you just go and sleep with your whore of a girlfriend." I growl as I walk away. Once I get halfway to class, I realize what I've said is true. I am a whore.
Maya's POV
I'm walking towards Riley and I's lockers, to pick her up on the way to lunch. I notice Nathan Wells is obviously eyeing Riley. I know that Lucas would want to hear about this, so I duck around a corner, and wait to watch this scene play out. Nathan starts to make his way across the aisle to riley, and I know that this can't be good. With everyone bustling to get to lunch I can barely make out what he says.
"Hey beautiful." He exaggerates, leaning on the locker next to hers. She clearly looks uninterested, but it doesn't matter to him. "Now that you're not with cowboy, I was wondering if you would like to join my rodeo show." He says, stupidly. He then wraps his arm around her and pulls her in. She pushes him away gently.
"Sorry Nathan, I'm just not interested."
"Well you better be." He says, tightening his grip on her waist. I can't take it anymore.
"Leave her alone." I say. I try to loosen his grip on Riley.
"Go fuck yourself, hart." He says, He picks my arm up off of his, and throws me to the ground. I stand up, and am about to really go off on him, when someone grabs my hand. I turn around, and see an extremely furious Joshua Matthews.
"Let go of her now."
"Uhuh. And who's gonna make me?" Josh throws a punch, and it hits Nathan square in the jaw. Now it's my turn to get Riley out of there. I duck, and grab her arm, and pull her into a hug. People in the hallway are starting to stare. Just great, here we are causing a scene for the second time today.
Nathan throws a punch at Josh, and he takes the blow hard. I know Josh would want me to leave, but I can't imagine myself Leaving him. I notice Lucas down the hall, and he is starting to get curious about the scene. Little does he know what is really going on.
I run over to him, as fast as I can, and all the while I can feel Josh's pain as he continues to throw punches with Nathan. Out of breath, I grab Lucas's hand, "Maya what's wrong?" He asks.
"Nathan was going to take advantage of Riley, so I stepped in, and then Nathan hurt me. Josh saw." Lucas looks angry at first, but then the realization hits him. He runs over, and I see Josh about to get punched in the face, but Lucas steps in front. I don't care what he wants, I grab josh's hand, and I pull him into me. He got a few good hits to Nathan, but received a few as well. He is calmly looking into my eyes, while I try to help his bruises. A teacher finally steps in, and it happens to be Mr. Matthews. Wait he is back? Where is my mom?
Whatever, Josh is my main priority now. I turn to face him, and take him in. I just can't help but to keep think how much worse that could've been. Josh wraps an arm protectively around me, and I know what he's trying to do. He is marking me as his. He really turns me one when he gets this protective, and also this possessive. Most girls would usually be annoyed by this, but I'm not denying anything. I really am his, and he really is his. I try not to think back to these days, but I remember when I first developed feelings for Josh. I was hoping it was just a crush, but I realized the feelings were real after Riley and I snuck out one night to follow him with his friends. I knew he was caring and sweet when he walked us home that night, instead of just making us go on our own.
Mr. Matthews is now whispering something to Lucas, which I can't hear. I pull Josh into the girls restroom, and I don't care if Cory, or the other students see. Perfect for the occasion, i see a chair already in the bathroom, and I pull it next to the sink. Josh sighs, but agrees to sit down without an argument. "Maya you don't have to do this."
Josh is looking into my eyes, with such a serenity, you would've thought we just came back from a weekend at the spa. When we look into eachother's eyes, it feels like a million years and yet no time at all has passed. I shift my eyes to his cuts, he has a big badly bleeding one on his temple. This is the worst of it, but sadly, there are still other bruises and cuts around his body, and face. Little does he know, there is also a scar around my heart. Damn that was cheesy. I wish you could do takebacks in your mind.
"Yes Josh I do. Never ever do that again! I don't care if someone pulls a gun to my head, you are not going to fight with them about it! I love you too much, and I can't watch you get hurt. Especially if it's for me."
He looks shocked. Then I realize what I said. I told him I loved him. I sigh, and sit on his lap. I take a damp paper towel, and dab his cut underneath his eye. "Maya, I love you too, and I won't allow idiots like him to hurt you ever. I've noticed how scared you've been since Riley's rape, and I just want to make you feel safe and happy again."
"Josh." I exhale. "Whenever I'm with you, I do feel safe and happy. You are my safety. " I'm looking deep into his eyes. We both lean closer, until he abruptly stops us for just a second. "But I still don't want you to get hurt for me. So no matter what happens, don't let yourself suffer for me. I'll...handle it."
"I can't promise that."
"I just don't want you to get hurt." I would die if something were to happen to you.
"Maya, you have to understand. I'm fine. I'm good actually, here with you. It is a complete pleasure to get punched defending you, because you deserve to be defended." No I don't, my mind screams out. "I am ecstatic to be able to be with you. And I know it's early-"
"No, it really isn't. I've been in love with you ever since Riley and I crashed your friend's party in the seventh grade." I smile at the now loved, once hated memory. He laughs too. "And… it scares me to know that you would risk and injury, even if it was a paper cut, for me."
He looks into my eyes, and cups my cheek in his hand. I place my hand on top, because my need to be with him in a provocative way is growing rapidly.
I decide that I want more. I am completely and utterly in love with Joshua Matthews. I lean forward, and hug him tightly, breathing in his minted shampoo scent. After a few minutes, I laugh and pull back, I bite my lip nervously. "I have to go check on Riley." I say.
He smiles, and looks disappointed at the same time, and i completely feel the same way. "Ok. Thanks by the way, for helping her."
"Anytime, anywhere, and anyplace." I say confidently. And to tell the truth, that's how I feel. I really would do anything for her. She's like my sister, or maybe even my sister in-law soon. I chuckle at the thought.
I quickly kiss Josh goodbye. "Please be careful. And will you check on Lucas? I think it affected him."
"Yeah. I know he's still really protective over her. Do you know why they broke up?"
Ugh. I hate lying to him, but I'm not sure what else to do. "Yeah. She said that she had a connection with someone else, and she wanted to test the waters."
"Like a spark?"
"Yeah, but I'm not sure who it is."
"Ok, I really want you to check on Riley, so maybe later you can tell me the truth?" he says raising an eyebrow.
"Look josh, I love you, but I can't tell you, not without her blessing."
"I understand, but no more secrets."
"I promise but I really have to go." He pulls me into a quick hug, and after that i leave. I hate lying to him, and it makes me anxious. We all know that the key to long-lasting relationship is honesty. I just can't help but imagine the worst if Josh finds out I haven't been exactly honest.
I hurriedly head throughout the now quiet hallway toward the cafeteria. I'm anxious to check on Riley. When I get there, I make not of a few things. One, Lucas is sitting with the rest of the football team, instead of the usual with Riley, Farkle Smackle, Zay, Josh and I. Two, Missy is mysteriously eying Riley, and sending threatening glances in her direction, but Riley doesn't notice. Third, Farkle and Riley sit at our usual table by themselves, undoubtedly having a deep conversation, that they are trying to keep on the down low. Riley seems fine, however.
I walk over to them, and when i sit down, they both jump. "What are you talking about?
Riley turns to face me. "Farkle and I think that A is up to something big." The thought intrigues me and i wonder how they know. I turn to Farkle for an explanation, knowing that at one point or another, he'll provide one.
"Well, we know that A usually texts you both each few times a day, right?" Farkel says confirming my thoughts.
"Yeah, but what does that have anything to do with it?"
"Well, A hasn't sent either one of you anything yet today, so we are assuming it means that they are using all their free time to plan something else."
"What do you mean free time? A texts us all the time, all they have is free time." Riley answers naively, but i know where Farkle is taking this.
"No. This A person is close to us. I can feel it. They have something against us which is why they want to hurt us so bad." I start to think ahead of myself and before I know it I'm mumbling, "We I'd really like to hurt them"
"Speaking of, Missy behind you Riley." Farkle says nervously. Missy used to date Lucas, but they broke up when lucas and Riley fell in love. Missy was also cheating on Lucas with a ton of other guys, but ended up blaming the end of their relationship on him. Miss also took his virginity. So in conclusion, We all hate her. Riley hating her the most. We all slump down when we hear the tell tale sign of Missy's ugly expensive heels.
"Wow, I can't believe the whore showed up to lunch!" One of the ignoramuses in her group whispers. Whatever. I ignore her, and silently give the I don't care nods to Maya and Farkle so that they won't either.
"Hey Riley. How are you doing with the whole Lucas breakup? Looks like he finally found someone better." She chuckles, and looks at her new freshly painted nails.
You know what? I've had enough without her snide comments. She doesn't know what we've been through this weekend! How dare she make these snide remarks, and target them at me. Maya must be thinking the same thing because the next thing you know, "Hey Missy, I'd slap you, but I don't want to get slut on my hand." Maya sasses he, while I am barely being able to hold in my chuckle.
"Shut up you dumb blonde." She gives Maya back. Maya smiles at her, just so she knows it doesn't bother her. Which I know it doesn't. Then she faces me once again, and continues to taunt me. Wow, she is just way to jealous right now. It's not like I'm with Lucas right now, or I'm supposed to not be. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm going after Lucas. So don't get in my way, you dumb bitch." I've had more than enough. I've actually said these words to Missy before, but I've always wanted to.
"Well you know what Missy?" She turns around, smiling, probably thinking that I'm too scared to stand up to her. "It takes one to know one." And with that I grab my stuff and walk out of the cafeteria. I'm walking down the long narrow hallways, when i see something that surprises me. Someone is going through my locker. As I turn the corner, I get a closer Look, and I see A. What could they possibly want from my locker? All I know is that they ain't getting it.
"Hey! Stop!." I start running after them, but they are way too fast. After what seems like ten minutes running after A, I decide to stop. I'm so out of breath, that I have to take a seat, and put my head in between my knees just to breathe. I finally get up, and barely walk back to my locker, before having to perform this ritual again. I look up, and see a black flash drive on the floor. Well the only person that was over here was A, and if they need it, then I want it. It won't be much to me, but anything that takes away from them is good news to me. I crawl forward, and shove the drive in my pocket. After this exertion, I go back to my position on the floor.
I get up, and make the long walk back to the cafeteria. I get to the table, and Farkle looks at me like I'm crazy. "Riley, what's wrong? You look like you just swam the english channel."
"I had a little run in." I cough. I just keep hacking away drawing un-wanted attention to myself.
"Riley, I'm taking you to the nurse."
"No!", I pipe up, I don't want to walk that far. "I just had a little run in with a certain someone, and had to run. Like a lot."
"Riley, just tell us. No more secrets."
I look around, and really take in my surroundings. Missy and her gang are flirting with the football team, including Lucas. Nathan isn't in the room, and Smackle is in line. Is it just me, or does Missy also seem a little out of breath?
"A. The were going through my locker, and I tried to get them, but they got away. However," A smile appears on my face, "They dropped this, and I was able to get it." I finish holding up the flash drive.
"Way to go Riles." My throat really hurts, but that isn't the only thing making me sick. I let my gaze drag toward the football table, and see Lucas looking at me. I smile, and quickly look away, but he doesn't stop staring.
"Guys? I have to… uh… go to the bathroom. I'll be right back." I stand up, and get a text. Riley, you have what I want. Get it back to me or else. No more games, A. I feel the color drain from my face. I keep staring. "You know what? I'm not feeling it. I'm gonna ditch. Text me later." I get out of that cafeteria faster than you can snap your fingers. Once I get out, I start coughing. I make it to my locker. I open it up, and do the thorough search I should've done before. I check the back, the sides, the creases, and even the door. As I'm doing this, I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I don't turn around. I don't want to tell Farkle, or Maya about the flash drive, because A will threaten them, to me for it. If they don't know about it, A can only threaten me, and maybe Lucas. I sigh. Things will just never be perfect.
"Riley? Let's go home." It's Lucas. A is going to threaten him anyway, and I promised no more secrets. I want to tell him.
"I… I need to tell you something, but I'm scared. I'm scared that you're gonna get hurt, and resent me for it."
"Riley, I could never resent you for anything. Just spit it out. I can help you, and we can fix it together."
I explain to him everything.
"Ok. You should probably know why I'm terrified, and breathing really heavy. I just had a run in with A, and I found this." i say holding up the flash drive. "A is going to hurt me if I don't give it back, but I don't want to. We need to know what's on it. And we need Farkle's help. A isn't dumb, and probably has a million codes on it."
"I'm so glad for my boyfriend intuition." That's why I love Lucas. He is my boyfriend, but he is alos my best friend. He knows when I need to hear something, but also knows when to tell me what I want to hear. And most importantly, he always knows how to make me laugh.
"Ok let's go." He grabs my hand, in a firm yet soft manner. As he leads me away from my locker, I can't help but look back at it. What was A looking for? I quickly scan all of the once familiar creases, unsure what I'm looking for.