Riley's POV

Lucas and I board the subway. I try to focus on him and I, but my mind keeps wandering elsewhere. I have so much going on right now, so much on my plate. I try to think positively. Where we are sitting right now. Where Lucas and I first met, in these very seats. Where we had our first date, then kiss, all those years ago. It's kinda funny. Back then I was so nervous to kiss him, and now I'm practically begging to have sex with him. Well not begging. I know he wants it too. He just wants it to be at a good time, because he knows I'll regret it if it isn't, no matter how bad I want it at the moment.

I'm so glad I ended up not breaking up with him. I mean, what we're doing now is pretty risky, but my whole life is just a risk these days. I mentally scold myself. How could I do this! How could I get on a subway with him knowing that A is everywhere and nowhere, and that A will find out about us being together! How could he let me? He knows how much I care about him! He's like a drug to me. One little touch and I'm begging for more. He knows his affect on me! So why would he put me in this position? I really wish that this all could just go away.

But how could A have been at school unless they go to school! Student or staff, it doesn't matter. What matters is that they aren't here with me right now. And what are the odds of A ditching on the same day I am? Little to none! With this realization, I lurch forward, and sit up quickly. Lucas does too, scared by what he thinks I thought. We're in the safety zone. We can finally be together for at least a short subway ride and not have to worry about A. I feel enlightened, although I know he still isn't. I remind myself that I had a longer time than he did to process this, and that he just needs time. Part of me screams for him to just let it go, and be happy for these few happy moments. And to finnish convincing myself, I once again remind myself that it's the first day of school, and although it really doesn't feel like it, I doubt A would ditch on the first day of school. But then again we are, aren't we?

Suddenly, he leans in close, and I gulp down the extra saliva building up in my throat. He seems like he is going to do something of greater value, but he doesn't. He just asks, "Does Maya know about A?" When he speaks, the soft cool air from his voice blows on my face, sending shivers down my spine. There he goes affecting me in ways he doesn't understand. I guess you could say I'm lucky. I know he is way worse when it comes to me. The way he forces these words out confuse me.

And unfortunately, before I can think before I speak, I blurt out, "Yes, she was the first person to receive a text, or actually a call." This really confuses Lucas. I don't need to explain myself to him. I haven't done anything wrong, except try to keep him safe. But that look on his face makes me sad, like I've done something wrong, so of course, I explain without even thinking. Ugh. Now I have to explain the screaming. He's gonna be so pissed.

"How could you get a call, and not get a man or womans voice from it?"

"Lucas, do you think I'm stupid? How can I know who A is, if I'm the one screaming?" I yell at him loud enough for him to hear, but low enough, so that whatever we are talking about will be a mystery to the other passengers.

"Riley, what are you talking about?"

"Nothing, just don't judge me right now."

"I would never judge you, I just want to know about what was on that call so I know how to help you."

"Lucas, I don't want to tell you."

'Why not?" He says on the verge of yelling.

"Because you'll only be mad at me!"

"Riley, does this have anything to do with you not wanting to tell your parents about, you know.."

'No, I just think that as your… girlfriend," I say gesturing towards both of us, "you should trust me to tell you whatever you need to know."

"Ok, I'll figure it out later."

Farke POV

Right now, all my worries about A seemed to have vanished. I am with Smackle, and we are in the library studying together. Things have been hard between us lately. With all the time I've been spending with Maya and riley, I just feel like she feels abandoned. I know she gets jealous, and I wish I could tell her. I know I will have to soon. Her geniusness could be a big factor into us finding who this A is.

Riley POV

"No you will not! You will trust me!" I say laughing. I've always loved the way our conversations take interesting turns, usually for the better. You know what they say, conversation is the basis of a good relationship. We learned that at the Ski Lodge. I don't think back to those days much anymore. I'm almost sure it's my selective memory. Lucas and I weren't together at the time, and it just saddens me to know that at one point he wasn't sure about us. And the fact that he 'thought' he liked Maya more makes me cringe.

"Ok. There are some more things I need to know in order to have a better feel about this." I shiver.

"Lucas that's what you don't understand yet. No matter how much you know, or how much you do, A is always one step ahead. They're also not against making you-ah- do stuff, that you're not proud of."

"Like breaking up with me?" He questions, while he grabs my hand. I know he's over it, and he understands that I just did it to keep him safe. But I'm not over it. I know if I would've thought it over, there could've been something better. I wish we weren't together now, but it's way too late for that.

"Yeah." I say sarcastically. He looks at me confused but shrugs it off. He doesn't know that I also was the one to disclose Josh and Maya's... affair? I'm really not sure what to call it.

"Well, who else knows beside Maya? Farkle? Does Josh know?" He said getting angrier at the thought of Maya telling her lover, but me not telling him.

"Josh doesn't know shit, Lucas. And Farkle does. Thanks for reminding me, I need to thank him."

"For what?"

"Well we did almost die you know. A is… tricky. And also for the pregnancy tests and stuff. That stuff is really expensive."

"Riley please don't shut me out."

"I'm not trying to. It's just this doesn't feel like it used to. Now whenever we talk, it's more like an interrogation."

"Well maybe it wouldn't be like that if you would've told me about A the day it happened!" Now our conversation has turned for the worst.

"Well maybe my screams were enough! Maybe I didn't want to be the one hearing you scream over the phone, ok? You don't understand! Ever since that day Maya's only looked at me like I'm a kid that can't take care of herself. I don't need you, or her, or anyone! I can handle myself."

"Riley! It doesn't make you weak to admit you need someone! I'll be the first to admit it, I need you! Yes, I want you, but I wouldn't even be able to live without you. That's why A is so important to me. Because A is affecting you, which means that A is affecting me too, because you and me, we stick together."

"Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't put yourself in the middle of this. We should have just broken up."

"Don't say that!" he say getting angry. I know it's still a sore spot for him.

"I should have." I look down as the tears start to slowly fall down, leaving trails of salt dripping down my cheeks. Lucas starts to realize that, and picks me up and puts me on his lap. Usually the PDA would've been to much for me, but since it's the middle of the day, I guess everyone's at school or work. He holds onto me, and everyone else would usually find this as sexual, but we don't. We find it as him comforting me.

"Riley," Lucas says sadly, "I want to help. I am never going to let A hurt you again." This is supposed to help me, but it just makes me cry harder. I bury my head into Lucas's chest, and he wraps his arms around me tighter. I finally stop crying, and start to feel a little better.

That's when it hits me. Literally. I look up to see what it was, and see a tear fall down Lucas's cheek. This pains me deeply. The whole reason I ever did anything was so he wouldn't get hurt. I lean in, "Don't cry. It makes me sad." He smiles, and then it quickly fades. I can't take this anymore, so I stand up, brush myself off, and do the only thing I can think of to get him to return to his happy graces once again. I look away, trying to think of something to add to what I'm planning to do. Before I can think of anything, Lucas sits up taller anticipating what my next actions will be. I lean in and kiss him fiercely, not allowing for any space in between us. Suddenly, and unwantedly, the subway door open signalling the end of our ride. This angers me, that we can't go any further, and we have to stop. All at once, I realize that we're about to go to my house, where we will be home alone. "Damn it." Lucas says leaning up. I nod, and laugh, wiping the last few tears from my face,a and then from his.

"Not unless we get to my house." Lucas doesn't even give me time to register as he grabs my hand and pulls me out of the subway.

Lucas's POV

We get home. I use Riley's key to unlock the door while she taps her foot impatiently. I fumble with the keys, as I try to get the dirty mental pictures out of my head long enough to get the key in the door. Key in the door. Key in the door. I unlock the door, and gesture for her to get inside to safety first. You can never be too careful. Once you get something this good, you can't just go and lose it. She walks inside and pulls me in after her. She crashes he lips on mine. I love it when she takes initiative, it makes her even more sexy. I put my arms around her, and feel her curves. She puts her arms around my back, and pulls me closer.

She starts to unbutton my shirt, and I let her. She focuses on neatly pulling the buttons out of place. I place soft slow kisses on her neck, and she moans to my pleasure. I pick her up, and carry her down the short hall toward her bedroom. She yanks off her shirt, and we lay on the bed together. Everything intensifies as I place my hands on her hips, moving them in sync with my body. I love her so much and she doesn't even know it.

"I love you so much." I moan into her ear.

"Lucas…" I love it when I affect her so much that she can't even form any coherent thoughts. I remove my hands from her waist, much to my displeasure, but I need to get her pants off. I need to feel her in that way. I need her body against mine, in ways no one else will know. I need to wrap my body around her, and protect her from all these other outside forces. I need to know that she cares about me the same way I do about her. I already know that because even though she was raped, she still trusts me enough with her. I will never let her down. I'd rather kill myself first, and she knows that. I know she would do the same for me, but that doesn't make me happy. It gives me a nervous feeling.

This also gives me a nervous feeling. Just because I'm not a virgin anymore, doesn't mean I still get nervous. What happened with me and Missy, was stupid. I'm finally happy with Riley, and I wouldn't trade er for anything in the whole world.

We stand up, and gently get off the bed, never pulling our desperate lips apart. I pull her t-shirt of her head, and when I do, something falls out of her bra, and lands on the ground with a soft click. We both pause to look at it. It's a flash drive? It's not even a regular one. It's a high tech one with all the different compartments and stuff.
"Riley, why do you have one of these?" I ask her carefully.

"I was gonna tell you about it, I just wanted to do other stuff first-, before I had to find out what A has in store next."

"This is A's? Did they hurt you? How did you get it? I swear if they lay a hand on you I'll…"

"Woah there cowboy. I'm fine. I just had to do some… running for a while. A dropped it, and I picked it up. Now can we get back to our previous activities?"

"Running? Did they chase you?"

"Not exactly, I was chasing them."

"God, riley. You have to be careful."

"All I know is that they really need this, and I was able to take it away from them."

"How do you know it's important." You know what, screw this no lying thing, I'm not letting A get to him.

"Just a hunch."

I groan. I really wanted to finish with her, but I know we can't. I know she doesn't care about herself right now, and only cares about me, but I have to try to get her to realize her value. She is so much to me. And I know this is a little hypocritical considering that I would do the same for her, but it's different. I know it sounds bad, but it's different when she does it. She does it without thinking. I know I would also do the same for her, but I would atleast way out my options to see if there was a way we could both be free first. We are each other's weaknesses. I also know that she thinks that if she does this, then A won't get to me, but it's not working. Her plans have already failed. A is getting to me through her.

"I'm sorry Riley. I really want to, but this is too important. If we find out who A is from this, we can have all the sex in the world, and not have to worry about this bastard anymore."

"Yeah, I know you're right. I'm just crazy about you." She whispers seductively. Damn, she has the fullest lips… NO! Lucas come on, I know you want this, but we have to get the flash drive first.

"Ok, so that is that, I'll be right back."

Riley sighs, disappointedly. "Where ya headed to cowboy?"

"To go stand outside for a minute and call Farkle."

"Dressed like that? You'll get pneumonia!"

"My point." I say. I need to get outside before she completely wakes my little man up. I rush out the door, and hear her laughing behind me. I get outside, just as i pull my pants on. I grab my cellphone from my pocket, and dial Farkle's number.

Farkle's POV

Right now, here in this moment, things are good. I am with the one and only, my beautiful Smackle, in the library. We hold each other's hands tightly, and passionately while we study. Every few minutes I look at her, and she looks at me, and our eyes meet. She quickly looks away, but I keep staring, not ashamed to admit it. She is too pretty to look away so fast. I'm learning to admire not only the science, but also the beautiful things in life, and to me, that is her.

"Farkle, your phone is ringing." She says smiling, bringing me out of my daze. I look at the phone, and Lucas's Face lights up the screen. He is laughing, will Riley's side barely in the picture. That was a great day. I think back to freshman summer, fourth of July, to be exact. We were all on this fancy new golf course in my community, just hanging around. Smackle couldn't make it, she was at a science summer camp. Josh couldn't come either, he was with Mia somewhere, I think. He never really told us where he went that night, it really makes me think he was doing something he wasn't supposed to. It was a warm summer's night, and we were all happy. Riley and Lucas had just started dating, and so were me and Smackle. Lucas and I were talking that night, about us and our girls, but I couldn't stop thinking about Maya. We both knew about her crush on Josh, well, she wasn't trying hard to hide it.

Riley and Maya were still getting ready. They both wanted to look good that night so that they could post pictures of them in the fireworks. It was getting late, and we were wondering where they were. We heard laughing and turned around. They were both gorgeous. Riley was in a long red t-shirt, and shorts. Maya was in an olive crop top and jean shorts. I swear I heard Lucas gasp. Riley rarely ever wore shorts that short. She smiled, and blushed. I walked over to Maya and said something I remember to this day. "You're beautiful, and if he can't see it, he's not worth it." She smiled to, and we hugged as well. When we turned back around we saw Riley and Lucas laughing, and rolling down the long green hills. We laughed at their silliness, and just as we were about to join them, the sprinklers can on. Riley screamed, while Lucas laughed. Soon she was in his arms as he shielded her from the water's blast. That's when I took the picture. I split it in half, making half for Lucas's profile, and the other as Riley's. They really are two halfs as one. Just like me and Smackle, and now hopefully like Maya and Josh will soon be.

"Farkle, aren't you gonna get that?" She says gesturing to the phone.

I grab the phone and answer. Lucas and I used to call each other all the time, asking advice for our girls. I like the sound of that. Our girls. Mine, and his. But now, since that day, everytime he calls, I just expect more bad news. "Hello, lucas?"

"Farkle, we need your help. Riley found one of A's flash drives. It says it needs a password to be opened."

"Ok, but you know Smackle is better at coding than I am." Smackle looks up, suddenly interested in our conversation. I know what's coming next. I'll have to tell her.

"I know, but this is A's flash drive. We don't know what's on it, and we weren't sure if you were ready to tell her." I'll never be ready, but this will have to do.

"Ok, is Maya there?"

"She's on her way, Riley just called her. But she can't get away from Josh, so he's coming too."

"Great. I guess today's the day."

"Yeah I guess so, but what if the reason A has a password on his flash drive is because it will tell us who he is."

"You're right. Were leaving right now." I hang up the phone and look at it. Lucas's picture fades away, and it just goes back to the home screen. There is where Smackles picture is, because you know what they say. Home is where the heart is.

"Farkle what's wrong?" Smackle asks. She scoots closer to me, and grabs my hand. "Is Riley ok?" I look at her, and nod.

"Yes, we have to meet her at her house. It's a Riley Committee meeting."

"You know, we can't keep everything from her, especially now."

"Yeah I know, Riley's gonna be in this meeting. It's basically just an emergency meeting so we need to go, like now." She nods, confuzed. I can tell she knows I'm lying, although she doesn't say anything. Just like I can sense different emotions in her, she can probably sense the anxiety in my voice. She stands up, closes her laptop and puts it away. I grab my bag, her backpack, and our books. She looks at me for a sign of comfort, After dropping the books in book basket, I rush to the front door. She meets me there with a concerned look on her face.

"Is everything going to be ok?" I know that this is not her battle, but she is in it, and I know she doesn't want that. What she does want is for no one else to get hurt, mentally or physically. With her aspergers, she can't handle anymore bad news, and neither can the rest of us.

Maya's POV

I hang up the phone on Riley. Josh and I have been at the nurse for the past hour, getting him bandages and stuff, but now, it's time to go. "Josh, I need to leave." I say suddenly at him. He looks back at me with a smile.

"Thanks Maya, for everything. Especially forcing me to come to the nurse." He gestures around us.

"Ok." I go in to kiss him goodbye, but he holds me away.

"Woah, I'm going with you."

"Um, no your not."
"Look Maya. It was obviously my sister on the phone with you, so I need to know what's going on."

"How do you know it was Riley? It could've been my mom. Or even Smackle!"

"Maya," He Sighs, "I know how you talk to Riley is different from how you talk to your mom. I even know those differences because I seen you do them for so long. So let's just go, she needs both of us."

"You see, Riley needs help with a girl problem, you really don't need to come. We can handle it ourselves." You can see Josh starting to get frustrated. I just hate keeping this from him, but I know in my heart he's safer the less he knows. And right now he knows nothing, and he's still not safe! I can't help but wonder how much danger he'd be in if he did know. Although I wonder these things, I'm not ready to find out.

"No, Maya. I coming, and that's that." He says angrily. He picks up his jangling keys, and jacket, and storms towards the door. Oh, G-d. I've pissed him off. This thought puts me in an even worse mood. Maybe when Riley tells me whatever she needs to, we can somehow sneak into a different room.
I rush after him, hoping that I can still convince him to just leave it alone. But when I get outside, I realize it's too late, and he's already in the car waiting to pick me up. I hesitate for a moment. How badly could this end if he finds out? I think about all the obvious ways it could end badly. A would start to threaten him, he could get hurt or even worse. I push that thought from my head. Now is not the time to think of bad things like that. Then I also have to think about the non-obvious reasons for this decision. Would he hate me? Because I didn't tell him, or because I told Riley not to tell him? Could this ruin our relationship. What about Lucas, and Riley, and their relationship with him? And are we even going to tell Lucas? What if he was already told? I doubt it. Riley would never do that to me. Now is the time we need to stick together the most.

"Hey! What's wrong?" Josh calls as he rolls down his window. Nothing. It doesn't matter, there's no getting Josh out of this now, he's in too deep. I guess we just keep going and hope for the best.

"Nothing. Let's go." I say. I walk around the car, and get in the passenger side. I have the weirdest feeling bubbling up inside me. Almost like I'm not ready for this, as if this shouldn't be happening, and getting in this car means- I don't know what it means. I just know that this meeting isn't going to end well, for me at least.

The drive over to the Matthew's apartment is silent. It's weird for us. Although it's a silent one, It was very hectic for me. It was all about looking at Josh, making eye contact thinking about A hurting him, repeat.

Josh POV

The drive is the most awkward between Maya and I in years. Eve when i knew she liked me and I didn't feel the same way, we were still great friends. After breaking up with Mia, I was really down, and even though I rejected her, Maya was there for me, and made sure I knew that I wasn't alone. I never told anyone, but I was feeling really depressed, and she pulled me out of it. I just feel bad that she has this big deal of a secret to hold onto, and more importantly that she feels she can't tell me. Is it that I'll be angry? That I won't understand? She of all people should know that I will most definitely understand. I'm not mad because she won't tell me. I made because I can't help her. I know about parts of her past, and how horrible it all was for her. She told me that, could it be that this is worse? But how could it? You hear all those stories of foster kids and abused children on tv, but Maya's been through way worse. At least in my opinion. This must be way worse than her family stuff, if she was willing to tell me that and not this.

We reach the apartment building, and I park the car. As the old worn out engine roars to a halt. Maya does nothing. She doesn't even unbuckle her seatbelt. I unbuckle it for her, as well as my own. I want her to be comfortable. She doesn't usually open up, and I know that this is going to be hard for her. A lot of people think that she tells me nothing while I tell her everything, and that our relationship is… unbalanced. That isn't the case, is because there definitely are some things that I haven't told her yet either. Finally she sighs, and when I'm least expecting it, she speaks. "I don't know what you're gonna find out today, but it's not good. Just try to understand, I didn't tell you, because I thought it would be safer for you." Safer for me? What the hell is going on?

Maya POV

I rush into the Matthew's apartment, and see Farkle and Smackle sitting on the couch in the living room. I realize just a few seconds too late that they are waiting for me to give them permission to tell Josh. " Josh?" I say turning to face him, "Have Farkle and Smackle tell you everything. I have to go."

"Wait! I wanted you to tell me. I need you to be the one." Well i wanted to tell you to, but AFTER we stopped A. I guess neither one of us is going to get what we want.

"Just listen to them, please." I pull him into a tight hug, and he presses me back against his body, pulling me closer than ever. "Just don't get too angry, I love you." I say. He gasps, truly shocked in my choice of words. I can tell he didn't expect me to say it, but what I can't tell is if he feels the same way back or not. I quickly kiss his cheek and turn towards Riley's room. I know why I hurried out. Because I wanted him to know how I felt, but I didn't want to know what he would say next. Aren't you supposed to wait until you know for sure that the other person feels the same way? So I just leave the conversation there, as I walk away, Josh staring after me.

When I get into Riley's she room, I pause. She and Lucas are are hugging each other. Riley looks the same, though you can't really tell, she has been getting really good about hiding her emotions. Lucas looks distraught, almost as if he's creeped out or something. "Riley? What's going on?" I ask her carefully. She looks up at me and I can tell what's wrong. She and Lucas are holding hands. I don't know what happens next, but all I see is red. I just get so angry. How could she do this to me? Does she not realize that her and Lucas being together and lying about it put us all in danger! " I can't believe you right now! Do you get that because of you stupid idiots that Josh is getting the lay down of A right now? And not even by me! By Smackle and Farkle because I too busy trying to clean up the mess you made by getting A pissed!"

"Woah, Maya-" Lucas starts in a furious tone.

"Wait, let her finish.." Riley interrupts. Lucas looks at her as if unsure whether to listen to her or not, but then he decides to.

"Wait! Don't go all nice girl on me now, when this whole time you've been a bitch. I cannot believe that you of all people were willing to let Smackle, and Josh, two people you really care about get thrown under the bus! You selfish whore!"

"Maya that's enough!" Lucas yells angrily, but I continue anyway.

"I also can't believe that you would tell him and not tell me after everything we've been through. I could've help you! Now A is gonna threaten Josh Lucas and Smackle and were all three going to have to put ourselves on the line even more! I hate you! How could you do this to me? This affects me too, and you didn't even talk to me about this?"

I stare at her harshly to see how she handled my words. "You know what?" I say in a quieter, somewhat harsh tone, "Deal with the flash drive yourself. It' seems like you've been doing that a lot lately anyway." I turn around and leave.

When I get out the door, Riley starts rushing after me. "Maya please, I'm sorry."

"Why would you do that to me. You know I would've been fine if you changed your mind and decided to tell Lucas. So why would you lie?"

"Because I didn't want you to think of me as that selfish bitch who can't do anything without her boyfriend."

"You mean like I do now?" I wait a minute, the continue after Riley doesn't say anything. "Riley, just leave me alone. Maybe we'll talk about the flash drive at school tomorrow… but right now, I just need to get away from you for a few minutes."

"Sure, but can you please come back in a few minutes so that we can go over the flash drive?"

"Sure, sure, Riles." I say. I'm still mad at her, but I think that we all need to start remembering who the real enemy is. A.

I start to leave Riley's hallway, and enter the living room. When I get there, I see Josh looking at me with intense eyes. It truly feels like i walked out of the frying pan, and into the inferno. Josh is sitting in the same place he was before, but Farkle and Smackle have both moved. Farkle further away, Smackle closer. Smackle now sits next to Josh, as if to calm him down if things get heated. Too bad she already missed the shots fired.

"Josh, I'll explain in the car, we're leaving." He looks as if he's about to protest, but then decides to say nothing.

When we get outside the building, something seems off. I look ahead, and I swear I see a dark figure in the shadows. Although I haven't see A yet, I'm almost positive that's him. It looks like a him. I turn around, and run smack into Josh. "Don't look now, but I'm pretty sure A is across the street. I see Josh's eyes flutter up, before slowing backing down to look at me.

"Why can't I go show this looser a piece of my mind?" He says Angrily. Although it might not seem like it, Josh has pretty bad anger issues. Though I've mainly only seen them when it's come to me.

"Because this person can be dangerous. Now, I need you to go get Lucas, and Take him down the fire escape to that side of the street." I say gesturing towards the shadows.

"I'm not leaving you. I want to stay here to protect you."

"You can't do it alone. You need Lucas, in case A is a team and not just one person."

"What do you mean?" He asks quietly

"I mean, some things just don't add up. I'll explain later."

"Ok, but Maya?"

"What?" I say a little too harshly."

"I love you." He says. He rushes towards me, and lifts me off my feet with a breathtaking kiss. Just as I am wrapping my arms around his neck, and putting my fingers through his hair, he pulls away, reminding me what's coming next. With a quick kiss on the cheek, he runs, leaving me a nervous wreck, more than I was before.

He goes back into the building, so I wait. Wait for Riley, or someone to get here, or even just wait for something to happen. I look back up to see that A's not there, and I panick. Could he have gotten into the building while I wasn't paying attention? Or gone after Josh? Or Riley? Oh God! The last things I said to her weren't very nice. Just then, I see the dark hooded figure walking down the street. I decide on impulse to follow him, not allowing him to get away. I cross the street, and follow him into an alley only to be trapped. I look around to see how he got out and find none. Just as I'm about to turn around, I hear a familiar voice, calling my name.

A/N: I am so sorry it has taken this long to update! I have had a lot of stuff going on, and even though I know that isn't an excuse, I promise to update more! Sorry Lovelies!