Chapter Eight: Following the Song
The room was lit only by the moonlight outside, proving to be plenty for sufficient visibility. Maya took a mental picture of the scene, admiring how the shadows contoured Riley's features perfectly, knowing without a doubt that she'd want to transfer that image to a canvas. At least that would be something she could hold on to. "Riley, before you go, I just have to tell you something, okay? And you know I'm not always great at putting my thoughts together, so just be patient with me."
"What is it, Maya?" The brunette responded, a tad worried.
Adjusting herself more comfortably onto the seat, Maya pulled her legs up and crossed them Indian-style. She could see Riley's wide-eyed face, and found it funny how the girl always jumped so quickly to concern. "It's nothing bad…I just really want to thank you, Riles," she said softly, propping her head onto the younger girl's shoulder. "Going through life with you was the best gift I could have ever asked for. I seriously didn't even think a person like you existed; you just have so much faith in this world, and faith in people—in me. You believed in me when no one else did, and carried hope for me in times when I was unable to find hope in anything. I just don't know where I would have ended up if I'd never met you, but I know it wouldn't have been anywhere good…Riley, you saved me." Maya hesitated, feeling her friend's body shift as Riley was lifting her shaky hand to wipe the bottom of her brown eyes. "I don't mean to make you sad, honey, I just wanted you to know that no matter what happens next, and where we go from here, knowing you has been the most important part of my life—regardless of the future, I'll always be appreciative of our past."
"Wow…" Pausing, Riley switched to utilizing her long sleeves in order to absorb the heavier streams now trickling down her face. "I don't even know what to say…" She could tell that her nose was on the verge of running, and was using every muscle in her body to prevent it from happening in an attempt to salvage the other girl's pretty blonde locks draped upon her shoulder—it was a lost-cause from the start. "Maya, I never wanted it to be like this. I never wanted the day to come where you and I would be saying goodbye and moving on into different parts of our lives without each other," her voice broke, and it was becoming more difficult to force words out of a swollen throat. "You know, family, friends, and boys aside, it always felt like you were my soul-mate. That we met for a reason, for me to give you hope, and for you to give me courage and strength…I didn't just save you, Maya, we saved each other." The girl's chest was heavy, and she wanted more than anything to break down in that moment—to release all of the sadness, anxiety, and reservations that had been building up inside for the entire summer. "How am I supposed to do this without you? How am I supposed to be brave and fearless without the one person who makes me those things?"
Lifting her head back up, Maya placed her palm upon Riley's heart and could feel it pounding sturdily. It was the strongest heart she'd ever known. "Everything you need is in here. I'll be with you forever, Riley, in here." She removed her palm and smiled calmingly. "Embrace change. See where this journey leads you. Once upon a time I heard a song. I followed that song through a bay window, and discovered an amazing person on the other end of it, not even understanding at the time what kind of happiness that would bring me. This move with Lucas, Riley, this could be the song you're hearing. This could bring you to everything you have ever wanted. All you have to do is follow it."
"Do you really believe that?" The brunette asked faintly.
"I believe in you…and that if you don't at least try then you will regret it."
Riley nodded though there was little that could be said to take away her nerves. "What if it doesn't work out? What if I hate it there?"
Uncrossing her legs, she hung them back over the edge of the seat and pushed herself up against the window behind. "Well then," Maya breathed, "You will be okay in that instance too, because you have a safety net. Remember that you always have a room with your name on it…it's in a cute little apartment, that has a sunflower-yellow door, and includes the company of one best friend." She spotted Riley's face relax, and hoped she was at least taking a touch of the girl's stresses away. "Though, I must warn you—this apartment is prone to gunshots."
"Gunshots!" Riley proclaimed instinctively, tensing up before collecting herself. Embarrassed, she rolled her eyes at Maya. "You hate me, don't you?"
"Well…hate is a strong word," the blonde teased, leaving just a couple seconds for it to eat at Riley. "I prefer the phrase 'love you to death.'"
With a large grin, Riley embraced her short friend and then let her free. "I love you too, Peaches. To death. Promise we will talk every day?"
"Whatever you want," the girl consented.
"Let's pick a time, and each day we will call at that time. How about at 7PM Texas time zone? Every night, at 7PM we will talk." Riley reiterated.
The two shook hands, sealing the deal. "I'll pick you up at seven, Riles." It was a tradition, after-all, and as with most traditions, some are way too important to let go.
Once coming to terms, the two girls rose from their seats and admired their old hangout, gracious for all of the meaningful memories they had made there. They had said goodbye to the window once before—when it was time to start college—however in this moment it seemed more final—more serious. As it rings true with any good story, in order to reach the next chapters, it is necessary to finish the one that's already started. With that, Riley and Maya linked arms, smiled at each other, and then crawled out through that beautiful bay window for the very last time.
A:N: I know this was a shorter chapter, but it's one that was necessary for me to transition into the next part. Thanks for the continued support!
-Lauren