Chapter 11
Maya was frozen, had she heard right? Did Cory actually said he was going to divorce the woman he loved over anything else in the world?
-Matthews, you… you're not…
-I have to…
-Matthews… Cory… you're going to hurt Riley more than anyone has ever hurt her… - Maya pleaded
The man lowered his head.
-Do you think I don't know that? Do you think I want to see the most precious thing I have suffer?
-Then please don't… think it through…
Cory held Maya's hand in his and the teenager saw the tears filling his eyes.
-Maya… I hope, with all my heart… that you never, ever have to feel the pain I'm feeling now. Because only if you did, you'll understand my decision.
-So… want… want me to be there when you tell her?
Cory nod. Maya stood up, she knew that Cory considered her a daughter and that was probably why, against all logic, he decided to open up an adult topic to her, she turned, trying to control the tears flowing in her eyes.
-You're not going to change your mind right?
-I'm sorry…
Walking slowly she reached the infirmary, she knew she wasn't supposed to be there, but in light of what she had learned there was nowhere else she wanted to be, opening the door like only she knew, she was inside, she pulled a chair and sat beside her best friend who was still sleeping peacefully.
-Love… I… I'm going to be beside you… it's hard times ahead… thunder and lighting remember?
Maya closed her eyes and began to sob. She knew what it was to be in a broken family, and she was always happy that her best friend, the person she loved the most, had a full loving family to take care of her, now all of that was crumbling, she didn't knew when but slowly she fell asleep beside her.
-Maya?
The blond girl woke up startled.
-Love, how are you feeling?
-A lot better I guess…
-Great, I'll go find Dr. Peterson so you can go home.
-No, I don't want to go back "home"...
-Riley, you can't stay here with Josh, only students can sleep here. You'll get him in trouble.
Suddenly Riley say smiling.
-I'll get some money out of my college found and go to a hotel!
Maya smiled at the naivete of her best friend.
-ok… let's suppose you do that… do you have any idea how much does a hotel cost this days?
-well…
-OK, here in New York a hotel can cost you between $150 and $250.
-A month? - Riley asked
Maya chuckled.
-A night love.
Riley fell back in the bed and squirmed in pain as the needle in the IV line moved in the back of her hand.
-OW!
-Careful!
-Maya what am I going to do?
-You can move with Lucas, I heard he has a big bed
-MAYA!
Suddenly the door opened and Dr. Peters arrived along with Topanga.
-Riley are you OK?
The brunette turned to the wall.
-I… I think I'll go outside - Maya said
Topanga took a chair and sat beside her daughter.
-I want to explain to you what happened last night…
Riley turned, her eyes flooded with tears.
-why? just tell me why…
-I wanted to talk to him, to tell him that
-why did you cheated on dad?
The woman measured her words.
-Riley… when you get older… and learn about some things… you'll understand that sometimes… we do things because they are… exciting… and we don't measure the consequences…
Riley began to cry, but when Topanga tried to hug her the woman was surprised to find herself pushed away.
-Riley…
-Leave me alone please…
-Mrs. Matthews I think you should let Riley rest, she's better but not completely recovered.
The woman stood up and walked out silently. But if seeing her daughter reject her, what was waiting for her at home was the coup de grace. Sitting at the table, with pain marked on his face, was her husband.
-Cory… what… what are you doing here?
Without a word he pushed an envelope towards her, curious, but at the same time fearing what it could be, she took out the papers that were inside.
-D… Divorce? And the custody of Riley and Augie? Cory… you can't be serious…
To be continued…