If there was a friendship that could rival that of Maya and Riley that was the one between their mothers, Topanga and Katy. The latter holding the hands of her friend as she had shared with her the news she had confirmed that afternoon.
-After two kids I still thought I could be wrong… what am I going to do?
-You know there's still the paternity test once the baby is born and
Katy stopped the moment she saw the look on Topanga's face. The situation she was facing was complex enough to even think of something like that.
-Look, I'm not judging you, but you need to decide whom you're choosing to be the father of that child. - the blond woman said
-I know… the problem is… how…
-Also… you'll need to tell Riley.
Topanga sank her face on her hands upon realizing the reaction of her daughter when she learned the news. At the same time, but in Shawn's cabin, Maya was bringing a sandwich and a glass of milk to Riley who was in her uncle's room.
-Hey… sweetie… I brought you something to eat…
For any answer, her best friend turned to the opposite side, Maya felt the tears run down her cheeks.
-I… I'll leave it here… so when… when you're hungry…
Slowly she walked out and closed the door, after that she slid against the wood and began to sob. Shawn saw this and approached kneeling in front of the teenager.
-She hates me… I can feel it…
-She's upset. Give her time… come on, I'll make you some soup.
But the minute he helped her up, Maya winced in pain.
-What was that?
-N… nothing… I'm fine…
-You know you can't lie to me right?
Closing her eyes she pulled the leg of her pants up and Shawn saw a cut she had on her ankle, the reddish color on it and and on the face of the teenager made him realize something.
-When did this happen?
-Yesterday… when Riley fell I jumped trying to hold her and I hit my ankle with a rock or something…
-And you didn't told me because…?
-It wasn't important…
Worried Shawn placed the back of his hand on Maya's forehead, the reddish color on the girl's face was not caused by her tears.
-You have a fever…
-I'm fine…
-No you're not, you're going to lie in the couch and wait for me there.
Feeling a little dizzy the teenager did as told. She was checking her ankle when she saw her step-dad coming back, her eyes opened wide when she saw him carrying a syringe and a small vial on his hand.
-WHOA WHOA WHOA, what are you
-Penicillin, you have an infection on that cut. - he declared
Maya blushed.
-I… you… I mean… where…
Shawn blushed when he understood what his step-daughter was trying to say.
-Jesus Christ Maya, in your arm, your arm.
Maya took off her blouse and only in her top she laid back, she closed her eyes when she felt the needle in her arm.
-Done, you'll feel better in a few minutes. Now promise me you won't keep anything like this from me again.
-I promise. Can… can you… can you make me the soup now?
Shawn smiled.
-Sure. Count on it kiddo.
Half an hour later Shawn was falling asleep on the sofa near where Maya was when he heard sounds in the kitchen nearby, as he turned he saw Riley walking out, the brunette saw the syringe and the empty vial on the coffee table.
-Uncle Shawn… what happened to Maya?
-She got hurt trying to keep you from falling in the water and got hurt and had an infection so I had to inject her with some penicillin - he replied
Riley knelt beside her friend and caressed her hair.
-peaches…
-You don't hate her do you? -Shawn asked
Riley turned, her eyes opened wide
-WHAT?
-That's what she thinks…
-No… I could never… she's my
But at that precise moment Shawn's phone rang.
-Hi Topanga, yes, she's here… yes, Maya is here too, they're fine. OK. I'll tell her.
-What is it? - Riley asked coldly
-Your mother wants you to go to the apartment so she can talk to you.
-She can make herself a cup of coffee to sit and wait. I'm not going.
Shawn got up.
-OK, Riley, let's go outside to talk. Come on kiddo.
Reluctantly the teenager ended up sitting beside her uncle while looking at the lake.
-Look, I know this is really hard for you, I understand it. But you need to understand that this kind of things happen and sooner or later you'll need to face whatever happens, and seeing your mother is the beginning.
-Uncle Shawn… I don't want to choose between mom and dad…
The adult hugged her.
-Let's wait until we get there, if we get there, to discuss that OK? For now go see your mother and listen to what she has to say.
-OK…
It was night already when Riley arrived, as she opened the door an aroma well known to her hit her nose.
-Hi sweetie! I made your favorite, spaghetti with meat sauce - Topanga announced.
Coldly Riley sat in the couch.
-I already ate. Why did you told uncle Shawn you wanted to talk to me?
Topanga went to her daughter and held her hands.
-I know you left your uncle's cabin a little bit after lunch and that you haven't gone anywhere else, please… eat with me.
Closing her eyes but without saying a word she followed her mother to the table, the woman saw the teenager eat.
-Riley… I'm guessing you know what your father decided right?
The brunette nod.
-Look, Riley, you an Auggie are the most important things I have and I want you both to stay with me and
Riley stood up, tears running down her cheeks
-That's why you wanted to see me? To ask me to choose you over Dad? Is this how low you're sinking mom?
-No… but I love you and… you need to know something…
-Forget it, I'm… I don't know where I'm going but I can't stay here anymore…
-Riley I'm pregnant…
The brunette turned with her eyes opened wide…
To be continued...