Chapter 5: Girl Meets Secrets

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or settings of Girl Meets World. I do, however, own the character of Remigius "Remy" Bellamy. I seek no profit from this act of fiction, merely recognition from the community of readers. Thanks to all who have followed and favorited this. It means a lot. I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations. It is rather lengthy, but I hope it is well worth it.

[I need another story. Something to get off my chest]

L...losing her? Losing who? Maya's thoughts were racing, jumping from conclusion to conclusion. Fighting the urge to push the door open completely and confront Remy about the statement, she turned and took a deep breath. She needed to be composed when she walked back out to everyone.

As she approached the table, she leaned over and whispered to Riley. "Bay window. Bay window right now." Her voice was low, and filled with an uncertain fear. Riley was concerned as she excused herself from the table and made a beeline for her bedroom.

As the door cracked open the girls shuffled into Riley's inner sanctum. The bright pink paint on the walls and flowery decor had run their course. In their place was a gentle eggshell color and band posters. The one thing that hadn't changed, however, was the bay window. The place where schemes were planned, emotions were discussed, and fights were ended. It hadn't changed one bit, and now it seemed the nearly mystical powers that it held were going to be utilized once more.

"What's going on Maya? What did you overhear?" Riley questioned, taking the blonde girl's hands and sitting on the seat beneath the glass panes. She hadn't seen Maya this concerned in a long while. Truthfully, the last time she could recall this level of concern and uncertainty was when she was dealing with a cyberbully and Maya found out.

"Your Dad and Remy are talking in Auggie's room and your dad said 'is there anything you think you can do about it?' I'm not sure what it is. Remy said he didn't know and that he felt like he was losing her!" Maya rambled, not pausing in her stream of words explaining the situation. "And how'd you know I was eavesdropping?"

"Best friends remember? We know what the other is thinking." The brunette tucked a loose curl behind her right ear and looked at Maya closely. "But who was he talking about?"

"I don't know and that is what scares me Riles! I thought we were all close, we didn't keep something like a girl or a guy a secret. Do you think...do you think he meant one of us?" Her voice was shaky as she asked.

"Why would he think he's losing either of us? What would that even mean? I wonder if Lucas or Farkle have any ideas." As she spoke, she pulled her phone out and pressed the button for speed dial number 5. After switching it to speaker, she laid the phone down on the sill and listened.

"Hey Ri. Everything okay?" She had called him that morning to wish him a happy Thanksgiving. His trip to Texas for the weekend was nice, but he missed her dearly.

"Everything's fine...kind of. You don't know anything about Remy seeing anyone, do you?"

"He's been withdrawn and mysterious and I overheard him say something tonight, so if you know anything you better speak up Heehaw." Maya's concern spilled into frustration. What does he mean, losing her? I haven't been pushing him away have I? Playing cool hasn't come off as cold, has it?

"Woah woah woah...slow down, both of you. What would give you any kind of idea that Remy is secretly seeing someone? If he is, it's not anyone he's mentioned to me. He's been distant because he's been dealing with a lot of stuff at home, that's all he's told me or any of us. Have you tried, I don't know, asking him?" The cowboy chuckled at the confusion the girl's had. Granted, Lucas had noticed that their friend had spent less and less time with the group in the past month, but whenever he was asked about it he just explained that he was doing a lot at home, helping his Mom or setting up one thing or another. Lucas had no reason to distrust him, and he knew that the first year after moving could still be hectic.

"Oh yeah, great idea Huckleberry. I'll just walk up to him and say 'hey Music Man, I was eavesdropping on your private conversation with Matthews and heard you say you think you're losing her. Who is she?' because that will go off without a hitch." Maya shook her head.

"I'm sorry Maya, but I don't have any answers for ya. What else can ya do, follow him around and hope you figure out something more? Hope that he just spills the beans? Invites us all over to his house to see what he's been working on?" Lucas face palmed as he realized he just gave the girl's ideas for a scheme. They're gonna plot some kind of scheme, and Farkle and I are gonna get dragged into it, and Remy is gonna get pissed. Oh joy...

"That's exactly what we're all gonna do. When you and Farkle get back on Monday, we're gonna get to the bottom of this." Maya said triumphantly.

"Wait a minu-." Lucas groaned into the receiver.

"Yes! We'll figure it out, for our friend!" Riley beamed and picked up the phone, switching it off of speaker. "Okay, thank you! Have a great trip. Miss you!" She hung up without waiting for his reply.

"Miss...you too." he said as he heard the call ended sound on his end. "What did I just get myself into..."

[This life gets kinda boring. Need something that I can confess.]

The girl's looked at one another and smirked. They had 3 days to figure out how they were going to discover the identity of Remy's mystery woman.

Back in Auggie's room, Cory and Remy had discussed the situation more in depth. Cory put a reassuring hand on the young man's shoulder. "It might be time to let your group in on everything Remy. As childish as it sounds, secrets don't keep friends."

Remy sighed and nodded. "Soon. I just don't want to be treated any differently for it, ya know? I spent most of sophomore year being sympathized with and I don't want that again. I want people to be genuine with me." He shook his head softly and stood up. "But you're right...I need to let people in...and I'd like to try. Will you take me back to my mother Mr. Matthews, I'd like you too meet her." Remy's doubts were put to the test, and Mr. Matthews put them to rest with a nod of his head.

"I'd be honored to." He smiled and pushed open the door. As they walked out toward the living room, the girls emerged from Riley's bedroom as well.

[Till all my sleeves are stained red, from all the truth that I've said. Come by it honestly, I swear. Thought you saw me wink? No, I've been on the brink.]

"Well, I had better get home. Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and great company." Remy said, picking up his guitar case and glancing around the room once more.

"I'm going to give him a ride home, kay? I'll be back soon." Cory said, kissing Topanga as he grabbed his coat and opened the apartment door. "After you, Mr. Bellamy."

The ride to the hospital was spent in near silence, Remy wondering exactly how this was going to go over and Cory respecting his desire to not talk at the moment.

As they pulled into the visitor parking of the hospital, Remy sighed in thought. Maybe this is for the best. Yeah...yeah.

An elevator ride later, both men were standing in the hallway of the 7th floor. Live In Medical Examination and Clinical Trials. The beeps of heart monitors, hiss of oxygen machines, and clicks of various other medical equipment rang throughout the halls, the air had a distinct smell to it that could only be described as sterile, and the incandescent lights bathed everything in an other worldly whiteness as the two men walked to the door of room 707.

The door was open and the incoherent noises could be heard coming from the TV mounted to the wall. "She's up, so it looks like she got her rest after the tests, here goes nothing I guess." He mumbled as he walked slowly into the room and peaked his head around the curtain that obscured her bedside. His mother sat with a blanket pulled up to her neck, tucked beneath her armpits so her hands could lay on top and fiddle with the TV remote. Her nails were trimmed short,filed down to rounded tips. Her brunette locks were tied in a messy bun atop her head, a few stray strands framing her face. Her skin was smooth, no signs of her age despite a lack of makeup, but a muted white in tone. Wire frames similar to what say on Remy's face covered her eyes. With a smile, she nodded at her son's peaking. "Hey there Momma. I have someone here who wanted to meet you...is that alright?"

"Oh, sweetheart, of course. I'd love to meet the new people in your life. Who is it?" She said, her voice weak but chipper.

Cory, standing with his head just above Remy's, peaked around the curtain as well. "Hiya!" Under normal circumstances, he would have been formal with a student's parent, but these were far from normal circumstances, and Remy was far from a normal student. "My name's Cory Matthews. I'm Remy's History teacher, but he's also good friends with my daughter Riley. He spent the holiday with us, and since I gave him a ride back here, he invited me to meet you," He stepped forward and took Maribeth's hand softly, giving it a shake.

"I'm so glad he did. I haven't met any of the new people he talks so much about. Remy...do you mind giving Mr. Matthews and I a minute to talk parent to teacher?" She said, smiling softly at her son.He simply nodded and walked out of the room, down the hall a ways.

"Well now, never thought I'd be having a parent teacher conference in a hospital bed." Maribeth chuckled as she looked up at Cory. "Tell me the truth Mr. Matthews, is he a good boy?"

"One of the best Mrs. Bellamy. He speaks very highly of you, respects me and his classmates, and all of his other teachers share the same sentiment. My daughter and her friends adore him. He is very insightful, and my lessons are always made better by his participation. I swear he has a song for everything though..." Cory nodded, both adults chuckling at the statement.

"I suppose I'm to blame for that. He grew up with all different kinds of music. I've got a very eclectic taste. He talks a lot about you though. Your class, your lessons. He says you don't just teach what the books say...he says you do what teachers are supposed to do, you teach about life. You give lessons that they can take with them after the school doors close and they find themselves out in the world. He says he's never had a teacher like you...he calls you a hero. I haven't heard him call anyone that since he was a little boy, talking about his pa." A tear began to roll down her cheek as she spoke. "It's a hell of a thing, hearing him so happy after so long of just hearing compromise and displeasure in his voice. I just wish that I knew if I had more time to hear that kind happiness from my boy. I don't know if time is on my side Cory. I don't know how long I'll be able to look out for my boy..." Fear and sorrow quaked through her voice until she felt a reassuring hand squeeze tightly against her own.

"You don't have to worry. I will always look out for Remy. He has a lot of people who love him, and no matter what he will be okay. He's a good man, his mother raised him right. You don't need to worry about that Maribeth" He knelt down beside her bed and wiped away a tear as he smiled. "He'll always have someone to keep him safe and sound."

[Monday, End of School Day]

As the bell rang out to dismiss everyone, Lucas and Remy walked toward the double doors at the front of school. The lesson in Trigonometry had been exceptionally boring that day, and the two were happy to be free of it. "So, you going to hang out at Topanga's today, or heading straight home like usual?" Lucas asked, expecting the answer that hadn't changed in the past month, and finding his expectations met.

"Gotta head home, still have a lot of stuff going things up and what not." Remy replied, pulling on the strap of his backpack as he looked back and smiled ts Farkle, Smackle, Riley, and Maya all began to walk up to them. "Wish I could hangout. I'm beginning to feel like everyone has something going on that I'm missing out on. How are things with you and Riley?" He questioned as he saw her smile toward the cowboy and wave.

"Honestly? Everything's going really well. You've been here for a few months and I haven't seen you with anyone though. Why is that?" Maybe if he could get some kind of answer, he could dissuade the girls from their damn scheme. He just has a lot going on at home. Why can't they believe that?

"Look at my life Lucas...I've been so busy dealing with everything at home I couldn't dedicated enough time to be a proper boyfriend to anyone. I've got my heart set on someone, but I want to make sure I can do it right if I'm going to do it at all, ya know? Hopefully I'll take someone to the dance at the end of the month though...hopefully"

That's right...the Winter Formal is coming up fast. I had better take care of that today. I remember what happened last time I didn't ask Riley to a dance...Lucas thought back to their eighth grade year and the Semi-Formal dance he had just assumed he and Riley were going to together.

The other four members of their crew walked up and joined the two young men. Riley and Lucas's hands quickly found one another, their fingers tangling together. Maya slid to the side, wedging herself between Lucas and Remy with a smile. As he looked around the ground, Mr. Matthews' words rang out in Remy's mind. Secrets don't keep friends...

"Hey there Music Man. Ranger Rick. What's going on?" Maya question. We're gonna find out who she is. Was all she thought as she looked at the young musician.

[So tell me what you want to hear. Something that will light those ears. I'm sick of all the insincere. So I'm gonna give all my secrets away.]

Well...why put off till tomorrow what I can possibly regret today? Remy thought before he spoke.

"Not much, Heartbreaker.I was just telling Lucas I needed to head out...but...you guys want to come over today? See what I call home?" He knew the answer before he asked the question. I hope you're right Mr. Matthews. I don't need to be the sympathy case I was before.

"I thought you'd never ask!" Farkle exclaimed as he raised his arms in excitement.

"I too am excited at your invitation. Thank you Remy." Smackle replied. She didn't know the young man as well as the rest of their group, but Farkle had often spoken of him like a brother of sorts, and the time she had spent with him was often enjoyable.

"Woah...okay. Sure, I'm in." Lucas was taken back by the invitation. It seemed to come out of nowhere, given the conversation they were just having.

"Absolutely! Let's go, let's go right now!" Riley said, starting down the stairs before anyone else.

"Um...you have no idea where you're going Riles…wait up!" Remy screamed, catching up to her and directing everyone on to the subway.

[This time, don't need another perfect line. Don't care if critics never jump in line.]

After a subway ride that was longer than usual, the group arrived at their destination. Following a short walk, Remy pointed to the large hospital that stood in front of them.

"Follow me." was all he uttered as he walked toward it and pressed a button for the elevator. A perplexed look was plastered across the faces of his friends, but they followed all the same. As the elevator ascended, accented by four dinging sounds, it came to a halt and the doors opened to the same floor that Remy had seen when he left at 6 AM that morning. Several room doors were opened and empty, but one at the end of the hall was closed with a small sign hanging on the handle.

"Home sweet home…" Remy mumbled as he opened the door and pushed it slowly. Flicking a switch next to the door which caused the white lighting of the ceiling bulbs to bathe room in an opaque glow. A guitar stand was positioned in the corner next to the window, a small bed pressed against the wall with a nightstand on the right side with a small, brass picture frame sitting atop it occupied the middle of the room, and a TV mounted on the far wall with a dresser beneath it covered the expansion in front of the bed. An overnight bag sat in the corner closest the door and a few small picture frames hung around the room.

"Remy...what do you mean home? This is a hospital room. How is this home? This can't be home." Riley said, stepping into the room slowly and looking around before turning back to the teenager and shaking her head.

"Yeah, you...you're joking right?" Maya couldn't believe him. How was he staying here? Why? Was...was something wrong with him? "You're...you're okay right? This can't be your home, right?" She grabbed his shoulders and looked up at him, concern in her voice and her eyes.

"Maya, let him explain." Lucas pulled her away slowly and pointed to a picture on Remy's nightstand. A black and white photo of a young woman holding a little boy in a leather vest with a toy guitar in his arms.

"Yes, I am certain that he has a valid explanation for why he is staying in a hospital. Please, go on Remy." Smackle said, examining the room as well before standing in the door frame next to Farkle.

"Well, to explain that, we'll need to take another elevator ride." Remy sighed as he walked through the doorway, passed Farkle and Isadora. "Well, you comin' or what?" He asked as he ushered everyone along. With a small 'click', the door was shut once more and Remy's feet made a small shuffling noise as he moved down the hall.

Three dings later, the metal doors slid open once more, this time to a much busier floor. The same sounds that Mr. Matthews had heard the other night filled the air, the same sterile smell invading the teen's noses. Remy stepped out first and began to move down the hall slowly, letting the others catch up. The door to room 7 was cracked open, and he could see the strobing of the TV screen flashing softly. He put up a hand, telling the group to hold back as he walked into the room and shut the door behind him. "Bonjour mére. I brought some new visitors today, if you're decent." He said, poking his head through the small opening of the door.

"Of course I'm decent enough to meet your visitors. Come in son." She said, reaching over and moving the curtain out of the way to reveal her hospital bed. The same blanket as before was pulled up to underarms again. Her hair was down today, wavy and sitting over her shoulders. Her skin was still the same subdued white tone.

Remy turned back to his friends and sighed as he began his explanation. "Well, you asked why I'm staying here. To ease your woes, I'm fine...for the most part anyway." He opened the door and ushered them all into the room.

"Mom, these are my friends I have told you about. Lucas Friar, Farkle Minkus, Isadora Smackle, Mr. Matthews' daughter Riley Matthews, and Maya Hart. Guys...this is my mother, Maribeth Bellamy." He said as everyone filed into the room. "We moved here in August because this hospital has a clinical trial for treatment for a heart defect that she suffers from. They're the best in the nation, and the only place that this trial is taking place. I called the fourth floor my home because that is where I stay...it's a floor dedicated for live in family members of patients that are in treatment. The picture you pointed out, Lucas, is of her and I on my 5th birthday." Remy explained, finally opening up completely to everyone.

[I'm gonna give all my secrets away]

"Hello everyone. Remy's told me so much about you all. Lucas, the all star cowboy with a heart of gold. He says that you are the one who keeps this group on the straight and narrow. The moral compass that points north. It's important to always stay true to that. The world becomes more and more amoral as you get older, but if you stay that way, you can always guide people back to center. Remy says that he is lucky to have you in his life, and I couldn't agree more." She smiled as she took his hand. Lucas was visibly shaken by the everything. He had no idea what Remy was dealing with when he said he had things going on at home. Hearing what his friend had told his mother about him caused a small smile to spread across his face.

"I appreciate you saying that ma'am." He said, holding her hand a little tighter. "Your son is a good man, I'm lucky to call him a friend." He stepped back toward the wall and looked about, realizing that Remy was nowhere to be found.

"Farkle Minkus, boy genius. Remy says he's sure you're going to rule the world some day, but he also says that he hopes you discover the meaning of life. From everything he's told me about you, I think you will...but you have to know that you'll never find that in a test tube or beaker. It's not hidden away in the pages of a textbook. This right here...these people, your friends...they're where you'll learn that." She smiled as she motioned toward the small group of teens that stood at her bedside as she spoke. Farkle nodded and held her hand the same way Lucas has.

"I'll make sure to remember that Mrs. Bellamy. So, when I do rule the world, do you want to govern France or Denmark?" They shared a chuckle before he stepped back slowly.

He softly pushed Smackle forward when Maribeth motioned for her to come forward.

"Isadora Smackle... Remy says you are very unique...don't ever let the world try and change that about you. People are supposed to be like songs, different and unique. When everyone is the same, you lose the soundtrack to life. Continue being a beautiful, unique melody. Help him discover the meaning of life by being the background music to all his best moments." She smiled and held her arms open, offering a hug to the young woman. Over the years, Smackle still hadn't quite gotten to the point of being a 'hugger' like Riley...but she leaned into the older woman's arms and accepted the embrace, tears welling up in her eyes after what Maribeth had said..

"N...no one has ever said anything like that before. Thank you Mrs. Bellamy…" Isadora muttered as she wiped away her tears and stepped back to Farkle's side. The young man took her hand and smiled at her softly. Maribeth wasn't wrong...Isadora was the most amazing and unique girl he had ever met.

"Riley Matthews, the fairy princess who never gives up and sees the good in everyone. I met your father a few nights ago. He spoke the world of you, the same way my son does. Thank you for always bringing a light to life of those around you. You're like a sister to my boy, so please look out for him like family. I know he will do the same for you, but I also know he can brash and stubborn and do things without thinking when it comes to the people he cares about." She pulled the young woman into a hug and smiled. "Your father is very proud of you, and from everything I've been told, I can see why."

"Thank you Mrs. Bellamy...and Remy is like family. I promise, we will all look out for him." The optimist of the group stepped back and stood next to Lucas, holding his hand, whispering softly to him. "Where's Remy?" Her question was answered with a soft shrug and a squeeze of her hand.

"And you...Maya Hart. The blonde haired heartbreaking rebel who will change the world with her smile, a paint brush, and heart full of dreams that he'll follow through sun or rain. Remy has told me so much about you, your art, but most importantly your spirit. No offense to everyone else, but I think you have made his transition to his city and school and new life in general the easiest. He says you're often too hard on yourself though...you shouldn't be. Remember, people will believe in you as long as you believe in yourself. It's a curse of all artist that you will be your worst critic...break that curse." She pulled her into a hug as well, whispering softly to her. "Always paint the picture you see in your heart, the same way he plays the songs he feels there. That's the secret."

She let the young woman go and smiled at the group the stood in front of her. So these are his council. The Avengers. The Justice League of Thomas Jefferson High. He always knew how to pick the people that reminded me of him. Friends that have the best aspects of him.

Fiercely loyal Her eyes scanned the group.

A solid moral core She looked at Lucas

Unique and proud She smiled at Farkle and Smackle

Optimistic and driven nodded at Riley

and that certain...je n'en sais quoi. Her eyes rested on Maya.

"So, whatchu think Ma? Do they live up to everything I've said about them?" Remy said, standing in the doorway and looking over at his mother. "Or did I exaggerate a bit?"

"No son...I think you underestimate them actually. They are amazing young people, just like you. I'm glad you finally brought them around. I'm happy to have met them." She yawned. "But I am pretty tired son. Why don't you show them out? I'm going to get some rest. I'll see you tonight." She smiled as she called him over and hugged him. "Don't be afraid to tell people how you feel son, and being open doesn't always mean you'll get hurt. Don't let new friends suffer for what old acquaintances did. Secrets don't keep you safe, they keep you distant." She whispered as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Okay Momma...you get some rest. I'll be back later. Love you." He tightened his embrace before pulling away and ushering everyone out. They were silent as they walked to the elevator and rode to the ground level.

Remy walked them to the subway station, smiling as they all talked amongst themselves. I guess I had nothing to fear. I let my past jade me. Mr. Matthews was right, as usual. When they arrived at the platform, everyone took their turns hugging Remy.

"Thank you for letting us know about this Remy. I'm sorry we thought you were ever just pushing us away. Your mother is a great woman." Riley said, hugging him the same way she did on Thanksgiving.

"Yeah, she's very sweet, and I'm glad you let us meet her. If you need anything, you know to just ask, right?" Lucas said, pulling him into a one armed hug and patting his back firmly.

"I know cowboy, I know." He said, reciprocating with a hard pat all his own.

"So, honestly though, do you think she'd prefer Denmark or France? Maybe both? Both sounds good." Farkle said as he hugged Remy the same way Lucas did, both letting out a hearty laugh.

"I can see now where you get your demeanor and wisdom from Remigius. I'm glad that you introduced me to your mother." Isadora said, gently and quickly hugging the young man. It was still a foreign concept to her, but she was getting better. People are supposed to be like songs, different and unique.

Unlike the rest of the group, Maya stayed silent. She hugged Remy as the subway car pulled up, and she quickly boarded once the doors opened. What was that all about...Remy thought to himself, deciding to hop on the subway and try to talk to Maya about what was going on. His mother would be asleep for awhile, so it's not like he would be missing much.

Despite sitting next to her the whole ride, Remy and Maya hadn't spoken a word to one another. After each member of the group got off at their own stops, the train finally arrived at the exit before Maya's apartment. Remy stayed seated as she stood, hoping to get a response from her. One word was all he got as she ushered him forward and said "Follow."

One mile and one extremely awkward silence later, the two teens arrived outside the Hart apartment. "Look, Maya, I don't know why we're not talking bu-" "How could you not just tell me?! You're living in a hospital room, your mother is a clinical trial patient with a heart defect, I overheard you and Matthews talking so I know you're afraid you're losing her, and you couldn't just tell me?! Do you realize how worried I was that you meant me? Do you realize how afraid I was that I did something to make you think I was pushing you away? Goddamn it Remy, do you realize that you didn't have to go through this thing all alone?" Maya said, tears streaming down her cheeks as she beat on his chest and looked up at him. "Do you realize that you never have to keep a secret from us...from me?"

He grabbed her wrists and wired his fingers up into her palms, pushing her fists open and weaving his fingers between her's. "I do now. I'm sorry Maya. I've been distant, and without explaining why I guess conclusions could be jumped to. You overhearing what I told Mr. Matthews didn't make things any easier. I never should have let you think this was about you. There are days, like the one you just witnessed, where I feel like maybe Mom will be fine...but more often than not, I feel like the trial is going to end in failure. I spent a year before this being the kid who everyone walked on eggshells around, the sympathy case, having a pity party that I never asked for. I didn't want that here. I don't want that here. I don't need sympathy, or pity, or whatever else people feel they are supposed to give to a kid who doesn't know when his last day with his Mom could be. I just want to live. I want to have real friends." He looked into her eyes

"Well, you can live, and you do have real friends. You have Riley and Lucas, and Farkle and Smackle...and you have me. Our friendship was never out of pity, or sympathy, or anything but appreciation. The day you showed us the Kickstart program you showed us just the kind of person you are. You showed me the kind of person I was letting into a circle that hadn't changed since the seventh grade. We accepted you because you're not just some new kid...you're one of us. You'll always have me, Music Man." She hugged him tight, her arms around his waist and her head buried in his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, and she smiled.

"I know, Heartbreaker...I realize that now. That's why I need to do something. Do you mind if we go inside?" He said, his arms draped over her shoulders in the embrace. As much as he wished this never had to end, he had to take his Momma's advice on this one, and to do that he needed to see Katy Hart.

"Um...sure." Maya said, confused as to what he meant by his statement.

Across town, Lucas and Riley stood in front of the door to the Matthews apartment. They laughed over a silly joke Riley had said a minute ago, their fingers still intertwined as they held hands. Lucas slowly stopped his laughter so he could speak.

"So, Riley...the Winter Formal is coming up at the end of this month…" He said, looking her in the eyes and smiling.

"Yes...yes it is…" She answered softly, matching his smile. "I mean, I wasn't planning on going or anything, but…"

"Oh, me either, I mean...unless…"

"Yes"

"You want"

"Yes yes"

"to go with"

"What about yes are you not getting?" She had a flashback to the day that Farkle has been declared a genius in eighth grade and Lucas proposed Farkle's behalf and suddenly hoped the next word wasn't anything but 'me'.

"me?" Lucas said, noticing that their faces had moved closer with each fraction of the sentence he said. He listened closely for her answer, hearing a small whisper. "Absolutely". Her answer was sealed as she pushed her lips against his softly and pulled away. Not a force in the universe could rip the smiles from their faces. I'm gonna need to get a suit...

[This time, don't need another perfect line. Don't care if critics never jump in line. I'm gonna give all my secrets away.]

Maya looked from Remy to the door, then back, and nodded slowly. She took her key out of her pocket and unlocked the small, gold colored handle of the deep blue painted door. With a soft push, the hinges creaked open to reveal the living room of Maya's home. The apartment was smaller than the Matthews', but still had a homey feel. There was a small, brown leather couch positioned in front of a TV on an entertainment center lined with various blu ray cases. The kitchen was separated from everything by a high breakfast bar with three bar stools lined in front of it. A small table sat in the dining room with four redwood chairs around it. The fridge had a calendar on the front with various dates for auditions and such written down. "Well...this is it." Maya said as she stepped into the small living space. She looked at Remy, hoping for some sign of approval or acceptance or disgust. He merely smiled and nodded at her statement.

"Mom, I'm home! Remy's here too!" She hollered as she set down her backpack next to the door.

From the hallway, the gentle tapping of feet could be heard as Katy Hart walked into the living room and hugged her daughter. "Hey there baby girl. Remy, it's a pleasure to see you. Please forgive the mess, I wasn't expecting guests." She began tidying up the disheveled magazines on the living room table until she felt Remy's hand rest on top of her's.

"It's fine Miss Hart. I actually prefer a bit of mess. It makes a place look lived in, like an actual home." He smiled at her softly. "Besides, I'm not going to be here long. I just needed to stop by to do this properly." He spoke softly and cleared his throat as he stood up straight, looking from Katy to Maya and back again.

"Do what properly?" Both women questioned quickly. Katy wore a nervous smile, and Maya began to chew her lower lip, a habit reminiscent of what Lucas used to do whenever he was around Riley. Damn it Huckleberry She thought to herself as she had to make a conscience effort to stop.

"Well, Miss Hart...I know that Maya means the world to you. She's pretty special to me as well...and that's why I would like your blessing to take her to the Winter Formal next month." His intents declared, he looked between the two women, the slight shake in his knees showing his nerves. "Where I come from, it'd be in poor taste to have asked her without speaking to you first, so here I am." He said, bowing softly and being caught midbow in a hug by the woman.

"That is the sweetest thing ever! Remy, you absolutely have my blessing. The choice is Maya's, but I approve one hundred percent." She said as she spun him around to look at her daughter.

"Well then...Maya. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Winter Wonderland Formal on December 18th?" He said, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous fashion. Please say yes…

I never thought you'd ask...She thought as she chuckled and walked up, hugging both the young man and her mother. "I love you Mom, thank you. Yes, Music Man, I'll go with you. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

End Chapter 5 Author Note: And there you have it folks, the cat is out of the bag and the dance is upon us! I'm sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out to you. I had some things come up that put off my usual writing days. I'll hopefully have Chapter 6 out sooner. I hope you all enjoyed, and I'll see you all at the Winter Formal, that is, if you'll accompany me.