Chapter 2
"How's the routine coming?" Questioned Maya. "I'm surprised you aren't practicing now."
"Apparently Hillary thinks I need at least one off day. Which, I don't know maybe she's right. There's a small section that is seriously frustrating and I don't know what the hell i'm doing wrong. I can do an illusion and 10 aleseconde turn but I can't do them back to back. I mean I can, it just looks sloppy. Ugh, hashtag frustration." The blonde chuckled.
"Well, right now you're laying out by the pool and relaxing so try not to stress. You're definitely in the moment kind of person, you'll nail it." Her blue eyes cruised the backyard and glanced towards the back door. "Where are your parents?"
"Um, my mom is with Auggie and i'll join her later. My dad is doing something with Josh, I don't know I zoned him out when he was talking." She giggled, her eyes glanced towards Maya throwing her phone down. "What's wrong peaches?"
"Freaking Aiden, I don't even exist anymore." Riley's nose scrunched.
"Forget about him, there are much better people out here than Aiden." JOSH, she thought! "You deserve better, and some people realize that." Maya laughed lightly.
"We've been together for so long."
"If that's the only thing holding you together than that should be an obvious reason to end it."
"Riles, not everyone is a heart breaker like you." Her brown eyes rolled.
"Drink?" Riley sauntered inside to the kitchen, when the door flew open and she saw Josh struggling to carry bags. "Josh, seriously?" She hurried towards him and grabbed a few bags from him.
"I'd rather break my fingers than make a second trip." He joked.
"I feel like that is extremely dramatic." She placed the bags onto the countertop and helped Josh unload the bags. "What is all of this? Why are there so many buns and burgers?"
"Because," Riley closed her eyes at the sound of his voice. "The football team is having a barbecue today. Didn't you know?" Cory stormed through the door, and Riley still had her back towards the door.
"She did, I told her." The brunette spun around to face Lucas and her father.
"You probably did, but that doesn't mean I listened." She went to move off the step and fell face first into the hardwood.
"RILEY! Are you okay? Oh my God!" Lucas dropped the bags and started laughing.
"She's fine." Cory reassured. "Come on, walk it off sweetheart." The brown eyed girl jumped up and adjusted her swimsuit, crossing her arms to cover her well toned body.
"What time is this barbecue?" Riley questioned.
"in 2 hours." Josh stammered, seeing Maya sitting by the pool.
"I'll be gone, don't worry." The brown eyed girl tore her eyes away from Lucas, who couldn't stop glancing at her. "Dad, have you heard from Mom?"
"No, sweetheart I haven't. I'm going up there tonight."
"I'm going up there within the next hour." Lucas moved his gorgeous eyes from left to right watching the exchange, and completely confused.
"Excuse me, we have a guest." Josh pointed out.
"MAYA!" The blonde heard her best friends squeal from outside and came trudging through the door.
"Yes love bug?" Josh smiled at his crush, hoping to catch her attention.
"Wanna go with me?"
Maya's dimples exposed themselves. "Of course. Let's get cleaned up."
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"Josh, do you mind me asking what's going on?" Lucas was helping season burgers while Cory was starting the grill outside.
"With what?" He glanced towards the hallway that Riley disappeared to earlier.
"Where are they going?" Josh sighed heavily and stopped what he was doing.
"Um, my nephew Auggie, her brother has Cystic Fibrosis. I don't fully understand all the aspects of it no matter how much I read on it. He's in the hospital waiting for a set of lungs. His lung functions are down to 30 percent and slowly dropping. More than slowly." The emerald eyed man dropped his head.
"I'm sorry man."
"You know what's freaking ridiculous?" Lucas turned around to face his clearly flustered friend. "They can't even get on a list for a lung transplant until their functions are down to 30, and most of the time they don't live long enough to get the lungs."
"Josh, i'm sorry. I didn't know." He shook his dark hair.
"Don't worry about it. There's no way you could've known." Luke stared down the hallway again, wanting to go hug Riley. "Riley's probably taking it the hardest. They were really close, still are, she goes daily." There was an awkward silence while they continued their work.
"Josh, we're out of here." Maya and Riley were holding hands, and her brown hair naturally flew into curls. "How long do you think we'll need to stay away?"
"You can come back whenever, I don't know that you'd want to since it's the football team but up to you." Riley took a few steps forward.
"Lucas said they didn't hate me." The green eyed man chuckled lightly, trying not to stare.
"They don't, but I don't think Lucas, your father and I can fight off an entire football team from you and Maya." The brunette leaned over the counter and kissed Josh's cheek.
"No fighting. Please and thank you. Later Luke."
"Bye Riley." His voice sounded like he was in a dream. As soon as the door slammed shut, Josh slapped his friend's face. "What the hell man?"
"Don't do it man. You're taken and she's- Just no! You are looking like half the football team. I don't understand how she has this affect over men." The dark haired man washed his hands.
"I don't have to be taken." Josh rolled his eyes. "She's just chill, I think it's the sweatpants." Both the guys laughed.
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"Hey mom." Riley slowly opened the door just in case Auggie was sleeping and to her surprise he wasn't. "Hey bubba." Her arms draped over him, making sure he didn't put any weight on him. "How you feeling today?"
Auggie inhaled deeply, which didn't really mean anything for him. "Good."
"He just finished a breathing treatment so, he's fixing to take a nap." Topanga pointed out. "Right Aug?" He moved his curly hair from left to right and smiled. "Yes, my baby boy. You are." Her mother took a few steps and hugged Maya. "Hey, do you mind waiting here while Riley walks me to the nurse's desk?"
"Not at all." Topanga clutched her daughter's arm and pulled her out into the hallway.
"What's going on mom?"
"It's going to take about a month for him to get a lung." Riley's eyes immediately turned red, clenching her jaw to hold her breath.
"He may not have a month mom, why? What's taking so long?"
"I don't know honey, I just, I need a hug." The brown eyed girl wrapped her long arms around her mother and they both quietly sobbed. "Just, keep praying for him please. That's all we can do."
The brunette let a few tears fall down her cheek and just as fast as they fell she hurriedly wiped them dry, when her father wasn't here she had to be the strong one. "He's gonna be okay. Okay?" She almost felt like she was trying to convince herself. "Nothing is taking him away from us."
"Riles, i'm sorry to bother you but Auggie is falling asleep and wants to show you what he drew." She smiled and sauntered back into the room, leaving her mom in the hallway to compose herself.
"What up little bro?" Riley laid beside him on the bed and almost cried when he passed her the drawing.
"You're dancing." He whispered. "You won nationals." She always loved his drawings, it was a good way for him to pass the time laying in bed all the time.
"I love it." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "And, I love you. Now get some sleep bubba." Her lips touched his forehead and she rose from the bed to help him get comfortable. Maya closed the blinds and her brown eyes ran across the room. There were pictures of him and Riley everywhere per his request, and little knick knacks that he loved. Riley even brought the PS4 up one day so they could play video games together. "Come on." She mouthed to her best friend and they tip toed into the hallway.
"We're gonna head out mom, call me if he wakes up soon and i'll come back." Maya took a few steps away, as she always did, the brunette always had to give her mother pep talks. "Be strong mom, he needs you." She kissed her mothers cheek and turned away.
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Hey honey, how's Aug?
Um, tired. He's sleeping right now but the doctor told me today that it'll be around another month for him to get-
Seriously? Is there anything we can do? Can we bribe them?
Of course not. Riley's on her way back, I don't think she could tolerate it.
This is so ridiculous!
Josh heard his brother shouting and hastily left the pool to see what was happening. Lucas saw the look of worry written across his friends face and followed.
Honey please calm down.
I'll be up there soon and talk to the doctor.
It won't do any good, but Aug would love to see you. I love you.
I love you too.
"What's wrong?" Cory glanced up at Josh's green eyed friend. "He knows. What's wrong?"
"They told the girls that it could be another month for Auggie to get lungs." Lucas automatically thought of Riley. "Riley's on her way back. I'm assuming she wants-"
"To dance." Josh mumbled while scratching his head. "She's gonna shut down again bro, you know that right?" Cory's eyes were red.
"I already have one child to worry about, who's life is at stake. I can't worry about her right now." He sniffled. "That may be awful to say but I have to keep my focus on him, keep an eye on Riley for me, please." Cory's hand landed on Josh's muscular shoulder as he walked away.
"What does that mean? Shut down?" Lucas furrowed his brows, awaiting answers.
"She shuts down, won't talk to anyone. The only thing she does is dance and, or cry. I literally had to pull her out of the garage when he was admitted a few weeks ago."
"The garage?" Questioned Lucas.
"For Christmas one year they turned the garage into a dance room." The green eyed man shook his head, stating he understood. "Anyways, 2 days of constant dancing and she wouldn't talk to anyone but Auggie on the phone." The dark haired man moved his eyes to look at his friend. "Come on." They left the party and Josh took him to the garage, not expecting Riley anytime soon.
"Wow." There were flood lights, and mirrors all over the wall, speakers, and a bar, not to mention the hardwood.
"Yeah, I don't even dance and I like this place." He chuckled. "This, is Auggie's art wall. Once a week at least he will give Riley a drawing that depicts her winning a medal or them together and she hangs it up here for inspiration." Lucas' heart hurt for her, he was getting lost in the millions of drawings when the door flung open.
"Hi." Riley's hair was already in a messy bun. "What are you two doing in here?" She slid off her sweat pants and tanktop. "People don't come in here."
"He wanted to see your room. Sorry." She shook her head and flipped on the stereo, clearly she had no care in the world, only one thing on her mind besides Auggie. Dance.
Wake up and smile.
Cause it's been awhile.
It's been like a whole day since I stopped so you can hold me.
The brown eyed girl stretched in a hurry. "No need to apologize, I wasn't here no big deal."
Lucas smiled, hoping to lighten her mood. "Can we reschedule that coffee?"
"Not today. I'm sorry." Josh glanced back and forth noticing an attraction, though extremely small on her end.
This child awaits, strong in the faith. Lord you are the refuge that I can't wait to get to.
Cause I can't let a day go, can't let a day go by.
Without thanking you for the joy that you bring to my life.
Her uncle cleared his throat. "You should do it today. This is the only off day you're going to have till next week." Riley stood up and rotated her arms.
"My point."
"Lucas, she'd love to." Her long arms flew up in the air. "He'll come get you after the barbecue." The brunette wasn't even listening, she just finished doing a quad and her eyes were closed, while she swayed to the music. Lucas watched her with awe, she moved so flawlessly.
"Fine." She opened her eyes, revealing the redness. "Can you two please go? Josh, Maya is looking for you." Her uncle scurried upstairs, leaving his friend with her.
"Are you okay?" He knew the answer already.
"What'd he tell you?" Riley's long leg was by her head as she spun.
"Everything." His green eyes were persuasive and she immediately turned away from him.
"Then no, i'm not. Can you please go? I'll see you later." She heard footsteps, assuming he was headed towards the door but, instead felt his strong arms wrap around her. Her chest expanded, breathing heavily from the tears she was desperately wanting to release.
"I'll see you later."
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"Hey Maya, Riles said you were looking for me." Josh was out of breath, running around the house trying to find her. He should've known she'd be in Riley's room.
"Yeah, i'm needing to hang this picture but i'm like a foot tall. You mind?" The blonde passed him the picture and he chuckled. "I just, Riley had to get to the studio and I didn't want to keep her."
"No I get it." There was a long silence as he stared at Auggie's sketch. "He doesn't deserve this." Maya wiped a tear away from his cheek and they locked eyes.
"No, he doesn't. On the way over here, Riley was saying how she wanted to switch places."
"That wouldn't do anyone any good. We'd all still be in the same predicament." He shook his head and sniffled. "Where do you want it?" Maya pointed out one of the few empty spots left on her wall.
Hey.
Hey Aiden.
Josh tried not to look defeated. So, I can't come into town this upcoming weekend.
What's the reason now? I haven't seen you in almost 2 months.
College is just crazy busy.
So the parties and girls are keeping you pretty preoccupied.
It isn't like that.
Bye Aiden.
Maya let out a huff and threw her phone across the room, everyone was pretty surprised her phone wasn't broken. "You okay?"
"Why are guys so stupid?'
Josh chuckled. "Aiden is stupid." He moved a strand of hair out of her face. "If I was with you, you couldn't get me away." Her blue eyes smiled when her body tingled. "Know your worth Maya." She didn't say anything but watched him move for the door. "And, if you're ever questioning it, give me a call." The blonde saw him in a different light and smirked shyly trying to hide her butterflies.
"Thank you."
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Lucas put his ear up against the door to listen.
I've been a walking heart ache, i've made a mess of me.
The person that i've been lately, ain't who I wanna be.
But, you stay here right beside me and watch as the storm blows through.
And, I need you.
God gave me you, for the ups and downs.
God gave me you, for the days of doubt.
And for when I think i've lost my way.
There are no words here left to say.
It's true, God gave me you.
"That's her and Augs song." Maya mumbled.
"Isn't this a love song?" The blonde fought back the tears.
"It is, but Riley believes Auggie is her angel."
On my own i'm only.
Half of what I could be, I can't do without you.
We are stitched together, in what love has tailored.
I pray we never undo.
"Riley believes that Auggie is her other half. I recommend you just open the door, she'll notice you eventually." He did as instructed and slowly crept inside her room. Her eyes were closed and she'd clearly been crying, but she lept in the air and as soon as her feet hit the floor she broke down in tears.
"Riley?" Her hand moved to her chest out of fright and she grinned as Lucas put his arms out, offering a hug.
"I'm a little better now, thank you." He dropped his arms slowly, still holding a smile. The brunette moved towards her clothes.
"I would imagine 3 hours of dancing will do that to you. You're really great, from what I saw."
"I'm okay, thank you though for the compliment." The brown eyed girl locked eyes with Lucas and felt her heart beat faster. "You ready?"
"Absolutely. Since you ditched me last time." She giggled and immediately defended herself.
"I did not ditch you, I told Josh to call you. I had to practice, part of my dance is a little tricky and I need to nail it." They were in the living room and a few of his football friends were still hanging out.
"Hey Riley!"
"Hey Charlie." Lucas didn't know what it was, but there was definitely something going on between them. "How've you been?"
"Pretty great."
"So, you've been getting high plenty then?" Her eyes never left Charlie's, but he was clearly insulted.
"Still got that biting wit."
"Wasn't that what attracted you to me in the first place?" He chuckled lightly.
"Attracts. Present tense." Her eyes rolled and she quickly exited her home, forgetting that she was supposed to be going with a new found friend. "Good luck man."
"We're just friends." He assured and ran out the door.
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"You have to tell me what that was about." He stood in line and watched Riley walk behind the bar. "I don't think you're supposed to do that."
"Relax, this is my mom's place. Topanga's, my mom is one of the few people in this world named Topanga." The brunette grabbed 2 huge cups and filled them with coffee.
"That's pretty cool. But, you're avoiding the question." She set the hot cups down and plopped down in the chair. "Did you and Charlie-"
"Date? Unfortunately." The brown eyed girl grabbed several packets of sugar and poured them into the mug. "I found out he was getting high all the time and I broke it off. I don't really care if people decide to smoke, but I don't want that in my life."
"But, he's kind of a-"
"Tool, yeah I know." He laughed at her finishing his sentences. "That was right when Auggie went downhill last year and I think I just wanted some comfort." His eyes widened. "Not like that. Though that's what he led people to believe."
"Prick."
"No kidding, but I originally thought this whole coffee thing was supposed to be about you." She mumbled.
"Why'd you think that?"
"Cause I pointed out your indecisivness." He laughed. "Sorry, i'm pretty forward."
"I like it, more people should be." He gazed into her eyes in silence, until she cleared her throat.
"So, what are you worried about?" She poured another sugar packet into her coffee.
"My girlfriend." The brunette slowly nodded her head, indicating she was listening. "I've talked to her a total of 2 times since I moved down here. A little over a month ago, I mean we randomly text-"
"I hate texting in relationships. Things get taken out of context, the emotion you're wanting to exude can be interpreted completely different." Riley expressed.
"RIGHT!" He exclaimed. "Thank you, but that's all she wants to do. We've been together for almost 2 years and i'm just, I don't know. This is weird." He laughed.
"We're friends, this isn't weird." The green eyed man cringed at the word friend. "What's keeping you together, because clearly it isn't your feelings for her?" Blow after blow, Charlie was wrong, it isn't biting wit. It's just blunt outright honesty.
"My parents won't ever admit it, but i'm pretty sure it's purely a business move. Her ranch is right next to ours in Texas. More land, more cattle-"
"More money." She interrupted.
"Yeah." He grinned. "We moved here for my mom's job and my dad's gone half the time to tend to the ranch. I just think Lindsey and I are together because we have to be. Everytime we'd argue our parents would force us to talk and forgive one another, even when we weren't ready." She nodded her head.
"Well, coming from someone who understands the value of time, don't waste it doing something you hate. You never know when it can be taken away from you." Lucas swallowed heavily and placed his hand on top of hers, and was shocked she didn't immediately move it.
"I'm really sorry Riles, if there's anything I can do." She smiled. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, I get out my emotions through dance. Thank you though, you aren't a complete ass like most of the team." He chuckled.
"Well, i'm a phone call away." Lucas pointed out.
"No you aren't." At first he was insulted, then realized what she meant.
"Well, give me your number." His stomach had butterflies in it, finally getting her number. He was thinking finally, but it had only been 2 days since he knew her.
"Friends?" He shook his head and she entered her phone number, just as her's started to ring.
Hey bubba.
Hi.
So, I got to thinking. I need to bring our PS4 back up to the hospital and kick your butt in COD. Does that sound good?
Yeah. Today?
Probably not today. How about on Saturday after my practice, i'll head straight there?
Okay. Can you come back up here?
Of course I can. I'll be there soon.
"Do you mind taking me to the hospital?" Even if he was going to say no, he would be completely persuaded by her eyes.
"Sure. Let's go."
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The ride was pretty silent, which he figured is how she liked it. She was a pretty private person. "Thank you for taking me, I really appreciate it." Riley released a smile.
"No problem. Do you need a ride home?" He bit his lip, hoping she'd say yes. The green eyed man didn't know why he was wanting to spend so much time with her.
"I'll probably be up here for awhile, I can just ride back with my mom." He tucked his lips in and nodded his beautiful head. "Do you want to meet him?"
"Really?"
"Yeah, Auggie is incredible. I hope as many people as possible get to."
"I'd love to meet him."
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