Chapter 3
"Hey, are you sure you want me to meet him?" Riley looked at him quizzically. "I mean, I don't think you know if you like me yet." He chuckled lightly. "I just don't want to overstep my boundaries, if this is family time." Her beautiful eyes glanced around the elevator.
"I like you Lucas."
"You do?" His smile, forced one out of Riley.
"Yeah, you aren't a complete jerk." She mumbled.
"What prevents me from just not being a jerk at all?" She giggled, and saw they were almost to his floor.
"Probably the fact you're still flirting with me when you have Lindsey." His eyelids fluttered. "Even if I was interested in dating someone, it doesn't look good you being with someone else and openly flirting."
The elevator dinged and the steel doors slowly opened. "I'm sorry, I don't want you to think i'm a cheater." He moved for her arm. "Riley."
The brown eyed girl glanced at him with a smile. "Yes?"
"I don't want you to think bad of me. At all. Especially because i'd like to ask you on a date once i'm single." She giggled.
"That's flattering, but i'm not dating." The brunette opened the hospital door, to avoid the look of disappointment on his face. "Hey bubba." Lucas stepped in the room, completely unaware of what to expect. At the moment he had a vest on that was shaking his chest and a breathing tube in, Auggie looked completely worn out. Riley laid in bed next to him and poked his nose.
"Who's that?" He questioned.
"That's my friend Lucas. He drove me up here and he wanted to meet you. Lucas, this is my little brother Auggie." Lucas grinned.
"What up little man?"
"Hi." He released a light grin with his whisper.
"Aug, Lucas is quarterback on the football team and good friends with Uncle Josh." Lucas pulled the chair up to his bedside.
"Whenever you get out of here, you can hang out on the sideline with me. How does that sound?" Riley's brother tried to raise himself up, clearly elated about the idea. "Easy bud." The brunette was seeing a different side of the quarterback. When he comforted her before she felt it was purely flirting, now it seems like he genuinely cared, and she liked it.
Topanga and Cory left them alone to go eat. Lucas and Auggie basically excluded Riley from the conversation that lasted over 2 hours and was only disrupted when the nurse walked in. "I'm sorry Riley, but he needs to get some rest."
"Thanks Molly, I understand." Lucas loved that she knew every nurse by name and she turned her attention to her little brother. "I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow? After practice, swear." She kissed his head and Lucas helped her out of bed.
Auggie coughed and inhaled. "You too?" Glancing at the green eyed man. The brown eyed girl didn't object as she slipped her shoes back on.
"Sure, i'll come up after my practice." Riley smiled.
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"Your brother is great." He buckled his seatbelt and grinned. "He's so funny, and nice."
"Thank you, he's perfect." She loved it when people bragged on her little brother.
He bit his lip, afraid to ask. "You hungry?" Riley rolled her head on the headrest and smirked. "Fine." The quarterback chuckled.
"We have school tomorrow anyways, I have to get there early for practice." He was only a few minutes away from her house.
"Why? I thought you practiced during the evening?" She shook her head.
"I do both, morning and evening. I try not to practice at home, I don't focus properly."
"You're extremely commited." He put his truck into park and gazed at her beauty.
"You say that like it's a bad thing." She pointed out.
"I know you're favorite to win nationals but, what drives you to work so hard?"
Her eyes glared and she unbuckled her seatbelt. "I'll see you later. Have a nice night." She slid out of his truck and just in time. His phone rang and Lindsey's face popped up on the screen.
Hey Lindsey.
Hey baby, how are you? Lucas watched Riley close the door.
I'm great, you?
Good, just missing you. So, guess what?
What?
My parents are flying me up there next weekend.
You're coming to New York?
Yeah, aren't you excited.
Very. I'm driving home from a friends house, so i'll call you when I get there.
Okay baby. Be safe. Love you.
Lucas hung up the phone and was distracted seeing a light flip on in her house. He only assumed it was her bedroom, and he was right, he saw her close the curtains and took note of how gorgeous she was.
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AIDEN! There's a reason you aren't coming to see me.
You're being possesive.
I'm being possesive? You've been gone for 2 months, and this is the first time we've fought about you not coming home. I know my worth Aiden and you aren't treating me the way I deserve.
Oh Maya, don't overestimate your-
Maya hung up the phone and burst into tears. She immediately dialed her phone again.
Hello?
Josh, it's me.
Maya, are you okay? What's wrong?
Can I take you up on your offer from earlier?
Sure, can I come over? Maya was a little hesitant, her mom was out of town with Shawn but she'd never truly been alone with Josh.
Yeah, you can.
I'll be there in 10 minutes.
Maya glanced at herself in the mirror and for whatever reason felt the need to clean herself up. She threw her hair into a messy bun and cleaned off her running makeup. The blonde ran into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. "Perfect timing." The blue eyed girl hustled to the door and smiled when she saw Josh.
"I brought some Twix. You're favorite." Her arms wrapped around Josh's neck and he instantly returned the embrace. She broke her hold on him to sit on the leather couch, patting the cushion next to her for Josh to join. "Are you okay?"
"He told me not to overestimate my worth."
"He deserves a good ass kicking." Maya's legs landed in his lap. "You don't need to be with him Maya. You know that." His brown eyes were caught in a trance with her blue ones. "You're incredibly beautiful, and smart, and funny. There's no way you could ever be overestimated."
"You're really sweet." She smiled and leaned up to give him a hug. "How're you single?" He wanted to say a few things but stayed silent. "You're super adorable." She let go of him and leaned back but only just.
"You wanna know why i'm single?" Their lips were only an inch away from one another. "You." Maya still hadn't said anything, her mind was focusing on not kissing him, it was just a ghost of a kiss, antagonizing both of them. "Maya, please kiss me. I know you're still dating Aiden but, i've had feelings for you for as long as I can remember just-" Maya's lips crashed onto his, Josh's hand was on her cheek and she had a hard time stopping herself. They continued to kiss, to the point where she was sitting on top of his lap.
"Wait." Josh slowly pulled away.
"What?"
"Maya, we can't do this while you're with Aiden. I hate that guy but, I want all of you." The blonde swung her leg, getting off of him.
"I'm sorry." She mumbled.
"No, please don't apologize. I loved kissing you, I love kissing you but, that would put you in an awful position. I could live with it, but I don't want you to feel any guilt." He was fighting every instinct to not kiss her again.
"You're a really great guy." The blue eyed girl laid her head on her knee. "I don't want you to think i'm just using you because i'm upset."
"You aren't?" He laughed and put his arm around her. "If you are, i'm pretty sure i'd be okay with that."
"Shut up. Ugh, how am I going to break up with Aiden?"
He perked up and smiled. "You're going to?"
"Yeah. If I had feelings for him then I wouldn't have lost the fight to not kiss you so easily. I feel like I have to do it in person though, and I haven't seen him in 2 months." Josh let out a sigh. "So, I don't know when that's going to be."
"Well, that sucks." Maya giggled and laid into his chest. "I can wait though. I've been single for years hoping you'd finally notice me."
"I did notice you, I just, I don't really know what I was thinking to be honest." She bit her lip. "One more time?" Josh's lips pressed against hers, lightly touching her cheek, sending butterflies through her body.
"Make it last."
"Then you should go." She suggested. "Please, keep this between you and I for now."
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You're so hypnotizing.
Could you be the devil? Could you be an angel?
You're touch magnetizing.
Mrs. Rodgers watched from the office window as she practiced her technique. "Do you actually ever practice using the actual song from your routine?" Riley chuckled and paused the music.
"Yes, I do. I'm just running technique right now. Thank you by the way for letting me use the room."
"Don't mention it. I love to see someone so passionate. Why don't you get back to it then?" The brunette played with her hands. "Oh, by the way. I watched you do the aleseconde into the illusion."
"What'd you think?"
"A little sloppy. Are you doing a single or double out of it?"
"Single. Why?"
Mrs. Rodgers cleared her throat. "Try a double. I feel like you're getting so much momentum that you need a little more time to slow down. But, it would still look-"
"Technically difficult." Riley interrupted and hugged her. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. Go." The brown eyed girl ran to the center of the floor after pressing play.
They say be afraid, you're not like the others.
Futuristic lover.
Different DNA, they don't understand you.
You're from a whole 'nother world.
"DOUBLE!" Shouted Mrs. Rodgers from her office. "ILLUSION!" Riley's hands went up in the air and she couldn't help but scream.
"YAAAAAAAAASSS!" The brunette laid down on the floor and immediately felt a wave of relief watch over her.
"Now, you can work on your leap combination a little more."
"I'm glad I have 2 coaches that are so amazing." Mrs. Rodgers helped her up. "Thank you." Riley started to get dressed.
"What is some of the other technique you have?" The brown eyed girl ran through her routine in her mind.
"Calypso, jete, russian, attitude turn, a little ballet, double axel. A few other things. Can I ask your opinion on something?" The brunette slid her shirt on.
"Of course."
"If I place and move to nationals, should I change the routine?" Riley asked quizically.
"Do you want me to be honest with you?" Her brown hair moved when she shook her head. "Riley, technically you're a beautiful dancer. Exquisite even, one of the best i've seen in a very long time. But, there's not a lot of emotion coming out of those movements. I would recommend changing it, and tap into something emotional. I used a song that reminded me of my dad." The dancer bit her cheek hating the sound of that.
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"What up peaches?" Maya closed her locker and waited on Riley.
"I finally did the combination!" The brunette bit her lip waiting for her friends reaction.
"OH MY GOD! ARE YOU FOR REAL?" The blonde's arms embraced her friend. "That's so fantastic."
"Hey what's going on with my girls?" Farkle's arms were draped over the shoulder of each girl.
"Riley mastered the combo. We have to celebrate."
"Of course we do." Farkle agreed. "Let's go out to dinner."
"She can't." Maya joked. "She's practicing, there's no use in arguing. But Saturday, let's go out for dinner. Please Riles?"
"I have the auction on Saturday night. Ugh, I hate doing that."
"Then why do you?" Farkle questioned.
"It raises tons of money for CF research. I just hate the idea of being 'bought'." Riley took a step and fell, as usual. "Ow."
"Riley, are you okay?" She raised her chin to find herself staring at Lucas.
"Yes, I am." She giggled and stood up, while the green eyed man gathered her books. "Thank you." Farkle glared at Lucas. "Oh, Farkle you haven't met him. Lucas, Farkle, Farkle, Lucas."
"Hey." His strong hand reached out to Farkle.
"Hello, you." The quarterback chuckled at this curious guy. Riley was about to say something when her phone vibrated. "They're mine!"
"Excuse me, peaches please make sure Farkle doesn't attack." The brunette sauntered away to talk to her mom.
Riley?
Yeah, what's up mom?
They're down to 20. I figured you'd wanna know.
Riley hung up the phone and sprinted to her car. Lucas furrowed his brows. "RILEY?" Maya exclaimed. "Oh no."
"I'll tell Mr. Matthews." Farkle ran into a classroom a few doors down.
"It's Auggie isn't it?" The blonde shook her head. "I'm gonna go up there." He sidestepped when he felt her hand on his chest.
"I wouldn't." Maya recommended.
"Did you not see how upset she was?" Her eyes turned red, her chin trembled and-" Maya grinned.
"You like her."
"Seriously, that's what we're focusing on right now? Please just, let me go after her." Their gorgeous eyes stared at each other.
"Look, she's the kind of person who wants to be left alone when she's upset. Just her and her brother, she doesn't want to talk about it and you shouldn't force her." Maya snapped.
"I'm not going to force her, to do anything. Ever. Sometimes it's just about having someone around." Lucas saw the look on Riley's face and felt like he had to be there.
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"Hi bubba." It was evident Topanga had been crying, but a smile remained on her face. Her brother had a narrow tube in his mouth, inhaling his medication with his vest on, that vibrated his chest. "You wanna go for a walk once you're done? I know you need a little excercise." He put up his tumb and Riley laid beside him on his bed, her usual spot.
"Aren't you supposed to be in school?"
"Farkle can get my work, i'd rather hang out here." Riley smirked at her mom. "Has he eaten?"
"Yeah, about an hour ago. Have you?" The brunette stroked his hair.
"No, not yet."
Ding Ding
Sweetheart, you know you being there isn't doing anything for him. You can't skip school everytime his PFT's are down.
Her brown eyes rolled. "Let me guess your father? Lecturing you about skipping school?"
"You guessed it. I'll get you a coffee later." Mrs. Matthews giggled and looked surprised when the door swung open again. "Lucas?"
"Hey, I just wanted to check on Auggie." Topanga smiled and excused herself from the room. His green eyes didn't move off of Riley, which was okay considering she couldn't pull her eyes away. She didn't know if she was angry that he was there or flattered.
"Okay, so." Her mother closed the hospital door. "Cory is going to excuse your absences but, let's not make this a habit. It's the second week of school."
"Thanks Mrs. Matthews." He leaned in for a hug.
"Riley, Lucas why don't you two get a bite to eat in the cafeteria and he'll be done by the time you get back." The green eyed man held out his hand and helped her out of bed.
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"So, are you mad that i'm here? You haven't said a word." Riley turned her gaze from the courtyard to him.
"I'm not mad." She continued to chew on her straw. "What are you doing here though?"
"I told you I came to check on Aug." He sipped on his drink.
"Friends don't lie to each other." Her brow raised. "You haven't seen him since Sunday."
"I came to see him Monday and Tuesday, I was planning on it today also." Her eyes glared.
"Why didn't you tell me?" The brunette untucked her legs out of the booth to get closer to him.
"It isn't something that needs to be said, and you never asked. I'm just gone by the time you get there so you can have some time alone with him." She exhaled slowly and smiled, trying not to cry. "I did come to check on Auggie, but I saw the look in your eye and even though you may not want to talk, I figured it may help to have someone here." Riley stood up and gave him a hug. This was the first time she willingly let him hold her, and Lucas loved the way it felt.
"Thank you." She whispered and let him go. "So, what do you two do together or talk about?"
"Sports, when he's feeling up for it we'll make a lap, but mostly we talk about you." No matter how hard she fought, Riley knew her cheeks turned red. "Does that make you nervous?"
"All of the embrrassing stories Auggie has on me, I can only imagine what he told you." The brunette was lying through her teeth, she loved the idea of him talking about her. But because of her blunt honesty it was very evident when she lied.
"I thought friends don't lie to each other?"
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