Chapter 10
"Hey baby." Josh kissed Maya and smiled. Riley was really happy for him. Plus she'd never seen him more elated than he had been, she assumed winning over the woman he'd had feelings for, for years was the cause.
"Good game baby." The dark haired man kissed her head and adjusted his bag. "Where's Lucas?" Maya questioned.
"He was still in the locker room when I left. He should be out in a few minutes, he mentioned going to dinner. Riles, you good with that?" The brunette nodded her head and saw the double doors of the school fly open. She couldn't help the small smile that came to her face, and unfortunately disappeared immediately.
"Who's that?" The blonde asked. The brown eyed girl watched their exchange and swallowed the lump in her throat.
"That's Lindsey. His girlfriend, she's really nice." Tingles of envy erupted through her body.
Her blue eyes narrowed. "No, they broke up."
"I told you it's complicated Maya." The blonde threw her arm over her best friends shoulder. Riley felt defeated and clearly Lucas didn't know she was going to be there. The look on his face was pure shock.
"RILEY!" Lindsey ran towards the brunette and hugged her. "Lucas told me what happened. I'm so sorry." The brown eyed girl cleared her throat after a few tears fell.
"Thank you." The quarterback stared at the dancer and wanted to hold her.
"I just wanted to tell Lucas good game. Josh, love you." She hugged her uncle and her best friend. "Peaches, i'll talk to you later. Lindsey it was really great to see you again, I have to go practice."
"No, Riley come out with us." His girlfriend divulged. "I'd love to get to know you more." Maya saw the look of panic on her best friends face that she was trying to hide.
"She's got Nationals in a few weeks and she still hasn't finished choreographing."
Lindsey's jaw dropped. "No way, that's so cool. Maybe Lucas and I can go watch." It was extremely hard to dislike Lindsey. "Where is it?"
"Um, sorry I blanked for a second. Los Angeles." Her brown eyes connected to Lucas and he mouthed the words 'i'm sorry'. "You all have too much fun. Lindsey, again great to see you."
"Bye Riley, next time we need to hang out though. I've gotten glimpses of you and i'd like to know more." Her arm wrapped around Lucas' waist and the dancer spun on her heels and hurriedly left. But, not after falling on her face.
"RILES!" Maya helped her off the gravel. "Are you okay? You're bleeding."
"I'm good. Bye." She sprinted to her car, focusing really hard to not fall again. When it rains, it pours.
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"Riley, what happened to your head?" Topanga questioned.
"Oh, I fell. Surprise, surprise." The brunette slammed the door shut and sat by her mom. "Where's dad?"
"He went out with Shawn. He needed a guys night." Mrs. Matthews took a sip of her hot tea and closed her book. "How are you?"
"Not good mom." Riley tried extremely hard to not cry but no matter how much she fought, the tears fell. "Auggie is gone, Lucas is I don't even know what's going on with him, my choreography is awful, I haven't eaten but small snacks for the past 2 days." She slowly leaned onto her mother's shoulders. "I miss you."
Topanga started crying. "I miss you too baby." Her lips touched her brown hair. "We thought you were still mad at us. So we were giving you, your space."
Riley continued to sob. "What do I do mom? I'm so lost and I don't know what to do anymore. Please tell me what to do!" Her mother was so overwhelmed with sadness and joy. Sadness to see her daughter so upset but joy that she'd gotten past the anger barrier.
"Focus on you, my daughter. No one else. Be selfish, for once in your life and heal." The dancer landed in her mother's lap. "I love you."
"I love you mom." Cory opened the front door and smiled. "Hi daddy." Mr. Matthews lifted her legs and after sitting laid them across his lap. "I miss you."
"I miss you." He whispered.
It was silent for a few minutes and she realized she had never asked them how they were handling everything. "How are you guys?" The parents glanced at each other.
"We're getting there. This, right now makes everything a lot easier." Her father divulged.
"I should be practicing. I've been really, really lazy. I promised Hillary i'd start coming back on Tuesday." She sat up and kissed her parents cheeks. "I'm sorry it took me so long." The brunette sauntered to her sanctuary and her parents burst out into happy tears.
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"8, 9, 10, 11." Riley stopped and covered her smile. "Oh my God. Auggie did you see that?!" For the first time in several weeks she cried happy tears. "I just did 11 alesecondes." She smiled again and snatched her ringing phone.
What's up?
What up peaches. You busy?
Just practicing technique.
Want to go to a party?
I don't-
Come on, let loose for tonight. I know you've had a hard night.
You know what, i'm gonna be selfish.
Good, put on a pair of jeans and come outside. I'll be waiting.
That's scary.
Just do it.
Riley ran outside in a black tanktop and jeans with her converse and slid into her passenger seat. "How was dinner?"
Maya sighed. "Would you hate me if I said I liked her?"
"Absolutely not. She really is nice." The brunette glanced into the backseat. "Where's Josh?"
"He's already at the party. I left to get you."
The dancer rolled her lips in, afraid to ask. "Is um, Lucas there?" The blonde didn't answer. "That's a yes."
"I'm sorry." She mumbled.
"Seriously, don't be. We're friends, he's not doing anything wrong. I do miss him though." The brunette admitted.
"Obviously! Riles, you were attached to him for the past 2 weeks. Literally, 24/7."
Riley's eyes glared, that wasn't helping. "Anyways, so where's the party?"
"Farkle's, believe it or not. We went over there after dinner and literally 30 minutes later it blew up."
"Wow." The dancer mumbled. Maya put her car in park and smiled.
"So, wanna know the real reason why I invited you here tonight?" Riley's brows furrowed. "Britney Fredrick is here."
"WHY?" Snapped Riley. "She doesn't even live here. She lives like 3 hours away." The blue eyed girl shrugged her shoulders.
"I can only assume scouting competition." The brunette got out of the car and slammed the door shut, hurrying inside.
Baby can't you see. I'm calling.
A guy like you should wear a warning.
It's dangerous, i'm falling in.
There's no escape, I can't wait.
I need a hit baby give me it.
You're dangerous, i'm loving it.
"RILEY!" Farkle hugged his friend and immediately sauntered away.
"Wait, Farkle. Have you seen my arch nemesis?" The brunette questioned but there was no answer.
"Riley?" She turned on her heels, flipping her curls and saw Lucas. "What are you doing here?" He was terrified that she'd see the affectionate Lindsey all over him.
"Well, well, well. Nice of you to show up." Riley glared at the tall girl in front of her. "How are you Riley?" Riley took a deep breath.
"What are you doing here Britney?" The brunette snapped.
"I'm visiting my cousin Missy Bradford. I think you know her." Lucas moved his eyes from left to right, girl to girl. Not understanding what the stare down was about. Riley was surprised she never knew they were cousins. "Congratulations on going to Nationals." The brunettes chest was visibly moving, from frustration, and Maya had her hand on Riley's shoulder. "Especially considering your recent tragedy." The quarterback caught his crush before her fist landed onto Britney's face.
"Keep your mouth shut!" Maya snapped. "Or get the hell out."
"Riley, let's settle this like the old days." The brunette scoffed.
"I'm not having a dance off with you Britney, never have. We're 18, let's act like it." Riley realized that Lucas had a hold of her and manuevered her way out of his arms.
"It'll get settled at Nationals. She won last year." Maya mumbled.
"You mean when I wasn't there? Yeah, congratulations you had zero competition because I jacked up my knee. I'll be back full force this year." Riley never understood why she let Britney get under her skin so much, but she was very good at it. "But, hey if you don't want to battle I get it. I'd be afraid too, word around the block is you're having a hard time dancing. Barely able to choreograph."
"Where are you getting that bull shit?" Lucas questioned. Riley was flattered that the green eyed man was standing up for her.
"I don't know who you are but, hello." She winked. "Didn't you hear Riley, Missy is Hillary's new assistant. I know all."
"Thank you." Whispered Riley. "The fact that you have to come down here and try to tear my confidence is a huge sign of flattery. Greatly appreciate it." They continued to stare at each other. "Have a nice night Brit." The brunette walked away into the kitchen and inhaled heavily.
"Nice job peaches. You okay?" The brown eyed girl nodded and saw the rest of her friends follow her into the kitchen.
"What the heck and who the hell was that?!" The green eyed man exclaimed. Josh put his hand on Lucas' broad shoulder.
"That was Britney Fredrick. For the past few years they've gone back and forth on who wins Nationals in their division. They both want Winwood and-" He glanced at Riley and whispered in his friends ear. "She's been awful about Auggie, to try and get under Riley's skin."
"I need a drink." She whispered and walked away, leaving her friends in a state of shock. The brunette sauntered to the drink table and took a jello shot.
"This isn't going to be good. Is it?" Whispered Lucas.
"No, far from it." Lindsey clutched onto Lucas' arm, which only made the dancer want to drink more.
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Are you saving that dessert for me, cause if you are baby
You know you could work for me.
The way you doin' causin' jealousy.
Riley watched from afar as Lindsey and Lucas kissed, again. She popped the top to another beer and left the formal living room to go dance in the actual living room. "Gross." The brunette continually felt defeated tonight.
But you don't ever gotta worry about the enemy.
They try to do it like you.
And they get mad 'cause they don't do it successfully.
The dancer found Maya and began to dance. "What's going on? You never drink."
"I've gone through a lot lately, I want to forget something." The brunette took another drink to force the tears back. "I'll take anything at this point." She set her beer down and continued to dance.
They try to copy your moves, and they get mad 'cause they don't do it that tastefully.
Charlie began to dance with his ex, and for once Riley wasn't completely repulsed by the sight of him. Oh, the wonders of alcohol. "I haven't seen you let loose, ever." He mumbled.
"Lucky you." The jade eyed man walked into the living room and instantly got jealous. He remembered when they danced together on the beach and in her studio.
Whatcha gonna, whatcha gonna do with that dessert?
Do wop do da dee, da dee da doh doh.
"GO RILES!" Maya started to cheer her on as she danced. If this was the only way her friend was going to feel better, the blonde wasn't going to stop her. The brunette started popping and Lucas pushed his way into the living room.
Murder that, murder that dance floor, dance floor.
Charlie took her hand and smiled after seeing the quarterback headed their direction. "You want to get out of here?" Riley glanced at Lucas, then down to Lindsey who hadn't left his arm. "Somewhere quieter."
"Um, yeah. There's gotta be some place around here." The dancer grabbed her beer and felt Lucas' glaring eyes on her.
"Maya!" The green eyed man exclaimed. "Watch Lindsey for a second please. I have to-" The blonde cut him off before he could tell a lie.
"Sure, of course. Come on Lindsey, let me show you the game room." Once both blondes were out of sight he went on a man hunt.
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"How've you been Riles?" She scoffed and took another drink.
"Um, worse than death. Like, wishing I was dead, I would much rather be dead than feeling this way." Her ex sat down on the swing next to her.
"Don't say that. I know we didn't get along well, like hardly at all, but there are lots of people who care about you." He moved his swing closer to her. "Like half the football team for example." The brunette chuckled lightly and took another drink.
"Man, this stuff is really awful why did I ever start drinking this?"
"It takes some getting used to." Charlie whispered. It was then she realized how close he was. It may have been the alcohol or the emotions, she wasn't sure but her lips touched his.
She pulled away quickly. "I'm sorry. I should definitely stop drinking now." She tossed the bottle behind her and turned her head back towards him. "You know-" The dancer was cut off by his lips again, but it wasn't the same. The comfort she was looking for, wasn't found in Charlie.
"RILEY!" She tore her lips away and saw Lucas trudging towards them. "Can I talk to you for a few minutes, please."
"We are a little busy." Charlie stated.
"I believe I was talking to Riley. Correct me if i'm wrong." The quarterback held out his hand and the dancer took it without question. He pulled her to the corner of the house and she knew this wasn't going to be good. "What the hell was that?"
"Excuse me?"
"Why were you kissing him? He was a tool, and a jerk a little over 2 weeks ago." The brunette toused her hair.
"I just want a little bit of comfort, a little bit of relief from Auggie and-" She bit her cheek. "Why do I have to explain myself? We're friends."
"That's not fair, you know my situation and how much I like you."
Riley's jaw opened. "You know how much I like you. So, if you don't mind please keep your makeout sessions to a minimum when i'm around. I didn't pull you away from her, did I?" Lucas glanced around and pulled her to the side of the house, where no one could see.
"You want some relief?" She nodded. His lips crashed onto hers, his hands caressing her cheek, she was in a daze. "How was that?"
A tear fell from her eye. "You can't keep doing this to me Lucas. It feels better for that moment but as soon as you pull away, you're gone, you're Lindsey's. You can't do this to me anymore. I'm not going to let you." He furrowed his brows. "If i'm going to win Nationals, for Auggie I don't need anymore distractions. I don't need any help, from anyone." Her eyes locked on Lucas'. "Thank you though, for making me realize that." She turned to leave but he stopped her.
"What? Realize what?"
She sighed and wiped some tears away. "That I won't ever be able to have you. So that means I won't feel Auggie as much. But, I know he wanted me to win nationals and i'm gonna do it. I'm going to win for him."
"Riley, i'm gonna fix this. I just need some time." He whispered.
"I'm not asking you to." She sauntered away and Charlie grabbed her, hoping for some more 'comfort'. The brunette kneed him in the balls and left out the back gate. "I can do this on my own."
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No one had been able to get a hold of Riley all day. Her phone was turned off, she kept every door locked, and she intentionally ignored the knocking. "DAMN IT!" Riley laid down on the floor staring at the ceiling. It was 1 o'clock in the morning, and she'd been dancing all day. "Chase, 1 2, Jete 3 4-" There was a knock on her door that led out to the backyard. She ignored it and turned the radio up slightly louder to mask the noise. There was another knock. "GO AWAY!" The brunette yelled over the music. "Chase 1 2, switch 3 4, spin out 5 6, prep 7 8." The door flung open and she saw Lucas putting his license back in his wallet. "What the heck?"
"I could say the same thing to you." The green eyed man closed the door.
"Where did you learn to do that?"
He laughed and turned on his heels. "I didn't just fight when I was going through my Lily phase." The quarterback sauntered towards her and kissed her.
"Lucas!"
"I'm sorry. I just I really needed to do that." He whispered.
"No, I need only one distraction. And, he isn't really a distraction, he's my motivation. You are a distraction, you and this drama between us. We are friends, you can't kiss me, you can't do this to me anymore. I told you i'm not going to let you." The brown eyed girl demanded.
"All we want to do is help you Riles. We as in your friends, can help you with this routine, I know what message you're trying to convey and we can help."
"I don't want any help. I'm going to win nationals for Auggie and I have to practice this routine, outside help won't do anything." She snapped.
He threw up his hands. "Stubborn and hard headed. That's what you are."
"Just like when you met me." They were silent for a few moments. "Where's Lindsey?"
"Sleeping." She nodded her head, and got a little angry.
"Glad you could make time to come and see me." The jade eyed man chuckled lightly.
"Riley, please just listen to me." Riley was getting more and more angry with every word. "You can't runaway and shut yourself out everytime something goes wrong. You just can't, you'll go crazy."
"I don't need anyone. The only person I need is gone." She snapped. "Last night was an eye opener for me. I'm not going to win-"
"UNLESS YOU GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!" Her brown eyes widened. "This routine is supposed to be emotional, it's supposed to be for Auggie. You loved him, you love him but the only thing you have in your system right now, is anger and frustration. You're mad at me, you're still somewhat upset with your parents, you're angry at God for taking away your brother." He stopped and sighed. "You can't be mad at the world and do this routine, it won't work. It just won't. You can win Nationals, there isn't a doubt in my mind." He ran his fingers through his hair and Riley swallowed the lump in her throat. "But you can NOT do it alone. You have to let someone in who loves you. Jesus, this room is like a metaphor for your life and the way you live it."
"What the hell does that mean?" She snapped.
"It means, the second things go wrong you sulk into this room. You hide out from the world, and lock the door, making everyone work to get anything out of you. You have so many people who love you, and you push them away." The brunette was fighting the tears. "How can you show love through dance if you don't feel it?"
"So i'm not allowed to be upset about Auggie, or upset about losing you? This is how I handle it." She whispered. "What do you want me to say? Hmm? I miss Auggie so much it hurts, literally I can't put it into words, you know that feeling. The achey, I don't know how to continue life feeling. I feel that every single moment, of every single day. And the only time it eased was when you were around, and now we can't hold each other or you stay the night." She turned on her heels and punched the wall.
"RILEY!" He reached for her hand, her knuckles were bruised and scratched.
"What do I do? What would you rather me do? If this is the only thing that comforts me, dancing and punching walls, why can't I?" She whispered.
"Because it only hurts you in the end." He hugged her tight. "Rely on the people you love, and the ones who love you. I have a few great ideas for your routine, that we can do with you. But, you can't keep yourself locked in here. We all want you back." He intertwined their fingers and touched foreheads. "I want you back." He whispered. Riley exhaled and enjoyed the embrace.
Their lips touched, the brunette pulled away and stared into his eyes. "I want you back." She mumbled. The quarterback kissed her again and lifted her off the ground, her legs wrapping around his waist.
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