Lucas

It hurt so much to know that she ran away from me, yet I knew that I was the one that inflicted the pain in the first place. All that I know is, It's going to take a huge gesture to win her back. Taking out my pen, paper, and the rest of my savings. I know that it seems rash, but I need to win my Riles back, no matter what it takes. She is my Riley, and no one can change that. It seems possessive at first glance, but I'm just too in love. Riley brings out the best in me, and I don't want to lose that or her. Wouldn't you do anything for the person you love?

Unsure of what the outcome would be, I called up Maya, hoping that she could help me get Riley to the surprise location. I had everything planned out, and my was it special. Let's just say that a nice dinner would be involved.

Setting everything up, I waited and waited. It was an hour past the time that Riley was supposed to show up. I guess she stood me up. Then again, she didn't know that it was me that was waiting, and not Maya. Did Maya follow through with her plan?

Just as I was about to give up and leave, Riley emerged through the door. She was looking at her phone while speaking, not spotting me, "Maya, sorry I'm late, the subway got delayed."

Suddenly she looked up to me standing before her. Her face was shocked to say the least, but I sensed some excitement in the mix of things. "Lucas?" she asked incredulously, "What's all this?"

I smirked knowingly, and spoke, "Maya is not the one to meet you, I am. I'm here to show you what we are truly about, and that I am the one for you, my darling, Riles. This will be a night to remember."

And certainly, it was.

Riley

Lucas ignored me all that week, and I felt awful. Did I really hurt his feelings that much? He and Farkle always sit with us at lunch, but it's forever just awkward and silent. My worst fear is that he's cutting again. Lately, he's been wearing long-sleeved shirts, and I'm not sure if it's to hide new cuts, or healing ones. I'm praying for the latter. I love the guy, but the fear is everywhere, and the wound is still too fresh. Part of the reason I ran off at the dance was because I saw Missy with Lucas. Yes, he looked extremely uncomfortable, but it hurt so much to see them together.

It was Friday night when Maya sent me a text, 'Be at the abandoned warehouse at seven, I have a surprise for you. I think you'll like it.'

I kept trying to text her back, but she never replied. Bubbling with excitement, I hopped onto the subway to meet her. Halfway there, the subway broke down. WHY? It was another hour before the train got moving again. As I finally turned the corner over to the warehouse, I tensed up, unsure of what Maya's reaction to me being late would be. As I entered, I was finishing texting my dad when I spotted him. There, with a suit, sitting on a ledge, holding a bouquet of colored daisies, my favorite. Surrounding him were balloons, ribbon, and a single table. A violinist softly played music, and rose petals littered the floor. His face was streaked with tear marks, I was late. He spoke a few words, that made my heart skip a beat, before leading me to the table. Gingerly, I sat down, not wanting to ruin anything. He whisked out two glasses, and poured us both a glass of sparkling water. I giggled, remembering an inside joke we had about sparkling water. He looked up and smiled, "You remember?"

I replied breathlessly, "Of course. I remember everything about you."

"The same from me to you, along with so much more." The ice was broken and we eased into a more relaxed conversation, like old times. We laughed, joked, and really reconnected. My heart soared, and I felt more carefree than I had in ages. Maybe Lucas and I really are just meant to be. As they say, it isn't love if it doesn't break you.

Then, we got to the sketchy topic, but we knew we had to talk about it. I took the plunge, "Lucas, why are you doing this?"

He smiled an uneasy grin, "It's because I want to show you that I truly love you." I was about to interject when he stopped me, "Riley, wait. I haven't yet finished. I love the way you laugh, can cheer up an entire room, care so much about people. I love the way you make me feel like I actually matter, how you can make me happy by just saying a few words. I love your spirit, and everything about you. I don't want to lose you. I know that you're not a treasure or prize to be won, but my love for you is limitless, and I just want you to be with me. My always."

By this point, I was crying. I only said five words, but they were the ones that actually mattered, "I love you too, Lucas."

Maya

Huckleberry had something special planned for Riley, and I hope he doesn't screw it up. Josh, on the other hand, invited me on a date. I replayed the conversation in my mind. He had called me yesterday, and I still remember his exact words, "Maya, when I told you that I really liked you, I meant it. I was wondering if you would go on a date with me next week. My family is coming up to New York to see Cory, and I want to meet with you."

I smiled, and agreed, "It would be my honor to." My heart was beating out of my chest, and I was floating on air.

Farkle

Tomorrow is my one-week anniversary with Smackle, and I'm hoping it goes off without a hitch. Let's see where this leads us. I've got something big planned alright.