Lucas

Today is the day, the day I have to go confront my mom about Nick. It seems as if it's not my place to speak, but now that he has abused me, it now concerns me greatly. With Riley by my side for an extra boost of confidence. When ever she felt me start to tense up, she would squeeze my hand for reassurance. How I really love this darn girl. Right as I reached the bar, I stopped, terrified to enter. It was Riley, of course, that prompted me, "Lucas, darling, I know you are scared, but you have to do this. She's your mother, and she could be hurting. And besides, no matter what happens, I'll be right by your side. I love you, Lucas."

I instantly felt a lot better, and I hugged her, folding her into my arms. "Thank you," I breathed, "I love you too, Riles. More than anything, my sunshine." Together, we walked inside.

As soon as we did walk in, the smell of alcohol crashed over me, and it made my nostrils stung like crazy. I scrunched up my nose, and felt the urge that compelled me to just run away. Riley hing by my side the entire time that we were walking. Before long, I ran into my mom. She was wearing a slutty getup, and was mixing a drink while flirting with a random man. The guy just ignored the engagement ring sparkling on her finger. I felt repulsed, and once again wanted to sprint away. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to mom, and greeted her, "Hey, Mom."

Her eyes met mine, and widened as they did. She seemed to not believe her eyes, "Lukey? What are you doing here? Where have you been? Are you okay?"

Fury shot through me, and I started shouting, "Where have I been?! I've been staying with people that actually care about me! You sure never did, you only pretended. If you did, you wouldn't have just let Nick abuse me."

"Lukey, you must know that if I interfered, I would've been abused too. Except, it would be both sexually and physically."

"The thing is, that just proves that you care more about yourself than me. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I can't take it any longer."

"My thoughts were that why have both of us get hurt when a big strong buy can save me."

"That's exactly it Mom! I didn't think that your divorce with Dad would turn you into this. And don't think that I don't know about your meth addiction."

"Don't speak of that man around me! And who said I have a meth addiction? Don't be making accusations about your mother!"

"I can't call you my mother anymore. You love getting high with Nick more than you love me. I found your stash last year. Don't think that I don't see you in that hazy stage. And I see how you throw yourself at men for money! You're a freaking prostitute! You make enough money from that, but you spend it all on you meth! The only reason we haven't lost my apartment is because of my tutoring salary. You know what, this isn't worth it. I'm leaving. Goodbye, Rose Friar. Forever."

Riley looked at me in dismay, and pulled my away frantically. "I'm so sorry, " she started, "It's my fault for making you go there."

I looked into her eyes, "Now, Riles. Don't blame yourself for my problems with my mom."

"I'm still sorry. I didn't know that your mom had that kind of problem."

"Yeah, I had a hunch even before I found the meth, but I kept on deluding myself. Never wanting to actually admit it. But I guess I can't ignore it any longer." We just sat for a while, together, while Riley calmed me down. I can't live without this girl.

Riley

I still can't believe that Lucas' mother is like that. That boy of all people doesn't deserve it. But who would deserve such a mother. From what Lucas has told me, she used to be a really good mother, caring. But after his parents got a divorce, the down spiral began, and she just went downhill from there. I hugged him, and just really listened to him talk and vent. I really need to fix this and help him. After all, I love him.

I spent some time with Lucas, and then told him to go home, that I was heading for Maya's. But in truth, I went to see Mrs. Friar. I sped into the bar, and asked for Rose Friar. A woman pointed me towards her, and I followed in that direction. When she spotted me, she spoke, "You're the girl that Lucas was with."

"Yes," I said, "I am. and "I came to talk to you about him."

"I have nothing to say about that douchebag."

"That's your son and my boyfriend you're talking about! Lucas is nothing like that! If anything, he's the most wonderful guy in existance. That's one of the multiple reasons I love him."

"Love doesn't last, silly girl! Look where it got me!"

Maya

I'm absolutely elated that Joshua and I are official. That night, we finished up the picnic, and watched a movie at my house. Since he was staying at a hotel with his family, he eventually had to go. Even still, I felt like I was on cloud nine. Who would've though that me, Maya Hart, would be Joshua Matthews' girlfriend? Certainly not me.

Farkle

Today, I was going to do it. After thinking for quite some time, I texted Lucas, Maya and Riley, 'Listen, I've been keeping a secret. Isadora and I have been dating for two weeks.'

Almost instantly, there was a reply from all three of them, all the exact same thing, 'That's great, Farkle!' I guess I was worried for absolutely nothing. I now feel so much more free, and as if a weight was lifted off of my chest.