AN: To enhance your reading experience, please cue, "Nothing Can Change This Love" by Sam Cooke and play at the appropriate time.
When Riley was a little girl, at midnight on her birthday her parents would tip-toe inside of her bedroom and wake her. They'd give a big kiss and hug each, telling Riley they loved her always. On the eve of her eighteenth, Riley told her family that she was going to spend it with her best friend. Cory and Topanga assumed that was Maya, so they relented tradition this one time. This time next year she would be in a college dorm anyway. Their daughter was woken up by two birthday texts at 12 AM. Hearing the vibration from the bed, Riley reached on the nightstand to read them.
From Maya:
happy birthday ya old biddy *grandma emoji* love you honey.
From Lucas:
happy birthday darlin. can't wait to give you some of these *three kissy emojis*
Her small smile bathed in the dull glow of her phone. Then, Riley turned her phone off and snuggled into Farkle. Feeling her warmth again, he groaned softly and stroked Riley's hair. After doing well on their History project, they went to Farkle's to celebrate.
Farkle's eyes were still closed when he whispered, "Happy birthday, Riley."
"Mm, thank you." She responded dreamily, sighing against his supple chest. A few moments of peace, and then, "Please?"
Farkle made a dry snicker, "Nope."
"It's my birthday now."
"No gifts until your party tonight."
"No fair."
Farkle held Riley closer, both going to sleep for real this time.
Riley spent her first day being 18 with Maya and she wanted to show her ID to all of New York. They bought cigarettes and returned them as soon as the cashier put the receipt in her hand. At the movies, they anxiously awaited being carded to see a repeat showing of Scarface but were never given the satisfaction. ("You're... you're not going to card me?" "No, you're fine." "But I could be 17! People who are 17 and under are so innocent and wearing baby goggles and hats with those little pinwheels on them! I must show you that I am an adult! This material is suitable for me because I am over the age of 17!" "Oh my God, just card her, please.") Of course, the birthday girl squirmed and hid her face in Maya's blonde locks for three-quarters of the violent classic but rewarded herself with shopping for a new outfit.
Maya and Riley were searching through the racks at their favorite store, Demolition when Maya asked, "So, did everything go OK last night?"
Riley made a pregnant pause, "What?"
"I mean, with Ranger Rick? You told your parents you were at my house right?" Maya reminded her, flattening a teal cocktail dress over her petite stature.
"Oh, yeah. Yeah. Totally."
"So, does Huckleberry have a special evening planned tonight after your party?" Maya wiggled her thick eyebrows.
"Yeah, it's supposed to be really romantic! With flowers and candles..." While describing her magical night with Lucas, Farkle's face suddenly appeared to Riley's mind. She swallowed before saying, "It's going to be everything I want."
"Good, because if he fucks this up, like my party and I'm going to kick him in the balls. I mean, he kinda is already but you will have a physically ball-less boyfriend.
"And I'll still love him anyway." Riley told her with a smile. "Besides, that was a misunderstanding! Lucas could never really do anything to mess up."
"True." Maya yanked the velvet curtain to a dressing room and took a million dresses inside. Speaking behind the purple fabric, "You two are so perfect, I want to asphyxiate myself with your cuteness."
Riley's phone buzzed with a text from Farkle:
I can't wait to give you your gift *heart*
"I mean, ya'll are like relationship goals. Not for me but everyone in the whole school."
To hold in her grin, Riley licked her lips with her dimples showing.
Can I have a hint?
"Wouldn't be surprised if you guys get Cutest Couple and Prom King and Queen like last year. Hey, can I have your crown? For an art project, I'm doing?"
"I didn't win yet, Maya." Riley answered, waiting for Farkle's text. "You can have my sash from last year."
"Yeah, but you will!"
Then, her phone vibrated in her hands.
It's something that you can't see but you can feel.
Farkle, that can't be a gift. I got that this morning *winky face*
God, you have such a one-track mind.
Don't act like you're not into it.
Your gift, however, has 8 tracks.
And, I never said I wasn't into it *winky-face*
"Riley?" Maya drew the curtain that separated them back to see her best friend, grinning like mad into her phone. She walked towards her in a lilac, strapless, little dress. "Ooh, sexy times with Huckleberry?" Maya shifted her weight on her tip-toes to catch a peak but startled, Riley held her iPhone to her chest.
"Maya," she used her parental tone.
"Riley," the blonde mocked her, trying to peel her fingers off so she could read the sexts. "You used to let me read them all the time to help you, why can't I see them now?"
Trying to stay light, Riley answered, "Because, I don't need help now and we're just... talking about... the food at the party." Quickly, she dropped her phone in her purse and zippered it shut.
"The food. The food at the party?" Maya had her hands on her hips.
"... Yup. He wants macaroni and cheese and I'm just like, 'Nope, mashed potatoes all the way. It's my day, guy. Not yours. Deal with it.'." Riley held a smile, until Maya finally rolled her eyes and began leaving to her dressing room. Riley exhaled in relief.
"Whatever, weirdo but start trying shit on, Riley! Your party starts soon and we have to get ready!"
"Kay!" Without examining any of them for size or aesthetic, Riley took two armfuls of dresses and ran into the space next to Maya.
This had to be the largest party Riley ever had. So many family members. Her uncles, her aunt, grandparents from both sides, her parents' friends, her friends' parents and Riley was the center of attention. She wore a deep purple number with mesh lining the torso and her hair was bone straight. Maya did her makeup was natural as per Riley's request. She was a vision and everyone had a hard time tearing their eyes away from her, but especially Farkle.
It wasn't only because she looked stunning but her main accessory, Lucas, was hard to ignore. His best friend stood tall and handsome next to his girlfriend. They would look back at each other momentarily and clasp hands. Farkle studied them, trying to read their lips on each other's ears. Things were good between them. Lucas told him so. His relationship with Smackle, who was his date that night, was the same. When they all greeted each other, Farkle was able to smell the vanilla perfume Riley was wearing as they hugged. He wanted to linger and hang on the high of Riley's feel, but she wasn't Farkle's and more and more, it seemed as though she never would be truly. Even with Smackle by his side, Farkle couldn't get his mind off it.
When she had a minute, Riley sat near the counter just watching everyone. Riley's mother ripped open her shirt to become Superwoman, running around to make sure the punch bowl was always full and the plates always had food. Maya was talking to Josh, giggling and flirting like they always did. Zay was playing DJ and Auggie's friends gathered around because they thought he was cool. Out of nowhere, Farkle caught her eye. She wanted to go to him and talk about anything but, they couldn't do that anymore. They were scared something would show and someone would get suspicious. These loving, longing stares was the only thing they could have in public. Farkle was holding Smackle by the waist. Riley's mind rewound to earlier that morning, when she was leaving his house in his t-shirt and her jeans. The very same arm grasped her tightly, giving her a sweet and careful kiss until next time. Because there would always be a next time. Suddenly, Lucas appeared holding two glasses of sparkling cider.
Charmingly, Lucas tipped the flute towards hers and they clinked, "Cheers, darlin'."
"Cheers." She smiled, before drinking the cider down.
Watching her, Lucas blushed and sucked his lips in. Then, he leaned over to whisper, "I can't wait to have you all to myself tonight." Riley could feel herself getting painfully red.
"Lucas..."
"I don't care. You look too beautiful." His fingers caressed the side of her bare arm. All she could think of was Farkle. The lights in the bakery went out and everyone went silent, hushing each other. Then, Topanga and Cory led a parade of Riley's closest friends, singing "Happy Birthday" with a big cake with candles. Riley graciously smiled and clapped. Lucas pulled her closer, massaging her shoulder and kissing her temple.
"Make a wish, Riley." Cory enticed. Taking a mental Polaroid, Riley glanced around at all of the people she loved.
Her amber eyes fell on Farkle when she said, "I have everything I need. What more could I ever wish for?" Farkle looked down at the ground, making his palms into fists and Riley blew out her candles. Everyone cheered.
A little later, the party dwindled down. Riley's relatives had to leave early to drive back to PA and it was past Auggie's bedtime, so Topanga allowed the six friends to have the restaurant to themselves. Riley was opening gifts. Smackle got her another Theory of Relativity book to read, so they'd have more in common. Yet, Riley could never get through them and always asked Farkle to explain the science later. Maya won Riley tickets to see Carly Rae Jepsen live, with her best friend as her obvious +1. In merriment, they both sung the chorus to "Emotion." Zay bought her a pillow in the form of a purple, furry cat. He knew she liked soft things.
"Aww, thank you Zay." Riley said, cuddling the pillow. "I'll never lay down on this without thinking of you."
"Aye, that's the plan." Zay jokingly pointed with both fingers to Lucas, "Sorry, buddy."
Lucas rolled his green eyes upward, as everyone else chuckled. He huddled nearer to his girlfriend, whispering, "Me next." Riley turned to him and watched carefully as he brought out a tiny teal box with a white ribbon. Riley and Maya gasped.
"This better not be another jellybean." Smackle groused.
"Oh, no. This ain't no jellybean." Zay confirmed with a knowing smile. Farkle was so silent, it was like he left.
"Is tha - " Riley couldn't even finish, so Maya ran to her side, almost yelling, "Tiffany's?!"
"I don't know. Why don't you open it?" Lucas teasingly grinned. Riley took the box from him, cautiously untying the ribbon. Some weren't very patient.
"Hurry, hurry up Riley!" Maya almost knocked her over.
At the blonde's behest, faster Riley opened the box. Inside was a sterling silver necklace with a pendant in the shape of a heart.
"Whoa." Riley managed.
"Yeah, whoa." Maya agreed.
Riley held up the jewelry, letting the heart shine in the light. "Lucas... "
"It's a locket." Zay could barely contain himself with excitement. He was there with his Lucas when he chose it.
She pried it open with her fingers as Maya leaned over her back to see what was inside. In the heart was a tiny picture of Riley and Lucas at their first dance together in middle school.
"Riley, you're the first girl I ever let steal my heart and... I don't want it back. I love you, Riley."
Riley quickly became emotional, her eyes becoming wet. "Oh, Lucas..." Then, she gave her back to him and lifted her hair, wanting him to do the honors. She felt the cold metal around her neck.
"Oh my God, why do I feel like I'm watching you two get married?" Maya held her hands on her chest. "I'm gonna have a heart attack from cuteness."
"I know. Damn," Zay rubbed the tears from his eyes, erasing all evidence of being touched.
Farkle, however, felt like he was going to implode. His feelings were so mixed and strong and new, that he didn't know how to control them. Also, it didn't help that with every move Lucas made, next to Riley, on Riley, towards Riley, he thought about just blurting everything out. So, he had to leave. Suddenly, Farkle shifted his body to Smackle, telling her that he wasn't feeling well and he wanted to go home. She offered to come with him but he wanted her to enjoy the party. Finding the will to move, Farkle abruptly stood up and everyone stopped to look.
"Uh, I'm not feeling too well, right now. I'm - I'm gonna go. Happy birthday, Riley." Puzzled, the gang made looks at one another. Then, Riley left Lucas' embrace to get her coat.
"Riley - " Maya started.
"I'm just going to make sure he's OK." In a flash, the bells above the front door jingled and Riley was gone. She saw Farkle, rushing in the direction of the subway. "Farkle, Farkle!" She ran in her heels to catch up to him, avoiding patches of ice. Crushed, Farkle sighed heavily when he heard Riley calling his name. In agony, he turned around to meet her concerned face.
"Farkle, what are you doing? Why are you leaving?" Her cheeks were blushing from running in the cold.
He seemed to be incapable of getting his words. Farkle inhaled, not meeting her stare, "I can't be in there, Riley. I just can't. I left your gift in the kitchen, in the bakery. Listen to it when your alone. I got to go." Farkle pivoted away from her but she grabbed his hand.
"Farkle, wait!" She pleaded. Their hands swayed together. Slowly, Riley took hostage of his other hand, looking into his eyes. "Talk to me." She whispered.
Farkle's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water but he heard steps approaching them.
Maya said, sensing the energy, "Is... everything OK?"
Dropping her grasp from Farkle, Riley spun around to Maya, "Yeah! Like I said, I just wanted to check on him." This girl had more faces than Dr. Jekyll.
"Farkle?" Maya questioned, feeling there was more going on.
"Yeah, no, she - she just wanted to see that I was alright. Thanks, Riley." He nodded to her. "I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
When Farkle jogged down the steps and disappeared, Maya narrowed her eyes, "What the hell...?"
Riley shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe he ate something." She feigned a smile and put her arm around Maya, walking them back to Topanga's. On the way, Riley made sparing glances back to the subway.
It was no longer her birthday and Riley couldn't sleep. After the others went home, Riley stealthily went to the kitchen to pick up a USB on the island with her name on it. Then, her and Lucas went back to her room, in her house. Somehow, her boyfriend was able to convert the teenager's space into a paradise of lilies and orchids. Candles sat on the window and her nightstand. Twangy but romantic, country music played in the background. Softly, they made love. Underneath the weight and breath and watch of Lucas, Riley still dared to think about what Farkle was doing at that very moment.
Sitting up, wearing nothing but her new necklace, Riley opened her laptop. She was hesitant not to wake Lucas up next to her. Her hand reached for the plug Farkle gave as a gift and plugged it in. Music files popped up with a video. Making sure her headphones were secure and working, Riley played the file.
"Hey, Riley. Happy birthday." Farkle greeted through her computer screen. She instantly smiled. "Um, I know this probably wasn't what you were expecting and this is weird but... anyway, I just wanted to say that... even though between us right now, things are really," He closed his eyes and shook his head. "You know what? I really don't even know what things are with us right now but... I know how I feel because you taught me. Being friends with you, knowing you and loving you has been the education of my life." With that, Riley was already crying.
"And, I made you a mixtape to help me illustrate the monster you've created." He laughed weakly. "Look what you've done. I've spent a lot of time on this so, try to listen to everything all the way through. Especially the last song. That one is the most special. OK. I'm gonna leave you to it. Bye. I love you, happy birthday."
In anticipation, Riley opened the first song, ready to go on this journey Farkle created. She smiled and bopped along and danced for an hour, until the last song. By then, Riley was sitting naked on her floor, paying close attention. The song was by Sam Cooke, who she was familiar with because she loved Motown but never heard of this particular song.
If I go, a million miles away
I'd write a letter, each and everyday
'Cause honey nothing, nothing can ever change this love I have for you
Mmmmmm, make me weep
And you can make me cry
See me coming
And you can pass me by
But honey, nothing, nothing can ever change this love I have for you
Wo-oh-oh, you're the apple of my eye, you're cherry pie
And oh you're, you're cake and ice cream
Oh you're sugar and spice, and everything nice
You're the girl of my, my, my, my, dreams
But if you wanted, to leave me and roam
When you got back, I'd just say welcome home
'Cause honey nothing, nothing, nothing can ever change this, love I have, for you
Wo-oh-oh-oh...
I know, I know, I know, I know that nothing, nothing, nothing can ever
Change the love I have for you.
Admittedly, it was very corny. Not flashy or even funny, but so full of love. It was perfect. Riley loved it. Riley sobbed quietly, immediately wanting to leave Lucas sleeping in her bed to go and thank Farkle in all the ways she knew how. However, knowing how impossible that was, she wiped her chin of her happy tears and just played everything, even Farkle's intro video on a loop until she got so tired, she had to go back to bed.
When the sun rose, Riley was sitting near the bay window. Fully dressed, she combing out her hair. Next thing she knew, Farkle crawled through.
Riley beamed, putting down her brush, "Hey." Instead of giving her a kiss, Farkle went to make sure the bedroom door was locked. When he turned back to look at Riley, Farkle had ghostly bags underneath his eyes. Riley stood and stalked towards him. "Farkle... you look awful."
"I broke up with Smackle."
"... W-what? You did what?"
"I didn't go home last night. I went to her house and waited for her. I broke up with Smackle."
"What did you say, Farkle? You, you didn't, did you? I mean, you didn't tell her -"
"No, Riley. All I said was that we were going in different directions. She has her sights set on Harvard and I want to stay in the city. It only made sense and she seemed to concur and understand." Hearing that, Riley learned to breathe again. "But I should have."
"Farkle, why would you say that?"
"Because, Riley... I'm tired. I'm tired of lying to everyone. Friends don't lie to each other, Riley. They don't leave, they don't try to hurt each other and most of all, they don't lie. As much as love Isadora, I respect her a lot more. I should have told her the real reason I can't be with her is because... I'm in love with you."
After several moments, Riley repeated, "What?"
"I'm in love with you, Riley. I always have been and I think I've been repressing it because you gave the impression that we could only be platonic but now, that's clearly not the case."
Riley's mind was racing. Things went from complicated to complex to a never-ending maze. "Farkle, look around." His weary eyes did so at the still alive flowers and blown out candles in her room. "Lucas did all of this. He did this because he loves me that much - "
"No, he didn't."
"What are you talking about?"
"I did this. Lucas said he wanted to do something special for you but because of the ban that your father has, he didn't know how. So, I gave him the idea. I picked the flowers and the candles while you were out shopping with Maya. I did the set up."
Riley stared hard at Farkle, knowing if she blinked tears would surely drop. She grasped the heart pendant and almost snatched it off, "Did you come up with this too?"
"No. That was all Lucas because he does love you. But so do I, OK? And anyway, stop making this about other people, Riley! Forget Lucas and Smackle! Tell me how you feel because for the first time ever, I don't know! I can't read you!"
"Neither do I, OK?! This is all happening so fast!"
"Riley, are you telling me you really didn't see this coming? What, did you think I'd go and marry Smackle and you'd marry Lucas and we'd just keep hooking up in secret? Maybe you can live like that - "
"How dare you say that?! Of course, this has been tearing me up inside!"
"I don't know about that, Riley."
"Farkle, what are you saying? What are you saying to me right now?!"
"I don't know but I think you've gotten comfortable in how things are. I think - I think you actually like it."
"Oh my God... Farkle, if you can think that I actually like sneaking around and lying to everyone - "
"Well, you never did anything like this before. I think you're addicted to the danger and having a secret, but I can't be a secret, Riley. Not anymore, not even for you."
"... Are you threatening me, Farkle? Is this like Lucas and New Years Eve' again? Because you think you know what's best for everyone? Farkle, if we told everyone it would be the end of the world as we know it. You're literally asking me to blow up the world and everyone I love! Why would you want that?"
"Because last night, I realized that I want to be the one who holds your hand in public, all right? I want to kiss in you front our friends and not have to apologize for calling you 'babe' or cover it up. I want to take you to Senior Prom, OK?! Lucas Friar is the best friend I've ever had and ever will have. I don't want to hurt him anymore than you do! I don't want to hurt anyone!" The whites of Farkle's eyes turned pink and he scrubbed his face in his hoodie to hide his tears. Seeing that Farkle was crying, Riley instinctively tried to comfort him but he shrugged her off coldly.
Sniffing and shaking his nerves off, Farkle continued, "I didn't come here to threaten you, Riley. I know I did that in the past but that was wrong. So, I'm leaving this up to you... If you don't leave Lucas, then that will be the end of you and me."
"Farkle, we've tried to stop before - " Riley said, her voice becoming as haggard as she felt.
"No. I mean, if I can't be your friend and I can't be your boyfriend, then I have to be nothing. I can't talk to you. I won't even look at you."
"Farkle, you don't mean that." Her voice broke.
"Yes, I do. I have to."
"But, Farkle - "
"Riley, you're still making it about everyone else! What about me? Do you care about me?"
"Yes!"
"Do you want to be with me?"
Before Riley's cracked and dry mouth could say anything, the bay window slid open and Maya entered, "OK, you whore, it ain't your birthday anymore! Are ya decent or are you Huckleberry still doing the nasty?" When her crystal blue eyes saw her two best friends, turning their backs to one another. Farkle wiped his eyes on his sleeve and Riley didn't even show her face to Maya.
"Um, am I interrupting something? Oh my God, did that dinosaur teacher your dad loves finally croak?"
"No, no, Maya. I'm actually just leaving." His tone was low. Without another word or look, Farkle left through the bay window. Maya watched him go, worriedly.
"OK, was Farkle crying or are my eyes failing me?" She jutted her thumb in his direction. Riley just shrugged and sat down on the cushion. Scoffing, Maya hastily pivoted her body so she could lock the bay window. Her little legs traveled to Riley's door, locking that too but it was already done. Then, she sat closer than close next to Riley. "OK, you're going to tell me what's going on, finally. Right now." She commanded.
"Maya, you know how Farkle can be sometimes, " Riley covered the shakiness in her voice.
"No, Riley. It's more than that. This has been going on for a while."
"... I don't know what you're talking about."
"Riley, you dum-dum, it's me! Maya! I am your best friend, no one will know you like I do, OK? You've been like this for months!"
"Like what?" Riley asked aggravated.
"I don't know like, not you! You've been... sad and quiet. You been keeping to yourself more, which I've always requested but the Riley we all know and love lets her heart burst on her sleeve and doesn't care. Huckleberry even came to me, asking what was wrong with you. I had to tell him I didn't know."
"Lucas noticed?" She said in a whisper.
Maya nodded, "Yeah. Lucas noticed but he didn't ask you because he didn't want to fight anymore. Not this year. Honey... what's wrong? Tell me, so we can fix it."
Suddenly, it felt like gravity was just pushing Riley down. Maya heard her hyperventilating as she put her hands over her ears. The more she tried to calm down, the more she lost control. Her fingers dug into her scalp and her brown irises became positively red from the morning of tears. Riley was breaking in front of Maya's eyes and her friend had never been so scared.
Maya fell to the floor, crouching in front of Riley, trying to meet her eyes. "Riley? Honey? You're OK, all right? You're OK. You're with me. You're with me. You're in a safe space. You're fine, honey." She pet Riley's forehead and shushed her. "It's OK."
"No, it's not!" Riley sobbed.
"Why? What's not OK?"
"I can't tell you!" Riley shook her head so hard, it looked like her neck might snap.
"Why?"
"You're gonna hate me!"
"Riley." Maya put her hands on Riley's knees. "There is absolutely nothing, nothing in this world that could make you hate you, all right? I love you forever. It's always going to be you and me, no matter what." Maya tried to be strong for Riley but seeing her friend so broken and distraught caused her deep pain. "Please, let me help you. Tell me what's going on."
Carefully, the weeping brunette removed her hands from her head and Maya grabbed them, actually afraid Riley might try to hurt herself. "Riley...?"
"... I've been cheating on Lucas!" And the sky fell down. Riley revealed her secret with shut eyes, not being able to bare how Maya had to be looking at her right now. She did feel Maya leave her hold and sit beside her again at the bay window.
"What?" Maya was stunned.
Her whole body was quaking as she turned to Maya, now eyes wide open, "I've been cheating on Lucas. I've been sleeping with someone else."
The blonde inhaled and never released. Her tongue worked trying to find something to say but... there was just too much. This was just too much.
"Maya - " Riley tried to talk more but Maya raised her hand to stop her.
"... Why? I mean, I know you've been having problems lately but... why?"
"It just happened, I swear!"
"Riley, cheating doesn't just happen, OK? You don't just slip and fall into someone's bed. It's a choice, you know that!" Maya scolded, gradually moving away from Riley.
"I know, you're right. You're right."
"When did it start?"
"October."
"Does anyone else know?"
Riley was silent. "Does Farkle know? Is that why he left like that this morning and at your party, last night?" Riley was still being mute and Maya was losing her patience. "Riley!"
"It's with Farkle."
All of the air escaped from Maya's lungs. "...W-what?" She sputtered, then angrily again, "... What?" Riley just crumpled into another cry. How could they lie? How could they do this to Lucas, to Smackle, to the group? Just... "How?"
"It was after y-your party. When he took me home, that was the first time. And we've tried to stop, peaches - "
"Do not call me peaches right now, Riley."
"Maya, we really tried but ... And he broke up with Smackle, last night and I just..."
"Of all the people in New York - all the people in the goddamn universe - it had to Farkle Minkus? Riley, it had to be your boyfriend's best friend?"
"Maya, it could have only been him!" Riley retorted hopelessly. "OK? Don't forget, he's my best friend too! I've known him all my life. I could never hurt him or say no to him. Farkle is the only person that could make me do something like this, make me leave Lucas because... I love him."
Maya swallowed her rising fury and slowly wagged her head. "I can't believe this."
"Maya, Maya, please. You cannot tell Lucas, OK? You just can't." Riley begged.
Maya looked at her best friend with disgust, "Don't worry, Riley. I'll keep your secret because that's all it will ever be. You're not going to leave Lucas, OK? You're going to stay with him and start being faithful to him. After graduation, whatever you do is your business but until then... it's over. You understand?" Randomly, Maya glanced down at Riley's neck that didn't have Lucas' locket but she recognized Farkle's NASA t-shirt. She exhaled harshly as her blood boiled.
When Riley nodded obediently, Maya popped up and stormed to her door, Riley called out, "Wait, Maya!" Maya twisted around to see Riley, pathetic and spent. "You said you could never hate me? You don't, right? You said you could never hate me."
After a moment, Maya carded a hand through her thick, blonde hair and sighed, "Riley, I still love you. I'm always gonna love you but... part of me," She shrugged her shoulders in defeat, holding back tears. "Part of me, wishes I could stop being your friend because you don't deserve it. I can't even stomach being around you right now, honestly, so." Maya pivoted around and swung her door open, a gale force of wind blowing.
When Maya left, Riley collapsed onto the floor. She held her face as tears dripped through the cracks of her fingers.
"Riley, what's going on? Maya just left like - " Cory came into the room and saw his daughter, frail and withered on the ground. He joined her and held her in his arms like a baby, cooing and rocking. Topanga stood in the doorway, mouthing to her husband, 'what's going on?' He just shook his head. Then, she sat on the other side of her daughter, softly singing her baby song, "You Are My Sunshine". It made Riley cry even harder: that was one of the songs on Farkle's list.
AN: For those who are feeling really bad right now, here's a finalized list for Farkle's mix for Riley:
"Sunday Morning" - Maroon 5
"Home Is Right Out Your Window" - Paper Rival (Farkle's always right out her window)
"You Are My Sunshine" - Johnny Cash
"Mine" - Beyonce ft. Drake (Because Riley loves Queen B)
"The Scientist" - Coldplay
"If It's Not A Side Effect of the Cocaine, It Must Be Love" - Fall Out Boy
"Cosmic Love" - Florence + the Machine
"Nothing Can Change This Love" - Sam Cooke
Yeah, if you guys have been following my stories, I'm sure you know by now that I'm a music nerd. Anyway, one more chapter. If you like what you read, please review. Thank you.