Author's note: Many of you were probably wondering, 'how did Lucas get hurt?'. Lucas was trying to protect Cory, so he stepped in front of him. Mr. Friar threw the punch quickly before noticing his son was the target. On another note, even though blind people can't see, they can technically 'open' their eyes. That action involves the eyelids and not actual vision (just in case you though blind people had their eyes closed permanently).

I'm sorry for taking so long to update! I had no wifi for a week and it was torture. Then, I couldn't write because there was no time to. :( Did anyone miss me? I received one review to update but most of you seemed okay with the hiatus… Should I stop writing?

I have a twitter account if anyone wants to follow me. I believe it's uniquenicole_7

jaletftwich: Thank you for your beautiful words! I'm glad you're content with Maya's decision, and the way I handled it. I will always say thank you to readers like you who are so polite and kind! Love to all of you! Because I love y'all, I'll be working on other rucas stories (hopefully).

nona0310: I believe anger issues run in the family… Haha Riley as Lucas' nurse is a good way to put it! ;) I actually want to see 'Me Before You'! I'll consider writing a rucas story based on the film. Thank you for your lovely compliment about my writing! xo

CodenameR.A.L: Aw thanks for not being mad with me! I kept you in mind while writing that part, haha! I love your username because it's very creative. :) Thanks for reviewing!

(Guest): I'm so excited to write what will happen with Lucas' sight! Keep guessing when that will happen… or IF that will happen. DUN DUN DUN!

violet1429: Lovely phrasing in your comment! Thank you for acknowledging that rucas moment at the hospital. Smackle and Farkle is a subject we'll tackle as soon as Riley finds out who sent her NYU application. ;)

Discursus: Thanks for mentioning that! Lucas' dad has NOT seen him play! I'll figure out if I can include that in a future chapter. I have some ideas actually… haha!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything you're familiar with. Characters and some settings are solely created by Michael Jacobs and his co-workers.

…..

"-why don't you want Lucas to have the operation?"

Mrs. Friar let out a long sigh and peered into her son's room. She admired how easily he had made friends… real friends. "I don't want my son to be at risk. Something can go awfully wrong."

Cory nodded in empathy. "I understand you care about him deeply. But these charities are aware of the doctors on duty. They wouldn't send a random person."

The woman slowly moved her head up and down in agreement. "I know you're right, but I still need to talk to my husband. After everything, we have to have a long conversation." She stood up and shook Mr. Matthews' hand. "Thank you again for not pressing charges on my husband. I'm going to pick him up from the police station. Do you mind looking over my Lucas?"

Cory smiled. "No worries. Your son is safe with us."

…..

Riley glanced over her shoulder towards the door. She was relieved as she saw her father and Lucas' mother talking calmly. "So how many games do you have to win until the state championships?"

The blind teen laughed as the brunette changed the subject. "Woah, we have to beat at least 12 more teams to be at the championships!" Lucas folded his hands on top of his lap. "We need to win every single game."

"I know that's a lot of pressure but I'm a hundred percent sure you'll be able to make it! I have faith in you, just as much as you have faith in me." Riley smiled and put a hand on his arm. A silence suddenly reigned in the room. After the commotion both teenagers experienced, they felt at peace together. Lucas lifted his head slightly from the hospital bed and Riley leaned downwards to the Texas native. Their lips gradually met until there was no space between them.

Lucas had an indescribable sensation overwhelm him. He had his first kiss back in Dallas, but it was a peck with Carly Weathers inside the fifth grade classroom. This feeling was something priceless. Riley was a precious flower in his eyes. He held her face as if it was delicate china.

The kiss was a first for the unique brunette. She felt fireworks go off inside her chest as she pressed her lips onto Lucas'. Riley was aware that the handsome teen had other girls chasing after him, and so she knew he was experienced. The young woman wondered if she had left a mark on Lucas.

Friar's eyes were wide as saucers. He bit his lip as he grinned.

On the other hand, Riley was in shock of their sudden connection. Her mind had a million open tabs.

What are we?

Did he like the kiss?

Are we going to date?

Does he like me?

What if he doesn't?

"I'm so sorry!"

Lucas smirked and chuckled. "Why are you sorry? That was a great kiss. I like you a lot Riley. You're someone I would never want to replace." He tilted his head towards his hands. "I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."

Riley shook her head frantically. "That's not the problem! I think highly of you. I've liked you ever since I met you on the first day of school." She frowned.

"Then what's the problem? When two people like each other, they begin to date."

"I don't… I don't think we can do that, yet." Riley's head drooped in disappointment. "There's so much going on in our lives. You have basketball, you just moved here around two months ago, you still need to have your eye surgery! I think we should have a stable life for us to work out… unless you're not looking for anything serious."

Lucas was silent for a few moments. He reached out with an open hand to Riley. "You're right. Let's be great friends until I settle into New York better. After that-" The dirty blond was interrupted by a Cory Matthews.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Friar? Your mother went to pick up your father." The older man hovered over the pair. He didn't ignore the fact that Lucas' hand rested on Riley's arm. In the depths of his wise mind, he knew the couple had an iconic bond.

"I'm fine, Mr. Matthews. Actually, you came into the room at a great time. I was going to ask you for your blessing." Lucas smiled politely.

"Blessing for what?" Cory scoffed and looked at the current patient with amusement. When he realized what Lucas meant, his playful attitude turned into confusion.

"After I recover my sight, I want to ask your daughter out on a date. I'd like your blessing, sir."

…..

Farkle laid on his large bed, staring at the ceiling. His vast mind was deciding if he should reunite with Smackle. Maya was right when she expressed her feelings. She knew the feelings that overwhelmed the intellectual teen.

As though the universe had decided for him, Farkle's cellphone vibrated.

"Hello?"

On the other line, car honks and engines were heard. "Hi. May we speak in person?"

"Smackle. I have been thinking about you several times today."

"Myself as well. I'm currently in Topanga's. Will you meet with me now?"

With confidence, Farkle responded. "Of course." He quickly hung up and put on his winter jacket. With anxiety pumping through his veins, he grabbed his car keys and drove into the city.

…..

Smackle sat with perfect posture against the comfortable furniture. Black-rimmed glasses perched on her pointed nose and her raven hair was pulled back. She wore a emerald green dress with black tights, and charcoal boots. As soon as a gust of wind came through the door, her head spun.

"Hello."

"It's nice to see you, Farkle. I've been patiently waiting here. There are things we need to speak about." Frustration rushed through her. Because of her mental illness, she sounded like a robot instead of an ordinary human being.

"Why don't we begin with the fact that you scarred me emotionally? You abandoned me to see other people." Farkle's eyes were both filled with rage and sadness.

"I'm terribly sorry, my sweet. In the logical mind, one has to experiment to find a conclusion. I had thought it was right to not adhere to one person."

"You may be incredibly smart, Smackle. However, as a logical person too, I can assure you that love comes from the heart and not the mind. Being friends with others allows you to see how people act genuinely. I recall how much you despised people like Billy Ross and then suddenly, I see a romantic relationship between the two of you."

"Are you present in this establishment to mock me or accuse me of my actions?" Smackle furrowed her eyebrows in anger.

"No. I want to demonstrate that being friends with someone demonstrates how they truly act. A relationship that just stems from romanticism is temporary, but the relationship that appears from friendship is infinite."

"You were my nemesis, dear. Even in those moments I liked you. We became friends shortly after."

"Smackle, you were aware of my personality and character. You know who I am and I know who you are."

"Do you want to become a couple once again?" The bright young woman blushed while looking down at her feet.

Farkle grabbed Smackle's hand and gave her a small smile. "Thanks to the friends and family that I have, I know what love is. I love you." He slowly hugged the teenager and waited until she felt comfortable in his embrace. A wet tear suddenly dropped on his hand.

The black-haired girl silently cried. "I apologize for the way I treated you. You're my true love, dearest. Now I am completely aware: from my brain to my beating heart."

…..

Josh kissed Maya as they stood inside the train. "Has Riley sent any new messages?" He held the blonde's smaller hand.

Maya shook her head and grinned. "She's distracted by her cowboy. I think she'll be fine." Her head laid on Josh's chest. "Right now, I want to soak in this moment."

The older young man raked his fingers through the teenager's hair relaxingly. His back pressed against the metal railing. "Have you heard anything from colleges?"

"Actually, I applied to several. Including: Pennsylvania, Rutgers, Patterson and NYU." The short teen grinned from ear to ear. "Even though I'm still the same rebellious Maya, throughout my four years of high school I kept my grades up. I was qualified to apply for NYU."

Josh squeezed his girlfriend in a hug. "I'm so proud of you, Maya. That would be great! I have two years left and if you're accepted, we'll be closer."

"It's all a matter of waiting. But it's the worst part." The blonde laughed and bit her lip. "One can only hope."

…..

Riley was beaming with hope. Her eyes, wide as an anime character, stared at Cory Matthews.

"You're ask-asking me for my blessing? In this day and age where people just text and don't give a flying stick about parents' opinions?" The older Matthews couldn't believe what he was hearing. "As polite and respectful that sounds, I don't know if my daughter-" He glanced at his daughter.

"I'm totally okay with it!" Riley intended to sound nonchalant. "I mean, cool." She crossed her arms to seem laid back.

The curly haired teacher sighed. "There is nothing stopping my daughter from growing up so I suppose… the answer is yes." Cory patted Lucas' shoulder. "You have my blessing."

The quirky brunette tackled her father in a hug. "Thank you," she repeated into his ear.

…..

I think the following chapter with have a time jump from this point. Please be on the lookout for the next installment of 'Going to the City'! xx