Lucas had a huge decision to make. Did he want to go to Davis and be able to succeed in a veterinary career? Not that he wouldn't have a good career if he went to NYU. If he went to NYU, he could see his friends and Riley every day, and he could still become a veterinarian. There wouldn't be any technical difference in his degree. Except he wouldn't have as great of an opportunity as he would at Davis. In California, he could have the chance to work with great doctors and help animals while he was in college, with the many internships they offered there. But in New York, he could stay with the person he loves.

All these thoughts constantly raced through Lucas's mind in the next few days. He talked to his parents about it, but they offered little help; all they told him was that he should be careful with his decision and choose what he believed in strongly. He believed strongly in his choice to be a veterinarian, but he also believed strongly in his relationship with Riley.

That was why he decided to talk to Cory- Mr. Matthews. He had been his teacher for years, and he knew so much about his situation.

On Wednesday of his last week at school, he went to his teacher early that morning to set up a meeting after school. He didn't want Riley to find out about it, so he told Cory to keep it between them.

Cory was confused as to why Lucas wanted to have a secret meeting and he was a little scared about what Lucas would talk to him about. He knew that Lucas had been struggling with his college decision for a while, so he kind of expected a conversation about that, but he didn't know why he decided to come to him of all people. After all, Cory was obviously biased toward Riley- except he didn't know if he wanted Lucas at NYU, alone with his daughter, or in California, far away from endangering his daughter.

When school ended that day, both Cory and Lucas were a little nervous about the conversation.

Riley was waiting for Lucas in the hallway, and when she saw him, she gave him a weak smile and walked over to him, putting her arm around his waist.

"Hey," he greeted her.

"Hey," she replied.

"I have to stay after school today, so I won't be able to walk you home," he said to her. "But I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Why do you have to stay after school?" she asked.

Lucas didn't want to lie to Riley, but he didn't know what to tell her.

"I have a meeting with one of my teachers about college stuff," he said, waving his hand as if it didn't mean anything.

"Oh," Riley said. "So have you decided yet?"

"No, but I'm hoping this will help."

"Me too," she said. She hugged him and then walked away, deciding to ride the subway home.

Lucas took a deep breath and watched Riley walk away. He then turned toward Cory's class and walked in.

Cory was sitting at his desk grading papers when Lucas walked in. He looked up and said, "Mr. Friar, have a seat."

"Thanks," Lucas answered as he sat down in a desk in the front row.

"So what is this meeting about?" Cory asked.

"I just want some direction from a trusted adult," Lucas said.

"Okay, on what?"

"On my future," Lucas answered. "I don't really know what I'm supposed to do. Do I go to California or stay in New York?"

"Ah," Cory said, understanding Lucas's dilemma. "Well, Lucas, you need to weigh this decision carefully. The main goal should be to not have any regrets. If you go to NYU, will you have regrets? If you go to Davis, will you have regrets? Choose to go where there are no regrets. That's the best advice I can give you. Have you talked to your parents?"

"Yeah, but they just told me to choose carefully. I mean, I guess I'd just rather have someone choose for me. I'd rather not have to personally decide. That way nobody's to blame for anything," Lucas said.

Cory stood from his desk and went to the other side to face Lucas.

"So you want to make everyone happy?"
"I just don't want to hurt anyone. If I go to Davis, I'll hurt Riley and all my friends. If I go to NYU, I don't want to hurt myself."
"Lucas, you need to think about your feelings because it's your life. Don't think about what others say. Follow your heart."

"So if I went to Davis would you be mad at me for leaving Riley?"

"No, I couldn't do that," Cory said. "As much as I love Riley and want her to be happy, I couldn't ask you to give up your dream to stay with her. Everything here would work out in time."

"But it would be without me," Lucas said, looking down.

Cory looked at Lucas and realized how painful this decision was for him. He could see the hurt in Lucas's eyes as he recognized the severity of the consequences of his decision.

"I don't want to be out of the picture, sir," Lucas said, looking up at Cory. "I don't ever want to be out of the picture."

"So what does that mean?" Cory asked.

Lucas stood up excitedly. "Do you think I'm crazy?" he asked.

Cory chuckled. "You don't even know crazy, kid. You should've seen me and Topanga. Now we were crazy."

"So I'm thinking correctly?"

"If this is what your heart's set on, then yeah," Cory said.

"So you think that I should do whatever my heart is set on?" Lucas asked. "Even if I give up a prestigious college to stay in New York?"

"Yeah, even then."

"You're giving me your permission to do whatever my heart is set on," Lucas said, getting more excited.

"Woah, slow down there, cowboy," Cory said. "Whatever within reason. Don't go off and get a face tattoo and then go home and say, 'Mr. Matthews said it's okay!'"

"Of course not, sir. But I know what I'm going to do now! I don't ever want to be out of the picture. I don't know if this is the time to say it, but I'm in love with your daughter, sir, and I could never be out of the picture. I don't even know what I was thinking. I can't go to Davis! Thank you sir!" Lucas said as he ran out of the classroom.

Cory chuckled as he watched Lucas run. There's a boy in love, he thought. He was just glad that Riley wouldn't have to go through the pain of a long distance relationship. He and Topanga had tried that for a few weeks and it almost killed them both.

It worried him a little, as he didn't know how Lucas's parents would take the news. Would they really want Lucas staying in New York and giving up an education in California for a girl? Probably not. But potentially killing himself because he chose to go to California wouldn't have benefited him either.

Cory packed his papers into his briefcase and grabbed his keys. He walked out of the classroom and locked the door. He could faintly hear a conversation going on down the hall.

"Yes, sir," the kid was saying. Lucas, Cory thought. He must be telling his parents.

"I'll be there in a few minutes," Lucas said. "Thank you so much."

Cory smiled. Lucas's parents were accepting of his decision. That was a great thing. Cory walked out of the school and put his briefcase in his car to drive home to his wonderful family.

Chapter 4 down! What do you think? Did you think Lucas would choose NYU? The story isn't over yet, so stay tuned!

Please review! I love hearing what you think! :)