Lucas POV
History class
"So, Lucas interested in coming to the debate call out meeting after school, we could really use someone like you on our team?' Farkle asked me, I could tell he was really hoping I'd agree.
" Sorry, bud, but I have football practice after school." I say
" Now that you mention it, I remember you saying that earlier." I'm relieved he isn't upset. Its nice to have friends that have different interests and still be as close as we all are.
"Jeez, cowboy! Football and baseball. Could you be anymore of a jock?" Maya says, trying to get a rise out of me.
"I don't know, maybe you can paint a picture of us winning Friday night, Art freak!" I fire back at her, of course. It's the same game we always play.
"Art freak? Really cowboy that's the best you got? Aww no, your comebacks are getting lamer! Has hanging out with all those jocks made you stupider? This is terrible; we have to save him from the dark evil jocks before he looses all his wittiness." Maya says while wailing her arms around for dramatic effect.
"Are you done?" I ask
"For the moment, yeah, but you have to admit that was a pretty good rant." Maya points out
"It was quite entertaining yes. Maybe you should come to one of my practices, there's a lot of material there for you." I suggest
"As tempting as that sounds, I am busy after school having a life," She says, clearly repulsed by the idea.
"Well, Riley is going." Maya shoots Riley a look and I know she is about to get an earful.
"Really Riley really?" Maya says loudly
"Don't look at me like that!" Riley says while shielding her face.
"Yeah, Hart. Riley is just being a supportive girlfriend." I points out
GASP! He did NOT just call you a supportive girlfriend, do you have any idea what that's code for?" Maya asks loudly, putting air quotes around supportive girlfriend
"Uh… supportive girlfriend?" Riley answers, clearly confused as the rest of us at the table. Maya logic will do that to you.
"No! You're whipped! This is terrible, cowboy here has you wrapped around his finger! The tragedy of it." Maya says while putting a hand over her heart.
"Well Riley if you don't want to spend your afternoon watching his practice, you can come to the debate club meeting, we would love to have you. We killed it last year." Farkle mentions hopefully.
"I had fun last year, but it really wasn't my thing." Riley frowns
"And watching sweaty jocks fight over a stupid ball is?" Maya points out
"You know what, you have a point, this year I'm going to find my thing. Do you mind if I'm not as present at practices as originally planned?" Riley sweetly asks me. Like she would have to ask me, I am game for whatever makes her happy, always.
"Absolutely not, its important to find something that makes you happy, as long as we get to walk home together after school some afternoons." I shoot Riley a smile and she winks back at me.
"Deal, I wouldn't have it any other way." I smiled and leaned in to kiss Riley
"Alright, gross, knock it off before your dad walks in" Right on cue, Mr. Matthews rushed in the door, giving me a look I know by now means hands off. We separate and Mr. Matthews begins his lesson.
Later that afternoon
the debate call out meeting
Farkle POV
I walk towards the classroom where we are having our debate meeting.. fifteen minutes before it starts. I love being the first one there, and I always am, it gives me time to think and relax before all the talking begins. As I walk in, I immediately realize I am not alone.
" Hey Farkle!" Smackle exclaims from behind a desk.
" I almost forgot you went here." I absentmindedly mention
" Well thanks, It's so pleasant to be forgotten." She says quietly and I mentally make a note to watch what I say for the hundredth time.
"That isn't what I meant, I just meant I haven't seen you around yet, you know the whole out of sight, out of mind concept." I attempt to recover.
" I'm familiar with it, just not when it comes to you." There she goes again being so open about how she feels about me, despite how I feel about her I truly admire her ability to say what is on her mind, especially in matters of the heart, because I am the same way.
" You realize debate club doesn't start for another ten minutes." I point out
" I am aware, I just like to get to meetings early that way I have time to reflect and breathe before all the talking and let's face it over analytical arguments begin." I can't believe this. The more I get to know her, the more things in common we share.
" That sounds really stupid out loud, I'm sorry." She adds quickly
" Don't be sorry and it definitely isn't stupid, I do the same thing, I just didn't think anyone else did, It's nice that I'm not alone in this trait," I say
" We are pretty weird, aren't we?" She asks with a smile
" True, but at least we own it." She laughed and we continued to talk until other members started shuffling in and I found myself wishing they would be a little later just so I could keep talking to her. I've never felt anything toward Smackle besides wanting to beat her and maybe it's the fact that we are on the same team now or the fact that actually communicating with her has proven to be very pleasant makes me believe there's something more between us.
Later that afternoon
Hallway
Riley POV
I convinced Maya to look at the club booths with me before art class today. I really want to find something I love to do, like Maya has with art, Lucas has with sports, and Farkle has with debate club. I want to find something else to help define me.
" This is all so overwhelming, we must have walked by twenty booths already and not one of them has remotely caught my interest." I say feeling defeated
"Aww, cheer up buttercup, you'll find something.. Oh look dance team. You take dance class and you love it!" Maya says.
" Yeah that's true, but I am more into the recital type dance, you know the jazz, tap, work for months on one routine kind of dance. And the costumes, I love the dance costumes and the people I dance with, we are like a family! I've been dancing with most of them since I was four. I love that part of dance, not so much the team, cheering, pom pom dance." I smile as I explain the difference between my experience with dance and school dance team.
" What I thought you loved pom poms!?" I just shoot her a dirty look
" Okay I get it no dance team for you, maybe you could sign up for extra classes at your studio. I know you love it. What you do doesn't have to be at school, you can have your thing outside of school." I nod, considering her suggestion
I know that and you make a good point! I will sign up for more classes; I still wish I could do something to connect me more at school. " Maya smiles at me and links her arm through mine as we head to art class.
Art Class
Maya POV
Riley and I head to art class, my favorite part of the day because for one thing Riley is in it and because I love art. Riley opens and holds the door for me and I cannot help missing out on an opportunity to tease her.
" Why thank you Riley, How chivalrous of you! Did your cowboy show you his ways?" I tease
"You are truly welcome and I am a true lady, don't you know?" I love having a best friend that gets me and more importantly plays along with my weird sense of humor.
" Alright class, before we get started today I have an announcement! The drama club is seeking help with set designs for the fall play, the sign up sheet is on the class memo board if anyone is interested." Ms. Eberwein, the art teacher, quickly mentions before she starts discussing sculpting or something. I start to tune her out.
" Maya, that's perfect for you!" Riley breaks me free from my daydreams
" You know what Riley, the play in general is perfect for you. You need to try out. You love theatre and performing, this is a perfect joiner activity for you! I tell her honestly
" If you join for sets, I'll try out for the play, that way we can do our own thing but still be together, deal? " She looks at me hopefully and I know there is no way I can tell her no.
" Deal, we can sign up after class!" I say
"Yay, I'm so excited" She smiles and hugs me and I know I am mostly joining for her but I have to admit part of me is looking forward to designing something the whole school and beyond will look at, it sends chills down my spine.
The rest of the class was uneventful. On our way out, Ms. Eberwein asked to speak to me.
" You're old art teacher is a friend of mine, she said to look out for you. I have to say just from these first couple of days, you have showed some real talent in painting and drawing."
Thank you, I guess it helps to enjoy what you are learning." I say honestly
" It truly does. Maya, have you ever worked with sculpting, you know clay and pottery." She asks
"Honestly, I don't have much experience in that area of art." I admit
" I've always believed that an artist needs to explore all aspects of art to see if they are missing anything, that being said I teach a sculpting class after school on Thursdays, I think it would be perfect you Maya." Ms. Eberwein suggests
" I don't know what to say, it's a bit overwhelming." I say honestly
"Just say yes." She is looking at me with such persistence, its impossible to say no.
"You know what, yes." I say confidently, maybe I do need to broaden my horizons
"Excellent, I think you'll really enjoy yourself." She gives me a big smile
"I hope so." I respond as I turn and walk out of the room, maybe this high school thing isn't so bad.
One week later
Lunch
Riley POV
" So, Riley, the word around is that the fall play, Romeo and Juliet, roles were announced this morning, did you get a part?" Farkle asks what everyone else is thinking and I am happy to provide the answer.
" I did! I'm playing Juliet's nurse, I couldn't be happier. Since I don't have a huge role I will also be helping with costumes." I say, smiling the whole time.
" Riley, that's amazing, you are glowing!" Lucas notes as he gleams at me from across the table.
" I'm not the only one with news, Maya?" I say, putting the spotlight on Maya.
" Seriously, Riley, its not a big deal." Maya says sheepishly
" It is, because it is important to you." I say
" Yeah, come on, Maya, you have to tell us, were drowning in suspense." Farkle says
" Okay well, I am also helping out with the play, but with set designs and I'm taking a sculpting class." Maya says quickly.
" wow May-…" Lucas starts to say, but is quickly cut off by Maya.
" And no joiner jokes, cowboy." Maya says
" Me, I would never." Lucas smiles
" A sculpting class? That's great, Maya. You know if you ever need a model, I am more than happy to volunteer." Farkle says while wiggling is eyebrows.
" And on the note, I need to go talk to Ms. Eberwein before the bell rings, later losers." Maya leaves quickly,
" I have to go, too. I need to talk to Smackle about our next debate meeting before class." Farkle walks away
Lucas and I gather our trays and head for the trash as well. After we throw our food away, I give him a quick peck goodbye and intend to head to class, but Lucas catches my arm and turns me around to face him.
" Wait, Riley, I got you a new charm in honor of you finding your thing." Lucas hands me a box, I open it. Inside is a beautiful charm with two face masks on it, to represent theatre. I am touched by how thoughtful he is.
" Lucas, its beautiful. Thank you! You are so thoughtful and are constantly making my day, one of the many reasons why I love you." I say honestly
" I love you too." He say and I smile, I give him another quick kiss before wrapping my arm around his back
" Come on, I'll walk you to your class." I say
" Oh, how chivalrous of you!" He laughs as he wraps his arm around my shoulder.
" Believe it or not, you are not the first person to tell me that!" I say proudly
" Well I must be a lucky guy then" he says playing along
" Oh you definitely are." I say and we both laugh. We walk in the direction of his class and I can't help but note how lucky I am right as well.