(Last time in Iridescence)
"Do you ever wish you would have done things differently?" she asked, unsure if she really wanted the answer.
"Yes," he admitted. "I mean, people never really forgot about how I used to act, even though I did manage clean up my act and turn my life around. But they never forgot. They would still taunt me. I just learned to walk away."
"So maybe in a different time, if you had moved her before, we would have known each other, and been friends."
X
"But seriously, you've put a lot of thought into this night," she told him.
"Well yeah," he admitted. "I had to impress you, and at least try to one up you. How'd I do?"
X
"Lucas?" Riley said. He looked up with the most satisfied smile on his face. "This has been the best day ever."
Chapter 6: Courage
"Farkle!" Riley cheered as she rounded the corner, towards her locker and found the tall Minkus boy emptying his backpack morsels into his locker. Their lockers were directly adjacent to the other, and it always made for perfect conversations. Curiosity wavered, as Riley's peers watched her run. This was one of the few times that she didn't care about the turning heads watching her, because she was happy and no one else mattered.
He turned to her with a grin and extended his arms to her. She jumped into his arms, gave him the best hug she could muster, and Farkle lifted her just barely off the floor. He'd grow a lot over the summer, and he definitely got more handsome. The awkward faze Farkle faced when he was in middle school had passed years ago, and he was definitely flourishing.
"Hey Riley," he finally said, after they both let go.
"I'm so glad that you're back. It's been lonely without you here," Riley told him, pouting slightly.
"Awe, Riley, I'm sorry. But I'm back now, and we can hang out again. I need to make up for a week of missed school anyways so you can help me with that."
"Sure," she grinned, turning to open up her own locker. She was so grateful that their lockers were next each other, because Farkle was one of her best friends and she could always count on him. "So," she said, excitedly, "How was the internship at Minkus International?"
"It was… eye opening," Farkle said carefully.
"What does that mean?" Riley asked with raised eyebrows.
"It means that I'm starting to think that the life my father lives maybe isn't the life I want to inherit."
Riley scrunched up her nose, still unsure. "But you've been set on taking over the company for years. It's the closest thing to taking over the world."
Farkle smiled at that. "I guess taking over the world isn't all it's cracked up to be." Farkle pulled out his schedule and smiled when he saw Mr. Matthews name beside his first period class. "Enough about me though, are you any closer to figuring out what you want to do next year?" She frowned, she hated that question, and Farkle could tell almost instantaneously. "I'm sorry. You'll figure it out. We both will," and with that, he put an arm around her shoulders and they began to walk to class.
"I should warn you, Farkle," Riley said, leaning into his arm. "Izzy has been texting me non-stop since school started. 'Where's Farkle?', "Did Farkle get an early acceptance to MIT?', 'Why hasn't Farkle shown up for classes yet?'" Riley mimicked. Isadora Smackle had one of the most obvious crushes on Farkle in the world, and yet, if you asked her, she would deny it.
"Really?" Farkle asked.
"Yeah, but don't tell her I told you about the texts."
Farkle smiled to himself. "I think this year, I want to focus a little bit more on having fun", Farkle said. "After working for my dad all summer, I've realized that my time to fool around and make mistakes is running out and I want to make as many mistakes as possible."
"You're starting to sound like Maya," Riley laughed.
X
Lucas watched them interact, and for a long moment, he wondered if maybe he should intervene and introduce himself. But he had to wonder just how far might be seen as possessive, and if Riley might just think he was a moron. Riley had obviously been around Abraham Lincoln High a lot longer and she'd made friends before he was there.
But the thin tall boy's arms wrapped around her torso, and Lucas hardly noticed the clenching of his fingers.
"You like her?" Maya asked, walking up to Lucas, easel in hand. She loved art, but she hated all the supplies that came along with it.
"W-What?" Lucas stuttered, coming out of his own little trance.
Maya chuckled and rolled her eyes. "I see it. You like her." Lucas again watched Riley sticking her nose up at a comment the other boy made.
"Of course I do. She's Riley, what's not to like," Lucas replied nonchalantly.
She nodded slowly, taken into her own trance. "I'm aware, she's the greatest friend I've ever had," Maya thought out loud. "But you better be careful. Riley trusts people way too easily. She won't admit it, but she does. People have taken advantage of her trust and friendship, and she's ended up on the floor. Don't you dare take advantage of that," Maya warned, glaring directly into Lucas's eyes.
"Are you on that list? Have you taken advantage of her friendship?" Lucas asked.
"Watch it, bucko," Maya hissed, but when unfazed Lucas raised his eye brows, she sighed. "Yes, I am guilty of taking advantage of her friendship. And she doesn't deserve that. No one does."
"Then maybe, you should be careful," Lucas warned, looking back at smiling Riley. He couldn't help but smile just because she was. "Because I plan on sticking around." Maya hesitantly watched Lucas, her own trust wary.
"I don't like you," said Maya, before turning to Riley and the boy, a skip in step and nearly tackling both of them.
X
"Maya, present," Maya shouted from behind them.
Farkle hugged Maya. "Ooh, my two favourite girls, together again, isn't this great," Farkle gushed.
Maya just rolled her eyes. "There's a party on Friday at Shauna's, Riley wanna go?"
"Oh, I want to go!" Farkle interrupted, raising his hand up high.
"I don't know Maya," Riley said carefully. Billy's party was a disaster. That is, until she left.
"Come on, we can go to your place before and get ready, it's not going to be like Billy's party, there won't be as many people this time, Shauna's house isn't as big."
"Um."
"Please, Riley. It'll be so much fun!" Riley looked between Farkle and Maya, and saw that Lucas was standing on the other side of the hall way. She waved almost immediately. "Lucas can come," Maya whispered, sweetening the deal.
"Really?" Riley replied dreamily, watching him talk to one of his teammates.
"I think we've got a yes," Maya said to Farkle. "Farkle? You got your license over the summer, right?"
"Yes!" he shouted.
"Can you drive us and be the D.D.?" Maya asked.
"Oh I don't think I'll be drinking Maya," Riley replied.
"Just in case."
"Yes!" Farkle said excitedly. "I finally get to make mistakes!"
X
"Maya?" Riley asked, sitting up against the back of her bed, while she watched Maya stand in front of her mirror. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why do you hang out with those other girls?" Maya's eyes averted from her own reflection and met Riley's in the mirror. "I know it's a weird question." Maya made her way to Riley's bed and sat down beside her.
"I don't know really, I guess I just thought that there's always been me and you. We've known each other forever, yet we've never had anything in common…"
"We have each other in common. Isn't that enough?"
"Riley…"
"Sorry, I'll let you finish."
"These other girls, we have stuff in common. We love art, we love to sketch, paint, sculpt; everything. They're showing me a different side of me that I didn't know existed before. We're all the same; we all have passion for the same things."
Riley nodded. "I am happy for you Maya. I know you've wanted something like this your whole life. But can you do me a favour?"
"Anything", Maya promised.
"Don't forget about me. We've got a lot of history shoved up our sleeves. And I'd hate to see all those years of friendship go to waste. You know me better than anyone and I'd like it to stay that way."
"You always did hate change."
"Maya…"
"Riley, I'm not ditching you. You're my best friend, I'm just hanging out with other people who are just like me. We're forever."
Riley let herself smile because they were actually talking like the used to, and they were sitting together making promises.
"Now," began Maya. "Can you do me a favour?"
"What?"
"Get dressed up and have a great time with me tonight."
X
When Riley walked out of the house with Maya, she was wearing a black crop top, effectively showing off her well-toned midriff, and a cute high royal blue skirt. She knew her father would never let her out of the house like that, so she wore her grey jacket over top.
God only knows how Maya was able to convince her to walk out of her room looking the way she did. Her hair was curled to perfection, carving her face. There were black heels on her feet that she didn't know were sitting in the back of her closet.
Maya did her makeup, because for some reason, Riley's face was just like a blank canvas to Maya.
Even Riley would admit that she felt pretty, unrecognizable, but definitely pretty.
Farkle was waiting in the car on the street, and Maya took the front forcing Riley to the back.
"Riley?" he said, shocked, turned around in his own seat.
"I know, it's a bit much," she said, pushing the hair out of her eyes, avoiding his watchful eyes.
"You look hot." Riley couldn't help but blush.
"Yeah she does," Maya cheered.
"Guys…" Riley said, letting the insecure side of herself take over.
"Riley what did I tell you about confidence? All you have to do is pretend and you're halfway there."
The ride was shorter than Riley would have liked, and before they knew it, Farkle was parking the car on Shauna's street.
"I feel kinda sick," Riley said, just as Maya opened up her side of the car door, extending a leg.
"Those are just the nerves. All you've got to go is let loose a little. Forget that everyone else exists."
"It's only me and you?"
"That's right."
"And Farkle!" he added. Maya looked at Farkle closely, before rolling her eyes.
"And apparently Farkle; it's just us."
"Okay," Riley nodded, as ready as she would ever be. Farkle, being the gentleman he was, opened her door for her, before she could get to it.
He slipped his arm around her waist. "I'm nervous too," he whispered. That made Riley smile, she leaned herself into his body as they walked up to the house, Maya leading the way. Riley had always appreciated her friendship with Farkle, but never more than she did at that moment, because as soon as the door opened and Riley saw that the party was in full swing, she could already tell that she was in for an eventful night.
Farkle though, she didn't understand why he had to be nervous. He had physically grown into his looks, and was very attractive, but she wondered if maybe his mind was still trapped in middle school when so many people had bullied him. Farkle was always nice to everyone, but he was careful to trust people, because he'd seen the worst of people.
There had to be at least fifty people in Shauna's house, dancing in her living room, running up and down the hallways, and making a line for the bathroom.
She saw Lucas's back, facing towards the kitchen, and smiled. She led Farkle towards him, but when her view changed she could see Missy Bradford hanging onto his arm and every word he was saying to her.
"Seriously," Riley groaned.
"What?" Farkle asked, also gaining the attention of Maya. All three friends watched the couple in front of them.
"I think I need a drink," Riley announced.
"Are you serious?" Maya asked excitedly, already looking through the cooler she brought for a drink.
"Are you sure?" Farkle asked at the same time, eye brows raised.
"Stress," Riley shrugged, dispatching herself from Farkle and grabbing the beer Maya placed in Riley's grasp, twisting the cap off and taking a long swing. She forced the liquid down, no matter how much it burned her throat, she knew it was either that or risk choking the drink up.
"Yeah, Riley!" Maya cheered.
"That is disgusting," Riley winced.
"That's normal, you'll get used to it,"
Riley nodded slowly, and prepared herself for the evening.
X
After almost an hour of talking to two random girls, Riley thought she recognized from the debate team, about the nature of the universe, she wandered around the house in search for Maya and another drink. Shauna's house was bigger than Maya described, while not quite as large as Billy's.
"Riley?" a voice from behind called as she walked through the kitchen.
Whipping her head around, it was Lucas, his eyes almost popping out of his head.
"Oh hey, Lucas," Riley acknowledged.
"You look… wow Riley, you look wow," he stuttered, scratching the back of his neck.
She had to chuckle at his nervousness.
"Thanks Lucas, but it's not the most comfortable outfit in the world."
"At least you look good then." A blush warmly crept up her cheeks and ears.
"Where are you going?" he asked, just as she was about to search for Maya in the living room.
"I'm looking for someone."
"That Farkle guy?"
She twisted her head back, looking at Lucas who had an annoyed expression on his face that was nearly unreadable.
"Umm, no. But have you seen him?"
"I saw him and a few others head to the back yard a while ago."
"Okay, thanks."
"Wait," he called again, "Stay and talk?" She had to stare at him for a moment, to see his pleading eyes. Yeah, she wanted to talk, but did she really trust herself like this? Not with alcohol flowing through her veins.
"I really need to find Maya."
Just then Riley's two friends came through the back door of the kitchen, as Maya dragged Farkle by the belt buckle rolling her eyes at something he'd said.
"Look at his kid!" Maya pushed Farkle in front of Riley, but Farkle just wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.
"I love you," he said cheerfully. Riley laughed, and hugged him back.
"FARKLE!" Maya shouted in the giggling boy's face.
"Yes," he smiled, petting her arm, she swatted him away.
"Don't you know what a D.D. is?"
"Drinks-" Farkle's eyes looked around searching for the rest of his answer.
"You are such an idiot!" she shouted. "Designated driver. You were the designated driver, and now I have to call a cab. I swear…" But Farkle was too distracted by the bowl of chips to care about what Maya was saying. "Ugh. He's drunk. He's a funny drunk, but he was our ride," Maya said turning to Lucas, while Riley walked over to Farkle.
"I can bring you guys home," he said.
"Really?" Maya asked sceptically.
"Sure, it's on my way anyways," Lucas said watching Riley who was still focused on drunk Farkle, feeding him chips, and laughing whilst doing it.
"I thought you said she doesn't drink," Lucas said frowning to Maya.
Maya looked back at Riley and had to laugh. "She doesn't, but I'm glad she decided to. She's always so uptight, I haven't seen this side of her in over a year."
"What happened?"
"She used to date a guy, who turned out to have a partying and drinking problem. He would drink a lot, and when he got drunk he would be aggressive, but any other time, he was perfect. You would have never known."
"So that's why she doesn't trust anyone?"
"If you had only seen her before. She would only see the best in people, the queen of optimism. She had one dream in life; to be a princess."
Lucas smiled and nodded, watching Farkle whisper something into Riley's ear.
"What about this Farkle guy?" Lucas turned back to Maya.
"We've been best friends with him since we were 6, he's always been there for us. I shouldn't say this, because I still don't like you, but be patient with her. She likes you, but it'll take her a while to trust you."
"I'm not going to hurt her."
"You better not," Maya threatened.
Looking back Riley and Farkle again, Lucas saw that their chip excursion was only temporary, and the two were long gone.
"We just lost the stupidest and silliest drunks in the world, did you know that?" Maya said.
"They couldn't have gotten far, they were just here."
X
Alcohol was a funny thing, it slowed her brain down, a lot. There weren't as many random thoughts floating through her mind as usual and all of the blank space was kind of relaxing. Especially on such a comfortable recliner.
Riley's thoughts were interrupted by a deep male voice. She looked up to see Charlie smiling down at her.
"Hey Charlie," Riley giggled.
"Riley, is that a drink in your hand?" He smirked.
"Yup, it sure is." Another giggle. Alcohol made her really happy. Maybe she should go ask Maya for another one. Where did Maya wander off to this time?
"Trying something new?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"That's cool, I'm glad to see you finally having some fun," Charlie told her. She smiled. Finally having some fun. What did that mean? Charlie looked around the room, before ducking down to her level. "It's really loud in here, wanna go talk somewhere? Catch up?"
It was loud in Shauna's house. "Sure," she grinned.
Charlie grabbed her hand, and led her through the crowd of people, pulling her down a flight of stairs to the finished basement. He turned the light on, and she smiled taking a seat on the sofa. The basement was empty except for the two of them, and it appeared to be a rec room.
Charlie took a seat next to her, and leaned closer.
"You look different," he said quietly.
"You think so?" she asked, folding her legs in front of her, and leaning her head against the back of the sofa.
"Yah, I do. You look like you are finally having fun." He moved himself close enough that there legs were touching. "Riley, I'm sorry."
"About what?" Riley furrowed her brows.
"The way things ended for us. I don't know what I was thinking." One of his hands made its way to her thigh, and she jumped at the touch.
Realization hit almost immediately.
"Charlie, you're drunk." She pushed his hand away.
"It's just that when you walked in here dressed like that, I realized that I miss you," he ignored her, pushing forward. He roughly pressed his lips to hers before she could get in another word. When she realized what was happening, she did everything in her power to push him away. And she did.
"Charlie!" she shoved him, and stood up. "What are you doing?"
"Kissing you. We used to kiss all the time. Don't you miss me?" he stood up as well, placing an arm around her waist. She had to look down at his sweaty hand, feigning heat against her bare waist.
"It's not the same Charlie, please stop." Riley grabbed Charlie's hand from her waist and placed it at his side.
Charlie chuckled. "Oh, c'mon, you like it. You used to love it." There went that hand again. Except this time it was making its way to her back, and creeping dangerously low. She fought from cringing. Why did it feel so different when he touched her now? She felt violated.
Riley started to panic. "No, I don't like it." Her voice was firmer now, as she whipped up all the confidence she could muster. Just pretend. She put her hands up to Charlie's chest, trying to push him away. But she realized her mistake when Charlie brought his other arm around and pulled her tightly against him.
This wasn't the Charlie she knew, and she hated it. Suddenly, she wanted to cry. She had let her guard down, she went to a party that she didn't want to go to. She let someone she trusted take advantage of her. "I said stop!"
She was attempting to push him away again, when there was suddenly and empty void in front of her. It all happened so quickly; her airy head unable to process what was happening in the blur.
On the floor was Charlie, clenching his jaw, and spitting onto the floor. And recovering from the blow above was Lucas, retracting his fist, anger cursing his face.
"She said stop," Lucas growled.
Charlie looked stunned as he stared back at him. "What the hell was that for?"
"That was for taking advantage of a girl."
"I wasn't taking advantage of her. She was loving it," Charlie said with a smirk, looking back at Riley. "Right Riles?"
She suddenly felt sick. From the sour alcohol taste still in her mouth or the way he sounded when he said her name like that.
Lucas grabbed Charlie by the collar and struck his face twice more, before Charlie put his hands up in defence seeing as he was already on the floor with nowhere to go. "Don't talk to her!"
The sound of her heart beating took over the entire room, and she felt like she was hyperventilating.
"Lucas?" she whispered, still unable to control her voice.
It took him a moment, but he whipped his head in her direction and suddenly he was at her feet, holding her hands in his. She jumped in his arms, his thick arms holding her tightly to his chest. Begging her emotional body to not cry, she counted her breaths. "Please tell me you're okay?" his voice so soft, so concerned. It made everything okay.
"I'm okay," she promised in his ear.
He pulled away. "Can you say it to my face?"
"I-I'm fine," she accidentally stuttered.
"Come on," Lucas pulled on her arm gently, "We're getting out of here."
Upstairs, they were almost out of the house and Lucas was helping Riley put her coat back on, when the brunette she-devil made her final appearance.
"Hey guys, leaving so soon? The party's just starting," Missy said with such a fake smile, Riley almost laughed, despite the circumstances. Why was it that Missy always showed up at the most inconvenient moments?
"Yeah, we've got other business to attend to," Lucas finally replied, grinning at Riley suggestively and wiggling his eye brows.
"Well they were just about to start a game of beer pong I believe, maybe-"
"Sorry Misty, maybe some other time," Lucas apologized, turning back to Riley, putting a hand behind her back. Riley couldn't miss the hurt expression on Missy's face, but watched her recover with a scowl when she met Riley's eyes.
"You're awful," Riley teased the moment the door closed behind them, shoving him slightly, but he could only put an arm around her shoulders, just because he like the way it felt when he was holding her.
"But it was pretty funny," he said.
"It was funny, but it was also kind of mean," Riley smirked, as they walked down the sidewalk.
"What was?"
"Calling her Misty, didn't you see her face?" she started to giggle. She couldn't even keep a straight face.
"That's her name isn't it?" he replied. She just had to laugh at his innocence. It made it so much better.
He stopped walking, unlocked his car, and opened the door for her. "Missy, her name is Missy," Riley smiled, standing inches in front of his face, just the door in between their bodies.
"Whoops," Lucas whispered with a smirk. She had to shake her head with a laugh, maybe he wasn't so innocent. They were close enough that she could kiss him, she found it funny how easily Lucas was able to make her forget about everything Charlie had done. But Lucas moved first, easing her backwards as she flopped into her seat.
She didn't really want to kiss Lucas at that moment anyways, now that she thought about it. Not after Charlie had just kissed her like that. She didn't like being that person who always had to be saved, maybe she would take up self-defence class.
"You good?" Lucas asked again, stealing her from her thoughts. Her fingers were touching her lips, and Lucas had started the car. He was listening to some country western song she'd never heard before.
She had to shake her head slightly, to stop herself from going back to the vision of Charlie's possessive face.
"Yeah," she replied, "I'm fine."
He didn't believe her for a moment, but he decided to drop it. "I'm going to get Farkle and Maya, I'll be right back. Okay?"
X
Riley stirred, when she realized that she was being carried. Her eyes fluttered open to see Maya walking just ahead of her, opening up the front door with a key. She looked above her already knowing it was Lucas carrying her because she recognized his familiar toned arms.
She lifted her head from his shoulder, and he smiled down at her. "Hey," he whispered. "Sorry for waking you, were almost home." Guilt hit Riley as she realized what was happening.
"You can set me down," she replied back hoarsely, patting his chest. She was really thirsty.
Lucas obliged, still holding her arms for balance. Maya continued into the house, while the other two stayed behind.
"Thanks for taking care of me, and for bring us home. You're a really great friend," she told him, giving him a quick hug and kissing his cheek. Her boldness was rewarded with a sweet smile.
"No problem." Riley's eyes widened slightly, and Lucas suddenly became concerned that she'd forgotten something at the party, or remembered what Charlie had done.
"Oh man, I just realized that I still owe you takeout after your grand tour of the city."
"That's right," he grinned, and visibly relaxing.
"How about tomorrow night? It'll be one huge thank you," Riley told him.
"You going to be feeling up to it?"
"You know it."
"Then I am already looking forward to it."
Riley smiled genuinely. "Goodnight Lucas."
"Goodnight, Riley Matthews."
A/N: So... whatdigayathink? No seriously, please what is going on in your pretty little minds after reading this? My ratings are WOW, but I gotta know what everyone is thinking otherwise I have to wonder if people are actually enjoying this or not. So if you aren't too busy, please toss me a glorious review! Thanks, doll face. :)