3:10 PM
August 17, 2016
Maya's POV

After a long day of high school, Riley and I walked to Riley's house together. The temperature is at its' highest point of the day. I tried to avoid the sunlight by walking in the shade, but the rays of the run still found its' way to me. "How did you think about your first day?" I asked, covering my eyes.

"Fabulous, and I can't wait for tomorrow," Riley said, "why is it so hot?" Riley then started to fan herself and uses the binder on her hand to make shade.

"Don't know. Let me check the temperature. Oh my gosh, it is 102 degrees here! No wonder we are burning," I said, putting my phone away in my pocket.

"Why is the question," Riley asked.

"Why ask me? I am not a genius," I protested.

"Oh thanks god that we are almost home!" Riley said, getting out her keys are we went into the elevator. She then opened the house door. I soon found out that there's nobody home. "Wanna go to he bay window?" Riley asked.

I nodded, and we headed for the bay window. "Just before we go...there!" She turned on the air conditioner and it was so much cooler. "Let's go now." We went to Riley's bedroom.

"So, how are things going with you and Lucas?" I asked.

"We are fine. I don't really like like him anymore. I like him as a friend now," Riley said, biting her bottom lip. "What about you? Lucas seems more defensive to you now."

"I don't know. But I don't get my hopes up trying to think that he likes me. I mean all these years, we've always been friends. Plus, it would be awkward for a country boy and a city girl to date," I said.

"No it is not! Look, if you like someone, go for it. Dream dreams, you'll get everything you wanted in life," Riley said.

"Wow, that's coming from a girl that's formerly a dum dum about love. Now even you can give me advice," I said, letting out a smile to my face.

"So, do you like him? Are feelings developing?" Riley asked, pulling my arm out.

"I don't know. How do you know if someone likes you?" I asked. Inside, my heart was beating fast. I was so confused of how I feel. I have never felt love before except with Josh, who doesn't even love me back. What should I do?

"Find out yourself. Don't you have experience?" Riley said.

"I have experience on being rejected. Starting with your uncle Josh. He is forever in my dungeon of sadness. I never felt real love before, I am new at all of this. Help me Riles, you have loved basically all of your life. You have Lucas and Charlie, who both love you back," I said.

"Come on, Farkle loves you and I am pretty sure my uncle likes you. Maybe he is just confused about how he feels," Riley said.

"I don't know what to do about love. Anymore advice?" I asked, looking desperate.

"We can get help from my parents. They loved all of their lives," Riley suggested. Riley went out her room, but I stayed behind. She then realized that I wasn't moving. She went back to the window seat and comforted me. "You coming?" she asked.

"Yeah, give me a sec," I said, as she continued out the door. I really don't understand love, mostly because no one had loved me in the past. But that has changed, I know that my mom loves me, my friends loves me, and even Riley's parents treat me like I am a part of their family. Maybe I am starting to understand, a little by little.