Cory found her, she was motionless with tears still on her face, Riley just remembered bits and pieces of what happened, screams, Topanga calming Augie, paramedics coming in, a ride in an ambulance, the hospital, it was too much, and while sitting on the waiting room she started to sob, first silently then she let go and started to cry loudly. Topanga held her as they waited for word. Katy was still in shock alongside Shawn. A Doctor came out and requested Katy, Shawn went along and for a couple of minutes they spoke, as they came out everyone saw Shawn holding her. Riley ran for answers.
-She's in a coma, they said she's alive because you found her not long after she took the pills so they were able to take some out of her stomach... and... they don't know how it's going to impact the baby...
Topanga was shocked.
-Wait, what baby? Riley, is there something we need to know? - she asked
Unable to keep it any longer she sat and started to tell them what had happened to them on the subway.
-It was all my fault... I fell asleep... I forgot our gym bag... Maya is going to die and it's my
-No Riley, it isn't, it has never been. What those men did to Maya was not and never was your fault.
Two days had passed, Riley refused to leave Maya, the only time she left was when Katy and Topanga convinced her to go home and take a shower, then she was back at the side of the bed. Riley was falling asleep when Topanga came in alongside another woman.
-Riley, I'm Detective Clarissa Blanchard, would you like to come with me to the cafeteria and have something to eat? - the woman said
-no... I want to stay here with Maya...
-Riley, I'll stay here with Maya, please go with the Detective - said Topanga
The teenager got up and walked out, as they sat in the cafeteria Riley looked at her.
-You want me to tell you what happened right?
-That's the only way we can get the guys who did it and keep them from hurting someone else. - she replied
Riley tried to speak but words refused to come out, tears ran down her face.
-It's OK...
Riley shook her head.
-all I saw was... they... taking her off her clothes and then... then...
-Take your time...
-IT HAD TO BE ME! NOT MAYA! they wanted me... it should have been me on that floor... not Maya...
-Riley look at me... it didn't had to be you, or Maya or anyone else. OK?
Half an hour later Riley was back at Maya's side. Detective Blanchard spoke to Shawn and Cory.
-So, are you going to get them? - Shawn asked
-I'm afraid the information we got is too little, Riley doesn't remember much so until Maya recovers there's not much we can do.
Cory punched the wall.
-I can't believe this...
The next day Lucas came to visit. He brought Riley her favorite dessert, red velvet cake, the girl, who was looking out the window didn't even turned.
-I'm not hungry.
-Riley your mother said you haven't eaten since yesterday.
As she turned around Lucas could see her red puffy eyes, his heart sank, the girl before him was not, by a longshot, the sunshiny, smiley girl he became to know and love like a little sister.
-Riley, Maya will be fine, she
-WHEN?! It's been over a week already... if she... if she... I would too...
Lucas held her hands
-She won't. Have faith.
After a while Lucas left and Riley got into bed with Maya, she caressed her hair and held her hand in hers.
-I want you back...
The next day Riley was asleep in the sofa next to the bed when a voice startled her.
-R… Riley…
Shocked she sat up and saw Maya opening her eyes weakly. In a mere second she was holding her best friend's hand.
-Maya… I'm here…
-I'm sorry…
-shh… you need to rest…
Crying of joy Riley ran out to the waiting room where Katy and Shawn were. In seconds Maya found herself surrounded by the people she loved the most. Though her joy was lost when she learned that the reasons behind her actions were already known.
-Maya… we're all going to help you - said Shawn
A week later.
Maya got off the subway along with Riley, the blond held the brunette's arm.
-Riley…
-What?
-Does everyone…
-Just Lucas… and believe me, if, for some weird reason, someone knew and tries to bother you, that person will
-Yeah yeah… Lucas will
-No. Not Lucas… me.
Maya glared at Riley, it was unusual for her to act like that. That evening Maya was glaring out the window while Riley finished putting her pajamas.
-Are you OK?
When she turned around Riley saw that she was crying, the brunette got to her and held her hands.
-Maya, you're not alone in this.
-It's not that… - Maya replied
-Then what is it?
-I can't…
-Please. Tell me.
-The real reason I… I let them… h… h… hurt me…
-I know… you wanted to protect me. - said Riley
Maya rose her head and glared at her, then, she leaned and closed her eyes as her lips touched Riley's, for the two seconds it lasted, Maya forgot about everything, she felt whole, complete, happy, then, she just said it, it was like a whisper, but even though she was perplexed and shocked, Riley heard every word just as if she had yelled them at her.
-I love you Riley… I love you…
-¡¿?!
To be continued...