Chapter 15
The three of them sat in silence and listened to the gentle breeze that danced through the winds. Their minds were processing all the events that had led them up to this point in time.
"I always felt a bit of an outsider in our little group." Zay admitted softly, his eyes fixated on a blade of grass in front of him. His usual cocky demeanour was open and vulnerable. "I mean, there was you, Maya and Farkle the three originals and Lucas.. well he just seemed to fit in without a worry. Then there was me, I know you made me feel welcome but it still felt like it wasn't quite right, and now although how we got here wasn't the best. I like our group, it feels like a family and I'm glad I have you two with me.' He ended with a smile as he looked over at Riley and Farkle who were watching him with matching grins.
"It feels good doesn't it?" Riley mused, before snapping her head quickly to look at Farkle. "Hey! We are going on a horseback camping trip in a bit, wanna come? You can meet everyone properly then!" Riley clapped her hands in an excited manner as Farkle raised his eyebrows.
"Are you sure you want me there?" He questioned, not wanting to get too excited incase she changed her mind. He wanted to shout yes straight away but he knew he needed to make sure he respected her boundaries, he wanted to be a better friend for her this time.
"Of course! Come on, we can go mine and get my stuff, then meet everyone and go Zays to get his stuff and then get your stuff." Nodding determinedly at the plan she had made, Riley pushed herself up and dusted her jeans off. "Let's go!" She reached her hands out to Zay and Farkle and helped them up before linking her arms through theirs and striding towards her house with them in tow.
Once they reached Riley's house they made their way to her bedroom and opened the door to reveal Kira standing at the edge of Riley's bed looking down at multiple bikinis she had laid down, her brows were furrowed in concentration, only looking up when they stepped into the room.
"Hey, you guys made up." Kira stated and smiled warmly at Farkle.
"Kira, may I properly introduce you to Farkle, Farkle this is Kira she is Ryders sister." Riley smiled as they made introductions before looking at the bikini covered bed. "Do I want to know?" Kira smirked before picking up a teal coloured bikini.
"There's a really cool lake by where we are camping, with the weather being so nice thought we could swim and sunbathe. Wear this one, it'll bring out your eyes and tan!" Kira decided as she placed the bikini she had chosen for Riley in the duffle bag she had began packing whilst Riley had been talking to Farkle. "I've packed you some shorts and tank tops, your leggings and t shirt to sleep in, towel, tanning lotion and toiletries." She smiled as Riley thanked her with a hug.
"Did I mention that you're the best?" Riley teased as she grabbed her camera from her bedside table and slung the duffle bag over her shoulder. "Let's go meet the boys!" Making their way downstairs she quickly ducked into the kitchen to see her parents. "We're heading off, Farkle is coming as well." She told them as she grabbed some sodas out of the fridge.
"Oh really? Okay, should we send a heads up to Shaun that you guys are gonna swing by to get him some stuff?" Topanga asked gently as Cory looked on, lost in a deep thought.
"Oh, yeah.. that might be a good idea." Riley responded, as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. She hadn't really thought about what would happen when they went to get Farkle's stuff. Would maya and Lucas be there? She could feel her heart beat raising slightly and as she opened her mouth to tell them she didn't want to go a sudden scraping sound filled the kitchen.
"You are going camping? With boys?!" Cory squealed in such a high tone that all it was met with was silence for a split second before Riley and Topanga started laughing.
"Wow. I didn't know you could go that high dad." Riley joked as she kissed Topanga on the cheek.
"Cory remember our deal." Topanga warned before she wrapped her arms around Riley. "My brave sweet girl, you're doing so well. I'm proud of you for forgiving Farkle, but you don't have to do anything you don't want to do, however don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want." Topanga whispered as she gave Riley a last squeeze and watched as Riley smiled before going to give Cory a kiss on the cheek and heading out. "Come on Cory, let's go get Auggie and we can go to dinner and then take him to see that film he's been wanting to see."
"All good?" Kira asked as Riley came back into the hallway and smiled as she nodded. "Let's go!" She flung the front door open and the group of them stepped out the house and made their way to the barn.
MEANWHILE
Shaun looked down at the text on his phone and gave an exasperated sigh. He knew this was not going to go down well.
"Maya, Lucas. Can you come here." He called through the holiday home there were renting and waited as he heard footsteps that gradually grew louder.
"Everything okay Mr Hunter?" Lucas asked as he entered the room with Maya right behind him.
"Okay. I am going to say something and I don't want dramatics, or anything like that. Deal?" Shaun asked and waited as they hesitated slightly before nodding. "Right, I have had a message from Cory, Riley is going to be here in a little while.." he saw the hopeful looks on Maya and Lucas's face and quickly carried on the extinguish the false hope they were feeling. "With Ryder and Zay and the others.. and Farkle to get some of Farkle's things."
"Farkle's things? What? Why is Farkle with her?" Maya started in disbelief.
"It seems they are going on a horseback camping trip and Riley invited Farkle. Now before you start I don't know why she has invited him or what happened, but I do know that Topanga has asked that we allow them to get the stuff and go otherwise she will and I quote 'bring the mama bear'" Shaun gulped slightly as he remembered the rest of her threat that wasn't suitable for Lucas or Maya to hear.
Maya and Lucas looked at each other and turned to Shaun ready to argue but seeing the determined look on his face they knew they wouldn't be able to sway him. Both of them muttering a sheepish okay they turned and left the room going to the stairway to sit and talk.
"What the actual h-"
"I know! How could she forgive Farkle and not us?" Maya interrupted Lucas as she stomped her foot on the ground in frustration.
"What do we do?" Lucas asked and they both fell into silence.
