This was supposed to be out for Halloween but better late than never.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
The week before Halloween was always kinda hectic. Nobody really focused as they geared up for the holiday and the teachers just normally gave up. Everyone was too busy trying to make plans and finding last-minute costumes. All of the group arrived early at school Monday morning. It was the only day of the week when all of them arrived on time, usually, it switches between Maya and Zay on being the last one.
"Peaches you know I'm proud of you when you show up early to school but does this always have to be the reason?" Riley sighed yet again as she followed her best friend into the bathroom. 20 minutes before the bell rang and it was already full of crying girls.
Maya smiled taking it all in. "Ahh...Break Up Mondays how I love you so."
Just then the hysterically crying girl busts out of one of the stalls and runs out crying even harder.
She points at where she once was; laughing. "I never get tired of seeing her."
Riley took her habitual place on top of one of the sinks. She watches Maya open one of the ventilation crates along the bottom of the wall. She pulled out a small black bag.
"Alright girls, right here only! Show how much you hate your ex! 5!"
Grasping two spray paint cans at a time, she gave them a shake. "We got a new color in stock! Deep red the same color as your ex's blood."
It didn't take long for girls to line up wanting to take out their frustrations. Over the blank white wall, names were sprayed crudely. Some had the names crossed out or a string of curse words attached.
"How you doing Little Butterfly?" A soothing voice broke Riley out of her reverie.
"Hi, Sage. You didn't get dumped today did you?"
Sage leaned against the wall right beside the sink. "Oh Honey, I don't get dumped, but I couldn't go to last week's party." She motioned with her head to Maya, she was too busy counting the money she made to notice. "You and Blondie survive another week?"
"Of course, we really don't go to parties but even if I did I'm confident me and Lucas will be just fine."
Sage nodded thoughtfully. "No doubt. Usually, the school's most popular couples stay together."
"Out of the way! Move it!" Someone commanded loudly.
Missy Bradford acted like she was the top dog in middle school. Her ego only got worse once she reached high school, trying very hard to insert herself in the most popular social circles. Those who came from JQA became immune to her charms but others who just met her somehow always seemed dazed. Hierarchy in high school was very important. The gang learned that the hard way from the very first day. Though there were some people regardless of their age, who were able to gain an upper hand. It took Missy longer than she would like to admit to finally flaunt that power. Only three others also defied the hierarchy and that was Maya, Zay, and Lucas. However, the only ones to use it were Maya and Zay. Maya even more so as she seemed to be the most favorited.
Girls parted at the entrance and others quickly made their escape out of the bathroom.
"What do you want Bradford? You're messing with my hustle." Maya grumbled, seeing numerous girls hastily leave who were in line.
"Doesn't concern you Hunter."
"Come to cry after getting dumped?"
Missy scoffed, "As if, I don't attach myself to just one guy at a party."
Maya raised her eyebrows, "There's a shocker." She muttered under her breath.
Missy appeared not to have heard her and instead turned her attention to Sage. "I assume the Halloween party is still on?"
The senior nodded, "As planned, got the location and everything."
"Where's it at?" Riley said perking up.
Missy gave her the once over, "Don't concern yourself, Smiley."
Riley let the insult roll off her back, ever since being heavily bullied by her in middle school she made sure to tune out just about everything she said.
Sage rolled her eyes, "The party is open to everybody, it's in the abandoned factory in the projects."
Missy wrinkled her nose, "The projects. If this weren't going to be the hottest party of the year I would never be caught dead over there." She smirked, whirling around to face Maya again, "Though Maya, isn't that where you live?"
Maya remained unbothered, "Yeah, so what?"
"Then you should come you'd feel right at home." Missy laughed before turning on her heels to leave the bathroom.
Riley crossed her arms, "She's really been coming after you, Maya. Aren't you worried?"
"No. She tries to get a reaction out of me and knows if she tries to go after you again me or Lucas will put her in her place."
Riley just sighed, "Let's go we don't wanna be late to homeroom."
Maya groaned, taking a spray can from a girl who was just using it shoving all of them back in the bag, and putting the loose vent over it. "Okay, let's go."
After school, they regrouped at Topanga's.
Riley folded her hands in her lap. "I have an announcement."
"You didn't accidentally stain your hands with purple again did you?" Zay asked.
"No!" Riley looked insulted, "It happened one time and the paint faded in a week. What I really wanted to talk about is the Halloween party this weekend. Missy Bradford dared us to go in front of all the girls in the bathroom this morning."
Lucas leaned forward, "She isn't bothering you again is she?"
She gave her boyfriend a small smile, extending her arm out to brush his cheek softly with her thumb. "No she's not, but it's apparently going to be the biggest party of the year and I think we should experience it." She turned her head to look at her best friend beside her. "Peaches?"
Maya clicked her tongue, "You know I'd never let you go alone so I'm in."
"Me too," Lucas added.
Zay smiled, "You know me, Princess, I'm always down to party."
The four of them turned their attention to the two geniuses.
Farkle sighed, "Sorry guys but me and Smackle already made plans this weekend."
Smackle nodded, "Indeed, Saturday night is when we're supposed to see Comet C/2022 E3 and we're going to follow its orbital path."
"Sounds exciting," Maya said dryly.
Riley patted her hands on her thighs, "Well it can just be the four of us." She gasped, "We have to think about costumes! Should we do a group costume? No wait!" She grabbed onto Lucas's forearm, "Couples costumes! But I don't want Maya and Zay to feel left out."
Maya laid a hand on her shoulder, "Honey, me and Zay are gonna be just fine. Match with Huckleberry."
"We should keep it a secret and show each other our costumes on the night of the party," Zay suggested.
Riley clapped excitedly, "Oh yay! I love it!"
"We should meet at my house. The warehouse is only a few blocks away from my place." Maya offered.
The others agreed.
"You know it's Friday and you still didn't ask your parents to go to the party right?"
"I'm scared they'll say no. I had so much fun picking out mine and Lucas's costumes. Don't ruin my happiness." Riley whimpered.
"Welcome to the real world, it's full of disappointment." She drawled.
"Your parents are okay with you going?"
She swatted her hand through the air. "You're talking about Katy Hart the woman who let me walk the streets by myself when I was six and Shawn Hunter who is the king of reckless decisions. Of course, they let me go."
Riley nodded once, "Good maybe that can convince them."
"Then no, you're definitely not going then if Shawn agreed to let Maya go. That means this party's got trouble written all over it."
"But Daddy." She pouted.
"Matthews, you know I wouldn't let anything happen to Riley."
"I know that but you're just two girls."
Riley perked up, "Then you'll be happy to hear that Lucas and Zay are both coming with us."
Cory furrowed his eyebrows, "What about Farkle and Smackle."
"They already had a nerd date planned, watching rocks in the sky or something," Maya said.
"I think we should trust them, Cory," Topanga commented.
"But it's Halloween and there's gonna be bad people out and about, and probably drinking, and who knows!"
"Riley is almost seventeen. This is where we have to trust her to make the right decisions."
Cory sighed heavily. "Fine but I expect a text every hour on the hour and if I don't hear from you I'm coming to get you." He turned his back to get something out of the fridge.
Topanga shook her head, miming with her mouth. "Every three hours."
The two girls smirked and nodded.
Maya was finished applying the last bit of black to her nose and jawline. She wanted something easy and wearable for the party. Her idea was to go as a skeleton. She painted from her nose down and took the time to sculpt out all of the bones in her neck. After she was happy with her look she popped in colored contacts that covered her eyes a piercing white.
"Peaches? You in here?" Riley's voice was heard out in the hallway.
"Come on in."
Riley and Lucas stepped through both in their matching costumes. Maya turned to see and couldn't help the snort that escaped.
"Riles, you look great. Very fitting as Bo Peep." She had on a powder blue body suit with a pink sash tied around her waist, a purple cape, and a huge pink bow in her hair.
Maya looked up and down at Lucas. "I'm confused, where's your costume, Ranger Rick?"
Lucas rolled his eyes. "Haha, very funny." He was dressed exactly like Woody from Toy Story, from the boots on his feet to the cowboy hat on his head. He was saved from Maya's retort by Zay.
He had the same reaction as Maya seeing Lucas. "Dude, you know Halloween is about being something you're not right?"
"And who are you supposed to be? You look like you're wearing regular clothes."
Zay had on a black turtle neck, a thick silver chain, jeans with a belt, and oddly enough, a black fanny pack. "No, ready, watch this." He leaned against Maya's paint-splattered dresser. His other hand covered his fanny pack and he smirked.
"Holy shit!" Maya laughed, "You're The Rock meme."
Zay nodded excitedly, "How hilarious is that?"
Lucas and Riley shared a look. "I don't get it." The girl said.
"You know that funny picture of Dwayne Johnson when he was younger?"
"I'm lost too, dude," Lucas told him.
"That's because y'all aren't cultured." His eyes scanned Maya's costume.
"Not gonna lie, I'm a little disappointed. I thought you would go all out for the party." He was referring to her half-painted face and the black trenchcoat that practically swallowed her whole.
Before Maya could reply, a knock on her door to a beat interrupted them. Shawn poked his head in, leaning against the frame. "Cory won't stop calling me so I'm here just to set some basic rules. Text me every four hours. If you're in trouble or need a ride call me. I don't care if you've been drinking. Stay safe, make good choices, and try not to get into any fights." He left, shutting the door behind him.
"Wow, Shawn's pretty cool about all of this." Lucas voiced.
Maya shrugged off her black trenchcoat, "Alright, let's head out the window."
Nobody followed her as they all stared at her outfit. A black long-sleeved sheer top was completely see-through to show off her black bra. The shirt was tucked into a black leather skirt and ripped fishnet tights. On her feet was her favorite pair of platform black boots.
Zay whistled appreciatively, "Damn Babygirl you lookin fine."
"Yowie wowie!" Riley cheered.
"And that's why I had to wear the trenchcoat. Now let's go."
They used the fire escape attached to her window. The sun had set and all of the little kids were done trick or treating. Maya led the way as she was the most familiar with where they were going. Riley stuck close to Lucas as they cut through alleys. Her parents always instilled in her what some of the rougher areas of New York looked like.
Teens and older ran loose, some dressed up and having their own parties outside. Others decided to embrace the mischief of Halloween, spray painting walls and carrying around fireworks.
"Hey yo, Rebel Hart!"
They all turned toward the voice. A middle schooler sat on top of a car hood eating something out of a plastic bag.
Maya smiled, "Manny! Cómo estás?"
"No mucho. What are you up to?"
"Halloween party at the factory."
"Sweet! Can I come?"
"Isn't it past your bedtime?"
Manny held up the plastic bag, opening it to show them the contents.
"Candy? Don't tell me you stole it from some kid."
Manny's cheeks reddened, his smile becoming sheepish.
Maya put her hands on her hips, trying to be serious but a small smile slipped through. "Manny."
"I took it from a bully who stole it from some other kid and when I tried to give it back to him he already ran. So I don't think it counts."
At hearing his explanation, she laughed. "Ok kid, stay out of trouble alright?"
He smiled cheekily, "No promises."
Maya shook her head, nodding to the others to continue following her.
"Do you know a lot of kids around here?" Lucas asked.
"I do, Manny's a good kid. He ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time."
The longer they walk the more teenagers and older kids they see. The factory where the party was being held was one of the biggest on the block. It used to be a mattress factory until it was shut down. Some of the old equipment is still up on the second floor and third floor. The main lobby was pretty much cleared out so it made an ideal hang-out for a large gathering. Music reverberated louder the closer they got. Strobe lights flashed from what's left of the large square windows. There were people loitering outside and others trying to get in.
"Wow this place is really big," Riley observed with a slight wobble in her voice.
"We're gonna have a great time Riles, just stick with one of us the whole night. Preferably Lucas." Maya advised.
The door was open letting in and out a steady stream of people. They formed a train by linking hands so they wouldn't get separated.
"Maya! Let's find the drinks!" Zay called to her who was in the front. She nodded, coasting the outer edges trying to find where they set up the bar.
"Score! They got a kegger!" Maya cheered. They had at least three going surrounded by metal tubs filled with ice. It housed more canned alcohol like seltzers.
"This is the most alcohol I've ever seen!" Zay yelled, grabbing one of the plastic cups and filling it with beer.
Riley examined her choices, carefully picking up a can and putting it down again. She felt a hand on her waist.
"You don't have to drink if you don't want to," Lucas assured her.
"It's just I've never actually gotten drunk before. I had a few sips from Maya's drinks before but..."
"It's okay, just take it slow. I'll always be watching out for you."
Riley kissed his cheek in thanks. She plucked a can that had the most colors on the packaging. They recognized kids from their school but a lot of them looked older. Riley pulled Lucas over to a group of their classmates.
"Riley hi!" Clarissa greeted her enthusiastically.
"Hey guys."
"This is the first party I've seen you at," Jade commented.
"I know, I usually don't come but Missy Bradford dared me and Maya to come."
"What does that witch want?" Sarah asked.
Riley shrugged, "I don't know, probably some chance to embarrass us tonight but I haven't seen her yet."
Yindra gestured with a hand, off to the distance, "I saw her, she was trying to flirt with college boys earlier."
"There's college kids here?" Lucas joined the conversation.
Jade nodded, "Yeah, NYU students actually throw a party here every Halloween but, some seniors found out about it and told the whole school that they should crash it."
"Aren't they mad?" Riley observed the crowd with renewed interest, noticing for the first time some annoyed looks from the people she didn't know.
"Oh, they are." Clarissa assured her, "They kicked some high school kids out but if you're chill and blend in, they don't have a problem."
"Hey if you said that Missy dared you and Maya," Sarah questioned, she tried to peer around her and Lucas. "Where is she?"
Riley pointed to where her and Zay were vibing together. They each had a drink in the air as they grooved to whatever song was playing. They talked for a while in the group, she felt like she was just starting to let loose. Lucas stayed right on her back as he conversed with Wyatt and Dave.
"Oh shit, she-devil in-coming," Jade warned.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up after all."
Her high-pitched voice had Riley wincing.
"I thought it would be rude if I didn't show up, you did invite me, Missy."
Her eyes scanned her costume, her eyes glancing at Lucas's obviously matching one. "Aren't you two...cute..."
"And you're a bunny?" Riley appraised her somewhat unsure.
Her only clue was the bunny ears. The black body suit did her no favors in providing any coverage for her. In fact, Riley wondered how she wasn't freezing.
"I'm a Playboy Bunny actually."
Riley twisted her friendship ring with her thumb, wishing nothing more for Maya to show up. It was almost like their best friend powers kicked in because there was Maya and Zay making their way over.
"What up party people!" Maya greeted.
"Love the costume." Jade complimented.
Maya did a mock bow, "Thank you, thank you. Did it myself."
She put an arm around Riley and addressed Missy. "Missy, Missy, you can't keep being a slut every year. People will think you stopped trying." She said with fake concern in her voice.
Zay choked on his beer.
Missy crossed her arms, "Hunter." She raised an eyebrow at Riley. "You can call off your attack mutt Smiley."
Maya flashed her teeth, "Careful I bite."
"You should've gone as a vampire then." Jade piped up.
"You know this is a college party, right? Why did you want us to crash a college party?"
"The guys of course. I set the ball in motion when I mentioned it to some of the seniors. High school guys are soooo last season."
"Oh, are you the annoying girl that keeps going to every guy and flirting? You're making a great impression on the NYU student body."
Riley squeezed Maya's hand trying to get her to back off a bit before it got too out of hand.
Missy scoffed, flipping her hair over her other shoulder. "As if you could get anyone guy here. I'm sure they can see your daddy issues just by looking at you."
"Happy thoughts Maya! Happy thoughts!" Riley held onto her tight as she tried to move closer.
Lucas came to her other side to hold onto her biceps.
Missy seemed unfazed by all of this, smirking knowing she got under her skin. "Makeout with that skeleton guy over there. I've been dropping hints all night for him but if he's not interested in me..."
Everyone else turned to see five guys leaning against the wall, laughing and drinking. In the middle was a guy dressed in all black from his leather jacket to his shirt and ripped jeans. His face was painted only in black to represent a skull as was his neck and hands. His brown hair was slicked back somewhat out of his face giving Maya a clear look at who it was.
"Isn't that—"
"—no, no Riley." A sly smile enveloped her face, "You heard her I have to go to that objectively hot guy and make out with him."
Zay offered his cup, "Liquid courage?"
Maya grabbed it and downed whatever was left of its contents.
She held a confident stride, and instantly all five of the guys' attention snapped towards her.
Clarissa held both of her hands over her eyes but peeked through her fingers. "I can't watch!"
The skeleton guy took his foot off the wall he was leaning against. He said something to her first while smiling. The other guys seemed to greet her as well. She rose up on her toes to reach his ear. His arm naturally fit into the small of her back to keep her steady. One of her hands curled into the lapel of his jacket as she continued to whisper something to him. His white irises eventually landed on their small group, his colored contacts looked like they were almost glowing.
Her finger breaks his line of vision as she tilts his head to look at her. He says something to her softly before closing the distance between them. Clarissa removed her hands from her eyes to slap them over her mouth. The other girls screamed. They watched as Maya pulled him closer, running her fingers through his hair. Missy scowled deeply.
Maya broke their last kiss. She turned her head to say something to the guy dressed as a construction worker and another guy who was a cowboy. She gestured for the three of them to follow her back to the group of high schoolers.
"Maya says you're killing her buzz. You gotta go." The construction guy said pointing at Missy.
"What? Me?! You're gonna take the word of someone you just met?"
"Maya's been chillin with us for a while."
Missy's head snapped to Maya.
"I told you I don't go to high school parties. I never said anything about not going to college parties."
The construction guy waited for the final say. "Josh?"
The skeleton guy nodded, "Get her out of here, she's been messing with Riley for way too long."
He did as he was told and escorted Missy out with her complaining the whole way.
"The rest of you guys high schoolers?" The cowboy questioned.
"They're cool Logan. Nobody except the seniors and Missy knew they were crashing a college party until it was too late."
"Thanks for doing that for us Uncle Josh." Riley thanked him.
Josh had an arm around Maya. "No problem, I didn't know that was Miss Bradford until Maya told me." He cleared his throat. "It's good to see you guys though. Nice costumes...Zay are you that Rock meme?"
Zay laughed, "Yes! Finally! My man gets it." He dapped him up.
"Hold on you all know each other?" Sarah asked.
"He's my Uncle Josh, he's only three years older than us and he goes to NYU," Riley explained. "And he just so happens to be dating my best friend."
"Maya being here I get but does my brother know you're here?"
"I convinced Matthews that it was just a regular high school party."
Josh glanced down at her with a smile. "You're dangerous Gorgeous."
"Wait you knew about this party the entire time?" Lucas asked.
"Yep. I was just going to sneak out myself but this was way more fun."
Riley put her hands on her head. "Oh no! Dad is going to freak out if he hears about this."
"And he won't. Riles."
Josh nodded, "You just need to relax. Look, coming from your best friend's boyfriend and not your uncle," He pulled out another can from Logan's bandolier that housed alcohol instead of guns. He gave it to Riley. "Just have fun okay? Let loose for once."
Maya took another drink from Logan. "Now that's over, let's have some fun!"
The group cheered.